Welcome to the journey towards CISA certification! My 90-day guide includes a study plan, tips for motivation, exam preparation & more. Let’s go!
Introduction
Attention Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification Exam-takers! It’s time to get down to business and follow this 90-day guide in order to become a certified professional. If you’re devoted enough, I’ll help you along the way.
I promised myself I would pass the CISA exam by this summer. The earlier, the better, so I can spend the cold days studying and the hot days playing.
I will (hopefully) balance full-time work, family, and studying while preparing for the CISA Exam. I’m self-aware – this will be my hardest part, for sure.
My 3-month study plan and 2-week domain plan will help me organize my time to make the most of it. I also include tips on how to stay motivated, take practical notes, use flashcards, and more!
Are you ready to follow my journey and learn from my mistakes? Let’s begin.
What is the CISA certification?
ISACA’s CISA certification is designed for information systems audit, control, security, and assurance professionals. The accreditation process assesses an individual’s understanding of the five domains of the information systems auditing process.
The CISA certification is the ultimate stamp of approval in the information security world. It’s like saying, “Hey, I know my stuff, and I can audit, control, and assure like a boss.” Once you get it, you’re an all-star in the industry, ready to tackle significant career opportunities.
Importance of exam preparation
Start early! The assessment is tough to pass. The pass rate each year sits around 50%. It requires intense studying, the right tools, and hard work. Candidates need to recall information quickly and apply it effectively.
CISA exam format
There are 150 multiple-choice exam questions and is administered over four hours. Questions are configured in the form of multiple-choice scenarios. I am writing an additional blog post covering more about the format and nuances of the exam questions.
The assessment is divided into five domains. Each domain has its own set of exam objectives and weighting.
Domain 1: The Process of Auditing Information Systems (21%)
Domain 2: Governance and Management of IT (17%)
Domain 3: Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation (12%)
Domain 4: Protection of Information Assets (27%)
Domain 5: Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (23%)
Keep in mind that, effective 2022, there were minor changes to the weighting percentages for each domain.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you. These are products I’ve personally used and stand behind.
CISA Scoring Methodology
The CISA exam uses a weighted scoring approach. This means that the test is scored based on the difficulty level of each question.
This way, if you get an easy question correct, it will count for fewer points than a more complex one. The test has a grading scale of 250–800, with 450 being the minimum passing score to become CISA certified.
Importance of goal setting
Setting goals is an integral part of CISA exam prep. Having a plan is one thing, but it’s another to stick with it and accomplish your goal. Without goals, it’s like trying to hit a bullseye blindfolded. You may get close, but you’ll miss that sweet spot.
Setting clear, realistic, and achievable goals
My 3-month study plan will include setting SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) goals. For example, instead of saying, “I want to pass the CISA exam,” try saying, “I will pass the CISA exam in 3 months by studying for two hours per day and taking a practice test every two weeks.”
Staying focused and motivated
You’re more focused and motivated when you have clear goals. It’s like having a roadmap to success. You know where you’re headed, and you have a plan for how to get there. It’s also easier to track your progress and see how far you’ve come, which is a great motivator. Think of goal setting as our GPS.
Making a Study Plan
It’s crucial to first establish your study plan. This will make it easier to track your progress, stay organized, and prioritize what needs to be done. Keep in mind that this test isn’t comparable to old exams. You’ll need to obtain new guidance and re-train your brain. Some questions will have four right answers and require you to select the most correct one. No kidding.
Assessment of strengths and weaknesses
It’s time to get introspective and assess your strengths and weaknesses. Let’s be honest; we all have different learning styles, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, it’s essential to take the time to figure out what works best for you. Do you learn best through reading, watching videos, or participating in group discussions? Once you know your learning style, you can tailor your game plan to your strengths and make the most of your time.
For example, if you’re a visual learner, you should create mind maps or use flashcards with images. If you struggle with memorization, you should focus on writing things down and repeating them multiple times. Happy self-assessment!
My assessment of strengths and weaknesses
Generally, I’m best at visual learning. YouTube is my encyclopedia for almost everything; it’s incredible. I recently fixed our washing machine after watching a tutorial video.
I’m weaker at reading highly technical text filled with industry jargon. My ADHD kicks in, and my mind wanders all over the place. I flipped through a few CISA study books that are written very well.
I also don’t absorb all the information as well during study groups. These don’t work well for me, but you may excel in study groups. Do what works for you.
For certifications, I am most successful when I use a combination of study methods. Test prep involves reading the textbook, taking notes, watching YouTube, and taking many practice tests.
Creating a study schedule
I’m passionate about strategically planning for demanding tasks. While I’d like to think my detailed personality is the root of this, I may prefer building spreadsheets over enduring the required study time first!
Being realistic
When creating your study schedule, it’s essential to be realistic. Don’t try to cram 10 hours of studying into one day! Spread your study time out evenly for the week.
Also, ensure you allocate enough time for review and practice exams because those are just as important (if not more) than studying the material for the first time.
