What Is CISA Certification? Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Certified Information Systems Auditor in 2025

Table of Contents

• What is CISA?
• Who Should Get CISA Certified?
• Key Domains of CISA
• Benefits of Earning CISA Certification
• CISA Certification Requirements
• How Hard is the CISA Exam?
• CISA vs Other Cybersecurity Certifications
•  Skills You’ll Gain Through CISA
• Career Opportunities After CISA
•  Real-World Use of CISA
• How Much Does CISA Cost?
• Tips to Prepare for CISA Exam
• Is CISA Worth It in 2025?
•  Conclusion
•  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In today’s digital-first world, organizations face rising threats related to system breaches, compliance failures, and mismanaged IT controls. That’s where CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor – steps in. If you're aiming for a career in auditing, control, and assurance, this globally respected certification might be your golden ticket.

This blog explains what CISA is, how it works, who should pursue it, and why it's vital in the world of information systems auditing and cybersecurity.

What is CISA?

CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is a professional certification issued by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). It's specifically designed for professionals who audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems.

It validates expertise in:

• IT auditing practices

• Risk and compliance

• Governance

• Information systems acquisition and development

  
  

• IT operations, maintenance, and protection

Who Should Get CISA Certified?

The CISA certification is ideal for professionals in roles such as:

• IT Auditors

• Risk and Compliance Analysts

• Cybersecurity Professionals

• IS/IT Consultants

• Internal and External Auditors

• IT Managers

If you’re aiming to work in governance, auditing, or risk assessment, CISA provides strong credibility.

Key Domains of CISA

CISA is based on five key domains, each focusing on a critical aspect of information systems auditing:

Benefits of Earning CISA Certification

• Global Recognition: CISA is accepted worldwide and often required for roles in auditing and compliance.

• Higher Salary: Certified professionals often earn 20–40% more than non-certified peers.

• Career Advancement: It opens doors to senior IT audit, risk, and assurance positions.

• Improved Credibility: Validates your knowledge in key security and audit principles.

• In-Demand Skills: With increasing cyber threats, organizations value professionals who can ensure systems integrity.

CISA Certification Requirements

To become CISA certified, candidates must:

1. Pass the CISA exam

2. Have at least 5 years of work experience in IS auditing or related fields (waivers are available for up to 3 years under certain conditions)

3. Adhere to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics

4. Follow the Continuing Education Policy to maintain the certification

How Hard is the CISA Exam?

The CISA exam is considered moderately challenging, especially for those without prior auditing or governance experience. It consists of:

• 150 multiple-choice questions

• Duration: 4 hours

• Passing score: 450/800

CISA vs Other Cybersecurity Certifications

Skills You’ll Gain Through CISA

• Auditing and assurance

• Risk management frameworks

• IT governance strategies

• Regulatory compliance

• Data integrity analysis

• Disaster recovery planning

• Access control evaluation

Career Opportunities After CISA

Some job roles after CISA certification include:

• Information Systems Auditor

• Compliance Analyst

• IT Risk Manager

• Audit Consultant

• Security Governance Expert

• Data Protection Officer

• IT Control Analyst

Real-World Use of CISA

CISA-certified professionals help organizations:

• Detect system weaknesses

• Ensure compliance with frameworks like SOX, GDPR, HIPAA

• Review internal audit processes

• Manage third-party vendor risks

• Create secure business continuity plans

How Much Does CISA Cost?

Tips to Prepare for CISA Exam

• Use official ISACA review manuals

• Join a CISA study group

• Practice mock tests

• Take online or offline CISA training

• Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing

Is CISA Worth It in 2025?

Yes, absolutely. With increasing focus on data privacy, compliance, and cybersecurity audits, companies are actively looking for professionals who can evaluate and strengthen internal systems. CISA continues to be one of the top certifications in IT governance.

Conclusion

If you're passionate about cybersecurity audits, governance, and risk management, CISA is one of the most valuable certifications you can pursue. Whether you’re looking to switch careers, climb the corporate ladder, or gain credibility, CISA equips you with globally trusted skills to analyze, evaluate, and safeguard information systems.

FAQs 

What is the CISA certification?

CISA is a professional certification by ISACA for individuals involved in auditing, monitoring, and assessing information systems and IT governance.

Who is eligible for the CISA exam?

Anyone can take the exam, but certification requires at least 5 years of work experience in information systems auditing or related fields.

Is CISA worth it in 2025?

Yes, it remains one of the most respected credentials in IT auditing and cybersecurity governance.

How much does the CISA exam cost?

For ISACA members, it costs around $575; for non-members, it's about $760.

What topics are covered in the CISA exam?

The exam covers five domains: auditing process, governance, systems development, operations, and protection of information assets.

How long is the CISA exam?

The exam is 4 hours long and includes 150 multiple-choice questions.

Is work experience mandatory for CISA certification?

Yes, 5 years of relevant experience is required, although waivers for up to 3 years are available.

How do I prepare for the CISA exam?

Use ISACA’s official materials, practice tests, and join online/offline training programs.

Can I get a job with just CISA certification?

CISA boosts your credibility and employability, especially in roles involving audits, compliance, and risk.

What jobs can I get with CISA?

Common roles include IT Auditor, Compliance Analyst, Risk Manager, and Governance Consultant.

How does CISA compare to CISSP?

CISA focuses on audit and governance, while CISSP is more about security architecture and policies.

How often should CISA be renewed?

CISA requires continuing education and adherence to ISACA’s code to stay active.

What is ISACA?

ISACA is a global professional association that offers certifications like CISA, CISM, CRISC, and CGEIT.

Is CISA a beginner-friendly certification?

It’s better suited for professionals with some IT governance or audit background.

Can I take the CISA exam online?

Yes, ISACA allows remote proctored testing or taking it at a test center.

What materials should I use to study for CISA?

ISACA Review Manual, QAE Database, and third-party mock exams are highly recommended.

Do I need programming skills for CISA?

No, CISA focuses on auditing, controls, and governance rather than programming.

What is the average salary after CISA certification?

Certified professionals can earn 20–40% more; salaries range from ₹8 to ₹25 LPA in India.

Can I waive work experience for CISA?

Yes, up to 3 years can be waived based on education or other certifications.

Does CISA have negative marking?

No, there is no negative marking in the CISA exam.

How long does it take to prepare for CISA?

On average, it takes 2–3 months of consistent study to prepare for the exam.

Can I retake the CISA exam if I fail?

Yes, you can retake the exam up to 4 times in a year.

Does CISA help with international job opportunities?

Yes, it’s globally recognized and valued across industries and countries.

What companies hire CISA professionals?

Organizations like Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY, IBM, and banks regularly hire CISA-certified experts.

Is CISA good for cybersecurity roles?

Yes, particularly for compliance, auditing, and GRC-related positions.

Do I need a college degree to apply for CISA?

No, but relevant experience and knowledge in IT auditing are necessary.

Is CISA better than CEH?

They are different; CISA focuses on audits, CEH on ethical hacking. Choose based on your career goals.

How many CISA-certified professionals are there globally?

As of 2025, over 180,000 professionals hold the CISA certification worldwide.

What are CISA's Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements?

You need 20 CPE hours annually and 120 hours over a 3-year period.

Can students apply for CISA?

Yes, students can take the exam, but they must gain the required work experience before earning certification.