Gaining the CISA® certification, a highly preferred IT auditor certification, can open wide doors of job opportunities. It can provide you with lucrative career options and higher salary packages. If you work in any IT company and want to kick start your career, this certification might be the right choice for you. Let us discuss all about the CISA® certification and how to become CISA certified.
What is CISA® Certification?
The CISA or Certified Information System Auditor certification is one of the most recognized certification programs that a candidate can apply for. It certifies that candidates are taught all about information systems, audit control, security database, etc. The main administrating body of the CISA® certification is ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), which conducts the certification exam.
Information Technology is a growing industry and there is always a need for security and protection. Due to this, the need for CISA® certified candidates is constantly increasing. Thus, a candidate who does the CISA course and earns the certification helps the organizations in managing their security systems along with the health of the IT systems.
The CISA certification is best suited for the following candidates:
- IT Auditors
- Non-IT Auditors
- IT Audit Managers
- Security Professionals
- IT consultants
Steps to Acquire the CISA® Certification
There are several steps involved in gaining the CISA certification. Let us have a look at them!
1. Registering For the Exam
Interestingly, it is not important to have any prerequisite for the CISA exam. CISA certification is extremely helpful. Thus, it is a good decision on your part to register for the CISA® exam.
2. Completing the Exam
Earlier, the CISA exam was a written (offline) test. The test is available thrice a year. The exam is now available online and the candidates can take it anytime during the year. Anyone can take up the exam as long as the candidate has filled out the form and given the application fee. The exam is for four hours and consists of 150 questions in a multiple-choice format.
3. Fulfill the Eligibility Requirements
This is a stricter part of the CISA® certification process. A candidate needs to have at least five years of experience in fields like auditing, control, security, information system, etc. The work experience must be gained within 10 years and it must precede the application date. Another option for this is that the five years of work experience must be gained right after passing the exam.
4. Maintain the CISA Certificate
Once a candidate has passed the exam, he/ she must maintain the certification. The CISA® certification can be maintained by fulfilling the CPE requirements, i.e., a candidate must have 20 hours of professional education and 120 hours of working for three years.
After the candidates have met the requirements and passed the exam, they will receive the CISA certification. CISA® certification is hard to get as the exam is not that easy. It is best to prepare for the examination by enrolling in a course that teaches the candidates all the CISA practical concepts and syllabus.
Now, if we talk about the pass rate of the CISA® exam, then it is important to note that around 50% of marks are required to qualify the exam and gain the certification.
Now, coming to the question of why to get the CISA certification, let us look at it in detail.
Why Should I Acquire the CISA® Certification? – Benefits
This certification is best for people who wish to have better career options in the IT industry with high-paid jobs. There are numerous benefits, so let us discuss them in detail.
1. Expertise
The IT auditors do not require the CISA® certification but the industry is ever-evolving. With the growth of the industry, the demand for certified professionals has also increased. This is when one must do this certification as it helps in getting a deep insight into the workings of audit systems, security systems, and much more. It is well established and must be a prerequisite for every IT professional. Gaining the CISA® certification indicates that a candidate possesses the expertise and can help the business yield profits.
2. Evolving Business World
The IT industry is perfect for professionals who wish to be at the forefront of emerging technologies. Becoming a CISA will prove to the employers that you are ready for every challenge that comes your way. The business and the industry are always evolving. Thus, a certification will help the candidates in facing the issues arising in the business and understand them deeply, thereby providing solutions for the same.
3. High-Salary
This is a must-have point! IT professionals already get a good package. But if they do the CISA course and gain the certification, then it not only provides one with a higher salary but with leading jobs in this field. Having a CISA® certification proves that the candidate has a passion for learning as well as working. This, in turn, turns out to be advantageous for the candidate as he/ she gets high-paid jobs.
4. Growth Opportunities
With new software and techniques, the IT industry requires certified professionals who can easily adapt to the changing environments. It can help the candidates prepare to have lucrative job opportunities in the future. CISA® certification also helps the candidates land advanced and senior-level positions to boost their career growth.
5. Globally Recognized
The CISA certification indicates the candidate’s experience and skills that he/ she has gained over the years. The best part about this certification is that it is globally recognized. It will create a career potential and allow a candidate to work in both public and private companies. Thus, being globally accredited, the CISA® certification will help candidates apply across the globe and get good jobs.
So, these are the top five benefits out of many more.
Getting a CISA certification is easier for working professionals as they have the required experience to fulfill the eligibility criteria. Let us now discuss some job posts that one can get after qualifying for the examination.
Job Roles after CISA® Certification
There are numerous job roles in the IT industry that a candidate can apply for. But after gaining the CISA certification, there are some specialized roles that one can be appointed for. Here they are. Have a look!
- Internal Auditor
- IS Analyst
- IT Security Officer
- Cybersecurity Professional
- IT Consultant
- IT Risk and Assurance Manager
- Privacy Officer
- IT Audit Manager
- IT project manager
- Chief Information Officer
- Public Accounting Auditor
These are the top job roles that a candidate can work in and get high-paid salaries. Doing a CISA certification can land a candidate in lucrative job options. With CISA certification by your side, you don’t have to worry about getting a good job role.
Conclusion
To prepare for the examination, it is best to enroll in the CISA course. The CISA course will help the candidates in learning the fundamentals of Audit Systems, Information Systems, and much more. The course will help the candidates develop real-world skills and advance career prospects in the IT industry. So, what are you waiting for? Apply for these courses today and enhance your skills to get well-paid jobs in top companies.