This year saw another record with 6,458 candidates registering for the examination globally, and 153 sitting the exam in London.

The graph also indicates the continuing high level of interest of people following our profession in obtaining the CISA designation. There was a peak in 1996 where there was a surge of candidates from the financial sector. Although official statistics are not yet been released, initial analysis indicates that this years candidates were again drawn fairly evenly from across all industry sectors.

Within the London area, the majority of candidates were from the big five practices, and from the financial services sector, but commerce and industry was also well represented. This indicates a continuing trend in awareness of the benefits of using IT audit and security specialists in all sectors.

Message from David Spaven - London Chapter CISA Co-Ordinator

Following the tradition of previous years, I should like to give an update to all candidates who have recently passed the CISA exam of the requirements to obtain the CISA designation.

The CISA examination is the first and most intensive step towards gaining your CISA designation. The second step which is equally important involves fulfilling the requirements for work experience. In order to become CISA certified it is necessary to fulfil both requirements and to submit an application to become certified within 5 years of passing the CISA examination.

The second requirement is for a minimum of 5 years experience in information systems audit and control work. This does not mean that you have to have worked in the industry for five years before applying for the CISA certification as some experience can be substituted on the following basis:

• one year for a year of operational or financial auditing experience;
• two years for a bachelor degree or one year for an associates degree;
• one year for completing at least two years as a full-time higher education lecturer in a related field.

The process to be followed in order to obtain your CISA certification is to complete the CISA application form that accompanies your results. In order that the Certification board can verify your experience and experience substitutes, you are required to include proof of your auditing experience and/or a letter from your University or College confirming your degree status.

Your application should be submitted to the ISACA Head Office in Chicago who will review and verify your application.

This process can take up to three months to complete. Should your application still be outstanding you should contact the US certification department directly either by phone or using their e-mail address which is certification@isaca.org. Once your experience has been verified you be notified by post and your CISA certificate will be sent to you. It is at this stage that you may use the CISA designation.

Your requirements do not end once you have received you certificate. As a CISA, there is also a CPE requirement and a requirement to comply with Information Systems Auditing Standards that include ethical conduct.

A minimum of 20 contact hours of continuing education is required annually with an overall requirement of a minimum of 120 contact hours during a fixed 3-year period. Refer to the Continuing Education Policy booklet that is sent together with your exam result notification for details of the criteria applied when evaluating your compliance with the CPE requirements.

As successful candidates you are granted free ISACA membership until the end of the year. This entitles you to receive the quarterly international ISACA journal and London Chapter Datawatch journal, as well as free attendance to chapter meetings and discounts on courses, books and conferences.

The monthly chapter meetings are great opportunity to keep up to date with current topics and to meet fellow colleagues in the profession. Look out for the London Chapter’s Event Programme.