CISA or CIA: Which is better in 2025?

Certifications, degrees, and career advancement are the things that come to our minds when we look to make a successful career in any field. Furthermore, there are a few other elements that we must consider in order to advance our careers. Well, you can find various types of certification courses like CISA Cybersecurity Certification course, IT Security certifications, etc. to grab a wonderful opportunity and grow professionally.

KnowledgeHut offers courses that will assist you in advancing your career. To find certification courses, one needs first decide on which streams and courses to pursue. You must also commit your time, money, and effort in the courses you wish to pursue. All of this may cause you to wonder if you should join the CIA or the CISA. Which is the more cost-effective option in the long run? Don't get too worked up over it. In this circumstance, we've got you covered. Read on to learn everything there is to know about CISA and CIA certification classes. 

You need to note that CISA and CIA courses are connected to the cyber control and audit fields. Besides, these two hold a significant position in the IT industry. But before moving on with anything, let us look at what these courses are.

What are CIA & CISA Courses?

The CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification is a globally recognized course by ISACA. This certification course of CISA deals mainly with auditing and managing securities of the Information Systems. Both are included in the web security certification. The included certification criteria are sustained and comprise IT governance, Risk Management, cyber security, IT audits, etc. By doing the CISA certification course, you will measure and assess IT controls. The training will also ensure that the applicant develops a good understanding of the field as well as professional auditing skills. It would also be beneficial if you kept in mind that the CISA course has a high failure rate. Here are some sections that the course is associated with:

• Auditing practices and techniques used in fieldwork.
• Controlling objectives and reporting techniques.
• Maintaining evidence in forensic investigations. 

The minimum experience required is five years. By applying to the course, you can be an expert in the field, which will add to your skillset.

On the other hand, the CIA’s certification course aims to offer dynamic leadership aspects worldwide regarding internal auditing. The certification course is proof to validate your expertise and professionalism in internal auditing. The CIA certification course is divided into three parts. The main aim of this certification course is to raise international standards of practicing auditing. People who take this certification course manage internal audit projects and handle concepts like control, risk factor, governance, technology, etc. CIA is primarily focused on:

• Enhancing skills with staff and clients
• Enhancing knowledge
• Exhibiting a Professional Attitude & Proficiency
• Laying a baseline for persistent improvement to advance in career.

If you become a certified CIA, you can go for the “Audit Practitioner Designation.” Now, let us look at the difference between CISA and CIA.

Here is yet a comprehensive article on CISA vs RISC to help you compare the best cyber security certifications.

CISA v/s CIA Certification

Both the courses hold their own set of advantages and disadvantages. You should be able to choose the best one for you by checking out their comparison in detail below.

Head-to-Head Comparison Between CISA vs CIA

Here is a table depicting the difference between CIA and CISA to solve the CISA vs CIA difficulty.

	CIA	CISA
Professional Body	IIA	ISACA
Introduction	CIA is a certification course in which the individual is given training for auditing. The CIA certification course provides general information related to auditing and handling accounts.	CISA caters to internal auditing. CISA is a globally recognized certification course that focuses on auditing, controlling, and managing the security of information systems. CISA has gained worldwide acceptance in IT governance, IT audit, etc. Such certification courses often see vacancies in security management, risk management, etc.
Total Number of Examinations	Three	One
Examinations Offered	Individuals can apply for CIA certification courses throughout the year.	The CISA Exam is offered in July, September, and December.
Examination Location	Exams of CIA are registered throughout the worldwide network of certain institutions. The centers are in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.	Exams for CISA are conducted in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The location is disclosed when the examination takes place.
Eligibility Requirements for the Exam	Candidates pursuing CIA certification courses must hold a 3-4 year of the secondary degree. Also, one must have five years of certified and verified experience in internal audit.	For CISA Certification Courses, three years of experience is required. The number of years can be waived if the candidate has a specific educational background.
Exam Duration	Candidates pursuing CIA certification courses must hold a 3-4 year of the secondary degree. Also, one must have five years of certified and verified experience in internal audit.	CISA Exam is held for four hours, wherein 200 questions are posed to the candidate in multiple-choice.
Examination Modes	Online, Computer-based exams	Manual examinations are held in CISA.
Course Content	Here is the list of topics one needs to study.  Risk conducting an audit  Internal audit engagements  Managing internal audit function  Managing individual engagements  Controlling frauds  Financial management  Global business environment	Here are the topics to study:  Auditing information system  Management of IT  Information system acquisitions, development, and implementation  Operation maintenance  Protection of assets

