Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Definition, Benefits, And FAQs
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Summary:
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is the global standard for professionals in information systems, particularly in auditing, control, and security. To earn this designation, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam, meet work experience requirements, and adhere to professional standards. CISA holders play a crucial role in assessing and enhancing a company’s technology-related systems, ensuring security, and providing recommendations for risk management. This article explores the CISA certification in-depth, from the exam to its benefits, and how to become a Certified Information Systems Auditor.
What is a certified information systems auditor (CISA)?
Certified information systems auditor (CISA) refers to a designation issued by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The designation is the global standard for professionals who have a career in information systems, in particular, auditing, control, and security. CISA holders demonstrate to employers that they have the knowledge, technical skills, and proficiency to meet the dynamic challenges facing modern organizations.
Understanding certified information systems auditors (CISAs)
To receive a Certified Information Systems Auditor certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam and satisfy industry work experience requirements. Candidates must also undergo continuing education and professional development and adhere to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics and Information Systems Auditing Standards.
Responsibilities of a certified information systems auditor
Certified information systems auditors are often in charge of appraising a company’s technology-related systems and assessing a company’s set-up for vulnerabilities. A CISA will often be tasked with implementing an audit strategy to review potential risk areas as well as executing and overseeing that audit.
A CISA is often heavily involved in processes before and after an audit as well. Before doing any testing, a CISA will evaluate a company’s objectives, systems, and risks to better understand its potential vulnerabilities and strengths. After the audit, a CISA delivers the audit results and often makes recommendations to management for steps to perform.
If/as suggestions are approved and adopted by management, the CISA will often be involved in the implementation and monitoring of security upgrades. This includes performing new tests once the recommendations have been put in place or ensuring management has followed through on control changes.
In addition to overseeing audits, a CISA will often have less formal projects with management on review practices, building risk strategies, performing continuity planning, and monitoring IT personnel. A CISA may also be responsible for drafting and maintaining up-to-date IT policies, standards, or procedures.
How to become a certified information systems auditor
There are five steps to become a CISA:
- Pass the CISA exam. As discussed below, the CISA certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate competence in their field.
- Submit an application. In addition to passing the exam, the ISACA requires an individual to submit an application demonstrating applicable work experience, educational experience, or a combination of both.
- Adhere to the ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics. As is the case with most professional certifications, the ISACA has their own ethical requirements for certification holders. CISA-holders must follow these practices to maintain their license.
- Meet CPE requirements. As is also the case with most professional certifications, a CISA must meet continuing education standards to ensure their knowledge is maintained and up-to-date.
- Follow the ISACA’s Information Systems Auditing Standards. Once an individual holds the certification, they must adhere to the professional standards of executing what they learned and implementing the standards developed by the managing institution.
Certified information systems auditor exam
The CISA exam lasts four hours and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. To sit for the exam, the candidate must meet specific requirements (discussed below) as well as pay an upfront fee. This fee is value for 12 months.
Exam registration must be completed online. Candidates must score 450 to pass the exam. The exam scores on a scale between 200 and 800. Candidates have the option to sit the exam in June, September, or December in testing centers worldwide. The exam is also available in multiple languages including Chinese Mandarin (simplified and traditional), Spanish, French, Japanese, and Korean.
Exams scheduled at in-person centers are often highly regulated. The testing center will often require an acceptable form of ID. The testing center may also limit the use of prohibited items such as phones, smartwatches, headphones, food/beverages, or visitors. The testing center often does not allow for discussion between test participants; any violation of these rules may lead to discontinuation of your exam session.
CISA exam content
The CISA exam tests candidates’ knowledge of five job practice domains:
- The process of auditing information systems (21%). This domain focuses on providing audit services in accordance with designated professional standards that protect and control information systems. This domain is intended to test on planning and execution of risk assessments and audits.
- Government and management of IT (17%). This domain focuses on identifying critical issues and making company-wide recommendations that protect information and related technology resources. This domain is intended to test on IT frameworks, enterprise architecture, laws and regulations, and quality assurance.
- Information systems acquisition, development, and implementation (12%). This domain focuses on the initiating, creation, and ongoing buildout of information systems and their security elements. This domain is intended to test on business cases and feasibility analysis, design methodologies, configuration management, and system migrations.
- Information systems operations and business resilience (23%). This domain focuses on how an information system operates during a normal course of business. This domain is intended to test on information system operations, end-user computing, system resiliency, data backup, business continuity planning, and disaster recovery plans.
- Protection of information assets (27%). This domain focuses on cybersecurity and the protection needed to ensure intellectual property or sensitive customer information is protected. This domain is intended to test security, controls, security event management, and physical access limits.
Certified information systems work experience requirements
CISA candidates must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. There are several work experience substitutions and waivers up to a maximum of three years that candidates can satisfy.
