Gaining the Edge: Becoming a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Unlocking Professional Job Opportunities
Average Salary of experienced CISA Professionals
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On-the-Job Performance Improvement
CISA Certification Holders
Motivated to Succeed
I am determined to become a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) by the summer of 2023. Investing in the CISA certification is a great way to open doors and gain job opportunities. I’ll share my knowledge and experience with you and provide insights on the benefits. I’ll also discuss the requirements, cost, and tips for preparing for the exam. I encourage everyone to take this journey — plenty of resources are available to support you!
My Commitment
With a keen focus on the future, I am determined to become a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) by the summer of 2023. I created a 90-day study plan that I’ll be using to prepare. Come follow along!
As I progress in my studies, I will write blog posts with updates on my progress and share valuable wisdom from my direct experience. Through these posts, I hope to document my personal growth and provide helpful information and inspiration for others who may be on a similar path.
Introduction
I spoke with several existing CISA professionals and combed through the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) website. This blog post summarizes what I’ve learned, which should save you some time when you plan your approach.
Becoming a CISA can lead to many professional benefits, skills, and job opportunities. As such, obtaining the CISA certification is an essential milestone for IT professionals who aspire to advance their careers.
What you will find helpful
In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about becoming a CISA: what it takes to become certified, the cost of certification, and the benefits and job opportunities available after you are licensed.
I’ll also provide tips on how to best prepare for your exam so you can gain an edge over other candidates in today’s competitive job market. So let’s get started!
Overview of Becoming a CISA
ISACA manages the CISA certification. Candidates can find exam registration details here.
Eligibility
OK, it’s not ALL sunshine and rainbows. To be eligible, you’ll need at least five years of experience in the field and a pretty penny to fork over the exam fee (over $575 for members and $760 for non-members).
Work experience must be within the prior ten years of a candidate’s application submission or five years of a passed CISA certification exam. The candidate must also show adherence to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics and Information Systems Auditing Standards. Once these criteria are met, the candidate can successfully apply for certification.
And that’s just the beginning. You’ll also have to pass an extensive background check and commit to ongoing continuing education. No pain, no gain, right?
Exam Prep
In addition to the CISA certification cost associated with becoming CISA certified, numerous time commitments are involved in studying for the exam and completing the application process.
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering:
- information systems auditing theory and practice
- governance and management of IT
- information systems, acquisition, development, and implementation
- information systems operations and business resilience
- protection of information assets
Potential applicants need to understand that preparing for this exam requires time and energy to succeed. Say goodbye to your social life or your Netflix account for a while. Kidding, of course.
Developing a comprehensive study plan tailored to your individual needs is critical. And no, just winging it the night before the exam won’t suffice. You might set aside specific times each day to study or break up big topics into smaller chunks to make them easier to understand.
But don’t worry. You’re not alone in this journey!
ISACA has your back with many resources designed to help you ace that exam. Online courses, training webinars, practice exams, and study guides are just the tip of the iceberg. Get those study vibes going!
“Humble yourself to the examination requirements – meaning that a student should forfeit their previous working understanding of being an auditor, examiner, engineer, architect, system administrator, or the student’s previous technical or assurance knowledge. That’s right: understand ISACA’s point of reference on CISA best practices as your examination North Star.”
– Tim Hediger, CISSP, CISA, CIA, CFE, CCSA, CRMA
Becoming a CISA professional shows potential employers that you possess the knowledge required by today’s competitive job market, thus giving you a major competitive edge over other candidates vying for positions within these industries.
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Benefits of Becoming Certified
Are you tired of being stuck in the IT entry-level rut? Becoming CISA certified provides a wealth of benefits to IT professionals, including potential job opportunities and increased earning potential.
As a CISA-certified individual, you can expect access to positions at the senior level within companies specializing in cybersecurity and other IT-related fields, such as data storage & retrieval or software development & engineering.
Additionally, this certification will demonstrate your expertise in information systems auditing and assure employers that you possess the knowledge required by today’s competitive job market.
Not only will you have access to exclusive resources like discounts on conferences, books, courses, and study materials through ISACA’s membership system, but you’ll also see a significant increase in your earning potential. The average salary for CISA-certified professionals is higher than for non-certified folks. So, say goodbye to ramen noodles and hello to lobster dinners.
CISA Salary in 2022
Are you tired of being overlooked for that juicy salary increase?
With over 151,000 experts already certified by ISACA as of 2022, it’s no surprise that CISA is among the most in-demand certifications. Not only will it open doors to job opportunities, but it’ll also put some extra dough in your pocket.
According to a survey by ISACA, the average salary for CISA-certified professionals worldwide is $117,000 per year, and in the US, it’s $132,000 per year. The salary range can vary greatly, with entry-level CISA-certified professionals earning around $70,000 to $90,000 per year and experienced professionals making upwards of $150,000 annually.
