Avoid 10 Mistakes When Studying for the CISA Exam in 2025
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is one of the most prestigious in the field of IT auditing and cybersecurity. Earning it could significantly boost your career prospects—but only if you are well prepared. Many candidates fail not due to lack of knowledge, but because of their approach to preparing.Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when studying for the CISA exam.
1. Underestimating the Exam’s Scope
Information systems auditing, IT governance, and risk management are among the five domains covered in the CISA test. Many applicants believe they can only focus on one or two topics, but the variety of subjects overwhelms them.
How to avoid it: Learn about the CISA exam content outline from ISACA. Based on each domain's weight on the test (for example, Domain 1: Information Systems Auditing Process is 21%), provide study time in accordance with each domain. To fully understand the scope, consult ISACA's official resources.
2. Testing Instead of Making Plans
The CISA is not a test that you can prepare for in a few nights. It requires both conceptual understanding and practice. Create a practical, consistent study schedule over several months. Set aside time weekly and track your progress against milestones.
3. Relying Solely on One Study Resource
Some candidates stick to a single study guide or resource, missing out on different points of view and explanations that could help them understand more deeply.
How to Avoid it: Use a variety of resources, including ISACA's CISA Review Manual, practice question databases, online courses, and study groups. Each resource provides unique insights, and practice questions help simulate exam conditions.
4. Skipping The ISACA Review Manual.
Although dense and detailed, the ISACA Review Manual is a primary resource created by the certification body itself. Reading through or overlooking this manual is a missed opportunity to gain powerful insight into the exam's expectations and requirements.
5. Avoiding Practice Questions.
Reading theory without applying it to practice questions is a recipe for failure. The CISA exam assesses your ability to analyse scenarios and apply knowledge, rather than just memorizing facts.
How to Avoid It: Start incorporating practice questions into your study routine early on. Use the ISACA Question, Answer, and Explanation (QAE) database or third-party question banks. Review explanations for both correct and incorrect answers to improve your knowledge.
6. Prioritizing memorization over conceptual understanding
The CISA exam assesses practical knowledge and decision-making abilities rather than rote learning. Concentrate on understanding the logic behind key principles, frameworks, and audit practices. Make sure you can apply your knowledge to scenario-based questions and real-world situations.
7. Ignoring Weak Areas
It is easy to focus on your strengths, but success comes from improving your weaknesses. Use practice tests to identify and address areas where your performance delays. Review these topics until you are confident.
8. Failure to simulate the real exam environment.
Many candidates are unprepared for the time obstacles and mental strength required during the four-hour exam. To simulate exam conditions, take full-length timed tests. This reduces anxiety and improves your ability to manage time efficiently on exam day.
9. Delaying Exam Registration
Waiting to register until you feel “fully ready” can result in indefinite procrastination. Registering for the exam creates a firm deadline, increasing accountability and motivation. Once registered, you are more likely to follow through with your study plan.
10. Underestimating the complexity of the exam.
Despite its focus on professionals, the CISA exam is often underestimated. It requires not only domain knowledge but also an in-depth knowledge of business processes, risk management, and audit methodology. Approach your preparation with the seriousness and dedication that certification requires.
