Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Introduction

Certified Information Systems Auditor, or CISA (as it is more popularly known), is a certification issued by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) for people in charge of ensuring that an organization’s information technology (IT) or business systems are monitored, managed and protected. It is a globally recognized standard for appraising an IT auditor’s knowledge, skill, and expertise in assessing vulnerabilities and instituting technology controls in an enterprise environment. The CISA certification is designed for IT auditors, audit managers, consultants, and security professionals. In simple terms, CISA is a global standard for professionals with a career in IT in the domains of auditing, control, and security. The exam has certain criteria and specific characteristics. It is a 4-h long exam, with multiple-choice questions across five major job practice domains:

• Process of auditing information systems
• Governance and management of IT
• Information systems acquisition, development, and implementation
• Protection of information assets
• Information systems’ operation, maintenance, and service management.

The exam is scored on a scale of 200–800, and participants need to score 450 or higher to pass the exam. The exam is held in June, September, and December each year in different languages, including Chinese Mandarin, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Korean. The eligibility criteria for the exam is stringent in that participants should have a minimum work experience of 5 years in information systems auditing, control, assurance or security. CISA holders demonstrate knowledge, technical skills, and proficiency to meet dynamic challenges facing modern organizations.

Organizations prefer hiring CISA professionals because of their superior knowledge and proficiency as well as competence to oversee information systems in domains of standards and practices; organization and management; processes; integrity, confidentiality, availability and software development, acquisition, and maintenance. CISA training professionals need to thoroughly understand requirements, objectives and the client’s business model to successfully perform their duties. Continual learning and up-gradation of knowledge and skill are necessary for all CISA professionals to stay competent in their occupational sphere.

This CISA training course will empower you with complete knowledge about the CISA exam, its eligibility criteria, format, schedule, etc. Further, the course will also provide insight into the application process, some best practices to become a successful auditor, more detail about the format and components of the certification, and the need and importance of continual learning and education in this domain. Overall, this Certified Information Systems Auditor course will prepare aspiring professionals to undertake the certification and exam confidently and continue to practice successfully, thus providing these professionals with a competitive advantage in their sphere of work.

Objectives

The main objective of this CISA training is to empower professionals with:

• Detailed and complete information and knowledge about the CISA certification
• The required information regarding eligibility criteria, the format of the exam, and the process of application
• The required understanding and importance of continual education and training in this sphere of work
• Necessary insight into best practices to become a successful auditor
• The required knowledge, skill, and confidence to successfully undertake information systems’ auditing for the organization, thus increasing the scope for promotions and career progression
• The required standard and level of expertise required globally, thus increasing avenues for lateral growth and progression outside the organization

Training Methodology

We design our training courses and content considering the need for amendments and customization as no two training batches or sessions are the same. The Certified Information Systems Auditor training course is customizable to relate to the professional experience and backgrounds of the training audience. Audio-visual presentations and delivery by a highly experienced trainer is the most prominent part of the training program. Group activities, assignments, projects, and role-plays encourage trainee participation as well. The trainer also discusses relevant case studies with the training audience. This course follows the innovative and highly successful Do–Review–Learn–Apply Model.

Who Should Attend?

• Senior management and officials of an organization need to understand the importance of having certified auditors as part of the organization
• Internal auditors who would like to undertake the certification for greater demonstration of capability
• IT professionals and managers working with information systems, who need to understand best practices and standards to ensure the security and integrity of these systems
• Learning and development professionals responsible for assessing training needs, candidate readiness, and relevant certifications and courses
• Policymakers are responsible for ensuring that all possible clauses and guidelines are included and that these are in accordance with international standards
• Any other professional who would like to know more about the CISA certification and exam

Course Outline

The CISA training will cover the following topics important to gain complete insight into the CISA certification and exam and its importance to one’s professional experience:

Module 1 – Overview of CISA

• Definition
• History
• Format

Module 2 – Benefits of CISA to Professionals

• Confirms knowledge and experience
• Quantifies and markets expertise
• Demonstrates capability
• Provides a globally recognized mark of excellence
• Increases credibility and market value
• Gives a competitive edge
• Helps achieve high professional standards

Module 3 – Benefits of CISA to Organisations

• Highly qualified, experienced professionals
• Provision of IT assurance
• Excellent indicators of proficiency in technology controls
• Proven competence in major domains
  • Standards and practices
  • Organization and management
  • Processes
  • Integrity, confidentiality, and availability
  • Software development, acquisition, and maintenance
• Trusted information systems

Module 4 – Job Practice Domains Tested in the Exam

• Process of auditing information systems
• Governance and management of IT
• Information systems acquisition, development, and implementation
• Protection of information assets
• Information systems’ operation, maintenance, and service management

Module 5 – Process of Certification

• Successful completion of CISA exam
• Application for CISA certification
• Adherence to the code of professional ethics
• Adherence to continuing professional education (CPE) program
• Compliance with information systems auditing standards

Module 6 – Objectives of CPE Programme

• Maintain individual competency
• Provide distinction between qualified and unqualified CISA professionals
• Provide a mechanism for monitoring and maintenance of professionals’ competency
• Aid top management in developing sound information system audit, control, and security functions

Module 7 – Code of Professional Ethics

• Support implementation of and compliance with standards and procedures
• Perform duties diligently, objectively, and professionally
• Serve in the interest of stakeholders lawfully
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of information obtained
• Maintain competency in respective fields
• Inform appropriate parties of results of work
• Support professional education of stakeholders

Module 8 – Best Practices for CISA Professionals

• Be passionate
• Respect people and culture and use soft skills
• Understand clients’ business domain
• Stay updated with technology
• Keep objectives in focus and provide realistic values
• Follow the agreed-upon audit process
• Be innovative
• Create proper reports