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 2, 2026
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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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Question #2
Which of the following should be performed FIRST before key performance indicators (KPIs) can be implemented?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The first thing that should be performed before key performance indicators (KPIs) can be implemented is the identification of organizational goals. This is because KPIs are measurable values that demonstrate how effectively an organization is achieving its key business objectives4. Therefore, it is necessary that the organization defines its goals clearly and aligns them with its vision, mission, and strategy. By identifying its goals, the organization can then determine what KPIs are relevant and meaningful to measure its progress and performance . References: 4: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 2: Governance and Management of IT, Section 2.3: Benefits Realization, page 77 : CISA Online Review Course, Module 2: Governance and Management of IT, Lesson 2.3: Benefits Realization : ISACA Journal Volume 1, 2020, Article: How to Measure Anything in IT Governance
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Question #3
Which of the following should be of GREATEST concern to an IS auditor reviewing a network printer disposal process?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The greatest concern for an IS auditor reviewing a network printer disposal process is that evidence is not available to verify printer hard drives have been sanitized prior to disposal. This can expose sensitive data to unauthorized parties and cause data breaches. Disposal policies and procedures not being consistently implemented or business units being allowed to dispose printers directly to vendors are compliance issues, but not as critical as data protection. Inoperable printers being stored in an unsecured area is a physical security issue, but not as severe as data leakage. References: ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2018, page 387
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Question #4
Which of the following is MOST important for an IS auditor to look for in a project feasibility study?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The most important thing for an IS auditor to look for in a project feasibility study is an assessment of whether the expected benefits can be achieved. A project feasibility study is a preliminary analysis that evaluates the viability and suitability of a proposed project based on various criteria, such as technical, economic, legal, operational, and social factors. The expected benefits are the positive outcomes and value that the project aims to deliver to the organization and its stakeholders. The IS auditor should verify whether the project feasibility study has clearly defined and quantified the expected benefits, and whether it has assessed the likelihood and feasibility of achieving them within the project scope, budget, schedule, and quality parameters. The other options are also important for an IS auditor to look for in a project feasibility study, but not as important as an assessment of whether the expected benefits can be achieved, because they either focus on specific aspects of the project rather than the overall value proposition, or they assume that the project will be implemented rather than evaluating its viability. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version)1, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.1
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Question #5
Which of the following should be the IS auditor's PRIMARY focus, when evaluating an organization's offsite storage facility?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The IS auditor’s primary focus when evaluating an organization’s offsite storage facility should be the adequacy of physical and environmental controls. Physical and environmental controls are essential to protect the offsite storage facility from unauthorized access, theft, fire, water damage, pests or other hazards that could compromise the integrity and availability of backup media. Shared facilities is something that the IS auditor should consider when evaluating the offsite storage facility, but it is not the primary focus. Results of business continuity plan (BCP) test or retention policy and period are things that the IS auditor should review when evaluating the organization’s BCP or backup strategy, not the offsite storage facility itself. References: ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2018, page 388
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Question #6
An IS auditor finds that capacity management for a key system is being performed by IT with no input from the business The auditor's PRIMARY concern would be:
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The auditor’s primary concern when capacity management for a key system is being performed by IT with no input from the business would be an unanticipated increase in business’s capacity needs. This could result in performance degradation, service disruption or customer dissatisfaction if IT is not able to provide sufficient capacity to meet the business demand. Failure to maximize the use of equipment, cost of excessive data center storage capacity or impact to future business project funding are secondary concerns that relate to resource optimization or budget allocation, but not to service delivery or customer satisfaction. References: ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2018, page 374
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Question #7
Which of the following would BEST ensure that a backup copy is available for restoration of mission critical data after a disaster''
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The best way to ensure that a backup copy is available for restoration of mission critical data after a disaster is to periodically test backups stored in a remote location. Testing backups is essential to verify that the backup copies are valid, complete, and recoverable. Testing backups also helps to identify any issues or errors that may affect the backup process or the restoration of data. Storing backups in a remote location is important to protect the backup copies from physical damage, theft, or unauthorized access that may occur at the primary site. Using an electronic vault for incremental backups, deploying a fully automated backup maintenance system, or using both tape and disk backup systems are not sufficient to ensure that a backup copy is available for restoration of mission critical data after a disaster, as they do not address the need for testing backups or storing them in a remote location. References: Backup and Recovery of Data: The Essential Guide | Veritas, The Truth About Data Backup for Mission-Critical Environments - DATAVERSITY.
