Information technology auditing is a growing field, and you can stand out from the crowd by earning your Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification. It will give you a leg up on the competition and help mid-career professionals revitalize their job path, including earning a raise.
There are about 150,000 CISA holders worldwide, so this qualification can help anyone in risk management, disaster recovery, or computer science stand out among other applicants. You’ll show potential employees you value your education and adhere to the industry’s professional standards. To earn your certification, you need to meet and maintain certain CISA requirements.
An In-Depth Look at CISA Requirements
Earning the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is a valuable milestone for professionals in IT auditing, risk management, and information security. The governing body, the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) oversees the CISA program, offering eight primary certifications alongside specialized micro-certificates tailored to the evolving needs of IT auditors. Here’s what you need to know about fulfilling the CISA certification requirements.
Three Core Requirements for CISA Certification
To earn the CISA credential, candidates must complete the following steps:
- Pass the CISA Exam
- This rigorous exam tests your knowledge across five domains critical to information systems auditing and control. It’s designed to measure your ability to evaluate, manage, and protect information systems.
- Gain Relevant Work Experience
- ISACA requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. However, some academic achievements or teaching roles can count as substitutes for up to three years of this requirement.
- Apply for Certification
- Once you have passed the exam and fulfilled the work experience requirement, you must submit a formal application along with an application fee.
Flexible Approach to Certification
Unlike many other professional certifications, ISACA allows flexibility in how you fulfill these requirements. You don’t have to complete them in a specific order. For example, you can take the exam before meeting the work experience requirement or vice versa. This flexibility is ideal for professionals who want to work toward certification at their own pace while gaining relevant experience.
Investment in Your Future: Costs and Benefits
Achieving CISA certification involves some financial investment, including exam fees and application fees. While the initial costs may seem significant, they are relatively small compared to the potential return on investment. Certified professionals often enjoy:
- Higher Salaries: CISA-certified professionals can significantly boost their earning potential, with many enjoying salaries well above industry averages.
- Job Security: As businesses place more emphasis on cybersecurity and information system controls, the demand for certified auditors continues to grow.
- Career Advancement: The CISA credential opens doors to senior roles in IT auditing, governance, and risk management.
To reduce costs, consider becoming an ISACA member. Membership offers substantial exam fee discounts and provides access to invaluable resources such as industry reports, audit strategies, and networking opportunities. ISACA offers membership options for students, recent graduates, and working professionals.
Preparing for the CISA Exam: Study Resources
A well-prepared candidate is a successful one. Investing in a study guide or CISA review course can make a significant difference.
- Self-Study Options: Students or recent graduates might prefer using the official CISA Review Manual, which provides comprehensive coverage of exam topics.
- Instructor-Led Courses: Working professionals may benefit from structured, in-depth courses that include live instruction, interactive practice sessions, and real-world case studies.
For those unsure about whether they need a formal course, ISACA offers a free 10-question practice quiz. This can help you assess your current knowledge and determine if additional preparation is necessary.
Maintaining Your CISA Certification
Once you’ve achieved your CISA certification, the journey doesn’t end there. To keep your certification active, ISACA requires ongoing professional development and adherence to its ethical standards.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements
To maintain your certification, you must complete at least 20 CPE hours annually and a total of 120 CPE hours over three years. These CPE activities help you stay current with evolving industry practices and ensure you remain competent in your field.
CPE activities include:
- Participating in ISACA conferences and workshops
- Attending corporate training sessions
- Completing university courses related to IT auditing or security
- Publishing articles or teaching relevant courses
Ethical Standards and Annual Maintenance Fees
CISA holders must adhere to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics, which emphasizes:
- Objectivity and integrity in professional work
- Respect for confidentiality and responsible disclosure of information
- Compliance with relevant auditing standards and practices
Additionally, an annual maintenance fee is required to keep your certification active. This fee ensures your continued access to ISACA resources and keeps your certification in good standing.
The path to CISA certification may seem complex, but the flexibility and resources available make it manageable for anyone committed to advancing their career. By meeting the requirements and maintaining your certification, you’ll position yourself as a leader in IT auditing, gain industry recognition, and unlock new career opportunities.
CISA Certification Requirements
The CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification is a highly respected credential in the field of information technology auditing. To earn this certification, you must meet certain prerequisites, including successfully passing the CISA exam and gaining sufficient work experience. These two requirements are key hurdles in the certification process, and understanding both is crucial to achieving this milestone in your career.
