The short version
The AAIR exam has 90 multiple-choice questions and gives you 150 minutes. You pass with a scaled score of 450 or higher on a scale of 200 to 800. It runs on a computer, either at a PSI test center or with a remote proctor. This page follows ISACA’s AAIR exam candidate guide, checked on October 18, 2026. ISACA can change policies, so read its current guide before you book.
Questions and time
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 90 |
| Time allowed | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Format | Multiple choice, one best answer, four options |
| Time per question | About 100 seconds if you spread it evenly |
Every question has a stem and four options, and you choose the correct or best one. The stem can be a direct question or an unfinished sentence. ISACA also says some questions come with a short scenario, and that you may need to answer two or more questions based on the same situation. Read the scenario once, carefully, and then answer each question against it.
Qualifiers such as MOST likely or BEST matter. ISACA’s own tips tell you to read for them, to eliminate options you know are wrong, and then to pick the best of what is left.
Scoring
ISACA reports scores on a common scale from 200 to 800, and 450 is the minimum passing score. This is a scaled score. It converts your raw score so that different versions of the exam stay comparable. It is not a percentage, so you cannot say that 450 equals a particular number of correct answers, and any online conversion chart is a guess.
Other scoring facts from the guide:
- There is no penalty for a wrong answer. Your score depends on the number of items you answer correctly, so answer every question.
- The exam includes scored items and pretest items. Pretest items do not count toward your score, and you cannot tell which ones they are.
- Domain-level results are provided for information only. The score is based on the total number of items correct, regardless of domain.
- Question-level results are not provided.
Question content
The questions follow the three domains: AI Risk Governance and Framework Integration (37%), AI Life Cycle Risk Management (21%), and AI Risk Program Management (42%). The percentages describe how much of the exam comes from each domain. They do not set a minimum you must reach in each one.
Languages
ISACA lists three exam languages: English, Spanish, and Chinese. If you want to change your exam language after you have scheduled, you also need to reschedule the appointment. Remote proctors can chat with you in English only.
Delivery
You can take the exam in one of two ways.
- PSI test center. Authorized centers operate globally. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
- Remote proctoring. You take it at home or in an office with a webcam. You complete a room scan and a mirror check before the exam starts, and you must run a compatibility check on your device beforehand. ISACA’s pages say remote proctoring is not available in India, Mainland China, and Hong Kong, so candidates there use test centers.
Both options are closed-book. The prohibited list is long: no notes, phones, watches, headphones, calculators, extra monitors, food, or drink (water included), and no visitors in the room. You may take one break of up to ten minutes with the proctor’s permission, but the timer keeps running during it.
Your government-issued ID must be a single original document with your name, signature, and photo, and the name must match your ISACA account. Our exam day guide covers general preparation for test day.
Registration and scheduling
When you register and pay, you get a six-month eligibility period to take the exam. You can book an appointment as early as 48 hours after payment, and appointments are only open 90 days ahead. You can reschedule without penalty at least 48 hours before the appointment. Inside that window, you either take the exam or lose the fee. ISACA also offers a one-time extension of the eligibility period, and you must buy it before the period ends. We do not list fees here, because ISACA sets them and may change them.
Results
You see your preliminary pass or fail status on screen when you finish. The final score arrives by email and in your ISACA account within ten working days. You may ask for a rescore in writing within 30 days after results are released, for a fee.
Retakes
ISACA allows four attempts in a rolling 12-month period, counting from the first attempt. Between attempts you wait at least 30 days after the first, then 90 days after the second and again after the third. You pay the registration fee for each attempt. If you pass, you cannot take the same exam again while you hold the credential or during the five-year application window.
After you pass
Passing is the first step. To earn the credential you must apply within five years, pay an application fee, show proof of an active prerequisite credential, and agree to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Policy.
More guides for AAIR
- AAIR Study Plan: 4-Week and 8-Week Schedules
- AAIR Sample Questions With Answers
- Is the AAIR Exam Hard? An Honest Look
- AAIR Prerequisites and Eligibility Explained
- AAIR Renewal and Retakes Explained
- Is AAIR Worth It? An Honest Look
- AAIR Cheat Sheet: Key Facts to Review
- AAIR vs AAISM: Which ISACA AI Exam First?
- AAIA vs AAIR: Which ISACA AI Exam First?
Next step
If you want to know what to study for each part of the test, read domains explained. When you are ready to try the question style under a clock, the AAIR practice exams include a full 90-question set.