ISACA CISA Official Review Manual, 28th Edition

1. Introduction

This manual serves as a comprehensive reference guide for individuals preparing for the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) exam. It is designed to facilitate understanding of the critical roles and responsibilities of an information system auditor. The 28th Edition incorporates updated content to reflect the new CISA exam effective August 1, 2024, and addresses emerging technologies relevant to modern IT environments.

The content is structured to cover essential concepts across five key domain areas:

• 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

Image of the CISA Official Review Manual, 28th Edition, featuring its cover design.

2. Getting Started: How to Use This Manual

To maximize your study effectiveness, familiarize yourself with the manual's structure:

• Chapter Organization: Each chapter is divided into two distinct sections for focused study.
• Section One: Contains definitions, learning objectives for four key areas, task and knowledge statements, self-assessment questions with answers and explanations, and suggested resources for further study.
• Section Two: Provides reference material and detailed content that supports the knowledge statements, enhancing understanding for the CISA certification exam. This section also includes definitions of terms frequently encountered on the exam.

This manual can be used as a primary resource for individual study or as a guide for study groups and local review courses. It is also designed to complement other ISACA study materials, such as the CISA Official Review Manual 28th Edition (eBook) and the CISA Questions, Answers & Explanations Database 2024.

3. Study Methodology

Effective utilization of this manual involves an active study approach:

• Review Objectives: Begin each chapter by reviewing the definitions and objectives in Section One to set your learning goals.
• Engage with Content: Thoroughly read through Section Two to build foundational knowledge and understanding of the concepts.
• Self-Assessment: Utilize the self-assessment questions in Section One to test your comprehension. Review the provided answers and explanations to identify areas needing further study.
• Explore Resources: Refer to the suggested resources for deeper insights into specific topics.
• Glossary Use: Regularly consult the definitions of terms provided within the manual, especially those commonly found on the CISA exam.

4. Maintenance and Care

To ensure the longevity and usability of your CISA Official Review Manual:

• Physical Care: Store the manual in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent page yellowing or binding damage. Avoid bending the cover or pages excessively.
• Handling: Handle with clean hands to prevent smudges and stains.
• Updates: While this edition is current for the specified exam period, IT and auditing practices evolve. Periodically check the official ISACA website (www.isaca.org) for any errata, updates, or announcements regarding future exam changes or new editions.

5. Troubleshooting Study Challenges

Encountering difficulties during your CISA exam preparation is common. Consider these strategies:

• Difficult Concepts: If a concept is unclear after initial review, re-read the relevant section, consult the suggested resources, or discuss it with a study group. Breaking down complex topics into smaller parts can also be beneficial.
• Low Self-Assessment Scores: If your self-assessment scores are consistently low in a particular domain, dedicate more time to reviewing that specific area. Focus on understanding the underlying principles rather than memorizing answers.
• Time Management: Develop a realistic study schedule. Consistent, shorter study sessions are often more effective than infrequent, long ones.
• Exam Anxiety: Practice with timed self-assessments to simulate exam conditions. Ensure you are well-rested before study sessions and the actual exam.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

As an official publication, this manual is produced by ISACA. For any inquiries regarding content accuracy, errata, or official CISA program information, please refer to the official ISACA resources.

• Official Website: For the most current information, updates, and support related to the CISA certification and this review manual, visit the official ISACA website: www.isaca.org.
• Contact ISACA: Contact information for ISACA can typically be found on their website under the 'Contact Us' section for direct support.

Please note that this manual is a study aid and does not guarantee passing the CISA exam. Successful certification depends on individual study effort and comprehension of the material.