Exam Overview
The CISA exam is designed to evaluate your understanding of several critical areas in the information systems field. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover five key domains of IT auditing. The exam is offered in 11 languages, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. You have four hours to complete the exam, so managing your time effectively is crucial for success. Here’s a breakdown of the five domains covered in the CISA exam:
- Protection of Information Assets: This domain focuses on safeguarding organizational data, ensuring information security, and maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA). Topics include risk management, security protocols, and control mechanisms to protect sensitive data from cyber threats.
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience: This section covers the operational aspects of IT systems, including disaster recovery, business continuity, and resilience planning. You’ll be tested on your ability to design and implement strategies to ensure systems are resilient in the face of disruptions.
- Information Systems Auditing Process: In this domain, the exam evaluates your knowledge of audit methodologies, planning, and execution. You’ll be asked about auditing practices, risk assessments, internal controls, and compliance with regulations and standards.
- Governance and Management of IT: This section focuses on IT governance, ensuring that IT systems align with business goals, risk management strategies, and regulatory compliance. You’ll be tested on concepts like IT policies, resource management, and IT strategy.
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation: The final domain evaluates your knowledge of the systems development life cycle (SDLC), from acquiring and developing new systems to their implementation and monitoring. You’ll also need to understand how to assess vendor risk and ensure the integrity of system deployments.
Exam Scoring
Once you’ve completed the exam, ISACA uses a standardized scoring method to evaluate your performance. Your raw score (the total number of correct answers) is converted into a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800, with 800 being the perfect score. To pass the exam and qualify for certification, you must achieve a score of at least 450 points, which reflects meeting the minimum competency requirements across all domains.
If your score falls below the passing threshold, you will not receive certification and will need to retake the exam. While failing to pass might seem discouraging, don’t be discouraged—it’s a learning experience. Many candidates retake the exam after additional study and preparation, increasing their chances of success.
Preparing for the Exam
To prepare for the CISA exam, you should begin by reviewing the exam content outline provided by ISACA. This outline details the topics within each of the five domains, helping you focus your study efforts. Here are some strategies to help you prepare effectively:
- Enroll in a CISA Review Course: Review courses provide an in-depth overview of the exam material, often led by experienced professionals. They can help reinforce key concepts and improve your understanding of complex topics.
- Use Study Guides and Practice Exams: In addition to courses, study guides, and practice exams are essential for familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter on the actual exam. Practice exams help you gauge your understanding of the material and improve your test-taking strategy.
- Join Study Groups: Connecting with other CISA candidates in study groups can be beneficial. Discussing key concepts and sharing resources can deepen your understanding and provide motivation.
- Focus on Weak Areas: As you progress with your preparation, identify areas where you may need additional study. Make sure to revisit challenging concepts to reinforce your knowledge.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Before your exam day, try simulating real exam conditions by taking practice exams under time constraints. This will help you build confidence and improve your time management skills.
Incorporating these strategies into your study plan will enhance your readiness and help you achieve a passing score on the exam.
CISA Experience Requirements
Before you can apply for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, meeting the experience requirement is essential. ISACA, the governing body for CISA, mandates that candidates have at least five years of professional work experience in fields such as information systems auditing, control, or security. These five years of experience must align with one or more of the five domains tested in the CISA exam:
- Information System Auditing Process
- Governance and Management of IT
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
- Protection of Information Assets
Key Points About the Work Experience Requirement
- Scope of Work: The experience doesn’t have to be limited to a single job or role. As long as the majority of your responsibilities align with one of the five domains, your job will count. Roles in IT auditing, cybersecurity, data governance, risk management, or even internal control assessment typically qualify.
- Flexibility in Timeline: While the requirement is five years of work experience, you don’t have to meet this milestone before taking the CISA exam. However, you must complete the experience within ten years before or within five years after passing the exam. This flexibility allows you to fit the certification process around your career growth.
- Real-World Advantage: Many professionals prefer to gain some on-the-job experience before attempting the exam. Having practical exposure to IT systems, risk assessments, and audits often makes it easier to grasp the complex material covered in the CISA domains.
CISA Experience Substitutions: Easing the Path
For those who lack the full five years of required work experience, ISACA offers ways to substitute certain qualifications for up to three years of the experience requirement, making it easier to meet the criteria:
- Educational Substitutions:
- One year of experience can be waived if you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field (e.g., IT, computer science, accounting, or business administration).
- Alternatively, 60 university semester credit hours can also account for one year of experience.
- Teaching and Non-IT Auditing:
- Teaching information systems or a related subject at an accredited institution can also waive up to two years of experience.
- Experience in non-IT auditing roles may count as a substitute as well, provided the work involves relevant control or governance responsibilities.
