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ISACA · Governance, Risk & Privacy · Associate

ISACA COBIT 2019 Foundation exam guide

Exam COBIT 2019 Foundation (being replaced by COBIT 7 Foundation)

COBIT Foundation proves you understand ISACA's framework for governance and management of enterprise IT. ISACA released COBIT 7 on 27 October 2026 and is replacing the COBIT 2019 Foundation certificate with a COBIT 7 Foundation certificate; the COBIT 2019 exam could last be purchased on 26 October 2026 and the program sunsets on 26 April 2027.

Questions75
Time limit120 minutes
Passing score65%
Exam fee$175 USD
Valid forSee official page
DeliveryOnline, remotely proctored

Format: Multiple choice, closed book. Fee note: COBIT 2019 exam no longer purchasable after 26 Oct 2026; already-purchased exams must be used before the 26 Apr 2027 sunset. Check ISACA for COBIT 7 Foundation pricing..

Who it's for

IT managers, auditors, GRC and service management staff who need to understand IT governance frameworks.

What the exam covers

Governance System and Components30%
Governance and Management Objectives23%
Principles13%
Framework Introduction12%
Implementation8%
Designing a Tailored Governance System7%
Performance Management4%
Business Case3%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None.

Recommended: Some exposure to IT management, audit or governance.

Keeping it active

ISACA does not list a renewal or CPE requirement for the COBIT Foundation certificate.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Explaining governance versus management
  • Using governance and management objectives
  • Understanding governance system components
  • Tailoring a governance system with design factors
  • Performance management and capability levels
  • Planning governance implementation

Job roles

IT Governance AnalystIT AuditorGRC AnalystIT ManagerService Management LeadRisk and Compliance Consultant

Where it fits in your path

Take before

No prerequisite certification needed.

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ISACA COBIT 2019 Foundation

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Now: Check ISACA's COBIT Foundation page for the COBIT 7 Foundation exam outline and price before buying any prep.
  2. If you already bought a COBIT 2019 exam: study the COBIT 2019 Framework Introduction and Methodology and sit before 26 April 2027.
  3. Week 1-2: Focus on governance system components and objectives (over half the exam).
  4. Week 3: Take timed practice tests and book.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Confirm which edition your exam covers; COBIT 2019 and COBIT 7 material are not interchangeable.
  • Governance system components and objectives make up over 50% of the COBIT 2019 exam.
  • Know which objectives sit in the EDM (governance) domain versus the management domains.
  • Avoid outdated sources that cite one-year eligibility; it is six months.

Key terms for this exam

All 14 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

Is COBIT 2019 Foundation retired?

It is being replaced by COBIT 7 Foundation; the last purchase date was 26 October 2026 and the program sunsets 26 April 2027.

How much is the COBIT Foundation exam?

The COBIT 2019 exam was $175 for members and non-members; check ISACA for COBIT 7 pricing.

Does COBIT Foundation expire?

ISACA does not list a renewal requirement.

COBIT vs ITIL?

COBIT is about governance and control objectives; ITIL is about running IT services. They complement each other.

Should I wait for COBIT 7?

Yes, unless you already hold a COBIT 2019 exam purchase; new learning should target COBIT 7.

Official page: www.isaca.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.