The CISA exam focuses on the key processes involved in the lifecycle of IT auditing and information security management, covering the following stages:

Initiating
Defining the audit scope, objectives, and stakeholders, and setting up the initial requirements for information security audits.
Key processes: Develop Audit Charter, Identify Stakeholders.

Planning
Establishing audit scope, resources, schedule, and risk management plans, and preparing the overall audit strategy.
Key processes: Plan Audit Management, Define Scope, Develop Risk Assessment, Create Audit Work Plan, Plan Resources, Plan Communication, Plan Stakeholder Engagement.

Executing
Coordinating audit activities, gathering evidence, and ensuring the audit is performed according to the plan.
Key processes: Execute Audit Work, Collect Evidence, Manage Audit Resources, Assess Controls, Communicate Findings, Perform Risk Assessments.

Monitoring and Controlling
Tracking and reviewing the progress of the audit to ensure that it aligns with the established plan and making adjustments as needed.
Key processes: Monitor Audit Work, Control Scope, Control Resources, Monitor Findings, Perform Integrated Change Control, Control Quality.

Closing
Finalizing all audit activities, documenting results, and closing the audit phase.
Key processes: Close Audit or Phase, Document Results, Communicate Final Report.

The CISA certification focuses on the essential aspects of IT auditing, ensuring professionals are equipped to manage and secure information systems. Below are the 10 knowledge areas necessary for a successful IT audit.

1. Integration Management

   • Ensures all parts of the IT audit are properly coordinated.
   • Key processes include:
     • Develop Audit Charter
     • Develop Audit Plan
     • Direct and Manage Audit Work
     • Monitor and Control Audit Work
     • Perform Integrated Change Control
     • Close Audit or Phase

2. Scope Management

   • Defines and controls what is included and excluded in the IT audit.
   • Key processes include:
     • Plan Audit Scope Management
     • Collect Requirements
     • Define Scope
     • Develop Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
     • Validate Scope
     • Control Scope

3. Time Management

   • Involves planning and controlling the audit schedule.
   • Key processes include:
     • Plan Schedule Management
     • Define Audit Activities
     • Sequence Activities
     • Estimate Activity Durations
     • Develop Audit Schedule
     • Control Schedule

4. Cost Management

   • Ensures that the audit is completed within the approved budget.
   • Key processes include:
     • Plan Cost Management
     • Estimate Costs
     • Determine Budget
     • Control Costs

5. Quality Management

   • Ensures the audit meets defined quality standards.
   • Key processes include:
     • Plan Quality Management
     • Manage Quality
     • Control Quality

6. Resource Management

   • Involves planning, organizing, and managing audit resources (human and technical).
   • Key processes include:
     • Plan Resource Management
     • Estimate Activity Resources
     • Acquire Resources
     • Develop Audit Team
     • Manage Audit Team
     • Control Resources

7. Communications Management

   • Ensures effective communication throughout the audit lifecycle.
   • Key processes include:
     • Plan Communications Management
     • Manage Communications
     • Monitor Communications

8. Risk Management

   • Identifies and manages audit risks to minimize negative impacts and enhance audit performance.
   • Key processes include:
     • Plan Risk Management
     • Identify Risks
     • Perform Risk Analysis (Qualitative and Quantitative)
     • Plan Risk Responses
     • Implement Risk Responses
     • Monitor Risks

9. Procurement Management

   • Involves acquiring goods and services from external vendors for audit purposes.
   • Key processes include:
     • Plan Procurement Management
     • Conduct Procurements
     • Control Procurements
     • Close Procurements

10. Stakeholder Management

    • Involves identifying and managing the expectations of all stakeholders involved in the audit process.
    • Key processes include:
      • Identify Stakeholders
      • Plan Stakeholder Engagement
      • Manage Stakeholder Engagement
      • Monitor Stakeholder Engagement.

The CISA exam was updated to reflect the latest trends and practices in IT auditing. It focuses on five domains that are essential for assessing the effectiveness of an organization’s information systems and technology. These domains align with the competencies needed to become a certified IT auditor.

1. Governance and Management of IT (21%)
   Focuses on ensuring that IT systems align with business goals, supporting organizational strategies and objectives. This domain emphasizes establishing IT governance frameworks and risk management processes to maintain the integrity and efficiency of IT systems.

2. IT Acquisition, Development, and Implementation (18%)
   Focuses on the processes used for acquiring and implementing IT solutions. This domain covers IT project management, system development life cycle (SDLC), and ensuring that the solutions meet business needs while minimizing risks.

3. Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (27%)
   Focuses on ensuring the continued operation of information systems through efficient maintenance, system monitoring, and ensuring business continuity. This domain addresses disaster recovery, incident management, and the ongoing support of IT operations.

4. Protection of Information Assets (25%)
   Focuses on securing IT systems and protecting sensitive information from potential threats. It involves implementing security controls, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and privacy requirements to safeguard business-critical data.

5. IT Audit and Assurance (9%)
   Focuses on performing audits, evaluating the effectiveness of controls, and ensuring that the IT systems are functioning as intended. This domain emphasizes audit techniques, compliance verification, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial and operational data.

In addition to the formal domains of knowledge, the CISA curriculum includes the application of various information systems auditing and governance methodologies. Some of the key concepts include:

• COBIT Framework: A comprehensive framework for managing and governing enterprise IT, aligning IT goals with business objectives, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Risk Management: A process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact information systems and business operations. This is a critical concept for CISA professionals to ensure the security and continuity of IT systems.

• Internal Controls and Assurance: Ensures that effective controls are in place to manage IT risks, protect assets, and maintain the integrity of information systems and business operations.

• Audit Management: Focuses on ensuring the audit process aligns with governance and compliance standards, verifying that information systems comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Governance of Enterprise IT: Involves overseeing the management and security of IT resources within an organization, ensuring that systems are effectively utilized to meet business goals.

To maintain your CISA certification, you are required to earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours every three years. CPE credits can be accumulated through various professional development activities such as attending relevant training, webinars, conferences, or participating in other learning opportunities related to IT auditing and security management. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in the field.