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Getting Respected and Connected:
Guide to Certification and Networking

 

Accounting Certification Options
Tips for Taking Accounting Certification Exams
Accounting Associations and Organizations to Consider


Accounting Certification Options


Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association
Cost: $50-$100 depending on registration time

In addition to passing the CISA examination, a minimum of five years of professional information systems auditing is required to obtain certification. Members must also agree to a professional code of ethics and follow the Continuing Professional Education Program. This certification was designed for those who work in IT Governance, Systems and Infrastructure Lifecycle Management, IT Service Delivery and Support, Protection of Information Assets and Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery.

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors
Cost: $205 for students, $410 for professionals

This designation is the only globally accepted certification for internal auditors. The CIA exam tests a student's understanding of internal auditing practices, internal audit issues, risks and remedies. The IIA also offers three specialty certifications: Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), and Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA). In addition to passing the exam, certification includes two years internal auditing work experience.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Offered by the Institute of Management Accountants
Cost: $95 for students, $190 for professionals

This certification also requires professional experience in addition to a passing score on the CMA exam. Two years of continuous experience in management accounting or financial management must must be completed within seven years of passing the exam. Obtaining a CMA is a global qualification and proves to employers that the recipient has a high level of competence in corporate finance.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Cost: Fees vary depending on location

A CPA license includes three “E”s : exam, education, and experience. Each state has its own specific license requirements regarding education and experience but a passing score on the exam is universally required. In general this certificate allows individuals to practice financial audit services or public accounting. CPAs are the only licensed accounting professionals.

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Tips for Taking Accounting Certification Exams


General Tips Courtest of SmartPros.com

  • Use up-to-date study materials
  • Develop a regular, daily study schedule
  • Set up a study team with peers
  • Know how to use common spreadsheet and word processing functions on a computer
  • Review tutorial and sample tests
  • Understand the grading process
  • Believe in yourself, think positively
  • Don't spend time calculating your score during the exam
  • Get plenty of sleep the night before the exam
  • Time yourself; don't get hung up on one question


CISA Exam Tips

Sections:

  • The IS Audit Process (10%)
  • IT Governance (15%)
  • Systems and Infrastructure Life Cycle Management (16%)
  • IT Service Delivery and Support (14%)
  • Protection of Information Assets (31%)
  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (14%)
  • Candidate's Guide to the Exam
  • Certification Application


CIA Exam Tips from The Institute of Internal Auditors

Sections:


CMA Exam Tips

Sections:

  • Part 1: Business Analysis: 3 hours, 110 multiple choice questions
  • Part 2: Management Accounting and Reporting: 4 hours, 140 multiple choice questions
  • Part 3: Strategic Management: 3 hours, 110 multiple choice questions
  • Part 4: Business Applications: 3 hours, 3-7 written-response essays and problems
  • Exam Resource Guide
  • Sample Exam Questions


CPA Exam Tips

Sections:


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Accounting Associations and Organizations to Consider Joining


American Accounting Association

Founded in 1916, the association is a voluntary organization of people dedicated to accounting education and research. The Association's journals include The Accounting Review, Issues in Accounting Education,  and Accounting Horizons.

Membership cost: $185-$205 depending on number of journals requested

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

The AICPA provides continuing education and networking opportunities, access to the Journal of Accountancy, and discounts on products from companies such as Dell, FedEx, and Hertz.

Membership Cost: $35 for students, between $200 and $400 for professionals

American Society of Women Accountants

Formed in 1938, the goal of this society is to increase opportunities for women in accounting and finance. Membership includes subscription to The Compass , a monthly e-magazine which includes articles on networking, stress management, and women's health.

Membership cost: $35 for students, $108 for professionals

Information Systems Audit and Control Association

With more than 86,000 members located in 160 countries, the ISACA assures that members are well connected. Members work in many industry categories, including financial and banking, public accounting, government and the public sector, utilities and manufacturing.

Membership cost: $160-$210 depending on location

Institute of Internal Auditors

Members of the IIA have access to a worldwide network of professionals and job opportunities, professional guidance and leadership development.

Membership cost: $50 for students, $100 for educators, $215 for professionals.

Institute of Management Accountants

IMA boasts 200 chapters worldwide and many virtual communities for networking and professional development. This organization also provides an online library and subscriptions to two publications, Strategic Finance and Management Accounting Quarterly.

Membership cost: $39 for students, $98 for educators, $195 for professionals.

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