The CITP® credential

If you answer “yes” to the following questions, then you are likely eligible to become a CITP candidate:

• Are you a member in good standing with the AICPA?

• Do you hold an unrevoked CPA certificate issued by a state authority?

• Do you have at least 1,000 business experience hours in the last 5 years (associated with the CITP Exam Content Specification Outline (CSO))?

Do I have to be a CPA and a member of the AICPA to be eligible?

Yes. You must be an AICPA Regular, Honorary, International Associate, or Retired Regular Member (CPA) in good standing and hold an unrevoked CPA permit, license, or certificate issued by a legally constituted state authority.

Do I need an active CPA license to practice public accounting to become a CITP candidate?

No. To qualify for the CITP credential, you must hold a valid and unrevoked CPA license or certificate (whether active or inactive) issued by a state authority and be an active member of the AICPA.

The CITP exam is offered year-round, continuously. Candidates have the flexibility to take the exam online in a remote-proctored environment or at one of 300 test center locations across North America. Results are made available to candidates immediately following the conclusion of the exam.

The CITP exam requirement is waived for candidates who have passed ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification exam.

• Register online for either the Standard Pathway Exam or the Experienced Pathway Exam.

• Within two weeks of registration, candidates will receive their notification to schedule (NTS). Included in the NTS are instructions on how to schedule, a link to the test center, and your unique voucher code to enable you to schedule.

• After successfully passing the exam and fulfilling the business experience requirement of 1,000 hours in the CITP Exam Content Specification Outline (CSO), candidates are ready to apply for the credential.

Preparing for the exam

The CITP credential program is built around the Content Specification Outline (CSO), which includes:

• Information Security Governance

• Cybersecurity Risk Management

• SOC for Cybersecurity

• Data Management

• Data Analysis & Reporting

• Business Intelligence Management

• IT Governance & Strategy

• IT Risks, Process, & Controls

• System and Organization Controls (SOC) Reporting

The key to passing the examination is to use the body of knowledge referred to in the CITP Exam CSO coupled with obtaining relevant work experience.

To assist in exam preparation, the AICPA offers a CITP exam self-study review course.

The CITP learning pathway bundle is a three-part education series covering the comprehensive CITP credential body of knowledge. Aligned with the CITP credential body of knowledge, the CITP learning pathway includes the following three modules:

• Information Security & Cyber Risk (module 1)

• Data Management & Analytics (module 2)

• IT Governance, Risk, & Controls (module 3)

CITP credential candidates can leverage the CITP Learning Pathway Bundle to acquire the skills and essential competencies in each of the core areas of the CITP discipline. Included in the bundle are education resources for each of the three CITP credential body of knowledge modules above, in addition to a complimentary CITP exam, which can be taken upon completion of all three modules.

Professionals pursue the CITP credential because it:

• Provides instant recognition that you are a professional who understands how information technology and financial reporting interrelate

• Promotes a greater level of confidence among employers and clients

• Represents an expertise that is backed by the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession — the AICPA.

• Demonstrates commitment to continuously improving IT skills and expertise, resulting in increased professional competency

• Expands opportunities for referrals from other practitioners, strategic partners, consumers, and clients

• Provides access to a community of professionals with similar technology expertise and interests

In addition to the prestige that comes along with obtaining the CITP credential, you will also have access to the latest information, professional development and networking opportunities, and premium benefits and resources, including:

• Discounts at the following AICPA conferences/events:

  • ENGAGE (Includes practitioners and TECH+ and advanced accounting and auditing tracks)

  • CPA.com Digital CPA Conference

• Discounts for the following AICPA certificate programs:

  • Blockchain Fundamentals for Accounting and Finance Professionals Certificate

  • COSO Enterprise Risk Management Certificate Program

  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Finance and Accounting Professionals Certificate

  • Data Analytics Core Concepts Certificate

Credential holders must pay an annual fee and meet the following CITP recertification requirements annually:

• AICPA membership in good standing

• Valid and unrevoked CPA certificate issued by a legally constituted state authority

• Complete 20 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) within the CITP body of knowledge annually

• Payment of the annual fee, which is an attestation of intent to comply with all credential recertification requirements

Yes. A percentage of approved applications are selected for random audits annually. Any misrepresentations or incorrect information may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of CITP eligibility and/or credential.

All approved applications are subject to random audit at any time. False or incorrect applications may result in suspension or revocation of CITP eligibility and/or credential.