Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Overview

The CISA certification, offered by ISACA, is considered the gold-standard for auditing, control, and assurance of information systems. It validates your ability to assess and audit IT governance, design audit strategies, evaluate internal controls, and provide recommendations for risk mitigation.

ISACA periodically updates the exam to reflect modern risk factors and emerging technologies. For example, an updated CISA exam became available on 1 August 2024, refining the focus on security, controls, and the role of disruptive technology in audit practices.

Through ISACA’s official training resources — including review manuals, question-bank databases, and self-paced or instructor-led courses — you can build the skills required to succeed.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Outline

Domain 1 – Information Systems Auditing Process

• Risk-based audit planning

• Conducting audit engagements

• Sampling and testing strategies

• Collecting and analyzing audit evidence

• Reporting findings and recommendations

• Audit follow-up and continuous improvement

Domain 2 – Governance & Management of IT

• IT governance frameworks and controls

• Strategy alignment and performance measurement

• Enterprise architecture and resource management

• IT policies, standards, and procedures

• Risk management frameworks and assessments

• Legal and regulatory compliance

Domain 3 – Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation

• Project governance and management

• System development life cycle (SDLC)

• Control design and implementation

• Configuration and change management

• Release planning and deployment reviews

• Post-implementation evaluations

Domain 4 – Information Systems Operations & Business Resilience

• IT operations management and monitoring

• Capacity and performance planning

• Incident and problem management

• Backup and data lifecycle management

• Disaster recovery planning

• Business continuity and resilience validation

Domain 5 – Protection of Information Assets

• Information security principles and controls

• Access and identity management

• Network and infrastructure security

• Mobile and cloud environment security controls

• Data encryption and protection methods

• Security monitoring and incident response

• Forensics and remediation

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Training Includes

• 25-Year Veteran Instructor with Over 60,000 Students Trained and the Best Pass Rates in the Industry
• “Pass on the First Attempt!” Guarantee
• Online Live Instructor-Led Training
• 1 Year Access to Training Session Recordings
• Enhanced Official Courseware
• Official Virtual Lab Environment
• Fast-Track Exam Preparation
• Exam Vouchers
• After Class Support and Mentoring

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Audience

CISA is ideal for:

• IT Auditors / IS Auditors — professionals who audit, monitor, and assess an organization’s information systems and controls.

• Risk & Assurance Professionals — those responsible for risk assessment, control evaluation, and assurance reporting.

• Control / Compliance Analysts — people who build, review, and validate internal IT controls.

• IT Governance / Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) specialists — those aligning IT processes and strategy with business goals and regulatory requirements.

• Security Professionals transitioning to Audit — security practitioners looking to validate their audit and assurance knowledge.

If your role involves assessing the design and effectiveness of controls, evaluating risk from an audit perspective, and reporting on IT governance, CISA is very relevant.

About Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Exam

• Number of Questions: 150 multiple-choice questions.

• Duration: 4 hours (240 minutes).

• Format: Computer-based testing, many languages offered. 

• Scoring: Scaled score; passing score is 450 (out of 800).

• Work Experience Requirement:

  • You need 5 years of relevant work experience (IS auditing, control, assurance, or security) in at least one of the CISA job practice domains. 

  • Waivers: You can receive up to 3 years of waiver for certain education (e.g., 2-year college degree) or previous relevant experience. 

• Code of Ethics: Candidates must agree to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics.

• Continuing Professional Education (CPE): To maintain certification, you must earn CPE hours (ISACA requires 20 hours per year, or 120 in a 3-year cycle) per ISACA’s policy.

• Application: After passing the exam, you submit a certification application (within 5 years of passing) and verify your experience.

About the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Instructor

Eric Reed is a nationally recognized cybersecurity instructor and founder of Eric Reed Cybersecurity Training, with over 25 years of experience developing mission-ready IT and security professionals. A Master Certified EC-Council Instructor and 10-time Instructor of the Year—including the 2024 CEH Instructor of the Year from EC-Council—Eric has trained more than 60,000 students worldwide across certifications including CompTIA Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, CISSP, and CEH.

Renowned for his engaging teaching style and unmatched pass rates, Eric has delivered training for leading organizations across defense, government, healthcare, finance, and technology—including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Verizon, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Mayo Clinic. His programs emphasize real-world application, DoD 8140/NICE alignment, and first-attempt success, helping individuals and teams strengthen their defenses and advance their careers in cybersecurity.