In today’s tech-driven world, information technology certifications are vital for career growth, and the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential is a standout. Meeting the CISA requirements helps professionals distinguish themselves in the competitive fields of information systems auditing, control, and security. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to advance, the CISA certification signals a high level of expertise, adherence to industry standards, and dedication to cybersecurity and data integrity—all key traits sought by employers.

CISA Exam Requirements

Key Takeaways

  1. Certification Requirements: Understand the steps to become a CISA, including exam and work experience requirements.
  2. Exam Insights: Get familiar with the CISA exam format, domains, and study resources.
  3. Certification Maintenance: Learn about Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and other maintenance requirements.
  4. Career Impact: Discover how the CISA credential can enhance job security, salary, and career prospects across various sectors.

Offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the CISA certification has over 150,000 holders globally. It’s highly regarded in fields like risk management, governance, and IT security and is a pathway to increased job security, higher salary potential, and a wealth of career opportunities. This guide outlines the steps to earn and maintain your CISA certification, from exam prep to continuing education, providing a clear roadmap for those aiming to thrive in IT auditing.

An Overview of CISA Requirements

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), which is a globally recognized organization dedicated to the education and certification of IT professionals in areas like auditing, security, and risk management. ISACA is responsible for setting the standards for the CISA certification and offering a variety of related certification programs, including micro-certificates aimed at IT auditors.

To earn the CISA certification, there are a few important steps you need to complete. These steps ensure that you not only pass the CISA exam but also have the practical work experience to back up your knowledge in the field of information systems auditing.

Steps to Earning Your CISA Certification

The process of earning the CISA certification involves three key requirements: passing the CISA exam, having the necessary work experience, and submitting your application for certification. While there is no set order for completing these steps, here’s how you can approach them:

  1. Pass the CISA Exam
    The first requirement is passing the CISA exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions designed to test your knowledge of the key domains related to information systems auditing. You can take the exam at any point in your career, even if you don’t yet have the required work experience. This flexibility allows you to take the exam when you feel prepared, even if you haven’t met the experience requirement yet.
  2. Meet the Work Experience Requirement
    To apply for certification, you must have a minimum of five years of professional work experience in the field of information systems auditing, control, or security. This experience must align with the five domains covered in the CISA exam. However, there’s no need to complete all five years before taking the exam; you can take the exam first and finish the required work experience later. The important thing is that you meet both the exam and work experience criteria within five years of passing the exam.
  3. Submit Your Certification Application
    Once you’ve passed the exam and met the work experience requirement, the final step is to submit your CISA application. This involves providing proof of your exam results and work experience. It may take up to three weeks to receive your application results, and you will also need to pay an application fee when you apply.

Costs and Fees

While the process of obtaining your CISA certification involves some financial investment, the costs are generally manageable. You will need to pay for both the exam and the certification application. While these fees can add up, the return on investment is significant. Once you earn the CISA certification, the potential salary boost, job security, and career opportunities can easily justify the initial costs.

For those looking to lower their exam costs, becoming an ISACA member is a smart move. Membership provides a significant discount on the exam fee, often saving you several hundred dollars. Membership also comes with other valuable benefits, such as access to industry trends, networking events, and professional development resources. This can be especially useful for staying up to date on auditing best practices and maintaining your certification.

Preparing for the Exam: Study Materials and Review Courses

Preparation for the CISA exam is an essential part of the certification process. It’s highly recommended to invest time in studying for the exam to increase your chances of success. There are different ways to prepare, depending on your experience level and learning style:

  • CISA Review Courses: For those who prefer more structured study sessions, enrolling in a review course can be beneficial. These courses provide in-depth coverage of the exam content, test-taking strategies, and practice questions. Review courses are particularly helpful for individuals who have been working in the field for a while and need a more comprehensive review of the material.
  • Study Guides and Manuals: For students and recent graduates, or those who prefer a more self-paced approach, CISA review manuals can provide all the information needed to study for the exam. These study guides cover the exam content, including explanations of each domain, and often include practice questions to test your knowledge.
  • Practice Quizzes: If you’re unsure about whether you need a formal review course, start by taking a practice quiz available on the ISACA website. This short quiz will give you a taste of what to expect on the official exam, helping you gauge your knowledge and pinpoint areas where you might need more preparation. After completing the practice quiz, you can make an informed decision about whether to register for a full study course.

