5 Reasons to Take an ISACA CISA Certification Course (and tips to Pass the Exam)

CISA is an ideal certification for anyone in the information security industry. This certification will give you what you need to work with IS audit, control, and security.

What is CISA certification?

The CISA certification is one of three security certifications offered by ISACA. It’s designed for IT professionals in governance or audit-related positions.

As a CISA, you’ll be able to work as an IS auditor, an audit manager, or a consultant. If you prefer a leadership role, there are plenty available, even at the enterprise level.

To become certified, you’ll need to prove your skills in the following five domains:

  • The Process of Auditing Information Systems
  • Governance and Management of IT
  • Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
  • Information Systems Operations, Maintenance, and Service Management
  • Protection and Information Assets

The average salary for a CISA in the U.S. is $97,117. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to complete ongoing training each year.

If you’re committed to a career in information security, here’s why you should get your CISA certification.

1. You meet the qualifications

When you have experience with information security, it makes sense to pursue certifications. Your existing knowledge and expertise will expand, and being certified will automatically make you more valuable to your employers.

The qualifications for CISA certification are similar to other certifications.

CISA qualifications

You’ll need at least five years of verifiable professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. However, there are some exceptions.

If you don’t have the full five years of experience, you can substitute one year of:

  • information systems experience or
  • financial or operational auditing experience

You can also use your university or college credits. You can bypass one year of professional experience for every 60 credits earned up to a maximum of two years.

Another acceptable substitution is having two years of experience as a full-time university instructor in a relevant field. If this applies to you, your two years of experience can be substituted for one year of professional experience.

If you don’t have all five years of experience, even after substitutions, you can still take the exam. You’ll just need to meet the full criteria within five years of being issued your certification.

2. Access to the ISACA network

Anytime you obtain a certification from ISACA, you’ll have access to a network of professionals through your membership on their website. It’s always nice to be connected to other professionals to share experience, advice, and tips.

Other perks include access to global conferences, job opportunities, tools, and resources. ISACA also offers online career fairs, training events, discussion forums, and more.

A professional ISACA membership will also get you discounted conferences, free webinars, discounts on ISACA publications, and at least 72 hours of free Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.

These are just some of the perks you’ll get by obtaining a CISA certification.

3. Recognition and respect

When you need to discuss important matters with colleagues, they’ll take you seriously when you have certifications under your belt. Simply being certified is enough to command immediate respect and authority.

Holding a CISA certification means that you know what you’re doing with information security and others won’t be so quick to second guess your input, advice, or recommendations.

4. You’ll bring value to any company

Some people go into their careers just for the money, while others want to make a difference. It’s great when you can find a career that pays well and makes a difference. With a CISA certification, you’ll be able to make a difference and earn a high salary at the same time.

Data breaches are rising, causing many businesses to finally realize how important information security is for their company. When you get certified, you’ll bring a high level of knowledge and expertise to your employer, whether you work for a small business or a major corporation.

5. A higher salary

Do you want a higher salary? Becoming CISA certified will help you achieve that goal. CISAs are some of the highest paid security professionals in the industry, specifically in the auditing niche.

To learn more about how this certification can get you hired in a high-level position where you can earn six figures, check out this quick video from ISACA where certified professionals explain how CISA has helped them in their careers.

Tips for passing the CISA exam

1. Take a prep course

The CISA certification exam isn’t easy, but that’s the point. You’re going to learn a great deal while going through the course. In the end, you’ll do well to take a prep course before attempting to sit for the exam.

A prep course will provide you with instruction, training, and practice tests to prepare you for the real exam. The practice tests will help you get into a good flow and will challenge you to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.

2. Make sure you’re ready to take the exam

Sitting for the CISA exam can be a nerve-wracking experience; it’s normal to be nervous about a big exam. If you rush into the exam for any reason, you risk not passing. Give yourself enough time to learn and study the material before rushing into the exam.

Don’t rush into taking the exam before you’re ready. Make sure you’re prepared. However, don’t drag your feet and avoid sitting for the exam out of fear. You’ll know when you’re truly ready and when you’re just nervous.

Get CISA certified and advance your infosec career

Are you ready to get a certification that will take your career to the next level? Do you want to command a higher salary no matter where you go, without having to spend all of your energy negotiating for a few more dollars? Take our CISA online certification course and get CISA certified.

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