The CISA (Certified Information Security Auditor) Exam and Certification

Overview

In a constantly changing cybersecurity environment, security professionals must keep fit with relevant competencies and qualifications. CISA certification means the globally recognized standard of competence in the field of information security auditing and control. This highly demanding course updates your knowledge and equips you with hands-on skills for managing a successful IT security audit and risk management process as well as ensuring compliance.

Importance of CISA Certification in Cybersecurity Industry

The CISA certification has served huge benefits for both individuals and organizations. For practitioners, it opens up career advancement opportunities with highly lucrative offers, thereby increasing your credibility as a trusted authority in cybersecurity. Organizations benefit from employees who have strong auditing skills, thus creating an improved security posture to reduce cyberattack risks and easily comply with regulations.

CISA Exam Outline

Domains Covered in the Exam:

The CISA examination tests your knowledge in the following five critical domains:

• Information Systems Auditing Process: Understand methodologies and standards involved in conducting effective IT audits.
• Governance & Management of IT: Acquire knowledge in IT governance frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation: Familiarize yourself with secure life cycle management of information systems.
• Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience: Understand concepts with regard to IT operations, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
• Protection of Information Assets: Data security, access controls, and best practices in risk management are discussed in detail.

Format and Length of the Exam

The CISA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in four hours. The candidates will be expected to apply their problem-solving skills and abilities to analyze the theoretical knowledge with a practical approach.

Passing Criteria

A candidate needs to get at least 450 marks to pass the CISA examination. From 200 to 800 points, the passing score on this examination represents the minimum consistent standard of knowledge that reflects ISACA certification working groups. Candidates have four hours to complete this exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. After that, the candidates should also commit themselves to the Code of Professional Ethics and follow ISACA’s guidelines for auditing information technology, acquiring at least 20 CPE hours annually, or in total, 120 CPE hours within three years.

CISA Preparation

Passing the CISA examination requires determination and effective preparation. To begin with, here are a few helpful materials to launch your preparations for the examination.

• Study Materials: The study materials or resources include official study guides provided by ISACA-the examination provider-practice questions, and on-line courses. Third-party study materials abound-books, tutorials, video lectures, and so on.

• Training Options: Participating in the CISA boot camp or training program may be a good avenue to acquire structured learning and methods of effective examination preparation.

• How to Prepare for the Exams: Emphasize the creation of a studying schedule, mock test construction, and online community discussion forums.
• Popular Study books:
  • CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor All-in-One Exam Guide by Peter H. Gregory
  • CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor Study Guide by David L. Cannon (Author), Brian T. O’Hara Allen Keele

Benefits of the CISA Certification:

As discussed above, earning a CISA certification yields various advantages, such as:

• Career Advancement Opportunities: Have an upper hand in career advancement by becoming qualified for a senior-level position in IT audit, security, and governance.
• Salary Increase Potential: On average, CISA salary increases range between 10-15% compared to others who have not undergone certification.
• Professional Recognition and Credibility: Acquire recognition within the profession as a competent and qualified IT security professional.
• Community Support and Networking: Networking with other professionals in the world who have acquired this certification facilitates mutual learning in career development.

Frequently Asked Questions on CISA Exam

Following are answers to some of the frequently asked questions related to the CISA exam:

How to register for the CISA exam, and where can aspirants find official resources and support?

Candidates can create a profile and register for an examination through the website at any time by following the instructions in the Candidate Guide. Authorized information and resources include the ISACA website, www.isaca.org: CISA Exam Content Outline, Prepare for the CISA Exam page, CISA Exam Information page, and ISACA Support page.

What is the minimum amount of work experience to take this certification?

Candidates shall have at least five years of experience in IS/IT audit, control, assurance, or security. Waivers for experience are available up to a total of three years.

Is their official training provided by ISACA to prepare for the exam?

ISACA offers group training, self-paced training, or purchase of study materials in several languages to study for an exam. Candidates have access to the online ISACA Exam Candidate Information System, which includes online tools and resources that enable candidates to better plan for and prepare for an exam.

What to do after the candidate has qualified the exam, and how to maintain the credentials?

Passing the examination means that candidates have to apply for certification within five years from the date of passing the examination. Candidates shall pay the application processing fee of US$ 50, submit the application for certification, agree to the Code of Professional Ethics, and comply with the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Policy. To maintain the CISA designation, candidates must attain and report at least 20 CPE hours annually and at least 120 CPE hours over a three-year reporting period.

How much does it cost to register for the CISA examination?

The exam registration fee is based on membership status at the time of exam registration. Exam fees are as follows:

• ISACA Member: US $575
• ISACA Nonmember: US $760

What is the policy pertaining to the refund of my CISA exam registration fee?

The policy for CISA exam registration fee refunds is as follows:

• Refunds of the examination fee or registration are possible only within 30 days from the date of purchase of the examination.
• Written notification of the refund must be received by ISACA at least 30 days from the date of the exam purchase.
• No refund shall be given when the customer has taken the said exam.
• The examination fee paid is neither transferable nor refundable.

Note: By signing up for the exam, you’ll begin your 12-month exam eligibility period (365 days). You will not be refunded if you do not schedule and take your exam within the eligibility timeframe.