πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’» CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor (ISACA)

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Advanced

  • Type: Managerial / Audit-Focused (Non-Technical)

πŸ“œ 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    The ability to assess vulnerabilities, report on compliance, and institute controls within an enterprise. It certifies professionals in IT audit, control, and assurance.

  • Target roles or professional profiles:

    • IT Auditors

    • Compliance Managers

    • Risk Managers

    • Security Consultants

    • Governance Officers

  • Practical application in cybersecurity fields:
    Governance, risk assessment, audit processes, compliance frameworks (e.g., SOX, GDPR), control implementation, and IT security evaluation.

πŸŽ“ 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    None required, but CRISC or CGEIT may complement career progression.

  • Suggested professional experience:
    At least 5 years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control or security (waivers for up to 3 years are possible with education or other certifications).

  • Required technical knowledge:

    • Basic understanding of IT infrastructure

    • Risk management principles

    • Governance and compliance frameworks (e.g., COBIT, NIST)

πŸ“š 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains or modules:

    1. Information System 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

  • Included technologies and tools:
    While not tool-specific, it covers risk and compliance systems, audit software, business continuity platforms, and GRC tools.

  • Mapping to frameworks:

    • COBIT (ISACA’s own framework)

    • NIST SP 800-53

    • ISO/IEC 27001

    • COSO

    • ITIL (indirectly)

πŸ§ͺ 6. Learning Approach

  • Theoretical, practical, or mixed:
    Primarily theoretical, with case-study-based applications.

  • Virtual labs or simulation environments included:
    Not typically included unless using third-party providers.

  • Official learning materials:

    • CISA Review Manual (ISACA)

    • CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations

    • CISA Online Course or Exam Prep

  • Recommended platforms for preparation:

    • ISACA Learning Hub

    • Udemy, Skillsoft, Infosec Institute

    • Exam prep bootcamps and corporate training

πŸ“ 7. Exam Format and Details

  • Mode: Online (remote proctored) or in-person at PSI centers

  • Exam duration: 4 hours

  • Number and type of questions: 150 multiple-choice questions

  • Available languages: English, Chinese (Simplified), Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Turkish

  • Retake policy and certification validity: Retake after 30 days (limit of 4 attempts per year); certification valid for 3 years with maintenance.

πŸ’° 8. Estimated Cost

  • Exam fee:

    • ISACA Members: ~$575

    • Non-members: ~$760

  • Official course/training cost:

    • Optional ISACA course: ~$795

    • Self-study materials: ~$100–200

  • Renewal and maintenance costs:

    • Annual maintenance fee: $45 (members) / $85 (non-members)

    • 20 CPEs per year; 120 over 3 years

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Popularity and demand:
    Very high; globally recognized standard in auditing and compliance.

  • Companies that require or value it:
    Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, Accenture, IBM, banks, governments, and Fortune 500 companies.

  • Comparison with similar certifications:
    Comparable to CRISC (Risk-focused) and CIA (Internal Audit); broader than ISO 27001 certifications for auditors.

πŸ’Ό 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles associated:

    • IT Auditor

    • Security Auditor

    • Compliance Officer

    • Risk Analyst

    • GRC Consultant

    • Internal Auditor

  • Suggested certification paths or advanced follow-ups:

    • CISA β†’ CRISC / CGEIT / CISM

    • CISA β†’ ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor

    • CISA β†’ CISSP (for a more technical pivot)

πŸ’΅ 11. Average Salary

  • Salary ranges (approx.):

    • USA: $100,000–$130,000

    • Europe: €70,000–€100,000

    • LATAM: $25,000–$50,000

  • Estimated salary increase:
    Up to 20–30% increase post-certification depending on region and experience level.

πŸ“… 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity period: 3 years

  • Renewal requirements:

    • 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours over 3 years

    • Annual maintenance fee

    • Adherence to ISACA’s Code of Ethics

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Who is this certification ideal for?
    Professionals in audit, risk, compliance, and governance; anyone aspiring to a leadership role in information security assurance.

  • When should it be pursued in a professional roadmap?
    After 3–5 years of relevant IT or audit experience; excellent as a foundational managerial cert in GRC.

  • Personal preparation tips and advice:

    • Dedicate time to reading the official review manual

    • Take practice exams regularly

    • Focus on understanding audit process frameworks and domain interrelations

    • Join ISACA’s local chapter or study groups for peer support