ISACA, which stands for the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, is an independent nonprofit global association that focuses on the development, adoption, and use of globally accepted information system (IS) knowledge and practices. The organization, previously known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, now goes by its acronym only.
ISACA offers a range of guidance, benchmarks, and governance tools for enterprises that use information systems. It also hosts a series of international conferences that cover technical and managerial topics related to IS assurance, control, security, and IT governance. Additionally, ISACA administers various professional certification programs, including the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control, and Certified Data Privacy Systems Engineer, among others. Candidates must pass a certification exam to obtain their desired credential.
Due to the increasing popularity of the CISA exam, ISACA expanded the frequency and locations of test centers for CISA candidates several years ago. This move aimed to accommodate the growing number of professionals seeking the CISA certification.
ISACA doesn’t just offer certifications; it also provides guidance, benchmarks, and governance tools for organizations that use information systems. With 17 certifications covering a broad range of IT issues such as risk, auditing, networking, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI), ISACA caters to professionals with different interests and areas of expertise. Some of the certifications offered include IT Audit Fundamentals Certificate, Certificate of Cloud Auditing Knowledge, Cybersecurity Audit Certificate, and Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals Certificate, among others.
ISACA has a global presence with 225 chapters in 188 countries. The majority of its 170,000 members hold at least one ISACA credential, commonly the CISA. The organization offers numerous educational programs, guidance, reference documents, and other resources across its focus areas.
One of the significant contributions of ISACA is the development of the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT). COBIT is a business and technology framework designed to help enterprises across industries manage their information and technology. The latest version, COBIT 5, was updated in 2019 and is regularly reviewed and updated as needed. ISACA has developed numerous training courses, white papers, and reference documents in support of COBIT. The framework provides a comprehensive approach to implementing, monitoring, and improving IT management best practices, including security.
ISACA’s services and resources are beneficial to anyone involved in IT security, risk, governance, enterprise operations, and auditing. Non-IT professionals can also adapt ISACA tools and guidance to meet their specific requirements.
ISACA has gained prominence since its establishment in 1969. Many IT professionals across different areas of information technology, governance, risk, cybersecurity, auditing, and other disciplines rely on ISACA as a preeminent resource. The organization’s certifications, particularly the CISM and CISA certifications, are widely recognized and accepted in the industry. Although holding an ISACA credential does not guarantee a promotion or job offer, it adds important credibility that is acknowledged by organizations of all types and sizes. ISACA’s research and guidance resources are frequently referenced in various IT initiatives, such as IT audits, IT governance, cybersecurity management, and compliance projects. Using ISACA guidance and frameworks ensures that organizations with large IT teams can standardize their audit practices and perform the auditing process consistently across a range of IT controls.
However, membership and certification with ISACA come with some pros and cons. On the positive side, ISACA certifications are globally recognized and backed by significant research and analysis. The organization regularly updates its rules to align with emerging technology trends such as AI and cybersecurity. ISACA also offers numerous training courses to help members enhance their skills, and membership provides the opportunity to network with a large community of professionals worldwide.
On the downside, ISACA members are required to pay annual dues for membership and certifications. Certified members must also present evidence of their continuing education efforts on an annual basis to retain their certifications. Furthermore, ISACA faces competition from other organizations in the IT training and certification space, such as the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), CompTIA, and the SANS Institute. Each organization has its own focus, allowing IT professionals to choose from a variety of options that best suit their needs and interests.
In conclusion, ISACA plays a vital role in the IT industry by providing guidance, benchmarks, and governance tools for organizations that use information systems. Its certifications are widely recognized and respected, and its resources and research are highly regarded in the field. With a global presence and a wide range of offerings, ISACA continues to be a valuable resource for IT professionals seeking to enhance their skills and credibility in the industry.