How To Become A Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Businesses that rely on complex IT infrastructures to complete their daily operations also need trained professionals to keep those infrastructures secure, efficient, and usable. 

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification offered by ISACA is for mid-career IT audit professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in the field. Gaining this certification is key to working as a CISA and is a great way to advance an information technology career. According to ISACA, 70 percent of CISA holders experienced professional improvements, and 22 percent increased their salaries [8].

Read more about standard CISA requirements, what the job entails, and the average salary you might expect.

Read more: 10 Essential IT Certifications

What is a certified information systems auditor?

A certified information systems auditor is an IT professional who is certified by ISACA. They are internationally recognized as experts with the education and experience required to do the following successfully: 

• Audit a business’s IT systems

• Uphold best practice standards

• Make recommendations for changes or upgrades

• Implement complex solutions after audits

CISA professionals typically monitor, upgrade, maintain, and resolve issues within a business’s IT security framework.

CISA responsibilities 

Certified information systems auditors have varied responsibilities based on their specific employer, though some typical tasks include:

• Audit a business’s IT systems for vulnerabilities

• Report audit results and recommend solutions

• Implement and monitor any system upgrades

• Use risk mitigation measures to meet a business’s IT needs

• Reassess audits to ensure proper standards are being upheld

Why become a certified information systems auditor? 

Certifications are a great way to boost your resume and set yourself apart from other IT auditors. They show that you have the experience and educational background needed to reliably meet the expectations of your role. This often translates career advancement into more senior titles or higher pay.

Requirements to become a CISA

To become a CISA, you must have five years of experience in auditing, securing, and controlling information systems. However, ISACA doesn’t require you to gain five years of experience before taking the exam, so you have the choice to pass the exam and then gain experience if you prefer. After passing the exam, you’ll have a five-year window to apply for certification without having to retake the exam. If you’re using prior experience to meet the requirements, it must be within 10 years of taking the exam.

While the CISA requirements don’t include a bachelor’s degree, it can be an effective way to gain the education and experience required since the credit hours can be used to replace a year or two of work experience.

Should you earn a master’s degree?

As previously mentioned, having a degree to become a CISA isn’t necessary. Still, many businesses look for advanced education as a sign of a potential employee’s expertise and value. Getting a master’s degree in IT or a related field can give you a more robust background and help further hone your skill set. 

Earn CISA certification

Once you’ve studied for the CISA exam and feel confident, it’s time to schedule your exam. ISACA provides two options for taking the exam: Remotely with a proctor or at an in-person testing location.

Pass CISA exam.

The CISA exam is four hours long and covers five domains, which are: 

1. Information systems auditing process

2. Governance and management of information technology 

3. Information systems acquisition, development, and implementation

4. Information systems operations and business resilience

5. Protection of information assets

ISACA's website has the most up-to-date study materials and test prep concerning the domains and other important information. If you don’t pass the first time, you can retake the test up to three times within a year of the first exam date.

Apply for CISA certification.

Once you’ve passed the test and met the necessary experience requirements, you have the ability to apply for CISA certification online through ISACA’s website. The application also asks you to commit to the organization’s code of ethics and continuing education standards.

Maintain certification.

To maintain CISA certification, there are a few requirements such as the following. 

• Commit to gaining a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every year and 120 hours over three years

• Pay a yearly maintenance fee of $45 for ISACA members or $85 for non-members [6]

• Renew every three years 

You may be subject to a CPE audit and must comply with the organization's code of ethics.

What are some jobs I can get with a CISA certification?

As a certified information systems auditor, you have the ability to work within a wide range of IT roles.

IT consultant

Average annual base salary (US): $93,104 [1]

An IT consultant advises businesses on what types of technology to use when working on projects. They stay updated on the newest technology and advise clients about which technology best meets their needs and goals. 

Information security analyst

Average annual base salary (US): $113,266 [2]

Information security analysts design, implement, and monitor complex security measures to protect a business’s data and systems. They’re responsible for creating disaster recovery plans to help preserve important information during a security breach. 

Read more: How to Become an Information Security Analyst: Salary, Skills, and More

Privacy officer

Average annual base salary (US): $111,145 [3]

Privacy officers, also known as compliance officers, are responsible for creating a company’s privacy policies and training employees on them. These professionals also need to ensure the organization is in compliance with local regulations, laws, and data privacy. 

IT security officer

Average annual base salary (US): $106,155 [4]

IT security officers are responsible for designing and implementing policies that help to protect a business’s data and IT networks from any security breaches. They identify security issues and recommend plans to address those problems before any data is lost. 

Read more: 7 IT Career Paths and How to Get Started

Average annual earnings for a CISA

How much does certification impact your potential salary? According to Payscale, information systems auditors make an average of $90,549 [7]. However, the salary for a CISA averages $118,000 yearly, which is a significant increase [5]. If you’re looking to increase your earning potential, earning a CISA could be an excellent option.

Is CISA certification worth it?

Industry professionals generally consider becoming a CISA a worthwhile investment. Many CISA professionals experience a pay increase after earning the credential. The certification can also distinguish you from other auditors and potentially increase your opportunities. Additionally, the ongoing education requirements ensure you’re updated on the latest technology trends, keeping you competitive in an ever-evolving field.

Next steps

Sharpen your information systems auditor skills and gain insight into this field with courses on Coursera. You’ll find options like the University of Colorado’s Planning, Auditing, and Maintaining Enterprise Systems course, which provides foundational knowledge and skills to help prep for your CISA exam. Topics that are covered include auditing enterprise-level systems and organizational policies. This course is part of the Computer Security and Systems Management Specialization.