The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential has long stood as a gold standard in IT audit, risk, and control. But what happens if you've passed the rigorous CISA exam yet haven’t accumulated the five years of required work experience?
Until now, you waited...
Now, thanks to ISACA’s new CISA Associate™ designation, those who’ve passed the CISA exam can formally demonstrate their knowledge and commitment, even before completing the professional experience requirement.
What is the CISA Associate?
The CISA Associate is a newly launched designation for professionals who have passed the CISA exam but have not yet met the experiential requirements for full certification. It fills an important gap: allowing emerging professionals, recent graduates, and career changers to gain formal recognition early in their careers.
This isn’t a watered-down version of CISA. It’s a statement that says: “I’ve proven my knowledge and I’m actively building my experience.”
Why It Matters
In a world where credentials shape first impressions, the CISA Associate lets you:
- Showcase your achievement to employers, recruiters, and clients
- Differentiate yourself in competitive hiring processes, particularly for entry-level roles in IT audit, risk, and compliance
- Accelerate your career trajectory by maintaining momentum after exam success
In fact, ISACA Global notes that 92% of hiring managers see the CISA Associate as a valuable indicator of professional readiness.
What’s Required?
The process is refreshingly straightforward:
- Pass the CISA Exam (valid for 5 years)
- Hold an active ISACA membership
- Submit a one-time $25 application fee
No CPEs are required while you're an Associate, and the designation is valid for up to four years, providing ample time to gain the required experience for full CISA certification.
A Seamless Path to Full Certification
Once you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements (typically five years, with potential waivers for education or teaching), upgrading to full CISA status is a streamlined process. You’ve already done the heavy lifting by passing the exam. This designation gives you the recognition you deserve in the meantime.
Who Should Apply?
- Students or recent graduates who have passed the CISA exam
- Professionals transitioning into audit or assurance roles
- International candidates awaiting local employment opportunities
- Career changers gaining relevant hands-on experience
Get Recognition Today
Certifications are more than just letters after a name, they’re markers of trust, competence, and dedication. The CISA Associate allows aspiring auditors and governance professionals to showcase all three, well before they cross the five-year experience threshold.
If you’ve passed the CISA exam, don’t let that achievement sit idle. Apply for the CISA Associate and start being recognised today.
Learn more and apply here: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa-associate