ISACA introduces CISA Associate for students who pass exam but lack experience for CISA certification

ISACA, a professional association focused on IT governance, has launched the CISA Associate designation for students who have passed a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam, and are ISACA members, but lack the required experience for CISA certification.

ISACA says the designation will demonstrate knowledge and the desire to pursue a career in IT audit, enhancing job prospects and allowing them to access networking opportunities through an ISACA membership.

ISACA says 92 percent of hiring managers agree that a candidate who has passed the CISA exam has demonstrated significant skills in IT audit and has an edge over similar candidates. The new designation aims to recognise these individuals.

“The CISA Associate designation was created to help students and graduates make a first big step in the IT audit profession and help organizations around the world in establishing more trust in digital ecosystems,” explains Shannon Donahue, Chief Content and Publishing Officer at ISACA.

Students with fewer than five years of experience in IT audit can pursue the designation when registering for the CISA exam and can pay a $25 charge after passing. 

Those with the CISA Associate designation must maintain an active ISACA membership at any level to keep the designation, which will expire after four years or once they have completed the work experience necessary to become CISA certified.

“ISACA is committed to addressing the skills gap in the audit and broader cybersecurity domains and to equipping students with the skills required to start a dynamic career in a way that can be demonstrated to potential employers,” adds Jeff Angle, Senior Director of Academic and Workforce Development at ISACA.

“CISA has helped hundreds of thousands of professionals create or advance a career and now it is extended to students for giving them the opportunity to a bright future,” “This, along with the networking, resources, and community that come with being an ISACA member, can provide valuable support for professionals as they advance in their career journeys.”