Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – Requirements, Cost, Time, Difficulty

Overview

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a professional credential in IT Audit. It validates knowledge and practical skills expected for roles aligned with Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and signals readiness for entry through mid-level responsibilities.

Last updated: 2025-11-12 04:29:09 UTC

What it covers

Fundamentals commonly required in IT Audit roles
Applied skills that map to day-to-day job tasks
Tools, workflows, and quality/safety best practices
Provider-defined objectives and exam domains

Quick snapshot

Price$575 (member) / $760 (non‑member)

Time Commitment150–250 hrs

Recertification IntervalAnnual CPE/fees; 120 CPE over 3 years

Prerequisites5 years IS audit/control/assurance experience (experience waivers available)

Difficulty4

Job Demand4

Self Employment4

Remote Roles8

Typical Salary (US): $110k–$150k

Steps to get certified

Confirm eligibility and prerequisites (if any)
Review the exam objectives and official candidate handbook
Study with free resources and complete practice tasks/exams
Schedule and take the exam (remote or test center, per policy)
Maintain the credential via recertification/CE (if required)

Free study resources

Official exam objectives / sample questions (usually free)
Open courseware and tutorials aligned to the objectives
Hands-on labs or small projects that mirror real tasks
Local library access to relevant books and guides

Communities & discussion

Certification-focused forums and Q&A communities
Reddit/Discord/Slack groups for this cert’s domain
Local meetups or online study groups

Example jobs with this cert

IT Audit Technician
IT Audit Specialist
IT Audit Associate
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Support/Assistant
Junior IT Audit Analyst