{"id":13244,"date":"2021-09-25T08:34:50","date_gmt":"2021-09-25T08:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/?p=13244"},"modified":"2025-12-02T16:10:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T16:10:45","slug":"cissp-vs-cisa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/","title":{"rendered":"CISSP vs CISA: Which certification to choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA-Which-certification-to-choose-1024x681.png\" alt=\"CISSP vs CISA\" class=\"wp-image-13246\" style=\"width:512px;height:341px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA-Which-certification-to-choose-1024x681.png 1024w, https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA-Which-certification-to-choose-500x333.png 500w, https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA-Which-certification-to-choose-350x233.png 350w, https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA-Which-certification-to-choose-768x511.png 768w, https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA-Which-certification-to-choose.png 1109w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CISSP vs CISA: Which certification to choose?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The CISSP and CISA Certification is the IT department\u2019s most esteemed credentials. ISACA\u2019s CISA Certification covers the auditing principles of information security, while ISC2\u2019s CISSP Certification emphasizes on security issues of Information security. However, both the credentials cater to Information Systems and have different levels of significance in their relevant field. Let us have a look at few differences between CISSP vs CISA to understand which certification is best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Jump ahead to<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e0a7a3b1f93\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #495393;color:#495393\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #495393;color:#495393\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e0a7a3b1f93\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#What_is_CISSP_Certification\" >What is CISSP Certification?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#What_is_CISA_Certification\" >What is CISA Certification?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#CISSP_vs_CISA\" >CISSP vs CISA<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#CISSP_vs_CISA_Who_can_pursue\" >CISSP vs CISA: Who can pursue<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#CISSP_vs_CISA_What_are_the_eligibility_criteria\" >CISSP vs CISA: What are the eligibility criteria?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#CISSP_vs_CISA_What_is_the_average_salary\" >CISSP vs CISA: What is the average salary?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#CISSP_vs_CISA_What_are_the_domains_covered\" >CISSP vs CISA: What are the domains covered?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/cissp-vs-cisa\/#FAQs_on_CISSP_vs_CISA\" >FAQs on CISSP vs CISA<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-cissp-certification\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_CISSP_Certification\"><\/span>What is CISSP Certification?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional. The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/what-is-cissp\/\">CISSP Certification<\/a><\/strong> is provided by International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). Individuals who look forward to attaining prestigious credentials in data security can pursue CISSP certification by fulfilling the necessary requirements set by ISC2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-cisa-certification\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_CISA_Certification\"><\/span>What is CISA Certification?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Certified Information Systems Auditor Certification is provided by Information Systems Audit Control and Association (ISACA). It was designed to certify professionals in IT Auditing. The credential is considered as one of the benchmark certifications in the Information Security auditing field. The CISA Certification focuses more on the governance aspects of information security rather than technical aspects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cissp-vs-cisa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CISSP_vs_CISA\"><\/span>CISSP vs CISA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"881\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA.png\" alt=\"cissp vs cisa\" class=\"wp-image-13249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA.png 881w, https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA-500x352.png 500w, https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA-350x246.png 350w, https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CISSP-vs-CISA-768x540.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 881px) 100vw, 881px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CISSP vs CISA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cissp-vs-cisa-who-can-pursue\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CISSP_vs_CISA_Who_can_pursue\"><\/span> CISSP vs CISA: Who can pursue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The CISSP Certification is pursued by security consultants, security managers, chief information security officers, security analysts, security architects, and individuals who meet the information security experience requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CISA Certification is usually preferred by IT consultants, IT auditors, security engineers, chief compliance officers, and professionals who meet the eligibility criteria set by ISACA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cissp-vs-cisa-what-are-the-eligibility-criteria\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CISSP_vs_CISA_What_are_the_eligibility_criteria\"><\/span>CISSP vs CISA: What are the eligibility criteria?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The CISSP Certification requires individuals to gain 5 years of experience in Information Security. In addition, aspirants need to have paid work experience in any 2 of the 8 CISSP domains for at least 3 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One year of experience can be waived off if the individual owns a 4-year bachelor\u2019s degree or a credential from ISC2 approved list of certifications. Furthermore, individuals who don\u2019t have experience can become an associate of ISC2 by passing the exam and acquire the credential by meeting the experience requirements within 6 years of becoming an associate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CISA Certification on the other hand requires individuals to gain 5 years of paid experience in Information System audit, control, or security. In addition, aspirants can waive off at least 3 years of the 5 year requirement by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Having 1 year of experience in Information System or IS audit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>60-120 completed university semester credits (2-year or 4-year degree or its equivalent), and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Master\u2019s degree in information security or IT from an accredited university.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cissp-vs-cisa-what-is-the-average-salary\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CISSP_vs_CISA_What_is_the_average_salary\"><\/span>CISSP vs CISA: What is the average salary?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The average salary of a CISSP professional is USD 107,000 annually which is significantly more than the packages earned by non-certified professionals in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Certified Information Security Auditors earn an average salary of USD 99,000 annually. However, the salary packages can differ in terms of experience an individual has and the country he\/she is residing in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cissp-vs-cisa-what-are-the-domains-covered\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CISSP_vs_CISA_What_are_the_domains_covered\"><\/span>CISSP vs CISA: What are the domains covered?