The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a glorifying achievement sought after not only by audit and GRC professionals but also employers all over the world.
One must not only demonstrate astute abilities to pass the rigorous exam but also have five years of relevant professional experience to become CISA-certified. Although two years of experience can be subsidized through a bachelor's degree and one more year via a master's degree, many professionals may choose to wait until the very end to have the experience requirement in place before even attempting to pass the exam. If you ever wonder whether you should wait or not, here are three reasons why you should not wait and instead take the exam to become a CISA now:
First and foremost, one should pursue CISA not because of CISA itself but what the pursuit of CISA will make you. Every page of the manual you will read, every practice question that you get wrong, will push you harder to expand your knowledge and horizon. Gradually, with the breadth and depth of the information you will have consumed, by the time you take the exam, you will no longer be the same IT audit professional – you will be so much better!
The second reason ties to one’s professional value, which will increase significantly after passing the CISA – in a way that perhaps is not as obvious before you attempt to take on CISA. However, think about your climbing confidence level, knowing that you passed one of the most challenging exams out there. And do not confuse confidence with arrogance because the boost in your confidence will also be a reflection of your competence. As a result, a combination of your competence and confidence will make you ever so valuable to your clients, your team, and everyone else around you.
Third and not least, think of all the opportunities that will be within your reach after overcoming CISA. There will always be an opportunity but whether you are ready to take it or not is on you. However, time is of the essence since your competence year after year will evolve to not only provide you with new opportunities but also with new responsibilities. Hence, the sooner you unload the pressure of passing CISA off your shoulders, the sooner you will make space for new responsibilities to take its place.
As someone who passed the CISA exam only a couple of months ago, I am already experiencing the benefits I described above. I was able to accomplish it with the support of the ISACA community on the Engage platform, my wonderful team at Schneider Downs, and thanks to all my mentors throughout the journey. So, do not waste your time hesitating and join me now because If I was able to do it, so can you!
Editor’s note:The CISA Exam Content Outline (ECO) will be updated effective 1 August 2024. Starting on 1 August 2024, the CISA exam will reflect the new ECO. Updated preparation material for the new ECO will be available for purchase in May. For more information, visit www.isaca.org/cisa