Staying on track
Now that you have a schedule, it’s critical to stick to it! Set reminders on your phone, put sticky notes on your computer, and do whatever it takes to stay motivated. And don’t be too hard on yourself if you fall off track. Just get back on it the next day.
My schedule
I’m giving myself 90 days to ace the test and beat the summer heat. I find it easier to study in the winter when the sun goes down at 5:30 here in northern Virginia. Nobody likes summer school!
Breaking down a big goal, like getting my certification, into smaller pieces makes it more manageable. Keeping up with the schedule means I’ll have two weeks for each of the five sections, then some time to take practice tests and ensure I’m ready for the big day.
Choosing study materials
Now, let’s delve into the specifics of test preparation: selecting your study materials. These can be pricey. Please do yourself a favor and email your boss telling them you’re expensing the cost.
Quality over quantity
With a vast array of study materials, from textbooks to online courses and live instruction, it’s necessary to choose wisely for the best chance of success on your test. Selecting the right resources can make all the difference!
With so many options, buying every study material available can be tempting. But it’s more important to choose comprehensive and up-to-date materials rather than outdated or low-quality resources.
Check out official ISACA guides. They are always a good place to start. If you go the second-hand route, check the dates.
Mix and match
Using various study materials can help reinforce your understanding of the material. Try switching things up: read a textbook chapter, take a practice quiz, and review flashcards. This mix-and-match approach can help keep you engaged and prevent boredom. Remember to play to your strengths!
My study materials
I purchased the CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, and the CISA Review questions database, both from the ISACA website. These were the two resources most recommended to me.
In a future post, I’ll give you the lowdown on the study materials. I’ll be sharing my honest opinion on the quality of the materials, whether they helped me understand the information, and any other noteworthy observations I made during my study process.
2-Week Study Plan per CISA Domain
The nuts and bolts of studying for the test.
Week 1: The intense study week
I’ll be spending anywhere from 1–3 hours per day reviewing the information systems auditing process. The following activities will be performed during the first of two weeks.
Outline the important topics
Outline the key topics and subtopics. Create your study guide. This will help you see the big picture and develop a roadmap for your studies. It’s also an excellent way to track your progress and accomplishments.
Study the Review Manual
Review the official ISACA review manual for the specific domain. This will be your #1 information security resource, so you need to be familiar with it. Read it thoroughly, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try to recite it backward. OK, maybe not backward, but you get the point.
Practice exams
Practice questions similar to those you’ll see on exam day. This is a great way to see how much you’ve learned and identify areas where you need improvement. To avoid being caught off guard, try to simulate the actual exam experience as much as possible.
Flashcards if needed
Create flashcards or notes. This is a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned and have a handy reference for later. You can also quiz yourself or have someone quiz you using flashcards.
That’s it for week one!
Week 2: Refinement
Review weak areas
Review areas where you struggled. If you took practice exams in week one and found some places where you struggled, now’s the time to go back and review those topics. Remember, practice makes perfect!
More questions
This step is imperative. Practicing more questions will give you a good idea of how much you’ve improved and what areas you still need to work on. The questions on the CISA exam are tricky, unlike most other exams you have taken.
Review incorrect questions
This is an excellent opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Make sure you understand why you got the question wrong and what you can do to avoid making the same mistake again.
Watch recent YouTube videos
Check out CISA exam-related YouTube videos. CISA experts and CISA-certified professionals often post helpful videos that give you a better understanding of critical topics. Any videos published within the last 12 months are probably recent enough but double-check when the last changes to the test were made. You’ll want to focus on content that’s still relevant.
3-Month Study Plan for the CISA
We’ve discussed the two-week study sessions for each of the five CISA domains. But what else? What’s the overall 90-day plan look like, and what will I do closer to exam day? Let’s find out.
Month 1: Familiarize yourself with the test and content
Three months may seem like a lot of time, but trust me, it goes by faster than you think.
Talk with CISA professionals
If you know any CISA professionals, talk to them! They’ll be able to give you the inside scoop on how they prepared for the CISA exam and what areas they focused on most. I have several CISAs in my network, so they’ll be getting emails from me here shortly.
Know the test like the back of your hand
Before you start studying, it’s important to understand what you’re up against. Look at the official ISACA website and read up on the test format, the types of questions you can expect, and the domains you’ll be tested on.
Month 2: Time to get serious
Now that you understand the CISA exam well, it’s time to get serious. This is where all the hard work comes into play and will determine if you pass or fail this thing.
The grind is real
Studying for challenging exams like the CISA can be a real grind. Preparing yourself for the test takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication. You’ll have to sacrifice a lot of your free time, put in late nights, and say goodbye to your social life for a little while. But don’t worry, it’s all worth it in the end! Seeing all that hard work pay off when you ace the exam will feel amazing.
Take a break
Just remember to take breaks when you need them and treat yourself to some much-needed rest and relaxation. Stay motivated and stay focused because you got this!
