OVERVIEW
What Is a Certified Information Systems Auditor?
Ìý
A certified information systems auditor (CISA) is an information technology professional trained to evaluate, audit, monitor, and secure an organization’s information systems. The CISA certification, administered by , is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in auditing, governance, risk management, and the protection of information assets.
Organizations rely on CISAs to assess the effectiveness of security controls, identify vulnerabilities, evaluate compliance requirements, and help ensure that technology systems support business objectives. These professionals play an important role in maintaining secure and reliable business systems while helping organizations strengthen operational efficiency and business resilience.
Earning a CISA certification can help professionals boost their credibility, qualify for leadership opportunities, and increase their earning potential. Many employers view the credential as evidence of advanced knowledge in professional information systems auditing, risk management, and governance.
With a CISA certification and a relevant degree, professionals may pursue roles such as:
- Internal auditor
- Public accounting auditor
- Information systems analyst
- Audit managerÌý
- IT project manager
- IT security officer
- Network operations security engineer
- Cybersecurity analyst
- IT consultant
- IT risk and assurance manager
- Privacy officer
- Chief information security officer (CISO)
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Certified Information Systems Auditor Do?
The daily work of a certified information systems auditor is varied and strategic. CISAs help organizations evaluate technology risks, improve controls, and ensure compliance with regulations and industry requirements.
The process of auditing information systems involves reviewing technology environments, identifying risks, assessing controls, and recommending improvements that help protect organizational assets.
Common responsibilities include:
- Implementing risk-based audit strategies for information systems.
- Planning and conducting audits to evaluate security, effectiveness, and compliance.
- Assessing information systems operations and technology controls.
- Reviewing systems involved in information systems acquisition projects.
- Evaluating risk management and governance practices.
- Documenting audit findings and presenting recommendations to leadership.
- Conducting follow-up reviews to verify corrective actions have been implemented.
- Supporting regulatory and compliance initiatives.
- Assessing the security and reliability of critical business systems.
By helping organizations identify weaknesses before they become major issues, CISAs play a vital role in safeguarding data, advocating for compliance, and strengthening organizational performance.
The certification process typically includes:
- Passing the CISA exam.
- Meeting experience requirements.
- Submitting a certification application.
- Agreeing to follow ISACA’s professional ethics requirements.
- Maintaining the certification through ongoing education.
Because the CISA certification is widely respected across industries, many employers prefer or require it for audit, governance, compliance, and information security positions.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Certified Information Systems Auditor?
Becoming a CISA typically requires a combination of education, professional experience, and certification.
Many professionals begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, or a related subject. Some also pursue graduate degrees such as an MBA in IT management or a master’s degree in information technology to strengthen their qualifications for leadership roles.
Common steps include:
- Earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Gaining qualifying professional experience.
- Passing the CISA exam.
- Applying for CISA certification.
- Adhering to ISACA’s .
- Following ISACA’s .
- Complying with ISACA’s auditing standards.
Candidates generally must demonstrate relevant work experience before earning the certification. Experience requirements may be met through a combination of professional auditing, control, assurance, or security-related roles, along with certain educational substitutions permitted by ISACA.
Best Degrees for a CISA
Technology
Software Engineering – B.S.
Build the software behind the next generation of AI....
Build the software behind the next generation of AI.
- Time:Ìý60% of graduates finish similar programs withinÌý35 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 or 38 total courses in this program depending on your track.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:
- CompTIA Project +
- AWS Certified Cloud PractitionerÌý
- ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Software Engineering and an M.S. in Software Engineering together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money.ÌýLearn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Web development
- Mobile application developmentÌý
- User experience design
- Software quality assurance
Technology
Information Technology – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time:Ìý67% of graduates finish within 19 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$4,090 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuableÌýPMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)Ìýand Scrum Alliance Certified Agile Leader 1 (CAL 1) certifications.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Agile leadership
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.Ìý
Technology
Java Developer Certificate – School of Technology
The Java Developer Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation...
The Java Developer Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation in databases, Java, SQL, and other areas that are crucial for success in the field.
- Time: 3 months from start to finish.
- Cost:Ìý$499 for the certificate.
- Courses:Ìý3 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help individuals who want to pursue web development gain important skills and experience, boosting their résumé right away.ÌýThis program is an important step for your career.
Build your foundational skills in back end web development with a focus on SQL queries, user interface, database management, Java fundamentals and frameworks, and more.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Certified Information Systems Auditor Need?
Certified information systems auditors combine technical expertise with strong analytical and communication abilities.Ìý
Important qualifications and skills include the following:Ìý
Technical Skills
- Experience with information systems auditing and risk assessment
- Understanding of security controls and compliance frameworks
- Knowledge of governance and risk management practices
- Familiarity with enterprise technology environments
- Experience reviewing technology controls and security processes
- Understanding of audit software and reporting tools
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements
ÌýProfessional Skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Communication and presentation skills
- Attention to detail
- Project management capabilities
- Collaboration with technical and executive teams
- Strong documentation and reporting skills
- Commitment to professional information systems auditing practices
Many employers also value candidates with prior security work experience, auditing experience, or experience serving as an internal auditor.
How Much Does a CISA Make?
$123,000
Salary can vary significantly depending on experience, industry, location, and job title.Ìý
According to PayScale, professionals holding the CISA certification earn an average salary of approximately . Many CISA certification holders advance into leadership and management positions that offer even greater earning potential.
Some of the highest-paying roles commonly assumed by CISAs include:
- Chief information security officer (CISO)
- Senior information security leadership roles
- IT governance leader
- Risk and compliance manager
- Audit managerÌý
Professionals who combine the credential with leadership experience, advanced education, and specialized cybersecurity knowledge often earn salaries well above the national average.
What Is the Job Outlook for a CISA?
29%
The outlook for professionals with a CISA certification remains strong as organizations continue investing in cybersecurity, compliance, governance, and risk management.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of information security analysts to , much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS also projects more than 52,000 new jobs in the field during that period.
As organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and evolving compliance requirements, demand for professionals who understand auditing, risk management, security controls, and governance is expected to remain high.
Maintaining your credential through ongoing CPE requirements and regular CPE reporting can help ensure that your knowledge remains current as technologies and regulations evolve.Ìý
Is a CISA Certification Worth It?
ÌýFor many technology, audit, and cybersecurity professionals, earning a CISA certification can be a valuable career investment.
The credential demonstrates expertise in auditing and governance practices, validates professional experience, and can help qualify candidates for leadership opportunities. Employers around the world recognize the certification as a trusted benchmark of competency in information systems auditing and risk management.
Whether your goal is to become an audit manager, consultant, information security leader, or governance specialist, the CISA certification can help strengthen your résumé and expand your career opportunities.
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