A Year of Continued Learning: My 2025 ISACA Membership and CISA Certification Renewal

As an information security and risk management professional, I have consistently sought opportunities to enhance my knowledge and demonstrate my expertise. My ISACA Professional Membership and CISA certification have played a pivotal role in this journey, they've helped me grow as a professional and get recognized in the industry. I’m going to share my experience renewing these credentials for the 2025 calendar year.

Renewal Process:

The renewal process for my ISACA Professional Membership and CISA certification for 2025 was straightforward. ISACA sent me invoice notifications via email in the third quarter of 2024. The invoice detailed the fees for membership renewal, chapter dues, and CISA certification maintenance.

• The most crucial step in the process was submitting proof of the required CPE credits. The CISA certification mandates a minimum of 20 CPE hours annually and 120 CPE hours for the three-year reporting period.
• I was able to conveniently record my earned CPE credits throughout the year on the ISACA website, under the "MyISACA > Certifications & CPE Management > Manage CPE" section.
• Finally, I completed the renewal process by paying the associated fees online on December 4^th, way ahead the December 31st deadline.

 

Earning CPE Credits:

Taking a diverse approach to earning CPE credits has been instrumental in helping me meet the annual CPE requirements.

• ISACA offers a wealth of resources, such as conferences, seminars, workshops, and chapter meetings, that contribute towards CPE hours. Active participation in these events not only earns credits but also offers invaluable networking opportunities and insights from industry leaders.
• Non-ISACA activities such as university courses, professional meetings, and training programs related to information systems auditing, control, and security also count toward CPE credit.
• Self-study courses provide a flexible way to earn credits.

 

It is important to keep detailed records of all CPE activities, including supporting documentation such as certificates of completion, attendance rosters, or the Verification of Attendance form provided by ISACA. This documentation may be required if you are selected for the annual CPE audit.

 

Benefits of Maintaining Certifications:

Maintaining my ISACA membership and CISA certification has yielded significant benefits. The certifications have bolstered my credibility and expertise in the field, leading to career advancements. For instance, my CISA certification was instrumental in securing my current role as a Senior Security Risk Analyst at OpenText (Philippines), Inc.. This role allows me to leverage my skills in risk management, IT audit, and third-party assessments, areas directly aligned with the CISA's knowledge domain.

 

Tips for Future Renewals:

Based on my experience, I recommend the following tips for streamlining the renewal process:

• Regularly track your CPE credits. Don't wait until the last minute to accumulate the required hours.
• Explore diverse avenues for earning CPE credits. Take advantage of online resources, local chapter events, and industry conferences.
• Maintain organized records of your CPE activities. Keep copies of certificates, attendance logs, and other relevant documentation.

 

Renewing my ISACA Professional Membership and CISA certification for 2025 has reinforced my commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. The process, while straightforward, serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of staying abreast of industry trends and continuously honing my skills. I encourage fellow ISACA members and CISA professionals to share their own experiences and insights in the comments section below.