Talk about a raise – that’s a 60% difference! It’s like the difference between a Ford Fiesta and a Ferrari!
But that’s only part of it. CISA certifications are highly sought after in the IT and cybersecurity industries, so CISA-certified professionals often have more earning potential than non-certified professionals. Plus, with the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, the salary for CISA-certified professionals is expected to rise.
So, whether you’re a senior information technology auditor, an information security manager, or a chief information security officer, the CISA certification can open the door to a world of opportunities and a lot of cash. It’s like the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but with less Oompa Loompas and more money.
Remember, salary figures can vary greatly depending on location, company size, and other factors, so research before making any career decisions.
Skills and Knowledge Gained as a CISA
In addition to many job and salary opportunities, becoming CISA certified also provides IT professionals the opportunity to hone their skills and knowledge of information systems security. Becoming a CISA will give you a comprehensive understanding of designing, implementing, assessing, and auditing an organization’s information security IS controls.
Imagine the looks on your coworkers’ faces when you become the go-to person for all their security-related queries. You’ll be the IT superhero that saves the day. And hey, if all else fails, you can always blame it on your certification.
As a reminder, the certification exam covers five main areas:
- information systems auditing theory and practice
- governance and management of IT
- information systems, acquisition, development, and implementation
- information systems operations and business resilience
- protection of information assets
Becoming certified requires individuals to possess thorough knowledge in each of these domains.
For example, the 1st domain focuses on topics related to auditing IT systems, including risk assessment & management, audit methodology & techniques, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The 2nd domain covers IT governance & strategic planning, organizational structures & roles, policy development & enforcement, and IT service delivery.
With the CISA certification under your belt, you’ll be well-prepared to assess an organization’s overall security posture and identify any potential weak spots that need to be strengthened.
Having a CISA certification proves the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in the event of a security breach or other incident related to information systems security.
Job Opportunities Available to CISAs
When you’re CISA certified, it opens up a world of opportunities. Becoming a CISA can lead to higher-level roles, better pay in the IT field, and potential career paths outside of IT security. Typical job roles for CISAs include:
- Information Systems Auditor: assessing an organization’s information systems and ensuring they comply with industry standards and regulations. This includes assessing the organization’s policies, procedures, and controls pertaining to the management, security, and use of information systems.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: find, evaluate, and fix security problems in the information systems of an organization. This includes looking at the organization’s security, figuring out where it might be vulnerable, and suggesting steps to reduce possible risks. The analyst will also keep an eye on the organization’s systems to see any possible threats and respond to security problems as needed.
- Information Systems Risk Manager: identify, assess, and mitigate threats to an organization’s IT infrastructure. This entails conducting risk analyses and recommending steps to reduce identified risks.
- IT Risk Management Consultant: offering expert advice to organizations on managing risks related to their information systems.
- IT Compliance Officer: ensuring that an organization’s IT systems and processes comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
A CISA certification could also be beneficial if you’re looking to transition into other areas of business or management. Becoming a CISA certifies that you have the knowledge and expertise to confidently handle any information systems-related task.
No matter what profession or role you choose, having your CISA certification will show potential employers that you’re serious about your career and are ready to take on any challenge.
Cost of Becoming a CISA
Pursuing the CISA certification is a big decision that requires careful consideration of all the costs involved. The CISA certification process comes with several expenses, including the exam fee, application fee, and study materials.
ISACA members pay $575 for the exam, while non-members pay $760.
To ace the CISA examination, it’s crucial to invest in quality study materials such as study guides, practice exams, and online courses. These materials can be purchased separately or as part of a study package from ISACA. Keep an eye out for any promotions or discounts ISACA offers on these materials, as they can help reduce the overall certification cost.
Personally, I purchased the CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, and the CISA Review questions database, both from the ISACA website. These were the two resources most recommended to me. I have a special spot in my heart for the textbook – it reminds me of college.
CISA Questions, Answers & Explanations Database
ISACA offers a 12 month subscription that includes 1,000 CISA questions and answers. This was highly recommended to me from current CISA professionals.
CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition | Print
Without thinking, I went out and bought the physical textbook instead of borrowing it from a friend. HOWEVER, I’m happy I did. It will be a great resource to reference in the future.
CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 12th Edition
All of the practice questions with answers. This is the print edition instead of the online version.
I will update you with my review of the study materials in a future post. This will include my thoughts on the quality of the materials, their effectiveness in helping me understand and retain the information, and any other relevant observations.
The CISA CPE policy requires attaining CPE hours over an annual and three-year certification period. You can find free CPE webinars, but often the CPE requires payment.
It’s also essential to remember that maintaining the CISA certification requires an annual maintenance fee to cover the cost of CPE ISACA members pay $45, while non-members pay $85.
