How to Study for CISA

 

How to Study for CISA (Step-by-Step)

1. Start with the CISA Review Manual (CRM)

  • This is the official ISACA study book.

  • Read each domain slowly and understand the core concepts.

2. Use CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations (QAE)

  • This is the official question bank.

  • Practice as many questions as possible.

  • Learn why the correct answer is right and why others are wrong.

3. Learn the “ISACA Way of Thinking”

ISACA focuses on:

  • Risk-based auditing

  • Governance over technology

  • Control frameworks (COBIT, NIST, ISO concepts)

  • High-level management perspective (not deep technical detail)

4. Take Mock Exams

  • Mimic real timing (4 hours).

  • Track weak domains and revise them.

5. Focus on Key Topics Often Tested

  • Risk management

  • Segregation of duties

  • Change management

  • Access control

  • Incident response

  • Business continuity

  • Audit roles and responsibilities

6. Create Summary Notes

  • Audit process steps

  • Life cycles (SDLC, change management, BCP/DRP)

  • Types of controls (preventive, detective, corrective)

 How Long to Study?

Most learners take:

  • 2–3 months part-time

  • 4–6 weeks full-time

Tips to Pass

  • Understand concepts — don’t memorize blindly.

  • Practice 1,000+ questions.

  • Identify recurring patterns (ISACA asks similar question types).

  • Think like an auditor, not a technician.