What is a CISA? – Master of Accounting Degrees

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a certification that is used by IT professionals worldwide. This certification is issued by ISACA, an independent nonprofit organization that advocates for globally accepted IT system knowledge and practices. CISA is one of the most respected certifications an IT professional could ever have.

CISA is issued to individuals who monitor, manage and protect an organization’s IT and business systems. It is used globally to appraise an IT auditor’s skills, knowledge and expertise in identifying the security holes in an organization’s computer network and communication infrastructure. Those who qualify for this certification must also show that they are capable of ensuring that the IT system used by an organization operates as intended and that it is in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. CISA is not designed for IT auditors only. Consultants, audit managers and security professionals can use it as well.

How to Become CISA Certified

Those who want to become CISA certified must present their application documents to ISACA. The application process is preceded by a CISA examination. The ISACA examination is open to everyone who is interested in IT systems audit, control and security. Those who pass will then receive all the information required to apply for the certificate via email.

A CISA examination requires some preparation. Applicants should study at least two to three hours a day for two months. Most questions are based on real world scenarios on IT auditing areas. This includes information risk management, security, compliance, controls, governance, implementation and operations. CISA exams are conducted in June, September and December. They usually take four hours and consists of 200 multiple choice questions. One will have to score at least 450 marks out of the possible 800 to be considered for certification. It is imperative to start preparing at least for months before the exams to avoid failing.

Those who pass will be required to submit their applications for CISA certification locally or online. Applicants should have a minimum of five years of experience in IT audit, control and security before being considered. Individuals who have at least one year of IT experience or a bachelor’s degree from a university that implements the ISACA-based model curricula can have their experience limit reduced to three years.

Applicants must agree to the code of professional ethics before they get a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certificate. They should also adhere to the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program. The CPE program ensures that a CISA holder remains competent through constant learning in areas of IT auditing, control and security. A minimum of 20 contact hours of CPE is required after certification.

Importance of CISA

Companies prefer information system audit experts who have the knowledge and skills to help them identify potential risks and initiate practices that support trust and add value. They go for CISA certified experts because they are highly qualified and experienced. They demonstrate competence in all IT domains and are excellent indicators of proficiency in technology controls.

Becoming CISA certified provides you with a wide range of opportunities to make more money. You stand out as an individual who is best-placed to deal with issues affecting information security, controls and compliance. The tips discussed above will give you insights on what you are supposed to do to become a Certified Information Systems Auditor.