Are you aspire to become an Information system auditor? If it is so, then Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification will be definitely for you.
Taking the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification exam helps to develop the skills and knowledge on auditing, controlling, monitoring and assessing an organization’s IT and business systems.
This blog will run you through all the information you need to know about the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification exam: what the certification is all about, learning outcomes, why it is essential for your career, domains, resources, and more.
So let’s dive in.
All about Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification suits for mid level security professionals and helps to assess the competencies of individuals in the areas of IT Security, IT Audit, IT Risk Management, and Governance and assures that they can assess the IT controls, and have a strong foundation on the auditing skills.
The roles and responsibilities of Certified Information Systems Auditor are:
- Putting into practice an audit plan to look at potential risk areas, as well as carrying out and managing that audit.
- To better comprehend a company’s possible weaknesses and strengths, examine its goals, systems, and risks.
- Communicates the audit findings and frequently suggests action items to management.
- Create and keep current IT policies, standards, or processes.
What are the skills measured in the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam?
The CISA certification helps you to enrich technical skills, which includes audit planning and management, IT operations and infrastructure, compliance and regulations, data analytics, and communication and collaboration.
Here, we can go through the skills that can be obtained by just taking the CISA certification. And they are:
- Information systems auditing: Candidates can be able to perform the comprehensive audit of an IT system that exists in an organization. And you can know how to identify the risks and vulnerabilities in IT systems and controls, find out the adequacy of controls, and assess the effectiveness of existing controls.
- IT governance: The CISA certification helps to gain skills to assess the organization’s IT governance structure. You will learn how to assess the effectiveness of IT policies, procedures, and standards, and how to align compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Risk management: The CISA certification equips you with the abilities to recognise, assess, and manage IT-related risks. It is a crucial part of IT auditing. You’ll discover how to create successful risk management plans and put them into action.
- Information security: Confidentiality, integrity, and availability are just a few of the information security-related topics covered by the CISA certification. You’ll discover how to evaluate the efficiency of a company’s information security procedures and make suggestions for enhancements.
- Business continuity and disaster recovery: You can assess an organization’s business continuity as well as disaster recovery plans with the help of the CISA certification. You will learn how to evaluate the suitability of these plans and how to offer suggestions for their improvement.
- Audit planning and management: You can learn how to organise and oversee an audit from beginning to end by earning the CISA certification. You will discover how to create an audit plan, specify the goals, parameters, and standards of the audit, and allocate resources effectively. Additionally, you will discover effective ways to oversee the audit team, interact with stakeholders, and present audit findings.
- IT operations and infrastructure: The CISA certification covers several facets of IT infrastructure and operations, including system and network architecture, database administration, and software development. You’ll discover how to assess the suitability of these parts, spot weaknesses, and offer suggestions for improvement.
Who should attempt the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam?
Anyone who oversees, checks on, or assesses a company’s information technology and business systems must hold a CISA Certification. Depending on their own personal or professional goals, people could want to get their CISA certification.
Here’s an indicative list of people who wants to take the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam:
- IS or IT auditors or ITconsultants
- IT Compliance Managers
- Chief Compliance Officers
- Chief Risk and Privacy Officers
- Security heads or directors
- Security managers or architects
What are the prerequisites for taking the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam?
The candidate who wish to appear for Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam must have the following requirements:
- Candidate must have at least five years of working experience in the security areas such as information systems auditing and control
- Must have work experience of not less than 4000 hours and should be working in Information security or in any security department of IT firms
- If the candidate doesn’t have the above experience,then they must have worked for about one year in the areas like auditing, security, or control and an experience in IS for same duration
Why to take the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam?
Nowadays, businesses are highly dependent on technology for varied purposes. This complete reliance on the technology leads to increased demand for the various information system auditors. It stands to reason that the information system auditor plays a major role in maintenance of security and integrity of the digital information systems.
