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CISA Certification Guide
Written by Coursera • Updated on
Wondering what CISM certification is and if it's for you? This information security statement requires a combination of experience and knowledge in protecting networks and systems from cybercrime. Find out more with our guide.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is intended for information security professionals with specific experience and knowledge. The certification is designed to demonstrate skills in at least one of the following four areas:
Management of information security incidents
Information risk management
Information security management
Develop and manage an information security program
According to ISACA, the global qualifications association, there are more than 48,000 CISM-certified professionals worldwide [1]. Indeed, the job website notes that the CISM is one of the most sought-after certifications in the world of information security. Although it takes a little time and effort to get a CISM certification, it can be an effective way to advance your career, especially if you want to be a cybersecurity manager.
Let's take a closer look at CISM certifications and their benefits to help you make your decision.
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Linux, Python Programming, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Tools, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), SQL, Information Security (INFOSEC), Cybersecurity, Historical Attacks, Cybersecurity Ethics, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), security audits, incident response Manuals, NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), cloud networking, network security, security hardening, network architecture, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Command Line Interface (CLI), Bash, Vulnerability Assessment, Threat Analysis, Authentication, Cryptography, Asset Classification, Packet Analyzer, Computer Programming, Coding, PEP 8 Style Guide, Work Preparation, Stakeholder Communication, Integrity and Discretion, Escalation, Resume and Portfolio Preparation
What is CISA certification?
Earning CISM certification can help you demonstrate your information security strengths, advanced skills, and understanding of how security fits into your business goals. As a CISM certified professional, you are able to design, implement and manage an organization's security network. You will also be tasked with identifying potential threats and mitigating the damage in the event of a security breach.
CISM certification is offered by ISACA, an association with more than 165,000 members in 188 countries [2]. For more than 50 years, ISACA has helped information security and information technology professionals stay abreast of the latest developments in this rapidly changing technology landscape.
CISM protiv CISSP
The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification is another highly sought after certification offered by (ISC)² which provides records and information management services for public records and data.
Although both are certifications for information security professionals,CISAit also requires you to demonstrate that you understand information security from a business and technical perspective. If you want to work as a manager or advance your career to work in management, the CISM certification could be a good option.
CISSPcertification requires demonstrating technical understanding of a large list of security domains with some management responsibilities. You can apply for both certifications as they complement each other, butif you want to grow into a management position, CISM is the first to earn.
Advantages of CISM certification
As you consider your options, it's worth keeping an eye on the future and the potential benefits this certification offers. Here are some benefits of getting CISM certification:
It puts you in the elite group of information security experts.
Earning this certification can be challenging, so it shows that you are committed to a career in information security.
Increased employment
Greater earning potential
Work potential
According to CyberSecurity Ventures, cybercrime will cost an estimated 57,20,463,81,521 rupees in damages worldwide by 2022 [3]. The rapidly rising costs of cybercrime could drive continued demand for educated and skilled information security professionals. Cyber Security Ventures also predicts that the cybersecurity market will grow 12 to 15 percent through 2025, with increased cybersecurity spending from small businesses to large enterprises to governments strengthening their defenses against security breaches [4].
Job prospects vary depending on the position you have or are looking to fill.
Salary view
The average salary of a CISA holder in India is 26.2 litres. These professionals can earn 23 lira per year or even 50 lira [5]. According to ISACA reports [6].
Is CISM for me?
If you have a combination of information security experience and knowledge and want to transition from working in a team to leading a team, CISM could be the right choice. It has ANSI accreditation, which guarantees that it meets international standards of consistency and integrity.
Za i protiv
Earning this credential can improve your credibility, performance, and confidence when applying for positions such as security consultant, security product manager, security auditor, and more. Before you decide if a CISA is the right option, consider the pros and cons in addition to more work and higher earning potential.
| Advantages | against |
|---|---|
| Your skills and knowledge are recognized worldwide as the CISM certification is approved by ANSI according to ISO/IEC 17024:2012. | To qualify, you need at least five years of relevant work experience unless you can find qualified replacements. |
| You'll increase your networking opportunities by joining a group of CISM-certified professionals. | There are initial and ongoing costs. In addition to the registration and exam registration fee, you also pay an annual maintenance fee [7]. |
| CISM combines IT auditing with information security as an independent function |
CISM certification requirements
To become certified, you must meet five criteria, starting with passing the CISM certification exam. This test covers four topics:
Management of information security incidents
Develop and manage an information security program
Information risk management
Information security management
The test is multiple choice and contains 150 questions over four hours. Your score will be invalidated if you do not meet the following four requirements. Additionally, you must apply for certification within five years of passing the exam. Other criteria include:
Compliance with ISACA's "Code of Professional Ethics", which requires adherence to strict standards and expertise in IT systems
Completion of at least 20 hours of continuous vocational training per year and at least 120 hours over three years [7]
Verification of work experience with the employer. You need at least five years in information security, including three or more years in information security management, within five years of taking the certification exam.