How to Make the Most of Your Preparation

Taking the time to carefully prepare for the CISA exam is crucial. Whether you choose a review course or self-study, the key is to stay disciplined and consistent with your study efforts. Break down the exam content into manageable sections and focus on understanding the underlying concepts rather than memorizing facts. By committing to a well-rounded study plan, you’ll improve your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt and set yourself up for success in the information systems auditing field.In conclusion, earning your CISA certification is a great investment in your future career. Although it requires a bit of time, effort, and financial investment, the benefits of CISA certification far outweigh the costs. Not only will it enhance your job prospects and earning potential, but it also provides a solid foundation for continuous professional growth in the field of IT auditing and risk management.

How Do You Maintain Your CISA Certification?

Once you earn your CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification, maintaining it requires a few key steps. These steps ensure that you stay current in the field and uphold the standards expected of a CISA holder.

1. Complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Courses

To maintain your certification, you must earn 20 CPE hours annually. CPE credits can be obtained through various activities such as attending professional training, workshops, seminars, or conferences related to information systems auditing and IT management. You can also earn CPE credits by taking relevant university courses or engaging in self-study programs. Even teaching or mentoring others in your field counts toward CPE hours.

2. Comply with Information Systems Auditing Standards

Following industry standards is crucial for maintaining your CISA certification. You need to ensure that your audits and assessments are conducted in line with the Information Systems Auditing Standards. This helps ensure your practices remain consistent with best practices in auditing, security, and compliance.

3. Adhere to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics

ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics outlines the principles that guide CISA holders in their professional conduct. These include:

  • Integrity and Objectivity: Ensure that audits are conducted impartially and without bias.
  • Confidentiality: Safeguard sensitive information and maintain privacy.
  • Transparency: Clearly communicate audit findings to stakeholders. Adhering to these ethical guidelines is essential in maintaining your professional reputation and certification.

4. Pay the Annual Maintenance Fee

You must pay an annual maintenance fee to keep your certification active. This fee helps fund ISACA’s operations and ensures you remain part of the CISA community, with access to resources and updates in the field.

By fulfilling these requirements, you can keep your CISA certification valid and stay recognized as a trusted professional in the information systems auditing field.

CISA Certification Requirements

The CISA prerequisites include the completion of the official exam and meeting the work experience requirements. At that point, you can apply for the certification. Understanding the exam and the work experience are the biggest hurdles to getting this certification.

CISA Exam Information

The CISA examination exam is one of the biggest requirements. It tests your information system knowledge at a deep level, so you need to know the material thoroughly. Working in the industry can help you gain this information from a hands-on perspective, but you can also take review courses and work through study materials independently.

Exam Overview

The exam comes in 11 languages with 150 multiple-choice questions, taken over four hours. It covers five distinct domains in the information technology field, including:

  • Protection of information assets
  • Information systems operations and business resilience
  • Information system auditing process
  • Governance and management of IT
  • Information systems acquisition, development, and implementation

Exam Scoring

ISACA scales the scores by converting your raw score to a standard score, ensuring all versions are accurate. The scale ranges from 200 to 800, with 800 as a perfect score. You need to earn at least 450 points to pass the exam, which means you met the minimum requirements. If you don’t earn a passing score, you need to retake the exam before applying for certification.

CISA Experience Requirements

Before you can apply for the CISA certification, one of the key requirements is to meet the experience criteria. To qualify for CISA, you must have at least five years of work experience in the field of information systems. This experience can come from a variety of roles, including auditing, control, or security within the information technology (IT) industry. The important thing is that the tasks you perform in your role should align with the five domains tested in the CISA exam. These domains include:

  1. Protection of Information Assets: Safeguarding data and ensuring its security.
  2. Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience: Ensuring business continuity and the reliability of IT systems.
  3. Information System Auditing Process: Reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of IT systems and processes.
  4. Governance and Management of IT: Overseeing IT strategies, resources, and operations to support business goals.
  5. Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation: Managing the lifecycle of IT systems, from procurement to deployment.

As long as your job responsibilities align with any of these five areas, your work can be counted toward the required CISA experience. This gives you some flexibility, as your job duties might involve working in multiple domains, and you can still qualify.

Timing of Experience and Exam

The five years of required experience must be acquired within ten years prior to applying for the CISA certification. This is an important time frame to keep in mind, as your work experience needs to fall within this window, along with your passing of the CISA exam and your application for certification.

However, there’s some flexibility in how you complete this process. You don’t necessarily have to complete the full five years of experience before you take the CISA exam. In fact, many candidates choose to take the exam while they are still gaining work experience. This is because you can take the exam before you meet the work experience requirement and then apply for certification once you’ve accumulated the necessary experience.