A maximum of one year of information systems experience OR one year of non-information systems auditing experience. (Substitutes one year of work experience.)
Sixty to 120 completed university semester credit hours. (Sixty credit hours substitute one year of work experience, while 120 credit hours substitute two years of work experience.)
A master’s degree in information security or information technology from an ISACA accredited university. (Substitutes one year of work experience.)</
A master’s or bachelor’s degree from a university that sponsors ISACA programs. (Substitutes one year of work experience.)
University instructors who have two years of experience in a related field, such as computer science, information systems auditing, or accounting, can substitute that experience for one year of work experience.
Certified information systems auditor continuing professional education
To ensure professionals who hold the CISA designation keep their knowledge of information systems, auditing, and control updated, they are required to undertake 20 hours of training per year and a minimum of 120 hours in a three-year period. ISACA charges an annual maintenance fee to renew the CISA certification. ISACA members pay $45, and non-members pay $85.
The ISACA has established various ways for CISA professionals to earn their continuing education credits:
- Attending specific conferences focused on information systems, cybersecurity, and related topics.
- Completing an ISACA Training Week course to gain in-depth knowledge in specific areas of information systems auditing.
- Participating in online training programs certified by ISACA, which allow for flexible learning opportunities.
- Engaging in specific technology education events and workshops that are recognized for CPE credit.
- Completing on-demand learning modules to acquire knowledge on various relevant subjects.
- Participating in journal quizzes, which are accessible to ISACA members only, to test your understanding of industry topics.
- Volunteering with ISACA or One in Tech to contribute to the community and earn CPE credits in the process.
- Attending certain ISACA activities or meetings that align with professional development and networking opportunities.
It is the responsibility of each CISA professional to manage and report their earned CPE hours. This can be done by logging into their ISACA profile and navigating to the Certifications & CPE Management area. Here, individuals can add new CPE records, enter training or educational details, and specify the number of CPE credits they have earned.
By staying up-to-date with the evolving landscape of information systems, auditing practices, and control standards, CISA professionals continue to demonstrate their commitment to professional growth and the highest ethical standards within the field.
Benefits of the certified information systems auditor certification
By demonstrating professional competency, CISA holders reap several different benefits:
- IT auditors are a niche market. The CISA certification demonstrates specialized, technical knowledge in a specific industry. IT auditing is different than other types of auditing, and the CISA license demonstrates proficiency in this niche area.
- Demand for credentialed IT auditors remains strong. As IT capabilities advance and companies shift to remote operations, there continues to be demand for ensuring a company’s technology infrastructure meets security and regulatory needs.
- CISAs stay relevant in an evolving industry. The CISA certification requires ongoing education; this CPE requirement means professionals must continue to take training on new technologies, modern types of risk, and evolving complexities regarding information systems.
- The certification may bring a higher salary or stronger job security. As is the case with any additional education or certification, CISAs have demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency, commanding recognition for being strong leaders in their field. This may lead to raises, promotions, or long-term job stability.
- The certificate is transferrable and widely recognized. The CISA is broadly recognized, meaning many companies and industries around the world recognize its merit.
- The exam provides insights into specialized fields. Though information system auditing is already specialized, candidates may realize they enjoy particular aspects of risk management and auditing more than others. This may lead to a greater understanding of career opportunities and career interests.
The bottom line
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certificate demonstrates professional proficiency in the field of IT security and risk mitigation. CISA must have years of professional experience and pass a 150-question exam to demonstrate this knowledge. Once armed with a CISA license, auditors may enjoy greater job security, better knowledge of their industry, and continual growth through CPE requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a certified information systems auditor?
To become a CISA, you must pass an exam hosted by ISACA, meet application requirements, earn continuing education credits, and adhere to ISACA’s ethical and professional standards.
How long does it take to become a certified information systems auditor?
The most direct timeline to become a CISA is five years, as ISACA requires five years of professional experience. However, there are exceptions and educational requirements.
What does a certified information systems auditor do?
A CISA oversees, manages, and protects a company’s information systems and IT departments. They conduct audits, implement risk mitigation strategies, and collaborate to ensure technology needs are met securely.
What are the benefits of CISA certification?
CISA certification offers high job demand, competitive salaries, and career growth opportunities in the IT auditing field.
How can I prepare for the CISA exam?
You can prepare for the CISA exam by enrolling in CISA exam prep courses, using official ISACA resources, and practicing with sample questions and mock exams.
Key takeaways
- CISA certification offers high job demand and competitive salaries.
- CISA professionals enjoy opportunities for career growth.
- Passing the CISA exam is a challenging but rewarding endeavor.
- Certification maintenance and annual fees are part of the CISA journey.
- Continuous learning is essential to stay updated in the field.
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