Applying for CISA and paying the application fee. ISACA will verify all your information before you receive your certificate.
Do I need a degree?
ISACA does not require a degree, but work experience in information security is mandatory. Many employers involved in information security are looking for candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science or technical disciplines, preferably a master's degree in a relevant field.
Some popular alternatives include information security training or obtaining another certification, such as the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential, also issued by ISACA. This certification also requires a minimum of five years of work experience, passing an exam and completed continuing education.
Work experience required
You have at least five years of work experience in information security. That experience must be within the last 10 years prior to the date of application to meet certification requirements. At least three of these years must be in at least three areas of professional practice, one or more in each. These areas include:
Information security management
Information risk management
Development of an information security program
Information security management
Several qualifying factors can reduce the amount of work experience required. For example, having a CISA certification reduces it by two years, and any skills-based security certification such as CBCP or GIAC reduces it by one year.
Continue your education
There's a reason CISM-certified professionals are highly regarded: they adhere to strict standards. You must adhere to the correct behavior and stay up-to-date on the latest information security issues, techniques and threats.
You will have many opportunities to fulfill your requirements by attending corporate training, supplier sales presentations and university lectures. ISACA also organizes professional educational meetings and activities that may lead to the need for continuing education. You can also take self-study courses that provide a certificate of completion showing the number of CPE hours earned for each course.
First steps
If you're ready to start a career in cybersecurity, consider enrolling in a courseCertified as a Google Cyber Security Experton Coursera. Learn how to use basic job tools like Splunk, Chronicle, Guide, etc. This program is designed to help people with no experience find their first cybersecurity job, all at their own pace.
professional certificate
Google Cyber Security
This is your path to a career in cybersecurity. In this certification program, you'll learn the in-demand skills that will get you up and running in less than 6 months. No training or experience required.
4.9
(514 reviews)
29,013 already registered
entry level
find out more
Average time: 6 months
Learn at your own pace
Skills you build:
Linux, Python Programming, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Tools, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), SQL, Information Security (INFOSEC), Cybersecurity, Historical Attacks, Cybersecurity Ethics, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), security audits, incident response Manuals, NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), cloud networking, network security, security hardening, network architecture, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Command Line Interface (CLI), Bash, Vulnerability Assessment, Threat Analysis, Authentication, Cryptography, Asset Classification, Packet Analyzer, Computer Programming, Coding, PEP 8 Style Guide, Work Preparation, Stakeholder Communication, Integrity and Discretion, Escalation, Resume and Portfolio Preparation
Written by Coursera • Updated on
This content is for informational purposes only. Students are advised to do additional research to ensure courses and other qualifications meet their personal, professional and financial goals.
FAQs
CISA Certification Guide? ›
CISA Exam Difficulty Level in Terms of Exam Content. Most readers tend to agree: the syllabus and exam content isn't particularly tough. After all, it is a one-part exam with only 150 questions. Compared to other exams in the niche, it is lighter.
What is the best CISA guide? ›- CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor Study Guide.
- CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor All-in-One Exam Guide.
- CISA Review Manual.
- CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual.
- CISA Exam Flashcard Study System.
CISA Exam Difficulty Level in Terms of Exam Content. Most readers tend to agree: the syllabus and exam content isn't particularly tough. After all, it is a one-part exam with only 150 questions. Compared to other exams in the niche, it is lighter.
Is CISA certification for beginners? ›There are no student prerequisites for our official CISA training seminar. However, CISA is not intended for beginners as the courseware focuses on advanced IS audit concepts and practices.
Is CISA better than CPA? ›While CPAs learn auditing techniques, auditing is not a primary or exclusive function of the credential, and not all CPAs are auditors. In contrast, CISAs are highly skilled auditors trained to assess policies, processes and technology systems. Also, CPAs focus on financial numbers.
Why do so many people fail CISA? ›Accountants spend a few semesters studying audit and then obtain extensive work experience. Many IT professionals fail the CISA exam simply because they are not well prepared for the audit component. This book was written to summarize the essential audit aspects of the CISA exam.
What is the fail rate for CISA? ›You're probably curious about the CISA pass rate and your chances of passing on the first go. Regardless, the ISACA does not release the exact figures on the CISA pass rates. Still, most experts claim that the pass rate is somewhere between 45% and 60%.
