Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Overview

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a globally recognized certification offered by ISACA that focuses on information systems auditing, governance, and risk management. It is designed for professionals responsible for auditing, monitoring, and assessing an organization’s IT and business systems. The certification validates the ability to evaluate IT controls, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, manage risk, and support effective governance of information systems. CISA is widely respected in the fields of IT auditing, cybersecurity, and compliance.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Outline

Domain 1 – Information Systems Auditing Process

• Audit planning and management

• Conducting audits according to standards

• Audit reporting and communication

• Audit evidence collection and analysis

Domain 2 – Governance and Management of IT

• IT governance frameworks

• IT strategy and policies

• Organizational structure and responsibilities

• Risk management and compliance oversight

Domain 3 – Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation

• System development lifecycle (SDLC)

• Project management and controls

• System testing and implementation reviews

• Change management processes

Domain 4 – Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience

• IT operations management

• Service management and monitoring

• Business continuity and disaster recovery

• Incident management and operational controls

Domain 5 – Protection of Information Assets

• Information security policies and controls

• Identity and access management

• Data protection and encryption

• Network and infrastructure security

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.