They can show off their expertise and proficiency level in this field by just taking the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification. Let’s have a look at what are the benefits of taking this certification in detail:
- Enhanced Professional Credibility: Becoming a CISA can improvise professional credibility in the information systems auditing field. Taking this certification can help to showcase your knowledge and skills to the clients and employers. Moreover, it enhances your confidence in your abilities and expertise.
- Increased Earning Potential: By having Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, one can get high earnings. As per the statistics reported by Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), CISA-certified candidates can be able to get an average pay of 40% higher than non-certified individuals. This increased potential can be a significant benefit for those who are looking to advance their careers in the field of information systems audit.
- Career Advancement: Additionally, obtaining a CISA could accelerate your professional growth and lead to new job prospects. When recruiting for information systems audit roles, many firms prefer or require applicants with CISA certification.
Additionally, the certification process can equip you with the information and abilities needed to take on more difficult and complex tasks, which will promote your career progress.
What will you learn from the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam?
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam helps you to learn on the following things:
- Information Systems Auditing Process
- Governance and Management of Information Technology
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
- Protection of Information Assets
Exam domains for Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam syllabus gets partition into five domains and they are:
| Domains | Weightage |
| Information system auditing process | 21% |
| IT Governance and management | 17% |
| Information Systems Acquisition, development and implementation | 12% |
| Information system operations & business intelligence | 23% |
| Protection of information assets | 27% |
Domain 1:Information system auditing process(21%)
Planning
- Information security Auditing Standards, Codes of Ethics and security guidelines
- Business Processes
- Types of Controls
- Risk-Based Audit Planning
- Types of Audits and Assessments
Execution
- Audit Project Management
- Sampling Methodology
- Auditing Evidence Collection Techniques
- Data Analytics
- Reporting and Communication Techniques
- Quality Assurance
- Improvement of the Audit Process
Domain 2: IT Governance and management (17%)
IT Governance
- IT Strategy and IT Governance
- Frameworks Related to IT
- IT policies, standards, and practices
- Organizational Design
- Business Architecture
- Organizational Risk Management
- Development Models
- Regulations, laws, and industry norms that have an impact on the organization
IT management
- IT Resource Management
- IT Service Provider Acquisition and Management
- IT Performance Monitoring and Reporting
- Quality Assurance and Quality Management of IT
Domain 3: Information Systems Acquisition, development and deployment(12%)
Information Systems Acquisition, development
- Project Governance and Management
- Business Case and Feasibility Analysis
- System Development Methodologies
- Control Identification and Design
Information system implementation
- Testing Methodologies
- Configuration and Release Management
- Migration of System, Infrastructure Deployment and Data Conversion
- Post-implementation Review
Domain 4: Information system operations & business intelligence(23%)
Information system operations
- Common Technology Components
- IT Asset Management
- Job Scheduling
- Production Process Automation
- System Interfaces
- End-User Computing
- Data Governance
- Systems Performance Management
- Problem and Incident Management
- Modify, Configuration, Release, and Patch Management
- IT Service Level Management
- Database Management
Domain 5: Protection of information assets(27%)
- Information asset security and control
- Security event management
Study materials to refer for Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam
Here are some materials to ace the challenges in Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam:
- Official CISA study guide
If you are a beginner, then referring to the CISA exam study will be perfectly suited for you. You can get the most recent details about auditing procedures, probable difficulties, and the rules established by the authorities. The finest book for this certification exam preparation is the CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor Study Guide, which is more than enough.
- Flashcards
With the aid of the flashcards, they may swiftly review what they’ve learnt and apply it to their practice. It addresses complex ideas like project procurement management, ISO, compliance audit, programme assessment review and so on.
- CISA Review Manual
Both novices and experts should strongly consider using it. You receive graphs, figures, and charts to help you fully comprehend the concepts.
Preparation tips for Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification exam
- Make an exam plan
People who wish to take the CISA certification exam must make plans in advance because it requires adequate study time in order to comprehend the CISA topics and pass the exam on the first try. It is typically advised that people begin studying three to four months prior to their exam.
