What is a CISA Designation and Why it Matters

In the IT field, there are a variety of different designations and certifications that information technology professionals can acquire to grow. Some designations are more highly regarded than others and the CISA designation falls into this category.

A CISA designation, or Certified Information Systems Auditor credential, is issued by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and provides global recognition for IT and IS professionals who perform auditing, monitoring, assurance and security. CISA professionals demonstrate depth in knowledge, technical skills and proficiency through a comprehensive exam, work experience requirements and adherence to the ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics.

To obtain CISA designation, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam of about 150 questions covering five subject areas:

• Information systems auding process
• Governance and management of IT
• Information systems acquisition, development and implementation
• Information systems operations and business resilience
• Protection of information assets.

CISA candidates must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in IT or IS auditing, control, assurance or security. There is also a fee to take the exam and when paid and their work experience is approved, candidates have a 12-month window in which to take the exam. ISACA also strongly recommends that all of their members and certification holders abide by their Code of Professional Ethics. If candidates or designees do not abide by the Code of Professional Ethics, they could face an investigation and disciplinary measures.

Following receipt of a CISA designation, IT professionals must remain current and knowledgeable about information systems, auditing and control through continuing professional education (CPE) to maintain their designation.

CISA professionals must:

• Earn and report an annual minimum of 20 CPE hours
• Earn and report a minimum of 120 CPE hours for a three-year reporting cycle period
• Pay an annual maintenance fee
• Comply with ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics
• Abide by ISACA’s IT auditing standards.

ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics

ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics from their website is listed below.

Members and ISACA certification holders shall:

1. Support the implementation of, and encourage compliance with, appropriate standards and procedures for the effective governance and management of enterprise information systems and technology, including: audit, control, security and risk management.
2. Perform their duties with objectivity, due diligence and professional care, in accordance with professional standards.
3. Serve in the interest of stakeholders in a lawful manner, while maintaining high standards of conduct and character, and not discrediting their profession or the Association.
4. Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of information obtained in the course of their activities unless disclosure is required by legal authority. Such information shall not be used for personal benefit or released to inappropriate parties.
5. Maintain competency in their respective fields and agree to undertake only those activities they can reasonably expect to complete with the necessary skills, knowledge and competence.
6. Inform appropriate parties of the results of work performed including the disclosure of all significant facts known to them that, if not disclosed, may distort the reporting of the results.
7. Support the professional education of stakeholders in enhancing their understanding of the governance and management of enterprise information systems and technology, including: audit, control, security and risk management.

How CISA Professionals Benefit Your Business

Information technology and Information Systems professionals who obtain their CISA designation offer businesses well-rounded, informed and relevant services with real-world experience. The designation validates that these professionals intentionally incorporate privacy into technology platforms, products and processes and keep their organizations compliant.

A CISA designation has been noted to improve on-the-job performance by at least 70 percent and create 90 percent more effective teams.

CISA-certified IT professionals offer teams the technical skills and knowledge needed to assess, build and implement viable solutions for businesses. IT or IS professionals with a CISA designation provide valuable insights and contributions for organizations’ information technology and business systems. Their auditing, controlling, monitoring and assessments benefit business’ bottom lines.

There are more than 151,000 CISA certification holders worldwide and they generally receive compensation commensurate with their experience and certification.

Learn More About CISA Designation

To learn more about the ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation, visit their website or contact Intrada Technologies’ team of experts by calling (800) 858-5745.