[Anonymous]

I have recently passed the CPA and have been thinking about taking the CISA because I am working in the IT Risk Assurance field. Does anybody have any advise on whether or not the CISA is beneficial to have on top of the CPA and if so any advise/study tips for studying for it?

[TNCPA16]

Yes, I would say the CISA is definitely beneficial to have, especially if you are working in IT Risk Assurance. I work in IT audit and everyone I know (except for the ones just starting out) has their CISA, while not many have their CPA.

It is a much easier exam than any of the CPA exams – which is a plus! I took the exam while working full time (and was in the middle of changing jobs) and was also taking finals for grad school. I did not study nearly as much as I was planning – I made it less than halfway through a study book and did some MCQs – and still managed to squeak by with a passing score. ISACA has some good study materials, but they are a little pricey. I used a book that I got off of Amazon for like $30 that was recommended to me by another guy who took the exam. We both passed using just that and then doing some MCQs from ISACA. It is a very doable test – something I would not say about the CPA 🙂

Good luck if you decide to take the exam!

[overapplied]

Gearing up to take the CISA this December, since like you I work in IT Assurance. I'm probably using the same book Jill is talking about to study. All I have heard from others who have their CPA and have taken the CISA test is that it is much easier.

Here is something else for you though. Apparently there is also the CITP (Certified Information Technology Professional) credential that you have to be a CPA to take. I only heard of it recently so do not know as much about it.

Extra credentials… there are tons of them.

AUD - 75 - 07/06/2012
FAR - 72, 74, 82 - 05/30/2013
BEC - 84 - 01/16/2013
REG - 60ish, 84 - 08/16/2013

CISA - Passed

[Author]

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