Why Do So Many People Fail The CISA Exam?

Are you one of the aspiring information systems auditors who have attempted the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam but could not achieve the desired outcome? Frustrated and questioning why you failed, while many others seemingly pass with ease? Well, you are not alone.

The CISA exam is a highly regarded certification in the IT industry, demonstrating a professional's proficiency in information systems auditing, control, and security. However, passing the exam is no easy feat and requires thorough preparation, dedication, and a deep understanding of the subject matter.

So, why do so many people fail the CISA exam? Let's dive into some of the possible reasons:

WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE FAIL THE CISA EXAM?

by Nir Hollender(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1133 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	18 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

1. Insufficient Preparation

One of the primary reasons for failure is inadequate preparation. Many candidates underestimate the complexity of the exam and fail to allocate sufficient time for studying and practicing. The CISA exam covers a wide range of topics, including IT governance, risk management, and system acquisition, among others.

To increase your chances of success, it is crucial to create a comprehensive study plan, leverage relevant study materials, and allocate enough time for practice exams. Mock exams will help you familiarize yourself with the exam format, identify knowledge gaps, and improve time management.

2. Lack of Familiarity with Exam Format

The CISA exam comprises multiple-choice questions, which can be challenging if you are not accustomed to this format. Answering multiple-choice questions requires not only a solid understanding of the subject matter but also the ability to think critically and analyze options effectively.

To overcome this challenge, practicing with sample questions and previous exam papers is essential. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam, learn strategies for efficient time allocation, and develop a systematic approach for tackling multiple-choice questions.

3. Failure to Prioritize Weak Areas

Identifying and addressing weak areas is crucial for success in the CISA exam. Many candidates make the mistake of focusing only on their strengths while neglecting subjects or topics they find challenging. However, the exam evaluates your overall knowledge and proficiency across different domains.

A comprehensive self-assessment will help you identify weak areas. Once identified, allocate more time to study and practice those areas. Seek additional resources, such as online forums, study groups, or professional guidance, to clarify doubts and gain further insights.

4. Underestimating the Importance of Hands-on Experience

While theoretical knowledge is essential for passing the CISA exam, practical experience is equally important. Real-life scenarios often deviate from textbook examples, and the ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations is highly valued in the field of information systems auditing.

Obtaining hands-on experience through internships, work placements, or involvement in real-world IT projects can significantly enhance your chances of passing the exam. Additionally, actively participating in discussions and sharing experiences with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights into real-world challenges and best practices.

5. Lack of Time Management

Time management is crucial during the CISA exam, with each section having a predefined time limit. Efficiently dividing your time among sections and questions is essential, as incomplete sections result in lost opportunities to earn points.

When preparing for the exam, practice time management techniques, such as allocating specific time slots for each domain, question type, or difficulty level. Regularly assess your progress in meeting predefined time targets and make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency.

6. Ineffective Exam Strategies

Developing effective exam strategies is vital for success. Some candidates rush through questions without thoroughly reading them, leading to misinterpretation and incorrect answers. Others spend excessive time on challenging questions and fail to complete the entire exam within the allotted time.

To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to develop a strategic approach. Read each question carefully, identify keywords, and eliminate obvious incorrect options. If a question seems challenging, flag it, and move on. Once you have answered all the easier questions, return to the flagged ones with more time and a fresh perspective.

7. Lack of Confidence

Confidence plays a significant role in exam performance. If you doubt your abilities and constantly second-guess your answers, it can negatively impact your overall score. Strive to develop confidence in your knowledge and abilities through thorough preparation and continuous practice.

Participating in mock exams, seeking feedback from professionals, and focusing on your progress will help boost your confidence. Remember that confidence is built over time, and the more you practice, the better equipped you will be to handle the CISA exam.

The CISA exam is no walk in the park, but with proper preparation, dedication, and self-assessment, you can increase your chances of success. Identify your weaknesses, focus on comprehensive study plans, allocate time for practice exams, and develop effective exam strategies.

Remember that failure is not the end; it is an opportunity to learn and improve. Utilize the experience gained from your first attempt to reassess and refine your study approach, and soon enough, you will be celebrating your success as a Certified Information Systems Auditor.

WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE FAIL THE CISA EXAM?

by Nir Hollender(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1133 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	18 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

* Do you believe that the first stage of planning an audit is to check the audit papers of the previous year? (According to ISACA you are WRONG)

* Do you know the difference between reviewing Control Effectiveness and Process Effectiveness?

* Do you know what three steps an auditor needs to take once an issue is identified?

Odds are you are one of two types of IT professionals who take the CISA exam:
1. IT professionals with no audit experience. If so, you will find it difficult to answer questions about certain audit concepts, simply because you cannot relate to those concepts

2. IT professionals who have some audit experience. If so, you have the experience but not a strong audit academic background - like accountants have. The audit approach in the “real world” can be very far from working “by the book” as ISACA expect you to answer. For this reason you get wrong answers when you try to apply what you would do in the “real world” Audit is a profession. Accountants spend a few semesters studying audit and then obtain extensive work experience.

Many IT professionals fail the CISA exam simply because they are not well prepared for the audit component.

This book was written to summarize the essential audit aspects of the CISA exam. This book covers key concepts, written in simple language to ensure that the audit concepts are simplified and will be easy to remember. This book is not an alternative to the CISA Review Manual. It is a summary that highlights important audit concepts, processes and procedures ISACA will test you on. Instead of reading the audit component in the CISA Review Manual again and again, hoping that some of this boring material will eventually stick, read this book and understand how to answer the audit questions in the exam correctly.

“WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE FAIL THE CISA EXAM?” introduces you to the audit mindset that Nir Hollender used to score 618 in the June 2015 exam, which was in the top 5% of those taking the test worldwide.

Try this book risk free! You should be able to see a significant improvement in your ability to answer CISA audit questions. If you don't, please ask for a refund within seven days of the date of purchase and your money will be fully refunded, no questions asked.