Steps Towards Acquiring a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, issued by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), is a highly sought-after credential that validates expertise in IT auditing, control, risk management, and security governance. Over 151,000 professionals worldwide hold this esteemed certification, recognised across various industries such as finance, healthcare, tech, and government.
To embark on the path to CISA certification, prospective candidates must first fulfil the experience requirement. This involves accumulating at least five years of professional experience in IT audit, control, assurance, or security. This experience can be completed either before or after passing the exam, with ISACA allowing waivers of up to three years for qualifying education or other certifications.
Once the experience requirement is met, the next step is to register and pay for the exam via ISACA’s website. The fee typically ranges from $465 for members to $595-$760 for non-members, depending on membership status.
Preparation for the exam is crucial, and candidates can use materials such as the ISACA CISA Review Manual, domain guides, training courses, and practice tests to help them. The exam itself consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in four hours, with a minimum scaled score of 450 out of 800 required to pass.
Upon passing the exam, candidates must submit their work experience and academic details for verification. ISACA reviews and approves the certification once requirements are verified.
Maintaining the CISA certification involves earning 20 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits annually, for a total of 120 credits over a rolling three-year period. CPE credits can be earned through various professional activities including training, seminars, courses, conferences, or publishing related content. Candidates must also pay annual maintenance or membership dues to ISACA to keep the certification active.
CISA holders often secure roles like IT auditor, risk manager, and compliance lead, with the average salary for CISA-certified professionals in the U.S. exceeding $149,000. The CISA certification covers five key domains: the audit process, IT governance, information system acquisition, development, and implementation, operations and resilience, and protection of information assets.
In summary, the path to CISA certification involves meeting professional experience requirements, passing the rigorous exam, submitting and verifying work credentials, and maintaining certification through ongoing professional education and dues payments. This credential not only opens doors to exciting career opportunities but also demonstrates a commitment to staying current in the ever-evolving field of IT auditing and security.
Technology plays a crucial role in preparation for the CISA certification exam as candidates can utilize resources such as the ISACA CISA Review Manual, training courses, and practice tests, all of which are accessible online.
Investment in education and self-development is an essential component of maintaining the CISA certification as holders must earn 20 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits annually, engaging in activities such as training, seminars, or publishing related content.
%20Certification){kind=link}