CISA After CIA: Is It the Right Next Step for Internal Auditors?

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is the most universally accepted designation for internal audit. It develops knowledge of governance, risk management, internal controls, and assurance activities. But, with the increasing focus on technology in the organization, many internal auditors are finding that the knowledge they already possess is not sufficient.

The scope of an audit nowadays includes assessing risks and threats to cybersecurity, assessing cloud environments, assessing IT governance, assessing data protection controls, and assessing digital transformation initiatives. Therefore, many CIA-qualified professionals are interested in pursuing Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) as their next career step.

Is CISA after CIA worth it?

Yes, for many professionals. CIA + CISA is an excellent partnership of business audit skills and technical audit knowledge, making members an asset to any business in nowadays risk-driven business world.

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Understanding the Difference Between CIA and CISA

Both certifications are related to the audit and assurance profession, but they are in different areas. CIA Certification is offered by IIA. The main areas of the CIA certification are:

• Internal auditing
• Governance
• Risk management
• Internal controls
• Assurance engagements
• Business processes

ISACA offers the CISA credential that specializes in:

• Information systems auditing
• IT governance
• Technology risk management
• Information security controls
• Business resilience
• Information security and privacy 
• Security and privacy of information assets.

According to ISACA, CISA is the world’s accepted credential for individuals performing audit, monitoring, and evaluation duties on information technology and business systems.

CISA is not a replacement for the CIA, but is an extension of the auditor’s skill set and is a technology audit-focused program.

What Motivates CIA Professionals to Earn their CISA?

The internal audit function has come a long, long way in the last ten years. In the past, financial controls, operational processes, and compliance requirements were all that auditors focused on. Modern-day audit plans may cover:

• Cybersecurity audits
• Cloud security assessments
• Data privacy reviews
• IT governance evaluations
• Third-party technology risk assessments
• Audits of business continuity and disaster recovery

This change has led to a greater demand for business- and technology-risk-aware auditors. A CIA professional is familiar with audit methodology and risk assessment. CISA enhances knowledge of the assessment of IT controls and information systems. This gives them the ability to engage in more complex engagements and more meaningfully in their organizations.

Key benefits of CISA after CIA

1. Beyond the traditional role of internal auditing.

A lot of internal auditors will eventually want to go beyond operational and financial audits. CISA offers professionals an introduction to:

• IT audit methodologies
• Technology governance frameworks
• Information security controls
• Systems development controls
• Digital risk assessments

This expanded knowledge can lead to career opportunities in technology audit, cybersecurity assurance, and enterprise risk management.

2. Increase Career Opportunities

Digital transformation is a big investment for organizations in all industries. The rising demand for technology risk assessment continues to gain momentum with the increasing popularity of cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and advanced analytics used by businesses. People with both CIA and CISA may be considered for various positions, including:

• IT Auditor
• Technology Risk Consultant
• IT Audit Manager
• Information Security Auditor
• Production Manager for Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Specialists
• Internal Audit Manager
• Enterprise Risk Manager

3. Strengthen Audit Effectiveness

Auditors often face issues when carrying out operational audits such as ERP systems, Automated controls, Data analytics tools, Cloud platforms, and access management systems

An expert in CISA who has the professional experience of the CIA can be more effective at assessing these environments and offer greater assurance of value to stakeholders.

4. Improve Leadership Potential

The Chief Audit Executives and Internal Audit Directors are expected to increasingly monitor business risks and technology risks.

Professionals who understand governance, Risk management, Internal controls, Information security, and technology assurance have a greater opportunity to lead.

In internal auditing, the CIA builds credibility, and in technology assurance and IT governance, the CISA proves competence.

Is CISA Easier After CIA?

It is recommended that many professionals move on to the CISA after the CIA. There is an overlap of several concepts, such as:

• Risk assessment
• Internal controls
• Governance
• Audit planning
• Audit reporting
• Assurance methodologies

The concepts included in the CISA are IT concepts, which are concepts that CIA holders already understand the basics of, and they are able to adjust faster. The mindset that the audit acquired during the preparation for the CIA exam can help in understanding these topics better, however. Typically, the major learning curve is:

• Information security
• Network concepts
• IT operations
• Systems development
• Technology governance

So, when should you go for CISA after CIA?

CISA is beneficial when you:

• Engage in internal audit activities. Carry out internal audit work.
• Audit technology-related processes
• Review cybersecurity controls
• Evaluate IT governance practices
• Assist with digital transformation projects.
• To plan for moving to technology risk management

Banking, consulting, financial services, healthcare, telecom, and multinationals are just a few of the professions that greatly value having both certifications.

If you are an auditor interested in developing audit expertise in building technology, structured learning programs like the CISA training program provided by Academy of Internal Auditors (AIA) can be of help for the auditors to fill the gap between the audit knowledge they have and the concepts of auditing in IT.

Career Value of CIA & CISA

The combination of CIA and CISA certification, are highly respected and shows in-depth knowledge in two domains of risk:

Very few people have expertise in both fields. Auditors will be in even greater demand as they gain the ability to assess both business and technology risks as companies continue to incorporate technology into all business functions.

Many experts consider the CIA + CISA a route to senior roles in audit, risk, governance, and compliance.

If you’ve just embarked on your internal audit career, you can use materials offered by the Academy of Internal Audit (AIA) to help you gain knowledge in both fields

Final Thoughts

One of the most sensible career path choices for internal audit professionals is to obtain CISA certification after CIA. The CIA builds upon a solid base of auditing, governance, and risk management knowledge, and CISA enhances these skills with technology assurance, IT governance, and information systems auditing. 

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Author Bio

Academy of Internal Audit (AIA) is a professional training provider with the aim of empowering professionals with globally recognized certifications, such as CFE, CIA, and CAMS. As an ISACA Authorized Training Organization (ATO), AIA offers CISA certification and helps professionals prepare effectively by providing access to relevant and official study resources, enabling CISA aspirants to follow a more focused and exam-oriented preparation journey. AIA has already helped 2,000+ professionals from 40+ countries to earn globally recognized credentials backed by the proven success rate of 99.6%.