But, be aware: While you can take the exam first, it’s typically easier to pass the CISA exam if you already have relevant work experience. The exam tests your knowledge of real-world IT scenarios, and having hands-on experience in the field will help you understand the material more deeply. Therefore, it’s a good idea to gain a few years of experience before attempting the exam. Once you pass the exam, you have five years to apply for the certification.

Experience Substitutions

For those looking to accelerate the certification process, there are experience substitutions available that can help reduce the required number of years of work experience. You may be able to substitute certain types of experience in related fields for up to five years of required experience. Here’s how you can streamline your experience:

  • Information Systems Experience: If you have prior experience in information systems, you can substitute up to five years of this experience toward your CISA work requirement. This could include roles where you were involved in the management or security of IT systems.
  • Non-Security Auditing Experience: Experience in auditing (even if not specifically in the information security field) can also count toward the required experience, up to three years. This is especially useful if you’ve worked in audit or finance roles that overlap with IT auditing.
  • Teaching or Academic Experience: If you have taught in a field related to information systems, security, or auditing, you may be able to substitute this experience for up to three years. Teaching subjects related to IT auditing at a university or college level could meet this requirement.

Educational Substitutions: Use Your Degree to Gain Experience

Another way to reduce the required work experience is by leveraging your educational background. A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university in a field related to information systems or IT can substitute for one year of professional experience. Specifically, a bachelor’s degree counts as one year of experience, and a master’s degree can count as one year as well.

Additionally, if you have completed at least 60 semester credit hours (about two years of university coursework), that can count as one year of work experience. This is a valuable option for those who have formal education but haven’t yet gained the full work experience required for the CISA certification.

Verifying Your Experience

Once you have the necessary experience, whether through traditional work experience, education, or substitutions, you’ll need to verify it. To do so, you’ll need to provide documentation to ISACA to confirm your qualifications. For work experience, this typically means having your supervisor or employer sign off on your roles and responsibilities during your tenure in the field. For educational substitutions, you will need to provide your degree or transcript as proof of the qualifications.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that you meet the CISA requirements in a way that aligns with your career path. Whether you gain experience through work, education, or a combination of both, the flexibility offered by ISACA makes it easier to navigate the certification process.

By understanding these requirements and utilizing available substitutions, you can efficiently work toward earning your CISA certification. Whether through direct work experience, teaching, or education, ISACA provides flexibility to help you meet the qualifications.

CISA Certification Application: Your Final Step to Becoming Certified

Once you’ve successfully passed the CISA exam and met the work experience requirements, it’s time to apply for the CISA certification. This step brings all your efforts together, validating your knowledge and experience in information systems auditing, control, and security. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during the application process and what each step involves.

Timing: Application Window and Deadlines

You have a five-year window from the date you passed the CISA exam to complete and submit your application. This means you’re not required to meet the work experience requirements immediately after passing the exam, giving you flexibility if you still need additional industry experience. However, to avoid any last-minute rush, it’s best to plan to complete and submit your application sooner rather than later.

Preparing Your Application: Key Documentation and Requirements

The CISA application is completed online through ISACA’s certification portal. The application process requires you to submit:

  1. Verification of Work Experience: You’ll need to provide documentation that proves you meet the five-year work experience requirement. This might involve having a supervisor or colleague validate your job roles and responsibilities, particularly as they relate to the CISA domains.
  2. Proof of Exam Completion: Your exam completion will already be logged within ISACA’s system, but you may be asked to confirm details as part of your application.
  3. Supporting Documents: If you’ve used educational credits or other experience waivers to count toward your work experience requirement, you’ll need to upload documents proving these credentials, such as your degree transcript.
  4. Application Fee: There’s an application fee required at the time of submission. This fee covers ISACA’s review process and is separate from the exam fee. ISACA members may receive a discount on this fee, so membership can be helpful here.

Application Processing: What Happens Next?

Once submitted, ISACA typically takes around two to three weeks to process and review your application. During this time, they will assess your qualifications, verify your documents, and ensure you meet the experience and exam criteria.

  • Application Status Updates: ISACA provides status updates through your online account, so it’s easy to track where you are in the process. Be prepared for potential follow-ups if any of your documentation requires clarification or additional information.
  • Appeal Process: If your application is denied for any reason, ISACA does offer an appeal process. This allows you to address any potential misunderstandings or discrepancies, so you still have a path forward if issues arise. This appeal process is designed to be fair and to give you an opportunity to resolve any issues that might prevent certification.

