The CISA certification is internationally-recognized as the standard of achievement for those who audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems. This popular certification includes the Five Domains of Information Security Auditing, hence allowing professionals to boost their skills in Information Technology and Security. ISACA administers the CISA certification.
Who Should Take ISACA CISA Certification?
The Certified Information Systems Auditor Certification is ideal for IT professionals who are already working or aspire to establish a career as a senior or professional in:
- System Analysts
- Project Manager
- Security Managers
- Compliance Managers
- Consultants
- Cloud Security
- Internal Auditing Manager
- Information Security Officer
- Technical Consultant
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- IT Audit Manager
- Internal Auditor
- IT managers
CISA Certification Exam Details
The CISA exam time duration is four hours and comprises 150 multiple-choice questions. Applicants must score 450 out of 800.
The CISA exam measures applicants’ knowledge in five domains:
- Information System Auditing Process (21%)
- Governance and Management of IT (17%)
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation (12%)
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (23%)
- Protection of Information Assets (27%)
Prerequisites
At least five years of professional information systems auditing, control, or security work experience is needed for certification as described in the CISA job practice areas. The work experience for CISA certification must be obtained within ten years prior to the application date for certification. Applicants have 5-years from the passing date to apply for accreditation.
How to Ace the CISA Certification Exam?
When studying for an exam, it is vital to consider planning and proper preparation. Here are a few tips which prove useful and ought to be followed by the applicant:
1. ISACA CRM
ISACA offers a free CISA Review Manual (CRM) that gives excellent insight and useful guidance about the Certified Information Systems Auditor exam. This guides all the important details and roles and responsibilities of the information systems auditing. You can also confer with your CISA course training instructor to deliver you one.
2. Think, Study and Execute like an Accountant
The exam measures an applicants’ skills corresponding to auditing proficiency, concentrating on real-world applications. Thus, the applicant requires to think like an IT auditor or an accountant while studying, enhancing the decision-making skills.
3. Use CISA Practice Exam
Practice is key to passing any exam. And with CISA, you come across a broad range of free resources available from the ISACA. You should attempt the CISA practice exam from a reliable platform. Performing the CISA practice exam will enhance your time management skills and boosts your confidence.
4. Stay Updated with Latest Industry Trends
Cyber Security is a rapidly-evolving field, and so, the exam takers must keep up with the latest trends. Make sure to check out news, articles, blogs about CISA exam. Furthermore, it is good to join a relevant community what it takes to make a mark in the field, what you can expect from the industry, and the fundamental challenges, as they are seasoned professionals.
5. Acquire Practical Experience
With hands-on lab exercises, you are guaranteed to acquire much of the essential skills and proficiency to improve your exam preparation and perceive the concepts and real-life implementation.
6. Don’t rush
Whatever level you are at with your preparation, keep in mind that ISACA certification requires ample time. It could be seven to eight months to prepare for the exam, so don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to schedule your exam ASAP.
7. Be Confident
Confidence is as vital as acquiring knowledge. So, prepare well in advance, split your study time in an organized manner, and adapt to the learning essentials. This will help you acquire mastery in the concepts and boost your confidence. Cover all your fundamentals, consult the instructor and another trainee applicant at regular intervals.
Why Get CISA Certification?
- CISA Certification provides you an advantage over the market and measures your skills to future organizations if you are applying for a job.
- CISA certification is acknowledged as a symbol of excellence for the IS audit professional.
- Once you have achieved the CISA Certification, you will prove a level of knowledge vital to fulfilling the dynamic challenges of a contemporary enterprise.
- Assured career growth and hike in salary.
Conclusion
CISA exam is one of the most difficult exams, and if an applicant wants to pass this exam, they must be sincere about this exam and prepare properly. If they follow all these tips and guidelines, then they can easily pass this exam on the first try, but they have to work hard for it.
