CISA® or Certified Information Systems Auditor certification is one of the best certifications required to become an auditor in the information technology sector. If you want to work as a manager, auditor, or consultant in the IT sector you must possess this certification. The certification is offered by ISACA or the information systems audit and control association. It is an international organization that looks after the education of information technology and maintains standards of practice. You can improve your knowledge related to the IT system and auditing by getting this particular certificate. The certificate ensures that you have proper CISA Training to handle the given tasks. CISA®-certified individuals are in high demand in the IT sector and such individuals can get excellent jobs in the IT sector.
You can get the CISA® certification quickly if you already have the work experience and you clear the exam. If you have work experience, then it will take only a few months to prepare for the exam and take it at your convenience.
You can prepare for the exam from different resources available on the internet. You can also join a CISA® training course to get proper knowledge and information about the exam. You can also attend live video lectures available online and watch YouTube videos to enhance your knowledge about the test. You must practice mock tests and previous years’ question papers to improve your knowledge and clear the exam.
You must have a deep understanding of the different topics asked in the exam so that you can make a proper timetable to study for the exam. You must be aware of the syllabus to prepare for the CISA® exam so that you can prepare well.
Steps For Getting CISA® Certification
You need to follow the procedure that includes steps to gain the CISA® certificate. Important steps are enlisted below that will help you in getting the certification and becoming a CISA®-certified professional.
The first step to getting CISA® certification is to register for the exam. You can visit the ISACA website to register online. Different test locations are available and you can choose from one of the locations to give the exam personally or you can also choose the online mode to give the exam. If you are an ISACA member you have to pay a fee of $465 and if you are not a member then you have to pay $595 when you register. Once you register for the exam, you will start preparing for the exam. You can go through the manual approved by ISACA to get information regarding the course and syllabus to clear the exam. The organization also offers live seminars to give instructions to the people to prepare for the exam. You can also get a subscription to the database of ISACA to get knowledge about questions, answers, and explanations.
The next step is to take the exam and do your best to clear it. The total duration of the exam is four hours and there are 150 multiple-choice questions in the exam. The exam is conducted in ten different languages and you can choose the preferred language to take the exam. The test score is between 200 to 800 points and you must score 450 marks to pass the exam. If you are taking the CISA® exam for the first time and cannot score more than 450 marks, then you can give the exam again.
There are five sections in the CISA® exam and each section consists of an equal number of questions. The different sections of the exam include Governance and management of IT, information systems auditing process, protection of information assets, information system acquisition, development, and implementation, and implementation, and information systems operations and business resilience.
If you want to get the CISA® certificate you must have a work experience of five years as an auditor in the IT industry. You can get work experience either before or after taking the exam. If you are working before giving the exam then you must take the exam within ten years of completing your work experience. If you pass the test then you must complete the work experience within five years of passing it. The work experience can be reduced if you have a master’s degree or university credits. If you have a master’s degree or university credits then the work experience may be reduced to two years for getting the CISA® certification.
You can apply to get the certification online after clearing the exam and completing the required number of years of work experience. You have to pay $50 as a one-time processing fee. You also have to sign an agreement adhering to the ISACA’s code of professional’s ethics. The agreement will guide you through the personal and professional conduct of CISA®-certified people. You can certify that you have the knowledge and skills required by CISA®-certified professionals.
You have to renew your certification after every three years to maintain your certification as per the CPE continuing professional education policy. You have to complete and report 20 hours of CPE experience every year. You also have to pay a maintenance fee of $85 every year if you are not a non-ISACA member and $45 if you are a member of ISACA. You also have to practice your craft as per the guidelines given by ISACA and submit an audit report.
Benefits Of CISA® Certification
If you get the CISA® certification you can enjoy numerous benefits. Some of the important benefits are:
Conclusion
CISA is one of the top certifications required to become an IT auditor and work in similar fields. The certification ensures that you have the required skills and knowledge to work efficiently in the IT field as an auditor. The certification will not only improve your job prospects but will also help you earn more.
You have to follow the above-specified steps to become a CISA® certified professional. Moreover, you need to have proper knowledge and information about the exam so that you can prepare for the exam with a full-proof strategy and clear it without any problems. If you already have the required work experience then you can start preparing for the exam and clear it to get the certification.
You must go through the CISA guide to prepare for the CISA® exam so that you can prepare well for the exam and clear it on the first attempt.