Verifying Your Work Experience
To ensure that your experience is recognized, you’ll need to provide documentation when applying for certification:
- Degree Verification: Submit transcripts or diplomas if you’re using education to waive experience.
- Employer Verification: Supervisors or managers must sign off on your work history, confirming the roles and responsibilities you’ve held.
Applying for CISA Certification
Once you’ve passed the CISA exam and met the experience requirements, you’re ready to submit your certification application. Keep these points in mind:
- Application Timeline: You must apply for certification within five years of passing the exam. Waiting too long could mean retaking the exam, so it’s best to apply as soon as you meet the criteria.
- Supporting Documents: Be prepared to submit:
- Documentation of your work history or educational credits
- Employer verification letters or academic transcripts
- Application Fee: You’ll need to pay a fee when submitting your application. The cost varies for ISACA members and non-members, with membership offering a potential discount.
Certification Decision and Appeal Process
- Processing Time: It can take up to three weeks to hear back from ISACA. They will review your application and supporting documents.
- Appeal Option: If your application is denied, don’t worry—there’s an appeal process where you can provide additional evidence or clarification to support your application.
Once approved, you’ll receive an official CISA certificate, a pin, and a letter of approval, signifying that you’ve joined the ranks of professionals recognized globally for their expertise in information systems auditing.
CISA CPE Requirements
Once you earn your Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, your journey doesn’t stop there. To maintain your certification and stay current in the dynamic field of information systems auditing, you must meet Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements. This ensures that you stay competitive and up-to-date with industry standards.
Annual CPE Reset: Staying Updated Yearly
CISA’s CPE requirements reset annually on January 1, giving you a full calendar year to fulfill the necessary hours. To maintain your certification, you must complete at least 20 CPE hours each year. This ongoing education is crucial to staying updated on the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in IT auditing.
Why is this important? The IT and auditing landscape evolves rapidly. Continuous education ensures you are well-prepared to handle emerging challenges, whether in risk management, IT auditing, or security.
How CPE Enhances Your Career
CPE does more than just keep your certification active—it distinguishes you in the job market. Employers value professionals who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, which indicates adaptability and a proactive attitude. Completing CPE regularly can:
- Highlight ongoing growth: Show employers you’re dedicated to staying informed and competent.
- Support professional goals: Specialize in areas like governance, risk management, or cybersecurity to stand out.
- Increase marketability: Acquire niche skills that make you more competitive among job applicants.
What Qualifies as CPE for CISA Professionals?
There are numerous ways to earn CPE credits. Here’s a breakdown of the activities that qualify:
1. ISACA Professional Education Activities
ISACA offers various educational opportunities, such as workshops, training sessions, and webinars. These events help you stay current with industry trends and provide credits toward your CPE requirements.
2. ISACA Meetings
Attending ISACA chapter meetings or global events keeps you connected to a network of professionals. These meetings often include valuable discussions and presentations on industry developments.
3. Corporate Training
Employer-sponsored training programs tailored to IT auditing or information security also count as CPE. These sessions can be customized to your organization’s specific needs.
4. Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops
Industry events like conferences or seminars are excellent for learning new skills and earning CPE credits. They offer direct access to industry leaders and best practices.
5. University Courses in Related Fields
Completing academic courses related to information systems, cybersecurity, or auditing can also fulfill CPE requirements. This option is ideal if you want to deepen your expertise or explore a specialized area.
6. Certification Review Courses
If you’re pursuing additional certifications like CISM or CISSP, attending review courses can earn you CPE credits while enhancing your qualifications.
7. Self-Study Courses
Flexible and convenient, self-study courses let you earn credits at your own pace. Many online platforms offer materials relevant to IT auditing, governance, and risk management.
8. ISACA Journal Quizzes
ISACA publishes a journal with quizzes based on current industry topics. Successfully completing these quizzes earns you CPE credits while keeping you informed.
9. Vendor Marketing Presentations
Some vendor presentations qualify for CPE if they provide educational value. These sessions showcase the latest technologies and tools in IT auditing.
10. Teaching, Lecturing, or Mentoring
Sharing your expertise by teaching, presenting at conferences, or mentoring others can also count as CPE. It reinforces your knowledge while contributing to the professional community.
11. Publishing Articles or Books
Authoring articles, whitepapers, or books on relevant topics is a great way to earn CPE credits. Publishing helps establish you as an expert in the field.
12. Serving on ISACA Boards or Committees
Active involvement in ISACA governance, such as serving on a board or committee, also qualifies for CPE credits. This enhances your leadership skills and expands your professional network.
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.