5 Steps to Get a CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) Certification
From risk management to audit strategy, CISA certification sets you apart as a leader in information systems.
If you're thinking of taking your IT career to the next level? Earning the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) credential can elevate your profile from a technical expert to a trusted advisor in risk, compliance, and controls.
With cyber threats increasing and global cybercrime costs expected to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025, auditors who know how to safeguard critical systems are in high demand. More than 151,000 professionals worldwide hold the CISA certification, and the average salary for CISA-certified professionals in the U.S. exceeds $149,000.
If you’re ready to lead audits, secure systems, and advise management, here’s how to earn the CISA and what it can do for your future.
Gabriel Ojeh
What is a CISA Certification?
The Certified Information Systems Auditor certification, issued by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), proves you can audit, monitor, and control an organisation’s IT systems. It covers five key domains: the audit process, IT governance, information system acquisition, development and implementation, operations and resilience, and protection of information assets.
Held by thousands of professionals globally, the CISA is recognised across industries such as finance, healthcare, tech, and government. CISA holders often land roles like IT auditor, risk manager, and compliance lead.
5 Steps to Get a CISA Certification
/1. Fulfil the experience requirement
To qualify for the CISA certification, you need five years of professional experience in IT audit, control, assurance, or security. This requirement may be fulfilled either before or after you pass the exam.
If you complete the work experience requirement first, you must pass the exam within 10 years of your first year of work. Conversely, if you take the exam first, you'll need to complete the work experience within five years of passing it. Interestingly, ISACA allows waivers of up to three years for qualifying education or other certifications.
David Adubiina
/2. Register and pay for the exam
Sign up on the ISACA website and pay the exam fee, which is $465 for members and $595 for non-members. The CISA exam is offered three times per year in June, September, and December. It includes 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in four hours. And a minimum score of 450 out of 800 is required to pass.
/3. Prepare thoroughly
Use the CISA Review Manual and ISACA’s domain guides. Many candidates study independently, take review courses, and complete practice tests. Aiming for at least 90% on practice exams can help boost confidence for the real thing.
/4. Apply for certification
Once you've completed the work experience requirements and passed the exam, you can then apply for the CISA certification online. This includes a one-time application fee of $50. Your experience needs to be verified by supervisors, and you have to sign an agreement to adhere to the ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics.
/5. Maintain your certification
The CISA certification is valid for three years. To maintain it, you need to earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours, with a minimum of 20 hours each year. You must also follow ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics. There is also an annual maintenance fee is US$45 for members or US$85 for non-members.
Conclusion
Earning the CISA certification positions you as a trusted professional capable of protecting and evaluating critical systems. With strong salaries, global recognition, and a growing demand for IT audit and compliance professionals, CISA is one of the most valuable certifications in tech today. If you're ready to invest in your future and stand out in a competitive field, this could be your next smart move.
