The examination tests a candidate's knowledge of IS audit principles and practices as well as technical content areas. It is based on the results of a Practice Analysis that was completed in March 2000. Beginning in 2001, the exam will test one process and six content areas (domains) that cover those tasks that are routinely be performed by a CISA. The process area, which existed in the prior CISA Practice Analysis, has been expanded to provide the CISA candidate with a more comprehensive description of the full IS audit process. These areas are as follows:
* Process-Based Area (Domain)
* The IS Audit Process
* Content Areas (Domains)
* Management, Planning, and Organization of IS
* Technical Infrastructure and Operational Practices
* Protection of Information Assets
* Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
* Business Application System Development, Acquisition,
* Implementation, and Maintenance
* Business Process Evaluation and Risk Management

CA candidate is given four hours to complete a 200 multiple-choice question exam.

A copy of the form is located at ISACA, USA's web site at http://isaca.org/cisaexam.htm.

1. CISA qualification is an internationally recognized qualification. It is possible that you can get a job as IS Auditor, Quality Assurance Person, anywhere in the world.
2. The Information System is becoming a backbone of every organization. Take any Financial Institution, Insurance Company, Large Manufacturing Companies, whole of the service sector and all related fields are heavily relying on Information Technology to run their business.
3. Information Technology has virtually become a business tool or business enabler. It is no longer considered as a support function. There is tremendous demand for IS Audit and IS Security Professionals who can ensure that the business is kept running uninterrupted and there are no security threats.
4. Lately Reserve Bank of India has recognized the CISA Qualification as person competent to do Information System Audit of various branches of nationalized and scheduled banks.
5. We see job opportunities for CISA professionals in following sectors. a. The big 5 Chartered Accountants Firms b. The audit departments of Banks from Insurance Companies and large Multinational organizations. c. Quality Assurance Departments of Software companies.
6. A CISA can have opportunities for independent consulting assignments. However, as expected the growth will depend on individuals specific expertise and the levels of contacts he has and the confidence he is able to build in the minds of the client.
7. IS Audit is a very large field requiring expertise in various matters such as;
a. Various operating systems
b. Various Systems Softwares
c. Various Application Softwares
d. Networking
e. Controls and Securities Issues
f. Internet and Other Delivery Challans for E-Commerce
g. Various Technological Advances An IS Auditors needs to develop expertise in all these fields or should develop proper network of experts whom he can use whenever required. The success of IS Audit Professional will ultimately depend on how effectively he can integrate all the expertise and deliver according to client's expectations.

An individual can apply for membership at the same time that they Register for the exam. Both forms must be submitted at the same time and the individual can then use member rates for the exam fees and any study aids that are being ordered.