What is the salary of a CISA? ›CISA Salary 2021
The average salary range for a professional holding the CISA certification ranges approximately from $52,459 to $122,326.
The CISA exam is open to anyone who has an interest in information security. You can still take the CISA exam even if you haven't met the experience requirements yet, although you'll have to meet those before getting certified.
How many days to study for CISA? ›In general, if you study for 2 to 3 hours a day, you'll be ready to sit for the exam within 2 months. However, this rule depends on how well you learn to apply the concepts (which field experience facilitates).
What happens if you fail CISA exam? ›
Individuals have 4 attempts within a rolling twelve-month period to pass the exam. Those that do not pass on their first attempt are allowed to retake the exam a total of 3 more times within 12 months from the date of the first attempt.
Is CISA worth getting? ›Both CRISC and CISA certifications provide individuals with high-paid jobs and wide career opportunities. One can get perfect job roles like risk strategist, security analyst, audit risk supervisor, etc. Thus, both CRISC and CISA are the best certification courses in excellent job opportunities.
Does CISA expire? ›How long is the CISA certification good for? A full CISA renewal cycle takes three years. This means paying the maintenance fee three times (once every year), and also reporting on CPEs earning every year.
Is CISA in demand? ›CISA Salary In 2022
CISA is among the most in-demand certifications today, with over 151 000 experts already certified by ISACA as of 2022. According to Skillsoft data (last updated on October 5, 2022), the CISA certification is among the top 15 best-paying IT certifications of 2022.
It is designed for IT auditors, audit managers, consultants and security professionals. Attaining CISA certification is considered beneficial because it is accepted by employers worldwide and is often requested for IT audit and security information management (SIM) positions.
Is CIA or CISA easier? ›You must pass all the 3 exams within the duration of 4 years from the time of the first exam. It would generally take 1 to 2 years to appear all the 3 CIA exams. The CIA is respected more than CISA due to its broader nature. The CIA exam is harder in comparison to CISA.
What is the salary of CISA vs CISSP? ›Salaries of CISA and CISSP Certification
However, CISSP often takes away a higher pay package than CISA. As per PayScale, the average salary for a CISSP certification is $107,000 per annum whereas the average salary for a certification in CISA is $99,000 per annum.
The CISSP is generally considered the more difficult certification to get out of the two. CISSP is more about the technicalities, so it is more challenging than CISA. Given that fact, the CISA exam is also difficult with only 50% of test takers making the cut. This number is even lower for first time test takers.
How many times can you take the CISA exam? ›Individuals can take an exam four times in a rolling year (the initial attempt and three retakes - the 365 rolling calendar date is from the date of the first exam attempt). Please note: Individuals retaking an exam are required to purchase a new exam registration for each exam attempt.
How do I pass CISA exam first attempt? ›- Understand the Core Concepts. ...
- Gauge Your Existing Knowledge with Self Analysis. ...
- Design Your Study Plan. ...
- Familiarize with the Exam Question Format. ...
- Put on the ISACA Hat when Answering Questions. ...
- Analyze Your Answers and Read All Explanations. ...
- Don't Blindly Memorize. ...
- Don't Forget the Mock Exam.
How much is the CISA exam? ›
CISA Exam Cost
The cost of the CISA exam is $575 for an ISACA member and $760 for a non-member. It's important to note that you are eligible to take the exam from the date of your registration; this eligibility period is good for 12 months. If you don't take the exam after one year, you will lose your payments.
The main problem with CISA is the fact that personal and private user information could be shared with the government. This would be shared without a need for a warrant and could not only be used for cybersecurity, but to prosecute other crimes that are unrelated to cybersecurity.
Are auditors in demand? ›Job Outlook
Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 136,400 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
CISAs are responsible for planning and executing audits within an organization. Accountants obtaining CISA certification typically enjoy courses related to accounting information systems and information technology. Unlike the CPA exam, students can take the CISA exam without having a degree in hand.
Which ISACA certification pays the most? ›- Certification in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT): $135,000.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): $122,000.
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC): $119,000.
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): $99,000.
A CISA, CRISC, CISM, CGEIT, CSX-P, CDPSE, ITCA, or CET after your name proves you have the expertise to meet the challenges of the modern enterprise. Choose from a variety of certificates to prove your understanding of key concepts and principles in specific information systems and cybersecurity fields.
How many hours is CISA? ›To ensure professionals who hold the CISA designation keep their knowledge of information systems, auditing, and control updated, they are required to undertake 20 hours of training per year and a minimum of 120 hours in a three-year period. ISACA charges an annual maintenance fee to renew the CISA certification.
