Free CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor Exam Questions and Answers
CISA is the auditing counterpart to CISM and the standard credential for IS audit, control and assurance work. It is 150 multiple-choice questions in four hours, scored 200–800 with 450 to pass — the same format and scoring as CISM, at $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members plus a one-off $50 application fee. The weighting is flatter than most security exams: Operations and Business Resilience 26% and Protection of Information Assets 26% lead, then the Auditing Process 18% and Governance 18%, with Acquisition and Development 12%. ISACA asks for five years of relevant experience earned within the preceding ten, with up to three years waivable, and gives you five years from passing to apply.
Looking for CISA exam dumps or ExamTopics CISA questions? These CISA practice questions cover the same ground with verified answers and explanations, a downloadable CISA PDF and a full CISA practice test, kept current as ISACA updates the exam.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
- Exam code
- CISA
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- ISACA
- Questions in our bank
- 1000+
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- First 10, with answers
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- 130 mins · 70%
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Question #1
What should an IS auditor do FIRST when management responses to an in-person internal control questionnaire indicate a key internal control is no longer effective?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The first thing that an IS auditor should do when management responses to an in-person internal control questionnaire indicate a key internal control is no longer effective is to ascertain the existence of other compensating controls. Compensating controls are alternative controls that provide reasonable assurance of achieving the same objective as the original control. The IS auditor should verify whether there are any compensating controls in place that can mitigate the risk of the key control being ineffective, and evaluate their adequacy and effectiveness. The other options are not the first steps, because they either require more information about the compensating controls, or they are actions to be taken after identifying and assessing the compensating controls. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version)1, Chapter 2, Section 2.2.3
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Discussion
Explain your reasoning, not just the letterMore CISA questions
- Question 2Which of the following should be performed FIRST before key performance indicators (KPIs) can be implemented?
- Question 3Which of the following should be of GREATEST concern to an IS auditor reviewing a network printer disposal process?
- Question 4Which of the following is MOST important for an IS auditor to look for in a project feasibility study?
- Question 5Which of the following should be the IS auditor's PRIMARY focus, when evaluating an organization's offsite storage…
- Question 6An IS auditor finds that capacity management for a key system is being performed by IT with no input from the business…
All CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor practice questions →
Other ISACA certifications
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FAQ
Learn More: https://www.isaca.org/
- Q1: How much does the CISA exam cost?
- A: Registration costs 575 USD for ISACA members and 760 USD for non-members, non-refundable. Once you pass, the certification application carries a one-time 50 USD processing fee.
- Q2: How many questions are on the CISA exam and how much time do I get?
- A: The real exam has 150 multiple-choice questions with a four-hour (240-minute) limit. It includes some unscored pretest items that do not affect your score.
- Q3: What is the passing score for CISA?
- A: Scores are reported on a scale of 200 to 800 and 450 is the minimum pass. The pass decision is based on your total correct answers across the whole exam, with domain results shown for information only.
- Q4: What are the five CISA domains and their weightings?
- A: The current outline, in effect since 1 August 2024, is Information System Auditing Process (18%), Governance and Management of IT (18%), Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation (12%), Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (26%) and Protection of Information Assets (26%). As of October 2026 ISACA has not announced a further update.
- Q5: What experience do I need for CISA certification?
- A: You need five years of professional information systems auditing, control, assurance or security work experience, gained within the ten years before applying. Waivers can cover up to three years of that: one year for general IS or audit work, and one, two or three years for an associate, bachelor's or master's degree respectively; you have five years after passing to apply.
- Q6: Where is the CISA exam offered and in which languages?
- A: It is computer-based at PSI test centres around the world or online with a remote proctor, and your eligibility lasts six months from registration. ISACA's 2026 candidate guide lists English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Korean and Japanese for CISA.
- Q7: What is the CISA exam retake policy?
- A: You may attempt the exam four times in a rolling 12-month period, paying the full fee each time. The wait is 30 days after the first attempt, 90 days after the second and 90 days after the third.
- Q8: How do I keep my CISA certification active?
- A: Report at least 20 CPE hours each year and 120 over every three-year cycle, and pay the annual maintenance fee of 45 USD for ISACA members or 85 USD for non-members.
- Q9: What is the CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor exam?
- A: CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor is a ISACA certification exam. Judging by the questions in our bank, it concentrates on auditor, greatest, reviewing, recommendation and vendor.
- Q10: What topics does the CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor exam cover?
- A: Questions in our CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor bank cluster around auditor, greatest, reviewing, recommendation, vendor, findings, vulnerability and recent. Working through the full set is the quickest way to find which of these you are weakest on.
- Q11: How should I prepare for CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor?
- A: Work through the CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor practice questions here, checking your answer on each one, then sit the practice test to rehearse the exam under timed conditions before the real thing.
- Q12: Are these real CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor exam questions?
- A: They are drawn from officially released past questions and from community members who have sat CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor. Answers are verified and updated weekly.
- Q13: Where do I register for the CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor exam?
- A: Register through ISACA directly at https://www.isaca.org/. Exampractice is not affiliated with ISACA and does not administer the exam.
- Q14: Is there a free CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor sample?
- A: Yes. Every CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor page shows a free sample of real questions. Upgrading opens the full bank and the practice test.
- Q15: What are ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) Certification Exams validate your expertise in various IT governance, risk management, cybersecurity, and audit disciplines. These certifications demonstrate your proficiency in managing and securing information systems, ensuring compliance, and enhancing IT governance.
- Q16: Why should I pursue ISACA Certification?
- A: ISACA Certification enhances your professional credibility, showcasing your skills and knowledge in IT governance, risk management, cybersecurity, and audit. This can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement in IT audit, cybersecurity, and IT management fields.
- Q17: What are the benefits of ISACA Certification?
- A: Benefits include recognition as a certified IT professional, improved job performance, access to exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and staying current with the latest IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity best practices.
- Q18: Who should take ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: IT auditors, cybersecurity professionals, risk managers, IT governance professionals, and anyone involved in managing and securing information systems should consider these certifications to validate their expertise and advance their careers.
- Q19: What types of ISACA Certification Exams are available?
- A: ISACA offers various certification paths, including:
- Q20: How do I prepare for ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: Preparation can include official ISACA training courses, study guides, practice exams, online tutorials, and hands-on experience in relevant IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity practices.
- Q21: Where can I take ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: ISACA Certification Exams can be taken at authorized testing centers worldwide or online through remote proctoring, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and location.
- Q22: How do ISACA Certifications impact my career?
- A: ISACA Certifications significantly boost your career by demonstrating your expertise to employers, making you a more competitive candidate for advanced roles and promotions in IT audit, cybersecurity, and IT management.
- Q23: Are there any prerequisites for ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: Some exams may have prerequisites, such as educational qualifications or professional experience in IT governance, risk management, or cybersecurity. Check the specific requirements for each certification path on the ISACA website.
- Q24: How often do I need to recertify for ISACA Certifications?
- A: ISACA Certifications typically require recertification every three years, which involves earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest industry practices and standards.