Receiving Your Certification: Approval and Next Steps

Once your application is approved, ISACA will send you an official notification. This includes:

  • Approval Letter: A formal confirmation that you are now a Certified Information Systems Auditor.
  • CISA Certificate: Your certificate is an official document you can frame and display, showing that you’ve met ISACA’s rigorous standards.
  • CISA Pin: You’ll also receive a pin, which is a small but symbolic recognition of your achievement. Many CISA holders wear this pin at conferences, meetings, and networking events to showcase their professional certification.

With your CISA certification in hand, you’re now officially part of a global network of certified information systems auditors, opening up new professional opportunities and enhancing your credibility in the field. This certification validates your expertise and commitment to upholding the standards of information systems auditing and security, which can be a significant advantage in job searches, salary negotiations, and career advancement.

CISA CPE Requirements

To keep your Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification active, you’ll need to participate in Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every year. These requirements reset annually on January 1, which means that every year you start fresh with a new CPE requirement to fulfill. This ongoing education ensures that certified professionals stay up-to-date on changes, advancements, and best practices in IT auditing, security, and control.

Here’s a closer look at the details of CPE requirements and how they benefit your career:

Annual CPE Hour Requirement

Each year, CISA holders are required to complete a minimum of 20 CPE hours. These hours are essential because they help certified professionals stay informed on the latest developments in information systems auditing and ensure their skills remain relevant and sharp. CPE hours can come from a variety of professional learning activities, which gives you flexibility to choose the learning methods and topics that suit your career goals.

Additionally, to maintain certification, ISACA requires that CISA holders accumulate a minimum of 120 CPE hours over a three-year period. This three-year requirement adds depth to your ongoing education, ensuring that you’re consistently growing and staying current with industry standards.

Benefits of Fulfilling CPE Requirements

  1. Staying Competent in the Field
    CPE helps you maintain and grow your expertise in auditing, control, and security. The IT landscape is always changing, with new threats, technologies, and regulatory standards emerging frequently. Fulfilling CPE requirements means you’re consistently enhancing your skills, which is crucial to maintaining your competence and credibility as an auditor.
  2. Maintaining Professional Standards
    CPE requirements reinforce ISACA’s commitment to high professional standards. When you consistently meet these requirements, you demonstrate a commitment to ethical, high-quality work, which reinforces your professional reputation.
  3. Keeping Your Certification Active
    Meeting CPE requirements ensures that your certification remains active and in good standing with ISACA. Falling short of these requirements could lead to suspension or even the revocation of your CISA certification, which can impact your professional standing and opportunities.
  4. Standing Out in the Job Market
    The additional skills and updated knowledge you gain through CPE activities make you more attractive to employers. Employers recognize the value of candidates who engage in continuous learning, especially when it helps them remain knowledgeable on current industry trends. This gives you an edge when applying for jobs, as it shows you’re committed to growth and improvement.

CPE Opportunities and Activities

ISACA recognizes a broad range of activities that qualify for CPE credit, giving you the flexibility to choose learning opportunities that best suit your schedule and interests. These activities include:

  • Professional Education Events: Attending ISACA professional education activities, such as conferences and seminars, can count toward your CPE hours. ISACA events are often focused on current trends, new tools, and regulatory changes.
  • University or Corporate Training: Formal education, such as university courses or corporate training, counts as CPE, particularly if the coursework relates to information systems, IT auditing, or risk management.
  • ISACA Journal Quizzes and Certification Review Courses: Completing quizzes associated with ISACA’s professional publications or engaging in certification review courses can be an accessible way to earn CPE hours.
  • Self-Study Courses and Online Learning: Self-paced learning programs allow you to expand your skills and knowledge base, especially in niche areas of information systems and auditing.
  • Publishing and Mentorship: Writing articles, books, or research papers, or participating in mentoring or lecturing activities, can also count as CPE credits, highlighting contributions that benefit the broader IT audit community.
  • Vendor Presentations and Workshops: Attending vendor-led presentations or workshops on the latest industry products and solutions can also fulfill part of your CPE requirements.

By fulfilling your CPE requirements each year, you’re not only meeting ISACA’s standards but also investing in yourself. Taking advantage of these learning opportunities can open doors to additional ISACA certifications, further solidifying your expertise and helping you achieve your long-term career goals.

Final Thoughts on CISA Governance

Acquiring your certification might seem like an involved process, but it’s very straightforward. The flexibility of completing the work experience and exam in any order makes it something you can work toward naturally throughout your career. Study tools like the Surgent CISA Review can help you prepare for the process and exam.
If you work in the information technology field, you can earn your certification to increase your salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that computer and information systems managers earn an average salary of $150,000 with a 10% job growth rate. Expanding your knowledge with the CISA certification will advance your career and ensure you have job security.