How to Earn Free CISA CPE Credits?
Tagged as: cpe.
Keeping your CISA certification active requires earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits regularly. Fortunately, there are several ways to earn these credits without spending a dime. In this article, we’ll explore diverse and effective strategies to earn free CISA CPE credits. From online courses to volunteering, we've covered various opportunities that will keep you compliant while expanding your knowledge.
Introduction
Maintaining your Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is crucial to staying ahead in the cybersecurity and IT auditing world. The CISA designation showcases your expertise, but to keep it active, you need to earn a set number of CPE credits annually. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to meet this requirement. Here are seven proven ways to earn free CISA CPE credits while advancing your professional journey.
1. What Are the Best Free Online Courses and Webinars?
One of the most convenient ways to earn CPE credits is through online courses and webinars. Numerous platforms offer free courses specifically designed for CISA professionals, and many webinars are tailored to cover the latest trends in IT auditing.
Online Platforms Offering Free Courses
Platforms like MY-CPE provide an excellent opportunity for CISA professionals to earn free credits. MY-CPE currently offers a trial period during which professionals can access free CPE courses, allowing them to explore a wide range of topics in IT auditing without any cost. Such platforms frequently update their offerings, ensuring you stay abreast of the latest industry standards.
Webinars for Timely Updates
Many industry-specific webinars offer a quick way to earn credits while staying updated on emerging trends. Look for webinars hosted by reputable platforms that provide certificates of completion.
2. Why Should You Consider Professional Association Memberships?
Joining professional associations can be a goldmine for free CPE credits. These organizations often provide exclusive content and events to their members, many of which are free.
Benefits of Membership
Associations like ISACA offer webinars, newsletters, and online forums that can contribute to your CPE requirements. Some associations have regional chapters that conduct in-person or virtual training sessions at no extra cost for members.
ISACA's CPE Opportunities
As the governing body for CISA, ISACA frequently offers free CPE opportunities to its members, including webinars, chapter meetings, and volunteer work, making it a valuable resource for CISA professionals.
3. How Can Volunteer Activities Contribute to Earning Credits?
Volunteering is not only rewarding but also a recognized method for earning CPE credits. It provides hands-on experience while allowing you to contribute to the community.
Relevant Volunteer Work
CISA professionals can volunteer for local organizations, contribute to research, or serve as a mentor in cybersecurity-related educational programs. These activities can earn you valuable CPE credits and also expand your professional network.
Industry-Specific Volunteering
Participating in industry events or helping organize cybersecurity conferences can also be counted toward your CPE credits, provided the work aligns with CISA’s body of knowledge.
4. Can Authoring Articles or Research Papers Earn You CPE Credits?
Sharing your expertise through writing is another way to earn CPE credits. Authoring articles, blogs, or research papers relevant to IT auditing and cybersecurity can qualify as professional development.
Where to Publish Your Work
Consider submitting articles to reputable industry magazines, blogs, or platforms like MY-CPE. These publications can not only provide you with CPE credits but also position you as a thought leader in your field.
Research Contributions
If you are involved in academic or industry-specific research, publishing your findings can earn you significant CPE credits, while contributing to the overall body of knowledge in IT auditing.
5. How Does Peer Networking and Knowledge Sharing Benefit CISA Professionals?
Engaging with peers and sharing knowledge is an effective, yet often overlooked, way to earn free CPE credits. Many platforms provide forums, discussion groups, and roundtables to facilitate such engagements.
Online Forums and Discussion Groups
Participating in structured discussions or leading a knowledge-sharing session among peers can be recognized as professional development activity. MY-CPE and other platforms host such events, enabling CISA professionals to earn credits while learning from each other.
Hosting Webinars
If you have specialized knowledge, hosting a webinar or participating as a speaker in panel discussions can count towards your CPE credits, offering a two-way street for learning and teaching.
6. What Role Do Employer-Sponsored Trainings Play in Earning Free CPE Credits?
Your workplace can be a valuable resource for CPE credits. Many employers offer in-house training programs that are relevant to your role as a CISA professional, which can be counted as continuing education.
Internal Training Programs
Employers often conduct training sessions to update staff on the latest cybersecurity threats, compliance standards, and auditing techniques. These sessions are typically free for employees and can earn you credits.
Documenting Employer-Sponsored Activities
Ensure that these training sessions are well-documented and meet CISA's standards for CPE credits. A formal letter or certificate from your employer can serve as proof of completion.
7. Why Are Industry Events and Conferences Essential for Earning CPE Credits?
Industry events and conferences are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the latest developments, network with peers, and earn CPE credits. Many events offer free registration for CISA professionals or have segments that don’t require paid admission.
Free Conferences and Workshops
Look for cybersecurity and IT auditing events that offer free sessions. Even large conferences often have free webinars or panel discussions accessible to a broader audience.
Networking Opportunities
Besides earning credits, these events are a goldmine for networking. You can connect with industry leaders, learn about best practices, and potentially gain insights that contribute to your professional growth.
Conclusion:
Earning free CISA CPE credits doesn’t have to be a challenging task if you know where to look. Leverage online courses, professional memberships, volunteering, writing, and peer networking to meet your requirements. Always document your participation, ensure that activities align with ISACA’s CPE guidelines, and take advantage of platforms like MY-CPE for a variety of free CPE resources. By diversifying your credit-earning methods, you not only maintain your CISA certification but also broaden your professional horizons and deepen your expertise.