4 Steps to Achieving Your CISA Certification

(Photo : 4 Steps to Achieving Your CISA Certification)

Short for Certified Information Systems Auditor, CISA is one of the most widely recognised certifications worldwide. A CISA certification aims to make you an expert in crucial cybersecurity concepts. By 2018, there were over 1,40,000 certified CISA professionals since the launch of the certification in 1978. Organisations hire CISA-certified professionals for the monitoring, checking, controlling and securing of important data and information.

There are several certifications out there for network security professionals. What sets CISA apart from all of them is that CISA doesn't have any prerequisites to be met before you can take the exam. You can take or reschedule your exam any time you want. Since you are almost determined to attain this invaluable credential, you might as well do it right. 

You should know first that only about 50% of applicants clear the exam on their first attempt.

Importance of Cyber Security:

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing domains in the IT world. Every organisation relies on data in some form or other and requires the services of a cybersecurity professional to keep this data secure. Data is the most valuable asset for organisations today, and many malicious parties try to steal or corrupt this data regularly. As these hackers become more proficient, organisations need stronger data security infrastructure and professionals who can help them create and update this infrastructure. 

4 Steps to Achieve a CISA Credential:

For IT audit professionals, the CISA certification is one of the highest credentials. It takes hard work and commitment to get certified. Here are four steps that can get you closer to your goal.

1. Meet the eligibility criteria

Any certification with prerequisites won't let candidates apply for the exams if they don't meet the fixed criteria. This is not the case with CISA. To have a higher chance of clearing the exam, you should have five years of work experience in the information security domain. Alternatively, you can have a four-year degree along with one year of work experience. But even if you don't have either, you can still appear for the CISA exam and then fulfil the criteria within five years of getting the certification. 

2. Understand the exam

The CISA exam is scored between 200 and 800. For you to clear the certification exam, you need to score above 450 points. You have four hours to finish the exam that has 150 multiple-choice questions. These questions are aligned with the five different domains based on which the CISA tests your skills.

3. Understanding the domains

There are five domains covered under your training for a CISA course certification. If you are well-versed in these domains, you will be able to tackle any questions related to them.

• The first domain teaches you the basics and fundamental concepts of auditing as a sphere. You also learn about different processes and strategies required to schedule audits, communicate audit results, and check these procedures. The double check is meant to confirm that additional adjustments won't be required.

• The second domain focuses on important steps that should be taken during an assessment. IT auditors are responsible for guaranteeing that nothing goes missing or gets misplaced. It requires organisational structure, internal processes and company leadership to work together to achieve a goal that is a part of the business strategy. It covers topics like IT strategy assessment, governance and resource management assessment, risk management and portfolio management assessment, etc.

• The third domain deals with important steps such as analysing, developing and deploying IT systems. This domain is important for obtaining specific business objectives and goals, such as ensuring the business follows network security best practices and meets deadlines. 

• The fourth domain deals with the steps needed to ensure every IT operation procedure and process is moving in the right direction. This information helps you handle databases, assess IT operations and ensure that your organisation is moving in the right direction as they strive to accomplish their business goals.

• The fifth and final domain covers steps taken to ensure that all processes are carried out securely. 

4. Get the right training

Now that you've understood the prerequisites, the exam, and the different domains' breakup, you are ready to enrol in a training program and start preparing for a CISA certification. Several platforms provide training courses today. However, you should choose one that is recognised both by the EC-Council as well as by organisations. Also, ensure that you get 1-to-1 training along with hands-on experience, flexible timings and sufficient learning materials. 

You also have the option of using more than one course or guide to learn everything you need to know. You can easily find many free resources online besides the ones you get as a part of your course material. Make sure you attempt sufficient mock exams to further improve your chances of clearing the exam.