ISACA CISA

An in-depth overview of CISA domains for aspiring auditors

If you want to be an IT auditor, or are one now and don't have a certification, then why not consider the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential? This is among the 7 Top Security Certifications You Should Have in 2023 and is one of the key certifications employers look for when considering candidates for IT auditor and assurance positions worldwide.

The CISA certification program guides professionals through the knowledge needed to be in the profession and proves the presence of skills specific to the audit IS/IT function. IT audit leaders and professionals are assuming an increasingly integrated role regarding technology initiatives in their organizations, and companies are actively looking for professionals who can prove their expertise to cover these key roles. In this article, we'll provide an in-depth overview of the CISA, exploring the significance of this certification and its role in the cybersecurity industry.

Understanding CISA certification

The CISA credential signifies expertise in information systems audit, control, assurance and security. Administered by the global association ISACA since 1978, CISA is world-renowned as a certification for IT and cybersecurity audit professionals.

To earn CISA certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that covers five domains focused on auditing processes, IT governance, systems acquisition, operations, and information asset protection. By meeting experience and skill requirements backed by a code of ethics, CISAs demonstrate proficiency in assessing vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and developing remediation strategies.

According to ISACA, more than 151,000 professionals have obtained their CISA since 1978, and CISAs are employed worldwide across all industry sectors. This certification reflects their ability to identify and mitigate risks, implement controls, and effectively communicate cybersecurity priorities to a wide variety of stakeholders. As technology and security risks accelerate, CISAs play an increasingly important role in organizations by safeguarding systems and data.

While other certifications focus on specific topics, or more general entry-level knowledge, CISA covers the essential tasks of auditing IT infrastructures with an eye towards policies, regulations and technological shifts.

Here is how the CISA stacks up to other certifications:

Certification	Focus	Target Audience	Level
Security+	Foundational cybersecurity knowledge	IT professionals, entry-level cybersecurity specialists	Entry-level
CISA	Information systems auditing, control, and security	IT auditors, security professionals, risk managers	Intermediate
CISM	Information security management	Security managers, IT leaders, risk management professionals	Intermediate
CEH	Ethical hacking	Penetration testers, security analysts, ethical hackers	Intermediate
CCSP	Cloud security	Cloud security architects, cloud security engineers, cloud security administrators	Intermediate
CISSP	Advanced cybersecurity knowledge	Experienced security professionals, security architects, security managers	Advanced
CASP+	Advanced security practitioner	IT security professionals, security architects, security engineers	Advanced

Overview of CISA domains

The CISA certification exam evaluates candidates' competency across five distinct domains that collectively define the expertise required of information system auditors. These five domains reflect key practice areas measured through questions targeting specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Domain 1: Information system auditing process
Domain 2: Governance and management of IT
Domain 3: Information systems acquisition, development, and implementation
Domain 4: Information systems operations and business resilience
Domain 5: Protection of information assets

Over the years, the domains of the CISA certification have evolved to keep pace with the changing landscape of information technology and cybersecurity. This evolution reflects the shifting priorities and emerging challenges faced by information system auditors in a rapidly advancing digital world.

Looking ahead, ISACA has announced a planned update to the CISA domains, which is set to take effect in August 2024. With this update, the domains will remain the same, but their weights will be updated to place greater emphasis on audit methodologies and information asset protection. In the next section, we will look at the makeup of the current domains in depth.

Detailed exploration of each CISA domain

Now, let's explore each of these domains in-depth to understand their importance, the key topics you need to know, and the essential skills you need to practice to pass the CISA exam.

Domain 1: Information system auditing process (21% of the exam)

This domain covers the core principles and methodologies of conducting effective information system audits. It equips you with the skill set to assess risks, evaluate controls, and identify vulnerabilities within an organization's IT infrastructure. Mastering this domain is crucial for ensuring organizational compliance, data security and overall system reliability.