An Overview of the Bonus Pay Boosting ISACA’s CISA and CISM Certifications
Once a year, the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, "a recognized global
leader in IT governance, control and assurance" that got its start in 1967, offers two
security related exams. These are the CISA, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and
the more advanced CISM, Certified Information Security Manager.
How many people would bother to chase an exam offered only once a year?
Thousands! There are more than 30,000 CISAs worldwide, and more than 11,000
candidates registered for the 2003 CISA exam. Meanwhile, the CISM exam has
"attracted more than 5,000 applicants in its first 18 months of existence."
Why are these particular IT security-related certifications so popular?
One reason is the impact on the bottom line these certifications provide,
as evident from a recent Foote Partners, LLC certification survey:
"IT professionals holding the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
certification earned the largest gains in premium bonus pay among 56
certifications surveyed by Foote Partners, LLC during 2003 and 2002. With
a 25 percent increase in 2003 and a 38 percent increase in bonus pay over
the 24 months of 2002 and 2003, the CISA certification rated ‘the biggest
increase for all certifications surveyed.’ This increase is especially
significant as the report found that premium pay for all certifications
surveyed declined 5.6 percent during 2003."
Before telling you more about the CISA and CISM certifications, it’s
important to mention that the final registration deadline for each exam
is Wednesday, March 31, 2004 with the examination date set for
Saturday, June 12, 2004.
The "Cornerstone" Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification
The CISA certification, around since 1978, "has been the globally accepted
standard of achievement in the IS audit, control and security field." To
achieve this certification, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Successful completion of the CISA exam – This exam costs $375
USD for members and $495 for non-members (the early registration deadline
passed on February 4, 2004). By registering online you can save $30.
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and lasts four
hours. It is offered in these languages: Chinese, Dutch, English,
French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Topics
covered include the following:
Management, planning, and organization of IS
Technical infrastructure and operational practices
Protection of information assets
Disaster recovery and business continuity
Business, application system development, acquisition, implementation
and maintenance
Business process evaluation and risk management
The IS audit process
Submission of evidence of a minimum of five (5) years of professional IS
auditing, control or security work experience
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