The CISA certification can be a valuable asset for information systems auditing professionals. Still, weighing all the costs involved, including the exam fee, study materials, CPE courses, and annual maintenance fee, is essential. By being aware of these costs and taking advantage of any available discounts, you can decide whether the CISA certification is the right choice.
Common Pitfalls when Preparing for the CISA Exam
Not budgeting for all costs
Obtaining a CISA certification requires a financial investment, and it’s essential to budget for all costs involved, including the exam fee, application fee, study materials, and annual maintenance fee.
Skipping study materials
Many candidates make the mistake of thinking they don’t need study materials, like study guides, practice exams, and online courses. But let’s be honest. You can’t expect to pass the test if you don’t study.
Not understanding the CISA exam format
The CISA exam format can be tricky, like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Candidates who do not understand the format may find it harder to pass the test. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the layout and structure before attempting it. Trust me. You want to be someone other than that person who gets lost in the exam.
Not dedicating enough time to study
The CISA exam is not a walk in the park. It’s more like a marathon. It requires a significant amount of time and effort to study and prepare. Candidates who do not dedicate enough time to study may struggle to pass the test.
Not keeping up with CPE requirements
The CISA certification requires that you keep up with continuing professional education (CPE) requirements. Please do so to avoid the revocation of your certification.
Not staying current with the technology
The field of information systems auditing is constantly evolving, like a never-ending game of Tetris. It’s important to keep current with the latest technologies and industry trends to pass the CISA exam and maintain the certification. Otherwise, you’ll be left behind like an old flip phone.
Tips for Succeeding
Becoming a CISA is a challenging task. It requires dedication, hard work, and the right resources to help you prepare for the exam. Here are some tips on how to become CISA certified:
Study Smart
Make sure you use study materials that effectively cover each of the five domains tested in the CISA exam. Spend time studying topics you may be weaker in, and use practice questions to measure your understanding of the material.
Break down the amount of time you have before the exam into smaller chunks, and assign specific topics or sections to each of these chunks. This way, you can ensure you cover all the necessary material systematically and efficiently.
Watch Video Tutorials
Video tutorials are fantastic CISA test prep. These tutorials help you understand complex subjects through both visual and auditory learning.
Video tutorials complement textbooks and practice tests. They offer a new learning style that might keep you motivated.
Choose quality video tutorials. Some video tutorials cover more topics and delve deeper, while others focus on specific exam sections. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use ISACA-approved tutorials. However, YouTube has never failed me.
Take Practice Exams
Practice exams can help you focus on areas where you need to improve your knowledge or skills. It also helps to familiarize yourself with what types of questions appear on the exam.
The CISA exam assesses your critical thinking skills and ability to make sound decisions based on the information provided. The questions are not intended to be simple, and you may be required to analyze and interpret complex information.
Furthermore, the questions are intended to assess your knowledge of industry best practices and standards and your ability to apply them in real-world situations. This requires a thorough understanding of the subject matter and extensive knowledge of information systems auditing.
Stay Current
Checking ISACA’s website often for updates and news about the exam is one way to stay up-to-date. They tell you about any changes or updates to the exam’s structure, content, and requirements for passing.
Know what’s new in information systems auditing to stay current. It’s crucial to stay abreast of industry changes and best practices for the CISA exam. Read trade journals, attend professional development events, and participate in online forums and study groups.
Study with the latest stuff. As the exam changes, previous resources may not cover all the new topics or contain obsolete information, which might confuse and damage your performance.
Prepare Mentally
Becoming CISA certified requires mental fortitude. Make sure you take the time to properly prepare mentally for the exam and don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed.
Manage Your Time
Managing your time is crucial when preparing for the CISA exam. The exam covers a wide range of topics, and it is crucial to ensure you have enough time to study them.
Don’t procrastinate! Many people tend to put things off until the last minute, but this is not an effective way to study for the CISA exam. Instead, try to study consistently over months rather than cramming all the material into a short period before the exam. This will help you retain the information better and reduce stress.
Get Support
Having a support system of friends or colleagues can make all the difference in studying and preparing for exams. Reach out to people in your network who have already gone through the certification process and get advice on how best to approach it.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming CISA certified and opening up countless job opportunities that would otherwise not be available. Good luck!
Conclusion
Becoming a Certified Information Systems Auditor is one of the most important steps for any IT professional looking to take their career to the next level. CISA certification holders have numerous benefits, from gaining highly sought-after skills and knowledge to unlocking new job opportunities and higher salaries.
Although several costs are associated with becoming CISA certified, such as the exam fee, application fee, and study materials, these investments can be well worth it in the long run. By following my tips and studying diligently, you’ll be well on your way to becoming CISA certified!
What has been your experience with the CISA certification?
I’m interested to hear your recommendations or questions! Let me know in the comments below.
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