CISA

← All career paths Global (IT/IS audit)IT audit & security CISA — Certified Information Systems Auditor (ISACA) The leading credential for auditing information systems and IT controls. Comparing options? Read ACCA vs CPA vs CMA vs CFA → Quick answer Best for The leading credential for auditing information systems and IT controls. Not ideal for If you want general accounting rather than IT/systems audit. Main roles IS/IT auditor, IT risk, and security and controls assurance. CPD ISACA requires 20 CPE hours a year and 120 over three years. UK relevance: HighGulf relevance: High Last reviewed: June 2026 Who it's for Auditors and IT/risk professionals moving into information-systems audit. Structure One exam across five domains (IS audit process, governance, acquisition & development, operations, and protection of information assets), plus relevant work experience. Time & cost Often around a year; self-study is common. Careers IS/IT auditor, IT risk, and security and controls assurance. The skills you'll build Many of these serve more than one path. IS auditIT governanceRisk & controlsSecurity of information assetsSystems acquisition & operations Best free resources for this path Curated and vetted, with how to start. ISACA — CISA resources ↗Some free Official CISA exam information, a free 'question of the week', and ISACA's resource library for IS audit. How to start: Browse isaca.org; some resources need a free account or membership. Big 4 free webcasts (Deloitte/PwC/EY/KPMG) ↗Free + CPE Free, CPE-eligible webcasts on tax, audit, accounting and regulation from the Big 4. How to start: Search ' webcasts / Dbriefs' and register free per session. Microsoft Learn — Excel & Power BI ↗Free training Free, self-paced Excel and Power BI training — essential analyst skills for any finance path. How to start: Free with a Microsoft account; the optional PL-300 exam is paid. Coursera & edX ↗Audit free Thousands of university finance/accounting courses you can audit free; financial aid for certificates. How to start: Free account; click 'Audit', or apply for financial aid for a certificate. See the full free-resource library → Continuing professional development (CPD) ISACA requires 20 CPE hours a year and 120 over three years. Get these hours for free → Paths you might also consider CIA The leading global credential for internal auditors. FRM The leading global credential for financial risk management. CFE The standard for fraud examination, investigation and prevention. Disclaimer Links to third-party resources are provided for convenience and learning only. Fileminder does not control third-party content, prices, certificates, CPD/CPE eligibility, availability or accuracy. Always check the provider's own page before relying on a course, certificate, CPD unit or learning outcome. Last reviewed: June 2026.