7 Surprising CISA Requirements You Need To Know Now

Are you considering pursuing CISA Training to enhance your career in information systems auditing? You might already know that becoming a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) opens doors to several opportunities. However, the journey to certification is not just about passing the exam. There are several CISA Requirements that candidates often overlook. Understanding these lesser-known requirements can significantly impact your preparation and overall experience. This blog uncovers seven surprising CISA requirements you need to know now.   

Table of Contents  

• 7 Essential Requirements to Obtain CISA Certification  

• Conclusion  

7 Essential Requirements to Obtain CISA Certification  

To achieve CISA certification, candidates must meet these requirements beyond the exam. Let’s explore them in detail.  

1. Experience Requirements Beyond the Exam  

Completing the CISA exam marks the primary stage. Candidates pursuing certification must have at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. However, there are opportunities for waivers: up to three years can be substituted with a relevant university degree or specific certifications like a CPA or CIA. 

Key Points to Remember  

• Minimum of five years of experience required  
• Certain educational qualifications can be waived for up to two years  

2. Adhering to the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics  

Before getting your certification, you must agree to comply with the ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) Code of Professional Ethics. The code establishes the essential criteria of professional conduct mandatory for all ISACA and CISA-certified members. These include maintaining integrity, demonstrating competence, and acting objectively. This requirement is not just a formality; breaches can lead to losing your certification. Many candidates overlook this, but it is vital to understand and commit to these ethical standards.  

Key Points to Remember  

• Adhering to the ISACA Code of Ethics is mandatory  

• Ethical breaches can lead to certification revocation  
• Emphasises integrity, competence, and objectivity  

3. Mandatory Continuing Professional Education (CPE)  

Annually, ISACA mandates that certified professionals must get Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Over three years, at least 20 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) must be accumulated, totaling 120 hours (equivalent to around five days) Staying certified requires continuous learning and professional development.  

Key Points to Remember  

• 20 CPE hours required annually  

• 120 CPE hours needed over three years  
• Ensures knowledge remains up to date  

4. Submitting Annual Maintenance Fees  

Another requirement that often catches people off guard is the annual maintenance fee. Certified professionals must pay this fee to maintain their certification status. Continuing Professional Education credits must be submitted annually with the payment of this fee, separate from the CISA exam fee.   

Key Points to Remember  

• Annual maintenance fee is mandatory  

• Required alongside CPE credit submission  
• Non-payment can result in suspension  

5. Understanding the Domains Covered in the Exam  

The CISA exam covers five domains: Information Systems Auditing Process, Governance and Management of IT, Information Systems Acquisition, Development, Implementation, Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience, and Protection of Information Assets. Each domain contains a specific weight in the exam, focusing on the Information Systems Auditing Process. Understanding these domains is crucial for preparation, yet many candidates do not give this the attention it deserves.  

Key Points to Remember  

• Five domains with different weightings  

• Focused preparation needed for high-weight domains  

• Detailed knowledge of each domain is required  

6. The Exam Format and Question Types  

The CISA examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. This requires a deep understanding of fundamental principles and their real-world applications. Effective time management is crucial, given the four-hour timeframe to complete the paper. Many candidates need help to fully grasp the complexity of the exam, mistakenly believing it’s just another multiple-choice test. However, understanding the format and practicing with sample questions is the key to being well-prepared.  

Key Points to Remember  

• 150 multiple-choice questions in four hours  

• Scenario-based questions require applied knowledge  
• Time management is critical 

7. Language Availability and Accessibility  

Among the numerous languages, the CISA test is offered in English, Spanish, French, and more. This is helpful for non-native English speakers. Not every testing facility provides every language choice. You will have to investigate the availability at the selected site. This element can boost your performance on the test day and degree of comfort. Being aware of these options helps you better prepare for the test environment.  

Key Points to Remember  

• Exams available in multiple languages  

• Check language availability at testing centers  
• Choose a language you are most comfortable with  

Conclusion  

Earning your CISA certification calls for more than just passing an exam. From CPE obligations to experience criteria, candidates have various CISA needs to meet. Understanding these lesser-known requirements is essential for a smooth certification process. To start your CISA journey, consider resources from The Knowledge Academy. They offer comprehensive guidance and support to help you meet the requirements and succeed in your certification.  Remember, being prepared is more than half the battle won!