CISA Study Plan: Weekly Schedule Using Recommended Study Materials
Becoming a
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a major milestone for
professionals in the IT audit, control, and security field. However, preparing
for the CISA exam requires a solid study plan and access to the right
resources. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed weekly study
plan, using some of the best and most effective CISA study materials
available.
Whether you're
a full-time working professional or a student, this 8-week plan can be tailored
to your schedule. Let's get started.
Week 1: Understand the Exam Format and Get Organized
Start by
getting familiar with the CISA exam structure and the five domains:
- Information System Auditing
Process
- Governance and Management of IT
- Information Systems Acquisition,
Development and Implementation
- Information Systems Operations and
Business Resilience
- Protection of Information Assets
Set up a study
calendar and gather your materials. Essential resources include:
- ISACA’s CISA Review Manual
- Online CISA video lectures
- Flashcards and practice questions
- A good mobile app for studying on
the go
You can find a
list of the best CISA study materials on
trusted education blogs and platforms.
Week 2–3: Focus on Domain 1 and Domain 2
Domain 1: Information System Auditing Process
This is the
foundation of CISA and carries about 21% of the exam weight. Spend 4–5 days
studying:
- Types of audits
- Risk-based audit planning
- Reporting and follow-up
Use the
official review manual, watch video lessons, and take short quizzes daily.
Domain 2: Governance and Management of IT
Cover topics
such as:
- IT governance framework
- Strategy and policies
- Organizational structure and roles
Use a mix of
reading and practice tests. Highlight key points to review later.
Week 4–5: Tackle Domain 3 and Domain 4
Domain 3: Information Systems Acquisition, Development,
and Implementation
This domain
involves system development methodologies, business case evaluations, and
implementation controls.
Make flashcards
for key models like SDLC, Agile, and DevOps practices. Review at least 10
practice questions daily.
Domain 4: Information Systems Operations and Business
Resilience
This domain
covers:
- IT service management
- Disaster recovery
- Change and problem management
Spend 5–6 days
here, using audio materials or summaries to reinforce concepts on the go.
Week 6: Study Domain 5 in Depth
Domain 5: Protection of Information Assets
This is one of
the most important domains and accounts for 27% of the exam.
Topics include:
- Access controls
- Security awareness
- Network security
- Data classification
Revisit the CISA certification page
to see how these topics align with real-world auditing responsibilities.
Use
simulation-based tools or mock labs if possible for better understanding. Spend
extra time here since it’s weighted heavily.
Week 7: Revision and Weak Areas
Dedicate this
week to:
- Reviewing notes and flashcards
- Going through all mock test
results
- Watching videos on tricky topics
- Re-attempting incorrect answers in
practice sets
Start reducing
study hours slightly but increase the intensity of revision.
Week 8: Final Mock Exams and Relaxation
In the final
week:
- Take at least 2 full-length timed
mock exams
- Analyze your mistakes in detail
- Don’t try to study new topics—only
review
- Sleep well, eat healthy, and stay
calm
Make sure
you’re confident with key areas and test-day logistics.
Bonus Tips for Success
- Join an online CISA forum or study
group
- Follow a consistent daily routine
(1–2 hours on weekdays, 3–4 on weekends)
- Use spaced repetition for
memorizing definitions and frameworks
- Practice under exam conditions to
build stamina
Conclusion
Preparing for
the CISA exam is a journey that requires discipline, the right resources, and a
solid strategy. By following this 8-week plan and using high-quality CISA study materials, you
can significantly improve your chances of passing the exam on your first
attempt.
If you're
looking for a guided path with expert support, consider enrolling in a
professional CISA certification training
program to fast-track your success.
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