For instance, you should start preparing in August or September if you intend to take the exam in December. Candidates for the CISA must create a schedule and set aside some time for preparation. To cover all the CISA topics, they must adhere to their schedule.
- Refer ISACA Review Manual
It is advised that those who intend to take the ISACA CISA Certification exam must consult the ISACA Review Manual for the year if they plan to take the exam. Participants are advised to use other books in order to fully grasp the concepts of CISA. But the ISACA Review Manual is given top priority.
- Enrol in Review Courses
It is advised that CISA members take the review classes led by the volunteers. Exam takers will benefit from this as they will learn more about the subject thoroughly, which will help them pass the CISA exam. They will learn various tactics and advice that will aid them during their exam preparation by undergoing ISACA CISA training courses.
- Take practice exams
People must make an effort to understand the question and be able to defend their choice of response. By evaluating CISA Questions in this way, they will be able to understand the purpose of each question and the relevance of each answer.
In other words, it is not advisable to just memorize the questions and answers because it’s possible for the same question to be asked in a variety of ways.
Therefore, it is advised that the person comprehend the question’s concept rather than memorizing the response. Regularly completing CISA practice exams will expose you to the numerous subject areas tested on the exam.
FAQs
Is the CISA exam hard to pass?
The CISA exam is somewhat difficult because it has been found that only 50% of test takers clear the exam. It is harder for the first time test takers.
Does CISA expire?
CISA renewal period takes three years.This entails reporting on CPE earnings annually as well as paying the maintenance charge three times (one per year).
Is it worth getting a CISA certificate?
Both the CRISC and CISA certifications open up a variety of high-paying work prospects for graduates. Risk strategist, security analyst, audit risk supervisor, and other ideal work opportunities are available. Consequently, the greatest certification programmes for outstanding employment opportunities are CRISC and CISA.
What is the full form of CISA?
CISA, short for Certified Information Systems Auditor, is an internationally recognized certification that validates the expertise of professionals in areas such as audit, security, information systems, IT risk management, and IT security management. The CISA exam is overseen by a global governing body known as ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), which is commonly referred to by its acronym. Successful completion of the CISA certification exam certifies individuals as seasoned IS audit professionals.
What is CISA eligibility?
The requirements to qualify for the CISA Course include having a degree of 2-4 years, which can be used instead of the experience prerequisite. However, this degree must have been obtained within the last 10 years. If you have an associate’s degree, it can replace one year of experience, and a bachelor’s degree can replace two years of experience.
What does a CISA do?
CISA collaborates with both the government and industry sectors in order to detect, assess, give priority to, and effectively handle the most crucial strategic risks associated with the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Is CISA equivalent to CA?
CISA is a prestigious Information System audit course offered by ISACA, a renowned organization headquartered in the United States. It serves as an excellent choice for Chartered Accountants (CAs) who are uncertain about their career path after completing their CA qualification. This course is specifically designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a highly proficient and risk-focused information system auditor.
Is CISA in demand?
CISA certification is in high demand among organizations involved in auditing, controlling, monitoring, and evaluating information technology and business systems. This encompasses various sectors, including private enterprises, banks, and government agencies, all of which seek to employ professionals holding a CISA qualification.
Is CISA a good career?
Obtaining the CISA certification can significantly boost your professional reputation and increase your attractiveness to potential employers. CISA-qualified individuals are highly sought after by companies, making them a valuable asset for career advancement. Typically, professionals with CISA certification can earn an attractive salary ranging between $90,000 and $100,000 annually.
Summary
Hope this article covers all the necessary information relevant to the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification exam. By following the exam tips, you can pass the exam with flying colors.
To prepare well for the exam, you must depend highly on reliable study resources. Whizlabs comes up with the updated and unique study materials like hands-on labs, sandboxes, video courses to dive depth into the concepts.
If you have queries on this blog, please feel free to comment us!
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