Month 3: The home stretch
You’ve put in a lot of work over the last two months – now it’s time to finish strong. This is when you’ll fine-tune your CISA exam prep, review all the material, and practice as much as possible.
Review all the domains
It’s time to go back to the beginning and ensure you’ve covered everything. Take a look at your notes, flashcards, and anything else you’ve accumulated over the past two months. Make sure you have a solid understanding of all five domains.
Prepare for exam day
Preparation includes ensuring you have all the necessary materials, such as your ID, exam ticket pencils, and an eraser. It also means getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious breakfast, and mentally preparing for the test. Trust me, showing up to the testing center calm, cool, and collected will give you a huge advantage.
If all goes well, we will pass the test and submit our CISA certification application!
Risks and Obstacles
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – obstacles. You know, those pesky little things get in the way of us passing that test. But don’t you worry, because we’ve got this!
Procrastination
It’s a tough one, but let’s be real. We’ve all been there. Staring at the study materials and just not feeling like it. My advice? Just start. Even if it’s just for 5 minutes, once you get going, you’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish.
Competing priorities
Studying for big exams can be tricky, especially when you’ve got many other things going on in your life too. Work, family, and personal commitments can all distract you and make it difficult to focus on your studies.
But don’t worry. There are ways to manage this risk and make time for your exam prep. The key is to stay organized and prioritize your time. Make a schedule that balances your study time with your other responsibilities, and stick to it. And if something unexpected comes up, feel free to reschedule your study time.
Remember, a little effort and dedication each day can go a long way in achieving your goals.
Distractions
Distractions can make studying even harder. It’s easy to get sidetracked by social media, Netflix binges, or just life. But, if you want to ace the CISA, you’ve got to stay focused and on track. Here are a few tips for managing distractions and staying focused on your studies:
- Turn off notifications. Silence your phone and log out of social media during your study sessions.
- Create a dedicated study space. Choose a quiet spot away from distractions where you can focus and be productive.
- Set achievable goals and track your progress. Breaking your studies into manageable chunks can help you stay motivated and on track.
- Find a study buddy or join a study group. Studying with others can be a great way to stay accountable and on track.
Burnout
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and burned out. To avoid feeling burnt out, it’s essential to take breaks, get enough sleep, have a work-life balance, and prioritize self-care. Schedule time for activities you enjoy, like exercising, spending time with friends, or just relaxing.
It’s also a good idea to mix up your study routine, like studying in a new location or taking a different approach to the material.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends or family for support or even consider talking to a counselor if you feel the stress is affecting your mental health.
The most important thing is to listen to your body and take the time you need to recharge, so you can return to your studies feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next challenge.
Juggle studying with work and kids
This one will be the hardest for me! Time is a resource in very limited supply!
Studying for an exam can be daunting, especially when you have a full-time job, a wife, and two little kids running around. But, don’t worry, my friend! It’s possible to balance work, family life, and exam prep with a little bit of organization, creativity, and, of course, humor.
Here are some tips to help you study for an exam while juggling the daily chaos of life.
Sticking to a schedule
Scheduling is key to balancing it all. Write down your work hours, family commitments, and study time. Make sure you allocate enough time for each task and stick to it as much as possible. Just don’t forget to include a few minutes each day for much-needed “me time,” like a coffee break or a quick power nap.
Commute time
I don’t commute, but If you do, this time can be a great opportunity to study. Listen to audiobooks or podcasts related to the exam during your commute. If you drive, listen to a recorded lecture. If you take public transportation, bring a study guide and review it during your ride.
Get the family involved
Let your family know about your exam and ask for their support. Ask your wife to help you with the kids or to take care of the household chores while you study. Ask your kids to quiz you with some flashcards. Make it a family effort to prepare for the exam.
Short bursts
You don’t have to study for hours on end. Break it down into smaller, manageable chunks. Study for 20-30 minutes, and then take a break. This way, you can fit in a quick study session even when the kids are napping or cooking dinner.
Have fun
Studying for an exam doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Incorporate fun into your study plan. For example, have a friendly competition with your spouse or a coworker to see who can get the highest score on a practice exam.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the conclusion of our journey to CISA exam success! We’ve discussed the importance of studying for the CISA exam, the 3-month study plan, and even a 2-week study plan for one test domain. Now it’s time to recap and reflect on all we’ve learned.
The CISA exam is a big deal, and it’s essential to take it seriously. By studying and preparing for the exam, you’ll not only have a better chance of passing but also gain a deeper understanding of the content.
Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Adjust the game plan to fit your individual learning style, schedule, and your own pace. Feel free to mix things up and try new approaches if you do not see the desired results.
This journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Stay motivated and dedicated to your goal, and you’ll reach it in no time. After all this hard work, you’ll be a CISA-certified pro!
So, there you have it. With a little hard work and dedication, you’ll be on your way to passing the CISA exam in no time. Good luck, and happy studying!
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