The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential is an internationally respected yardstick for measuring an auditor's skill in evaluating IT systems. It is issued by ISACA to recognize IT professionals who monitor, manage and protect business information systems.
The United States Department of Defense formally approves this credential as the primary certification of the ISACA. Therefore, CISA is one of the most highly-regarded IT auditing and security certifications in the world.
This article will discuss everything you should know about ISACA CISA.
What is CISA?
The need for certified employees in securities and auditing is continuously growing within the tech industry. As a result, CISA certification, created in 1976, has seen a resurgence in recent years; it provides immense opportunity for those looking to begin or progress in this field.
The CISA credential is one of the four ISACA credentials recognized by ISACA, an organization established in 1969 for information systems audit, security, risk, privacy, and governance professionals. More than 140,000 members in 180 countries belong to ISACA, and in the last decade, ISACA's memberships have boomed, with approximately 27,000 IT professionals taking the exam each year.
The name CISA is an acronym for Certified Information Systems Auditor, but it is also commonly used as a shortened version of the certification. So if someone says they received their CISA training, they've officially become certified.
Who can apply for the CISA Exam?
If you want to know the CISA eligibility, keep in mind that any IT professional willing to improve their skills in auditing, assurance, and control of information systems can apply. It is also beneficial for those seeking managerial positions or taking their career to the next level.
There is no formal education requirement to sit for the exam, but you must have at least five years of experience in two or more of the five CISA domains. The domains are:
● Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
● Information Systems Operations, Maintenance, and Support
● Protection of Information Assets
● Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
● Regulatory Compliance
To apply, you must first create an account with ISACA. After logging in, you will be directed to the application page with questions about work experience, education, and the exam payment.
The CISA exam is administered by Prometric, a global leader in computer-based testing. Thus, you can schedule your exam at any of Prometric's 4,500 test centers in 160 countries.
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. It is offered in English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
What is the cost of the CISA Exam?
With the application fee, the CISA certification cost is $595, and for ISACA members, it is $465. The price includes one free exam attempt and access to study resources such as practice questions, flashcards, and the CISA Review Manual.
What is the passing score for the CISA Exam?
The passing score for the CISA exam is 450 out of 800 possible points. If you do not pass the exam, you can retake it after waiting at least 90 days. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the exam, but you must wait at least 90 days between each attempt.
How long is the CISA certification valid?
The CISA certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. You must earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to maintain your certification.
ISACA offers a variety of ways for certified professionals to earn CPE credits, including attending conferences, participating in webinars, and taking courses.
What are the benefits of CISA certification?
There are many benefits to becoming CISA certified, including:
● Demonstrating commitment to the profession
● Earning respect from peers and employers
● Having more job opportunities
● Earning a higher salary
● Improving job satisfaction
● Building a foundation for further certifications
Preparing for the CISA Exam
Because the CISA exam is notoriously difficult, with a pass rate of only 50%, it's advised that you start studying early. For example, successful test-takers usually spend six months to one year preparing for the exam.
ISACA offers several resources to assist CISAs in preparing for the CISA exam, including Questions, Answers, and Explanations Database, CISA-specific preparation forums, an online course, and eBooks. In addition, the ISACA Review Manual is another essential tool available.
If you want a more comprehensive way to study, you can sign up for training providers who offer CISA training courses. These courses cover everything in the Review Manual and feature expert-led videos, and full-length practice exams.
Conclusion
The Certified Information Systems Auditor certification is a great way to pursue a career in information security. It is highly respected and can open doors to new opportunities for you. Besides, it is also beneficial if you are already working in the field and want to improve your skills. So, with a passing score of 450 points, the CISA exam is not easy, but the rewards of becoming certified are well worth the effort.