Is CISA Certification Worth It for Mid-Level IT Professionals? Here's What You Need to Know
Over the last 20-plus years we've watched as the cybersecurity field has matured and grown. With this branch of IT being taken much more seriously, the opportunities for those of us with experience to move into middle and upper management have increased significantly. Along with this surge in demand comes a growing number of certifications designed to help IT professionals build the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in security roles.
But with so many options, how do you know which certifications are worth your time and investment?
For mid-level IT professionals looking to take their careers to the next level, the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is one of the most valuable credentials you can earn. Let’s break down why CISA is worth considering.
What is CISA, and Why Does it Matter?
The CISA certification, recognized globally, validates an IT professional’s skills in auditing, managing, and implementing IT controls. CISA-certified professionals are trusted to audit information systems, identify vulnerabilities, and ensure organizations meet compliance requirements. If your career is at a point where you’re managing security processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, or overseeing IT risk management, CISA might be the perfect next step.
As a CISA-certified professional, you’ll gain expertise in key areas like:
The Growing Need for CISA-Certified Professionals
The cybersecurity skills gap is getting wider every year. In fact, 83% of HR professionals report challenges in hiring skilled security staff, and over half say the skills shortage has only gotten worse. This makes CISA-certified professionals highly sought after. This is particularly true in our region, around Washington DC, where so many government agencies and military bases are headquartered.
What’s more, with the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, there’s a growing demand for security auditors who can think outside the box. For example, recent developments in malware detection — such as identifying threats based on power fluctuations — underscore the need for CISA-trained professionals who can innovate and adapt to emerging threats.
How to Get CISA Certified
The CISA certification requires five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, assurance, or security. However, certain educational achievements or non-IS work can substitute for up to three of those years.
To get certified, you’ll need to pass a comprehensive, 150-question exam, scoring at least 450/800. You’ll also need to agree to the CISA code of professional ethics and commit to completing 20 continuing professional education (CPE) contact hours per year to maintain your certification.
Is CISA Worth It?
Absolutely!
Salaries for CISA-certified professionals range from $50,000 at the entry-level to over $150,000 for senior and C-suite roles. Adding certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can further boost your earning potential and open up more career opportunities.
In regions like Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, the demand for CISA-certified professionals is particularly high. Whether you’re looking at federal roles that require DOD Directive 8140 compliance or want to take advantage of tech investment from giants like Amazon and Microsoft, there’s no shortage of opportunities in these areas.
Ready to Boost Your Career?
If you’re a mid-level IT professional looking to elevate your career, the CISA certification can provide you with the skills, knowledge, and recognition needed to step into higher-paying, more impactful roles.