What is the CITP credential?
The Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP®) credential is unlike anything in the marketplace. Positioned at the forefront of change, the CITP exemplifies a professional who understands how information technology, accounting, and finance interrelate.
The CITP credential is granted exclusively to CPAs and AICPA qualified equivalents who are distinguished for their specific skills, expertise and experience in each of the following growing areas of demand:
Information security and cyber risk
Business intelligence, data management and analytics
IT governance, risks and controls
CITP’s understand the impact of these areas on financial reporting and overall business operations. This unique blend of business and technology expertise offers unparalleled value for both clients and employers in our technology driven marketplace.
Pathways to the CITP credential
There are currently two ways to earn the CITP credential: The CITP Standard Pathway and the new CITP Experienced Pathway that launched in August 2023. The CITP Experienced Pathway is an available option for professionals with substantial practical experience in the CITP Body of knowledge. This pathway presents a more streamlined exam, while upholding the rigor of the CITP credential. The specific qualification requirements for each pathway are set forth in the table below.
| CITP Pathway | CITP Experience | CITP Education | CITP Examination |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITP Standard Pathway | Minimum 1,000 hours of business experience in the CITP Body of knowledge in the last 5 years | No pre-certification education required | CITP Standard Exam: 4-hour exam 160 questions |
| CITP Experienced Pathway | Minimum 7 years and 7,000 hours of business experience in the CITP Body of knowledge | 100 hours of education in the CITP Body of knowledge in the last 5 years | CITP Experienced Pathway Exam: 2-hour exam 60 questions |
Which pathway should I take?
Use the following steps to guide your thinking as you approach the CITP credential.
Step 1: Review the CITP Body of knowledge
The CITP Body of knowledge, also referred to as the CITP Content Specification Outline, is a critical starting point in determining which pathway to the CITP credential is most appropriate for you. The CITP Body of knowledge is a blueprint of the CITP credential competency, outlining the specialized technical knowledge and core skills that serve as the foundation for the CITP credential program.
For those interested in becoming a CITP credential holder, the CITP Body of knowledge serves two important purposes:
It provides a roadmap for the various technical competencies that can guide professional development.
Presented in outline form, it provides a guide for exam takers to ensure they are studying the appropriate topics for the CITP Standard Exam and CITP Experienced Pathway Exam.
The table below provides a high-level overview of the CITP Body of knowledge. As reflected in the table, the CITP Body of knowledge is divided into 3 modules, with each module comprised of 3 major content areas. The percentages shown reflect the relative weighting of each of these topics on the CITP credential exams.
| Module 1 - Information Security & Cyber Risks |
|---|
| A. Information Security Governance (25%) |
| B. Cybersecurity Risk Management (12%) |
| C. SOC for Cybersecurity (3%) |
| Module 2 - Business Intelligence, Data Management & Analytics |
|---|
| A. Data Management (5%) |
| B. Data Analysis & Reporting (11%) |
| C. Business Intelligence Management (4%) |
| Module 3 - IT Governance, Risk & Controls |
|---|
| A. IT Governance & Strategy (15%) |
| B. IT Risk, Process & Controls (15%) |
| C. System and Organization Controls (SOC) Reporting (10%) |
Check out the CITP Body of knowledge detail for additional information on each of the 9 major content areas and the specific topics encompassed within each.
Step 2: Assess your CITP-related business experience and select your pathway
Now that you are familiar with the 9 major content areas of the CITP Body of Knowledge, consider these areas within the context of your own career.
When you review your work experience, have you accumulated a minimum of 7,000 hours and at least 7 years of experience in any combination of the 9 major content areas?
If your answer is Yes, then you qualify for the CITP Experienced Pathway.
If your answer is No, then proceed with the CITP Standard Pathway.
What is required for my selected pathway?
Once you have identified the CITP credential pathway that is appropriate for you, your focus can shift to the requirements for your selected pathway. Detailed below are the qualification requirements for each of the two CITP credential pathways, in addition to various AICPA resources that are currently available to support you in fulfilling the requirements for your selected pathway. Please be aware that both of the CITP credential pathways require AICPA membership and a valid and unrevoked CPA license or qualified equivalent.
CITP Standard Pathway - Qualification Requirements:
A minimum of 1,000 hours of business experience in the CITP Body of knowledge within 5 years preceding the CITP credential application date. When you apply for the CITP credential, you will attest to meeting this business experience requirement.
Pass the CITP Standard Exam (Requirement is waived for candidates who have passed ISACA’s CISA® certification exam)
This is a 4-hour computer-based assessment, comprised of 160 multiple-choice questions.
This exam is offered on a continuous basis, with candidates having the option of taking the exam remotely or in-person at a Kryterion test center.
Exam content is designed to test your understanding of the fundamental sections of the CITP Body of knowledge.
To assist in exam preparation, the AICPA & CIMA offers the following resources:
Purchase your CITP Standard Exam here.
CITP Experienced Pathway - Qualification Requirements:
A minimum of 7,000 hours of business experience in the CITP Body of knowledge and a minimum 7 years of related experience at the time of the CITP credential application. When you apply for the CITP credential, you will attest to meeting this business experience requirement.
A minimum of 100 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) in the CITP Body of knowledge within the last 5 years.
To support CITP candidates in fulfillment of this education requirement, the AICPA offers the CITP Learning Pathway, a three-part education series covering the comprehensive CITP credential body of knowledge:
Pass the CITP Experienced Pathway Exam (Requirement is waived for candidates who have passed ISACA’s CISA® certification exam)
This streamlined, computer-based assessment, features a combination of case study-based multiple-choice questions and stand-alone multiple-choice questions. The exam is 60 questions long and candidates have 2-hours to complete the exam.
This exam is offered on a continuous basis, with candidates having the option of taking the exam remotely or in-person at a Kryterion test center.
Exam content is designed to test your understanding of the fundamental sections of the CITP Body of knowledge.
To assist in exam preparation, the AICPA offers the following resources:
Purchase your CITP Experienced Pathway Exam here.
How do I apply for the CITP credential?
Once you met all the requirements for your selected pathway, you are ready to apply for the CITP credential. Visit the CITP credential page to complete your CITP credential application.
Where can I learn more about the CITP credential?
Visit the CITP credential page for additional information on the CITP credential and its qualification requirements. Contact Paul Warrick, Senior Manager – CITP Credential, at Paul.Warrick@aicpa-cima.com, if you have questions about the CITP credential.