Preparing & Passing the CISA Exam on Your First Try

In this digitally-driven world, threats are increasing rapidly, both internally and externally in IT. Therefore, IT auditing is one of the most important tools that every company should implement for security reasons. As per the IT security professionals, every company should invest in IT system checks to protect the availability, integrity and confidentiality of its data.

However, the importance of information security auditors has also grown with the increasing instances of cyber threats. If you are an individual who is aiming to be an Information Systems Auditor, you may need an IT certificate, e.g., CISA Certificate for gaining skills in IT auditing. In this blog, we will look at those tips which you can consider to prepare and pass the CISA exam along with some of the benefits of the CISA exam. 

What is CISA Certification?

CISA means Certified Information Systems Auditor, which is issued by Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and significantly plays a key role in IT business systems. Powerful for IT auditors to control and manage IT system audits, this certificate was recognized worldwide in 1978.

Over the past few years, 27,000+ IT professionals have taken the CISA exam each year.

Let's take a look at some of the benefits of CISA certification as follows:

Gain Experience and Skills: CISA certification training can help you master the modern technologies and skills essential to becoming an information security auditor. IT professionals working as information security auditors must earn this certificate to gain experience in evaluation, measurement and executing information systems. 

Receive High Pay-outs: Every business wants to keep their assets secured from hackers. That's why IT auditors can make a lot of money in both the private as well as public sectors. In fact, according to one study, a CISA certified professional can earn 20% more than a non-certified co-worker. Professionals can earn around $140,000 per year by earning a CISA certificate.

Understand Concepts & Processes of IT Auditing: CISA certification enables IT auditors to understand basic methodologies and concepts that they can apply in audit of information security. It makes you learn and apply the basics of ethical behavior to conduct IT audits. This certificate allows you to demonstrate your skills and understanding as well as business continuity. 

How did you prepare it?

There are numerous online platforms available to help you prepare for your CISA ISACA Exam but Vinsys offers the advanced and best training for CISA that gives an edge to candidates in the examination. 

Well, Focus is the key to SUCCESS!

You have to aim on CISA domains and check out & analyze your weakness to aim on the side of the improvement. 

The areas of practice you need to focus on are the following:

Domain 1 - Information system audit process (21%) 

Gives understanding about services related to audit on IS audit standards to help organizations protect and manage information systems.

Domain 2 - IT management and administration (17%)

Ensure that the necessary organizational structures and processes and leadership are in place to achieve objectives and support strategy of business. 

Domain 3 - Acquisition, development and implementation of information systems (12%)

Ensure that the development, testing, acquisition and execution of information systems practices are aligned with business aims and plans.

Domain 4 - Operation of information systems and company sustainability (23%)

Ensure that the information system operating procedures, maintenance, and service management are in line with business objectives and strategies.

Domain 5 - Information Asset Protection (27%)

Ensure that the company's processes, controls, procedures, standards and policies manage the privacy, morals and information assets availability. 

Tips for clearing the ISACA CISA Exam:

To pass the CISA exam it is significantly important that candidates must have focus and commitment. Below we have discussed top 10 tips to pass CISA Exam: 

Study CRM in-depth: 

ISACA offers a manual for the CISA Review which acts as a guide for the CISA exam. This is a fully reference guide intended to guide candidates for the CISA exam, providing them with all the details related to the CISA exam and the roles and responsibilities of an information systems auditors. Well, there is study material or guide available on various digital platforms like Vinsys too that are updated from time to time. Ideally, professionals should learn CRM more than twice to improve their IP auditor experience.

Practice CISA Review Questions and Answers:

ISACA also offers CISA exam questions and answers along with guides for self-study or practice. Candidates can use sample questions and answers to clear the tough concepts and domains and enhance their preparation for the CISA certification exam. Those who are taking online training from digital platforms like Vinsys know that they are provided with the latest Questions and Answers for CISA Exam preparation. To provide a layman's idea about the CISA exam, these questions and answers are prepared by experts. In addition, ISACA regularly updates the handbook and sample questions to keep up with the ever-evolving world of auditing. 

Read Blogs and Articles: 

Besides going through study material offered by ISACA or online training institute, candidates should also read the blogs and articles available online related to CISA to get the better insights about the exam. You can also go through journals available on the ISACA website for CISA. 

In-Hand Experience of IS Audit: 

To excel in professional certifications such as CISA; It is very important to gain experience practically on ground zero. IT Audit is similar to other auditing but with versatile scope. Professionals must have an understanding of how to understand business assets, define audit scope, plan audits, and report to real industry.

Make Accountant Like Mindset: 

It is important that the candidates should have a mindset like an accountant. In doing so, they will come out with a quality assessment that can help in understanding the problem. Most CISA professionals who prepare for the CISA exam have a background in the accounting or financial industry. So if you make this a habit, it will help you find the right answer.

Give Time For Preparation: 

Managing classes as a professional can be challenging for candidates to manage CISA exam preparation hours. However, it is very important that you manage your classes according to the topic of the syllabus in order to pass the CISA exam. One can devote 1-2 hours each day to better prepare for the CISA exam in order to pass the exam.

Embrace Changes:

It is indeed one of the best working tips here to research the information you have gone through. The real world of industry is constantly evolving, so are IP verification principles and methodologies. To maintain impartiality is the best feature of writing the CISA exam. Therefore, religious adherence to the CISA Exam Guidelines is useful as it evolves over time with the latest updates.

Efficient Time Management: 

Professionals usually complain that they do not get enough time to finish their exam. This is because of time management. You have to divide the time according to questions and the CISA curriculum. This will not only give advantage to you at studying but will also be helpful in the CISA exam. 

Join Forums, Community, and Groups of CISA: 

Candidates can join CISA related groups and discussions to communicate with other CISA candidates and previous CISA members. There are various community forums and groups available online related to CISA. Such stages can give both theoretical as well as pragmatic comprehension of IS auditing and subsequently assist with creating CISA exam preparation to earn certification of CISA. 

CISA Mock Tests: 

Giving the Mock Tests is the most important aspect while preparing for the CISA exam. Taking CISA Mock Tests will enhance IS Auditing knowledge of candidates. 

To earn CISA Certification is not an easy task, as it takes time. If you have queries or difficulties, you can read other blogs based on ISACA CISA Certification. Those who wish to continue their careers as information security auditors should consider obtaining the ISACA CISA certification. Vinsys is your digital partner who offers CISA Certification training in the USA and across the globe.

For details related to course and training, get in touch with us today!