When I first learned about the ISACA Global Trainer certification, I knew it was the perfect next step in my cybersecurity career. Not only would it validate my expertise, but it would also allow me to give back to the community by training the next generation of information security professionals. After three months of preparation, assessment, and dedication, I'm excited to share my journey and what it takes to join this elite group of certified trainers.
What Does It Mean to Be an ISACA Global Trainer?
ISACA Global Trainers are certified professionals who deliver training for ISACA courses to chapters and organizations worldwide. These trainers are more than just subject matter experts—they're committed educators who share their passion for lifelong learning with the global IS/IT community.
As a Global Trainer, you have opportunities to:
Facilitate Chapter Trainings: Provide training sessions to your local ISACA chapter, helping professionals in your community advance their skills and prepare for certifications.
Partner with Authorized Training Organizations (ATOs): ATOs sometimes need accredited trainers to expand their offerings or cover scheduling gaps. In these arrangements, you contract directly with the ATO to negotiate compensation and terms.
The best part? ISACA headquarters covers all accreditation costs and annual fees for Global Trainers, removing financial barriers to becoming certified.
Prerequisites: Do You Qualify?
Before diving into the accreditation process, ensure you meet these four essential requirements:
Minimum 2 years of training or public speaking experience – You need to demonstrate your ability to effectively present and engage audiences
Hold the relevant ISACA credential – You must possess the certification for the course you wish to teach (e.g., CISM, CISA, CRISC)
Minimum 2 years of subject matter expertise – Real-world experience in your teaching area is essential
Active ISACA membership – You must be a current, active member of ISACA
If you meet these qualifications, you can submit the Global Trainer Interest Form on the ISACA website. Keep in mind that ISACA reviews applications based on regional demand and capacity needs, which fluctuate over time. If your application isn't immediately approved, you can join a waitlist for future opportunities.
My Accreditation Experience: The Two-Part Assessment
Part One: The Presentation
I expanded my existing presentation on Secure Asset Frameworks (SecureAF) into a comprehensive 45-minute session covering the fundamentals of establishing compliant security risk assessments. The assessment format was rigorous: one hour total, with two APMG reviewers present.
One reviewer sat silently, observing my delivery and content, while the other acted as an interactive participant. This dynamic setup was both challenging and valuable. The interactive reviewer asked thoughtful, probing questions about security risk and practical applicability that genuinely tested my depth of knowledge. I was impressed by the quality of their questions—they identified exactly where to press deeper and challenged me to demonstrate my expertise beyond surface-level understanding.
Fortunately, this is a topic I'm deeply passionate about. While nerve-wracking, the presentation felt natural because I genuinely enjoy discussing security frameworks and risk assessment. My advice: choose a subject you're truly excited about. That enthusiasm comes through and makes the pressure more manageable.
Part Two: The Knowledge Assessment
The second component made me more nervous: a skill-testing examination based on the 16th edition of the CISM manual. To prepare, I dedicated 14 days to reading the book cover to cover. This intensive study period proved invaluable—it gave me the confidence and comprehensive knowledge needed to pass at a level requiring no follow-up or additional testing. The relief of achieving this outcome on the first attempt was immense.
The Timeline: Three Months (But It Could Be Faster)
From start to finish, my certification process took approximately three months. However, I estimate it could have been completed in 1.5 months if I hadn't had a basement renovation project in the middle that demanded my attention and time.
For those planning their own journey, consider your other commitments and build in buffer time. Life happens, and it's better to plan realistically than to feel pressured by an overly aggressive timeline.
What's Next: The AAISM Goal
Becoming a CISM Global Trainer is just the beginning of my journey. My ultimate goal is to become on of Canada's first AAISM (Artificial Intelligence Audit, Assurance, and Risk Management) ISACA certified Global Trainer. This emerging credential addresses one of the most critical areas in cybersecurity today—AI governance and risk management.
Over the next four weeks, I'll be studying intensively for the AAISM exam. My aim is to take the test before Christmas and achieve full AAISM Global Trainer certification by February 2026. Once certified, I plan to offer my services to all Canadian ISACA chapters as a registered trainer, making AAISM knowledge accessible to as many professionals as possible.
Why This Matters
The cybersecurity field faces a persistent skills gap. Organizations struggle to find qualified professionals who can navigate complex security frameworks, conduct risk assessments, and implement effective controls. By becoming an ISACA Global Trainer, I can help bridge this gap—not just by holding a certification, but by actively training others to develop these critical skills.
For those considering this path, ask yourself: Do you have expertise worth sharing? Are you passionate about education and professional development? If so, the ISACA Global Trainer certification might be your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the IS/IT community.
Tips for Aspiring Global Trainers
Based on my experience, here are my recommendations for anyone pursuing this certification:
Start with your strengths: Choose a presentation topic you're genuinely passionate about and have deep experience in. Your enthusiasm and expertise will shine through during the assessment.
Take the study seriously: Don't underestimate the knowledge assessment portion. Dedicate focused time to thoroughly reviewing the certification manual. Those 14 days of intensive study made all the difference for me.
Prepare for interactive questioning: Practice not just presenting, but defending and expanding on your ideas in real-time. The interactive component of the assessment tests your ability to think on your feet and demonstrate true mastery.
Plan realistically: Life doesn't stop during certification. Build buffer time into your schedule and be honest about your other commitments.
Think beyond the credential: Consider how you'll use this certification to serve your community. Having a clear purpose—like my goal of bringing AAISM training to Canadian chapters—provides motivation during challenging study periods.
Final Thoughts
The journey to becoming an ISACA Global Trainer has been demanding but incredibly rewarding. It pushed me to deepen my expertise, refine my presentation skills, and commit to a larger mission of knowledge sharing. If you meet the prerequisites and have a passion for training others, I encourage you to explore this opportunity.
The cybersecurity community needs experienced professionals willing to step up as educators. Whether you're interested in CISM, CISA, CRISC, or emerging certifications like AAISM, there's a place for your expertise. Start by visiting the ISACA website and completing the Global Trainer Interest Form—your journey could begin today.
For questions about the accreditation process, you can reach the ISACA Accredited Training Programs team at ATP@isaca.org.
