All You Need to Know About Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Certified Information Systems Auditor, or CISA, is the certification of an IS or IT auditor. The Information Systems Audit and Control Association, or ISACA, provides world-renowned certifications that hold individuals to high standards in auditing, controlling, monitoring, and assessing information systems and business processes. A Certified Information Systems Auditor certification shows employers that a candidate is knowledgeable, technically proficient, and adept at handling dynamic business challenges.
Cost of CISA certification
The elements of costs of CISA certification are-
| Element | The cost associated for members |
| ISACA membership fees | For professionals, it’s USD 10 for online payment and USD 30 for making payments via fax or mail.
For both students and recent graduates, there is no new membership fee. |
| CISA exam fee | For ISACA members: USD 575
For non-members: USD 760 |
| Application processing fee: | USD 50 |
| Study material cost | USD 40 to USD 300 |
| CISA Certification Maintenance Fees | Member: USD 45
Non-member: USD 85 |
So, the total CISA certification cost may vary as per the purchases and type of users. However, on average, the total cost may be around USD 1000.
How to apply for CISA
CISA is a very renowned examination. You need to know how to apply for it. The steps for applying for CISA is following-
- For all submissions, there is a processing fee of US$50. In addition, you will be required to pay a one-time, non-refundable application fee.
- Within five years of passing the exam, applicants must submit their certification application.
- Ensure that your payment has been made and your application has been submitted so that processing time will be expedited. A review of applications is done in order of receipt.
One can get certified by following these steps.
Syllabus of CISA
The five domains are the most critical elements in understanding CISA training. It refers to how the exam syllabus is divided into five parts or sections.
| Topic | Weightage |
| The Process of Information System Auditing (Domain 1) | 21% |
| IT governance and IT Management (Domain 2) | 16-17% |
| Information Systems, Acquisition, Development, and Implementation (Domain 3) | 12-18% |
| Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (Domain 4) | 20-23% |
| Protection of Information Assets (Domain 5) | 25-27% |
The total number of questions is 150. The questions are multiple-choice types. For the exam to pass, the student must score at least 450 (on a 200 to 800 scale). A worldwide network of testing locations and online testing is available to take the test anytime. The exams are available in different languages-
- English,
- Chinese Traditional,
- Chinese Mandarin Simplified,
- Italian,
- French,
- German,
- Turkish
- Korean,
- Spanish, and
- Japanese,
How to prepare for CISA
- Do a self-analysis: Doing a self-analysis is very important when you have the mindset to appear in the ISACA CISA examination. What are the values, why you need the certification, etc., are some of the questions you must ask yourself.
- Understand the concepts: You need to understand all the topics carefully.
- Take the ISACA membership: You will receive access to whitepapers, webinars, books, and virtual summits through discounts and free access in some cases as a member of ISACA.
- Setting a study schedule for everyday study.
- Design a study plan.
- Understand the question format.
- Practice.
- Learn time management to attempt all the questions within the time.
- Understanding is better than memorizing.
Benefits of CISA certification
- You can learn various vital topics like IT Management, cyber security, IT/IS audit procedures, etc.
- IT auditors can land high-paying jobs even in a competitive market.
- The certification is highly renowned around the world. So, the certification can be beneficial if you want to work abroad.
- The examination puts significant insight into your expertise.
Who employs CISA-certified individuals?
A large variety of sectors employ individuals having CISA certification. Banking, retail, and healthcare are among the biggest employers of CISA-certified individuals. You can improve your chances of getting a high-paying job by completing the CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) certification along with CISA. Any organization can indeed hire a CISA, but larger companies typically require recurring validation of their controls. So, generally, large companies seek employees with CISA certification.
Do I need any degree for CISA certification?
No, no degree is required for CISA eligibility. However, in order to qualify, you must have a certain amount of work experience. In a related field, you must have work experience of a minimum of 5 years. College experience may also be counted.
Certified Information Systems Auditor certification is essential for any individual working as IS/IT auditor. It may not be a must for having a job but obtaining this certification may help an individual get a good and high-paying job that would secure his/her future.
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