What Are Topics Tested in ISACA CISA Certification Exam?

The skills tested in the CISA exam include the following domains:

• Information Assets Protection (27%).
• Information Systems Implementation, Development, and Acquisition (12%);
• Business Resilience and Operation of Information Systems (23%);
• IT Governance and Management (17%);
• Auditing Process of Information System (21%);

The first topic is split into two parts. Therefore, candidates will need to demonstrate their skills in planning and executing the IS auditing process. The first subsection includes questions that will test the candidates' ability to manage IS audit standards, and apply the ISACA code of ethics. Also, they will need to show their experience in developing business processes and choose the right types of controls to improve business performance. Besides, they should be experts in risk-based audit planning and develop the right types of audits and assessments. The second subtopic focuses on concepts like audit project management and sampling methodology. Also, examinees should know how to audit evidence collection techniques and work with data analytics, as well as reporting and communication techniques.

Within the second domain, examinees will need to ensure IT governance and IT management. This means that they should be proficient in developing a coherent IT strategy and governance. Also, they should develop IT-related frameworks, standards, procedures, and policies. Candidates should be skilled in ensuring a correct organizational structure and enterprise architecture. They should also show maturity in handling enterprise risk management features and comply with the laws and the organization's standards. When it comes to IT management, applicants should know how to manage IT resources and manage IT service provider acquisition. Last but not least, they should ensure correct monitoring and reporting of IT performance and focus on IT quality assurance and management.

The third chapter focuses on information systems acquisition and development. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to govern and manage projects as well as develop a correct business case and feasibility analysis. Examinees will be required to answer questions related to system development methodologies and control design and identification features. The second subtopic included in this section handles Information Systems implementation. Thus, applicants will need to master testing methodologies and know how to configure and release the right management tools. Candidates should also focus on infrastructure deployment, data conversion, and system migration. The post-implementation review is also an important topic included here.

The fourth chapter concentrates on business resilience and information systems operations. Examinees will need to demonstrate how familiar they are with Business Impact Analysis, system resiliency, Business Continuity Plans, and Disaster Recovery Plans. These skills show the candidates' expertise in coming up with solutions that ensure business continuity in case something doesn't work as planned. This chapter also asks candidates to demonstrate that they know how to manage Common Technology components, master data governance, and end-user computing. Besides, they should be experienced in handling IT Service Level Agreements and Database Management. Applicants should also find the correct answer to questions related to Problem and Incident as well as Systems Performance Management.

The final topic handles information asset protection. Exam-takers should demonstrate that they understand how privacy principles work or if they are able to ensure network and end-point security. Also, they should be experienced in managing virtualization environments and work with Public Key Infrastructure. It is also essential that examinees understand how to manage Physical Access and Environmental controls as well as manage information asset security frameworks, guidelines, and standards. They should also know how to handle different security techniques dedicated to testing and monitoring. Besides, candidates should be proficient in managing incident response and handle evidence collection & forensics.

The ISACA CISA certification exam is suitable for any entry to a mid-level specialist who wants to demonstrate his/her ability to apply and manage a risk-based approach and focus on planning, executing, and reporting on audit engagements.

How to Schedule the ISACA CISA Exam?

After registration and paying the fee, you will get a confirmation email, you can schedule your exam by clicking that link in the email. You can also schedule by logging to your account. The CISA test is offered more than 50 times a year at various locations around the world, you can set time according to your ease, for example, Aug, Sep, Oct, Feb Apr, Jul whenever you want. You can also have a mid-year or quarterly break for better preparation for the exam. So it will not be much harder to find one that fits your schedule.

Reference: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa

Information Systems Auditing Process: This topic area evaluates your ability to provide conclusions on the status of IS/IT security, control, and risk solutions of an organization. It will measure your skills in the following subsections:

• Execution – audit project management; sampling methodology; data analytics; communication and reporting methods; audit evidence collection methods.
• Planning – IS audit standards, guidelines and codes of ethics; business processes; types of controls; risk-based audit planning; types of assessments and audits;