ISACA Launches the CISA Associate Designation to Empower Aspiring IT Auditors
In a move designed to bridge the gap between academic achievement and professional experience, ISACA has introduced the CISA Associate designation. This new credential recognizes ISACA members who have successfully passed the rigorous Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam but do not yet meet the required work experience to achieve full CISA certification. With 92% of independent hiring managers acknowledging that passing the CISA exam demonstrates significant skill in IT audit, according to a recent ISACA survey, the CISA Associate designation offers early-career professionals a valuable way to showcase their expertise and commitment to a career in IT audit.
The CISA Associate designation is specifically tailored for students and recent graduates who are eager to enter the IT audit field but lack the five years of professional experience required for full CISA certification. By passing the challenging CISA exam, candidates can demonstrate their foundational knowledge and dedication to pursuing a career in IT audit, enhancing their employability and opening doors to networking opportunities through their ISACA membership.
“The CISA Associate designation was created to help students and graduates take their first big step in the IT audit profession and assist organizations worldwide in building greater trust in digital ecosystems,” said Shannon Donahue, ISACA Chief Content and Publishing Officer. “This designation provides a pathway for aspiring auditors to gain recognition while they work toward meeting the experience requirements for full certification.”
How the CISA Associate Designation Works
Academic students and recent graduates with fewer than five years of experience in IT auditing can pursue the CISA Associate designation when registering for the CISA exam. After passing the exam, candidates can apply for the designation for a nominal fee of $25. Unlike the full CISA certification, there are no Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements for maintaining the CISA Associate designation. However, individuals must maintain an active ISACA membership at any level to retain the credential.
The CISA Associate designation is valid for up to four years or until the candidate achieves the required work experience to earn the full CISA certification, whichever comes first. This time-limited approach ensures that candidates remain focused on gaining the practical experience necessary to advance their careers while leveraging the benefits of the designation in the interim.
The Gold Standard in IT Audit Certification
For over 45 years, the CISA certification has been the gold standard for IT audit professionals, attesting to their ability to meet current and future challenges in the field. Since its inception in 1978, more than 219,000 professionals worldwide have earned the CISA certification, solidifying its reputation as a mark of excellence in the industry. The CISA exam is continuously updated to reflect the evolving tasks and responsibilities of today’s IT auditors, drawing on the collective expertise of ISACA’s global community of digital trust professionals.
By introducing the CISA Associate designation, ISACA is extending the value of the CISA program to a broader audience, including students and early-career professionals. This initiative aligns with ISACA’s mission to address the growing skills gap in IT audit and cybersecurity domains while equipping the next generation of professionals with the tools they need to succeed.
“ISACA is committed to addressing the skills gap in the audit and broader cybersecurity fields and empowering students with the skills required to launch dynamic careers,” said Jeff Angle, ISACA Senior Director of Academic and Workforce Development. “The CISA certification has already helped hundreds of thousands of professionals create or advance their careers, and now, with the CISA Associate designation, we are extending this opportunity to students, providing them with a clear path to a bright future.”
Benefits of the CISA Associate Designation
The CISA Associate designation offers several key advantages for aspiring IT auditors:
- Enhanced Job Prospects: Passing the CISA exam is a significant achievement that signals to employers a candidate’s proficiency in IT audit principles and practices. The CISA Associate designation allows candidates to formally recognize this accomplishment, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
- Networking Opportunities: As part of ISACA membership, CISA Associates gain access to a global network of digital trust professionals. This community provides valuable connections, mentorship, and resources that can support career growth and development.
- Pathway to Full Certification: The designation serves as a stepping stone toward earning the full CISA certification. By maintaining their ISACA membership and gaining the required work experience, candidates can transition seamlessly to becoming fully certified CISAs.
- Recognition of Achievement: For students and recent graduates, the CISA Associate designation validates their knowledge and dedication to a career in IT audit, even before they accumulate the necessary professional experience.
Addressing the Skills Gap in IT Audit and Cybersecurity
The introduction of the CISA Associate designation underscores ISACA’s ongoing commitment to addressing the skills gap in IT audit and cybersecurity. As organizations increasingly rely on digital systems and face growing threats from cyberattacks, the demand for skilled IT auditors continues to rise. By providing students and early-career professionals with a clear pathway to demonstrate their capabilities, ISACA is helping to cultivate a pipeline of qualified talent ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Moreover, the designation aligns with ISACA’s broader efforts to support workforce development. Through initiatives like the CISA Associate program, ISACA is equipping the next generation of IT auditors with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Combined with the networking, resources, and community available through ISACA membership, the CISA Associate designation offers a comprehensive foundation for professionals embarking on their career journeys.
A Bright Future for Aspiring IT Auditors
The launch of the CISA Associate designation marks a significant milestone in ISACA’s mission to empower professionals at all stages of their careers. By recognizing the achievements of those who pass the CISA exam but lack the required experience, ISACA is creating new opportunities for students and early-career professionals to establish themselves in the IT audit field.
For individuals pursuing a career in IT audit, the CISA Associate designation represents more than just a credential—it’s a testament to their potential and a stepping stone toward achieving full CISA certification. With the support of ISACA’s global community and the prestige of the CISA program, aspiring auditors can confidently take their first steps toward a rewarding and impactful career.
About ISACA
For more than 55 years, ISACA® (www.isaca.org) has empowered its community of 185,000+ members with the knowledge, credentials, training and network they need to thrive in fields like information security, governance, assurance, risk management, data privacy and emerging tech. With a presence in more than 190 countries and with nearly 230 chapters worldwide, ISACA offers resources tailored to every stage of members’ careers. Through the ISACA Foundation, ISACA also expands IT and education career pathways, fostering opportunities to grow the next generation of technology professionals.
