What Is CISA Certification?

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a globally recognized certification for professionals in information systems auditing, security, and control. Administered by ISACA, this certification validates expertise in assessing and managing IT systems, standards, and procedures. CISA certification is a gold standard in the IT audit field, making it a valuable asset for individuals seeking career advancement in information systems.

Overview of CISA certification

Pursuing CISA certification can help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to audit, control, and secure IT systems effectively. The certification focuses on critical areas such as IT governance, risk management, and information security. Earning CISA certification shows that the certified professional can address real-world challenges in the field of information systems.

Beyond this, roles in information systems auditing often require the credential. Organizations view CISA-certified individuals as trusted advisors who can help identify risks, implement controls, and ensure regulatory compliance. This certification is particularly relevant for professionals looking for work in industries such as finance, health care, government, and other similar sectors where safeguarding information systems is a top priority.

Benefits of obtaining CISA certification

Earning CISA certification has numerous advantages for aspiring professionals, including:

• Career advancement: Employers often seek CISA-certified professionals for key roles in IT auditing and risk management.

• Enhanced credibility: The certification vouches for your expertise, making you stand out in a crowded and competitive job market.

• Improved earning potential: CISA-certified professionals often earn higher salaries to match their specialized skills.

• Industry recognition: Holding CISA certification positions you as an expert in IT governance, compliance, and risk management, which could boost your reputation in the information systems field.

CISA certification requirements

Meeting the rigorous standards of the certification means you can become a trusted advisor in ensuring IT systems operate securely and effectively. That said, you must meet ISACA’s work experience, exam requirements, and continuing education benchmarks before you can become certified.

Work experience

CISA candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. However, ISACA offers flexibility if you have a relevant educational background or additional certification. If your degree or other professional credentials qualify, ISACA lets you waive up to three years of the required five.

Exam requirements

To achieve CISA certification, you have to pass the CISA exam. This will test your information systems knowledge across five critical domains: 

1. Information systems auditing process

2. Governance and management of IT

3. Information systems acquisition, development, and implementation

4. Information systems operations and business resilience

5. Protection of information assets

The exam assesses your ability to audit IT systems, manage risks, and implement controls correctly, making it a comprehensive evaluation of your skills.

Continuing education

To maintain your CISA certification, you'll need to earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits. These credits ensure that you stay updated with evolving industry practices, technologies, and regulations. ISACA mandates annual CPE requirements for you to keep your certification because it shows you continue to learn and develop your skills.

Domains covered in the CISA exam

The CISA exam evaluates expertise in five key domains. These domains represent the foundational knowledge areas for information systems auditing, control, and security. Mastering these topics helps ensure you are well-prepared to address all the diverse challenges awaiting you in the professional world. They include:

1. The process of auditing information systems

This part of the exam focuses on the principles and practices of IT auditing, including audit planning, execution, and reporting. You’ll evaluate systems' efficiency and ensure compliance with established standards.

2. Governance and management of IT

This section covers the frameworks and best practices that ensure effective IT governance. You’ll assess how organizations align IT with business objectives, manage resources, and mitigate risks.

3. Information systems acquisition, development, and implementation

The exam’s third domain emphasizes project management and control during the development and deployment of IT systems. You’ll evaluate whether systems meet organizational requirements and ensure proper implementation practices.

4. Information systems operations and business resilience

Here, the assessment tests your knowledge of maintaining system operations and ensuring business continuity. This includes managing IT processes, disaster recovery plans, and operational efficiency.

5. Protection of information assets

This final domain covers the security measures to protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It highlights strategies to implement robust security controls and manage access to sensitive information.

How to prepare for CISA certification

Preparing for the CISA exam requires a structured approach that includes familiarizing yourself with the exam content, using study resources, and enrolling in training programs. The following steps help prepare you to take the exam and earn your CISA certification:

1. Review the exam online.

Understanding the CISA exam structure is key to preparing effectively. Get familiar with the five domains on the exam, the topics they cover, and the areas that might require extra studying.

2. Enroll in CISA training programs.

Participating in official ISACA training courses or third-party boot camps can provide the structured guidance you need to succeed. These programs give you expert-led instruction and valuable insights into the exam from professionals who’ve taken it before.

3. Create a study plan.

A well-organized study schedule helps you stay on track while you prepare. With this, you can be certain you’re giving enough time for each domain and incorporating enough review sessions in the run-up to your exam.

4. Utilize study resources.

ISACA offers plenty of official study guides, practice exams, and other online resources for the CISA exam. These materials cover all five domains.

5. Register for the exam.

Once you’re feeling good about the CISA exam, it’s time to schedule your test date through ISACA website. This should only occur once you’re familiar with the exam requirements and are familiar with all five domains.

What to expect on the CISA exam

The CISA exam is a rigorous test designed to evaluate your expertise across the five CISA domains. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, covering topics from IT governance to security management. You’ll have four hours to complete the exam, which means passing will require a combination of technical knowledge and effective time management.

Each question will challenge your understanding of real-world information systems scenarios, ensuring you’re equipped to handle the complexities of IT auditing. The extensiveness of the exam is what makes it highly respected: A pass means you’re proficient in the field.

Career opportunities with CISA certification

CISA certification opens doors to numerous roles in the IT auditing and security landscape, including:

• Information systems auditor: Conduct audits to ensure the effectiveness of IT systems.

• IT risk manager: Assess and mitigate IT-related risks within organizations.

• Compliance analyst: Ensure organizations meet regulatory requirements.

• Cybersecurity consultant: Advise businesses on protecting data and infrastructure.

Getting started with CISA certification on Coursera

CISA certification is one way to advance your IT auditing, governance, and project risk management career, showing potential employers you have expertise in assessing and managing IT systems, standards, and procedures in fields like finance, health care, government, and beyond. 

To gain more knowledge and improve your skills in information systems ahead of the CISA exam, IBM’s Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization on Coursera can help you lay the groundwork.