What is the difference between CISA and CISM? ›The difference between the two certifications is that the CISM certification is for managers and directors who oversee information security whereas the CISA certification is for auditors who assess the security of a company's computer systems.
What is the difference between CISSP and CISA? ›Both are information security certifications, but they are on opposite ends of a spectrum. The CISA certification, as its name implies, is about the audit of information systems. The CISSP is focused on the implementation, operation and maintenance of secure information systems.
How many months to prepare for CISA? ›You can be ready to sit for the exam in three to six months, depending on your familiarity with auditing and IT security, as well as how much time you can devote. Are you a night owl or an early bird? Study at times when your brain can effectively and efficiently process and absorb information.
How many questions does CISA have? ›
The Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®) exam consists of 150 questions covering 5 job practice domains, all testing your knowledge and ability on real-life job practices leveraged by expert professionals.
How many tests are there in the CISA exam? ›The CISA exam is a one-part exam with 150 multiple-choice questions (reduced from 200 questions) that come from five domain categories. I will explain these domains in more detail below. You have four hours in total to complete these 150 questions.
Which ISACA certification is easiest? ›Several ISACA credentials are available, but the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is the easiest and most beneficial. It is also the most widely held ISACA credential.
Which is better CISA or CISM or CISSP? ›CISSP focuses more on the operational side of security, its technical aspects, whereas CISM is designed around the strategic side of the security and its functioning with business goals. It is designed for Information Security Managers. Targets people who design, manage, assess infosec environments on an Org. Level.
Is the CISA exam online? ›Pay the fee to sit the ISACA CISA® (Certified Information Systems Auditor) exam. This is a four-hour, multiple-choice online exam, consisting of 150 questions set by ISACA.
Who is the target audience for CISA? ›Target audience
The CISA Certification is required for everyone who manages, monitors, or evaluates an organisation's information technology and business systems.
The CIA certification is easier to obtain than the CPA since the exam is focused on 1 major aspect of accounting, whereas the CPA exam is based on 4. If you enjoy detail work and investigating, the CIA certification would work out well for you.
Is CISA a CPA or CIA? ›The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) accreditations are both very good options, but they're not the same. In a nutshell, the CIA is for generalists, while the CISA is for specialists. So, the one you need depends on the job you want.
Which cyber security course is hardest? ›The CISSP credential is the most respected certification in cybersecurity. Earning this certification shows your knowledge and skill in the field, which can help you advance your career and become part of a community of leaders in cybersecurity. CISSP is a very difficult certification to get.
Which is the latest CISA review manual? ›CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition (English, Paperback, Isaca)
What is the latest CISA manual? ›
CISA Review Manual 27th Edition
To aid CISA candidates in their exam studies, ISACA publishes the CISA Review Manual, also known as the CRM. The CRM covers the entire CISA exam syllabus. The 27th edition of the CISA Review Manual is the most recent edition of the manual.
Certified information security manager (CISM)
According to ISACA, this is one of the most sought-after security certifications, and holding it can help you secure a higher salary.
In general, if you study for 2 to 3 hours a day, you'll be ready to sit for the exam within 2 months. However, this rule depends on how well you learn to apply the concepts (which field experience facilitates).
How to prepare for CISA exam? ›- Understand the Core Concepts. ...
- Gauge Your Existing Knowledge with Self Analysis. ...
- Design Your Study Plan. ...
- Familiarize with the Exam Question Format. ...
- Put on the ISACA Hat when Answering Questions. ...
- Analyze Your Answers and Read All Explanations. ...
- Don't Blindly Memorize. ...
- Don't Forget the Mock Exam.
How long is the CISA certification good for? A full CISA renewal cycle takes three years. This means paying the maintenance fee three times (once every year), and also reporting on CPEs earning every year.
Is CISA still relevant? ›Because of this, CISA certification holders are highly valued – to the extent that many companies treat the qualification as a prerequisite when looking for candidates. The certification covers five job practice domains: Information System Auditing Process (21 percent) Governance and Management of IT (17 percent)
What is the hardest cyber security certification? ›Many consider the hardest security certification to obtain to be the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the field of information security and passing an extensive exam.
What is the highest salary cyber security certification? ›Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
CRISC is one of Global Knowledge's most-pursued and highest-paying cybersecurity certifications, at an average annual salary of $167,145*. It helps candidates gain a deep understanding of the impact of IT risks for individual organizations.
The CISSP credential is the most respected certification in cybersecurity. Earning this certification shows your knowledge and skill in the field, which can help you advance your career and become part of a community of leaders in cybersecurity. CISSP is a very difficult certification to get.