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Certification of CISSP is infused with technical as well as managerial aspects while implementing and managing state-of-the-art information security programs for organizations. Professionals owning the CISSP Certification need to align the policies and procedures involved in information security with the objectives of a business. This assists in securing the information assets of the organization as required. The following is a list of the domains that the CISSP covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Security and Risk Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Asset security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security Architecture and Engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication and Network Security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identity and Access Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security Assessment and Testing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security Operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Software Development and Security<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>CISA Certification demonstrates the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-governance\/importance-of-information-security-training-and-awareness\/\">importance of evaluating the information security<\/a><\/strong> program instilled within the organization. Certified Information Systems Auditor performs more technical tasks than a CISSP professional.&nbsp; Without auditing, professionals in IT security cannot determine whether the data is protected as per the expectations of the organization. The domains covered in CISA Certification are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Auditing Information Systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Governance and Management of IT<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information Systems Operations, Maintenance, and Service Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protection of Information Assets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span>Final thoughts:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically CISSP and CISA credentials can not be compared as they cater to different elements of information security. Choosing the right certification depends mainly on the career goals of individuals pursuing the credential. Therefore, individuals who are more interested in auditing and control aspects of information security can take up CISA Certification. Individuals who are more inclined towards developing and managing an information security program for the organization can pursue CISSP Certification<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professionals pursuing a career in information security can take up <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/de\/cissp-certification-training\/\">CISSP Certification Course<\/a><\/strong> and those willing to broaden their knowledge of IT audit can enroll in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/de\/cisa-certification-training\/\">CISA Certification Training<\/a><\/strong> offered by Unichrone. Our trainers have a vast knowledge of the field, thereby assisting in gaining professional insights into cybersecurity and master the latest techniques involved in securing the information assets of the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The CISSP and CISA&nbsp; are premier credentials in cybersecurity, yet cater to distinct career paths. The CISSP is ideal for security managers, architects, and CISOs, focusing on developing and implementing robust information security programs across eight technical and managerial domains. In contrast, the CISA targets auditors and compliance officers, emphasizing IT audit, control, and governance aspects to ensure data protection aligns with organizational expectations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_on_CISSP_vs_CISA\"><\/span>FAQs on CISSP vs CISA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. What is CISSP certification?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional and validates skills in building and managing IT security programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. What is CISA certification?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CISA stands for Certified Information Systems Auditor and focuses on auditing, control, and governance of IT systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Who should pursue CISSP?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professionals aiming for roles like security architect, security manager, or CISO&nbsp; those responsible for designing and implementing security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Who should pursue CISA?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IT auditors, compliance officers, risk analysts&nbsp; professionals involved in assessing system controls, compliance, and governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Should I get both CISA and CISSP certifications<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, many senior cybersecurity professionals pursue both to cover both security implementation (CISSP) and control assurance (CISA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. What is the core difference between CISSP and CISA?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CISSP focuses on designing and managing security programs, whereas CISA focuses on auditing, control, and governance of IT systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. Which certification is better for compliance and governance roles?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CISA is better suited for compliance, risk assessment, audit, and governance-focused role<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. Does CISSP focus more on technical or managerial security?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CISSP is balanced, covering technical knowledge along with the managerial skills needed to align security policies with business goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. What are the 8 domains of the CISSP certification?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 8 domains cover the full breadth of cybersecurity, ranging from Security and Risk Management to Software Development Security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10. Which certification is better for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CISSP is widely recognized for senior security management roles involved in developing and maintaining enterprise security architecture.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The CISSP and CISA Certification is the IT department\u2019s most esteemed credentials. ISACA\u2019s CISA Certification covers the auditing principles of information security, while ISC2\u2019s CISSP&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":13246,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42,5],"tags":[1031,1032,963,967,30,1021],"class_list":["post-13244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-isms","category-it-governance","tag-cisa","tag-cisa-certification","tag-cissp","tag-cissp-certification","tag-it-governance","tag-it-security-and-governance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13244"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13244\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17557,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13244\/revisions\/17557"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}