Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

About The Course

CISA is to Audit what CPA and CA are to Accounting. CISAs are recognized internationally as professionals with the knowledge, skills, experience and credibility to leverage standards, manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, offer solutions, institute controls and deliver value to the enterprise.

CISA job practice analysis has been completed by ISACA. This analysis resulted in a new CISA job practice which reflects the vital and evolving responsibilities of IT auditors.

The new CISA job practice was effective beginning with the CISA exam administration in June 2011. For purposes of these statements, the terms “enterprise” and “organization” or “organizational” are considered synonymous.

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, there is a growing need for professionals who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to safeguard organizations against cyber threats. One such role that has gained significant prominence in recent years is that of a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). In this blog post, we will explore what it takes to become a CISA, the benefits of pursuing this certification, and the employment opportunities and types of jobs that are available to those who obtain it.

What is a CISA?

A CISA is a professional certification granted by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). This certification is designed for individuals who have an interest in auditing, monitoring, controlling, and assessing an organization’s information technology and business systems. CISA certification is recognized worldwide and is considered to be the gold standard for professionals in the field of information security and IT auditing.

Benefits of Becoming a CISA

There are several benefits to pursuing CISA certification. First and foremost, it can greatly enhance your career prospects. In a rapidly evolving technology landscape, there is a growing need for professionals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to safeguard organizations against cyber threats. CISA certification can help you stand out in a crowded job market and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Additionally, CISA certification can help you develop a deep understanding of the principles of IT auditing, risk management, and information security. This knowledge can be applied in a variety of settings, including public accounting firms, government agencies, and private industry. As a result, obtaining CISA certification can provide you with a broad range of employment opportunities and career advancement potential.

Requirements for Obtaining CISA Certification

In order to obtain CISA certification, you must meet certain requirements. First, you must have a minimum of five years of professional information systems auditing, control, or security experience. Alternatively, you can substitute a maximum of one year of this experience with a relevant degree or diploma. Additionally, you must pass the CISA exam, which is a four-hour test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover the five domains of IS audit and control.

Employment Opportunities for CISAs

Once you have obtained CISA certification, there are a variety of employment opportunities available to you. One of the most common career paths for CISAs is in public accounting firms. In this setting, CISAs may work on IT audits for a variety of clients, including corporations, non-profits, and government agencies.

Another potential career path for CISAs is in government agencies. Many federal, state, and local government agencies have a need for professionals with expertise in information systems auditing and security. This can include positions such as IT auditors, information security analysts, and cybersecurity specialists.

In addition to public accounting firms and government agencies, CISAs may also find employment opportunities in private industry. Many large corporations have an internal audit department that is responsible for monitoring and assessing the company’s IT systems and controls. CISAs can be valuable members of these teams, bringing their expertise in information systems auditing and security to the table.

Types of Jobs for CISAs

There are several different types of jobs available to individuals who hold CISA certification. Here are a few examples:

1. IT Auditor: As an IT auditor, you will be responsible for assessing an organization’s IT systems and controls to identify potential vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.

2. Information Security Analyst: In this role, you will be responsible for implementing and maintaining an organization’s information security policies and procedures.

3. Cybersecurity Specialist: As a cybersecurity specialist, you will be responsible for protecting an organization’s IT systems from cyber threats, including malware, phishing attacks, and hacking attempts.

4. Compliance Officer: In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that an organization is complying with relevant laws and regulations related to information security and data privacy.

5. Risk Management Consultant: As a risk management consultant, you will be responsible for identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate those risks in an organization’s IT systems.

6. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): As a CISO, you will be responsible for overseeing an organization’s entire information security program, including developing policies and procedures, managing security incidents, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Conclusion

In today’s increasingly digitized world, the role of a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) has become more important than ever. Obtaining CISA certification can provide numerous benefits, including increased career prospects, a deeper understanding of IT auditing and information security, and access to a broad range of employment opportunities. If you are interested in pursuing a career in information systems auditing and security, obtaining CISA certification can be a great way to take your career to the next level.

Job Practice Domains

• 21% of the exam covers information systems auditing process 
• 17% of the exam covers governance and management of IT 
• 12 % is on information systems acquisition, development and implementation 
• 23% of the test covers information systems operations and business resilience 
• 27% covers protection of information assets 

Jobs and roles available as a CISA

• Technology Auditor
• Certified Internal Auditor
• Systems Auditor and Audit Managers (or Internal Audit Manager)
• Compliance Analyst
• Security Officer
• Chief Technology Officer
• Privacy Officers

Course Outline

Module 1 – The Audit Process

Module 2 – Audit Governance and Compliance

Module 3 – System Infrastructure, Project Management, and Testing

Module 4 – Media Disposal, Reviews, and System Maintenance

Module 5 – IT Service Level Management

Module 6 – Auditor Technical Overview

Module 7 – Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Your Training Instructor

Chrys Thorsen

Education and Technology Expert

Chrys is an education and technology expert who specializes in enterprise-level IT infrastructure consulting and certified training-of-trainers. In her career, she has garnered 35 IT Certifications including Cisco CCSI/CCNP, CISSP, CISA, MCSE/MCITP, and many more. She has also authored 40 published certification textbooks and is currently working on the new CompTIA PenTest+ courseware.