Advantages of CISA Certification

The use of technology and information systems is covered in CISA certification courses. The certification courses cover the exponential growth of these systems. Here are some advantages of CISA certification.

1. Niche Market  

Every IT auditor doesn’t require a CISA certification course, but as the industry is growing the demand for auditors and professionals is also increasing. The professionals in the field of auditing analyze and protect information asset systems. The certification training will provide numerous professional prospects. As a result, if you're serious about becoming an auditor, you should take this course.

2. Evolved Business 

IT auditing is an excellent career choice for those who wish to be at the cutting edge of technology. It is one of the most dynamic areas of changing business in information systems. CISA certification courses will demonstrate to companies that you are an expert in dealing with specific scenarios in the workplace.

3. High-paid Salaries 

IT auditors are specialists, and they indeed are! Therefore, they command a high-paid salary compared to others. Depending on work experience, an IT auditor’s salary ranges from $112,250 to $171,500. Being in a suitable position, the wages are also high. Also, know about cyber security analyst salaries.

4. Growth Opportunities 

IT is a growing industry wherein new software and applications are developed daily. Getting a CISA credential will prepare you to move up the ladder and have a successful career as time goes by. The course will boost your career and make your way in becoming a CIO.

5. Globally Recognized 

The CISA certification course is globally recognized. If you are interested in working in foreign nations, this is just the course you have been looking for all this while! The certification course is career potential and is rated globally, thereby improving your job and future career opportunities.

So, these were the CISA certification course advantages. Let us look at the CIA certification course advantages as well.

Advantages of CIA Certification

If you are a professional in CIA certification, then here are the advantages that you will enjoy. Have a look!

1. Amazing Career Paths 

Suppose you become a professional in the CIA certification course. In that case, the career paths are relatively linear because you will be known as an expert in internal auditing.

2. Higher Income 

There is no doubt that the salaries of CIAs are much higher than other IT professionals. A CIA earns $38,000 annually. This shows that people are getting a 50% higher salary than others. CIA qualifies for higher positions such as Internal Audit Director, Chief Audit Executive, etc.

3. Job Security  

Internal auditors are experts in the field of accounting and finance. Several organizations enhance internal control, leading to higher demand for internal auditing professionals. CIAs are great at supply assurance, risk management, internal controls, etc. Hence, whether small, medium, or large, companies will recruit and retain CIAs.

Which Certification is Better to Strengthen Your Core CISA or CIA?

In their respective sectors, both credentials are superior. They do, however, provide better job opportunities. There are some areas where the CISA offers the most value and is a globally recognized certification. Furthermore, CISA training covers a greater variety of domains. As a result, it's clear that CISA is a better option for improving your basic skills and knowledge. Remember that both are good for launching your career; it's only that your priorities should influence your final decision on which certification to pursue.

Read the comparative analysis of CISA vs CISM. 

Conclusion

Both CIA and CISA certification courses are essential if one wants exponential career growth. The advantages of both the courses are given above. As an auditor, it is a career boost to have such courses.

You can find many excellent courses for both CISA and CIA, such as KnowledgeHut CISA CyberSecurity Certification. Candidates who wish to have higher salaries are advised to undertake such courses. So, what are you waiting for? Have exponential career growth with CISA and CIA certification courses provided by KnowledgeHut. Apply now!