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Question #8
Management receives information indicating a high level of risk associated with potential flooding near the organization's data center within the next few years. As a result, a decision has been made to move data center operations to another facility on higher ground. Which approach has been adopted?
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The approach adopted by management in this scenario is risk avoidance. Risk avoidance is the elimination of a risk by discontinuing or not undertaking an activity that poses a threat to the organization3. By moving data center operations to another facility on higher ground, management is avoiding the potential flooding risk that could disrupt or damage the data center. Risk transfer, risk acceptance and risk reduction are other possible approaches for dealing with risks, but they do not apply in this case. References: • CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, page 641 • CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database - 12 Month Subscription
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Question #9
An organization is disposing of a system containing sensitive data and has deleted all files from the hard disk. An IS auditor should be concerned because:
Correct answer: B
Explanation
An IS auditor should be concerned because deleting the files logically does not overwrite the files’ physical data. Deleting a file from a hard disk only removes the reference or pointer to the file from the file system, but does not erase the actual data stored on the disk sectors. The deleted data can still be recovered using special tools or techniques until it is overwritten by new data. This poses a risk of data leakage, theft, or misuse if the hard disk falls into the wrong hands. To securely dispose of a system containing sensitive data, the hard disk should be wiped or sanitized using methods that overwrite or destroy the physical data beyond recovery. References: • CISA Review Manual (Digital Version) • CISA Questions, Answers & Explanations Database
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Question #10
What Is the BEST method to determine if IT resource spending is aligned with planned project spending?
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best method to determine if IT resource spending is aligned with planned project spending is earned value analysis (EVA). EVA is a technique that compares the actual cost, schedule, and scope of a project with the planned or budgeted values. EVA can help to measure the project progress and performance, and identify any variances or deviations from the baseline plan1. EVA uses three basic values to calculate the project status: planned value (PV), earned value (EV), and actual cost (AC). PV is the amount of work that was expected to be completed by a certain date, according to the project plan. EV is the amount of work that was actually completed by that date, measured in terms of the budgeted cost. AC is the amount of money that was actually spent to complete the work by that date1. By comparing these values, EVA can determine if the project is on track, ahead, or behind schedule and budget. EVA can also calculate various indicators, such as cost variance (CV), schedule variance (SV), cost performance index (CPI), and schedule performance index (SPI), to quantify the magnitude and direction of the variances. EVA can also forecast the future performance and completion of the project, based on the current trends and assumptions1. The other options are not as effective as EVA in determining if IT resource spending is aligned with planned project spending. Option B, return on investment (ROI) analysis, is a technique that evaluates the profitability or efficiency of an investment, by comparing the benefits or revenues with the costs. ROI analysis can help to justify or prioritize a project, but it does not measure the actual progress or performance of the project against the plan2. Option C, Gantt chart, is a tool that displays the tasks, durations, dependencies, and milestones of a project in a graphical format. Gantt chart can help to plan and monitor a project schedule, but it does not show the actual cost or scope of the project3. Option D, critical path analysis, is a technique that identifies the longest sequence of tasks or activities that must be completed on time for the project to finish on schedule. Critical path analysis can help to optimize and control a project schedule, but it does not account for the actual cost or scope of the project4. References: • Earned Value Analysis & Management (EVA/EVM) – Definition & Formulae1 • Return on Investment (ROI) Formula2 • What Is a Gantt Chart?3 • Critical Path Method for Project Management
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Discussion
Explain your reasoning, not just the letterOther ISACA certifications
- CRISC: Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (opens in a new tab)
- CISM: Certified Information Security Manager (opens in a new tab)
- CGEIT: Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (opens in a new tab)
- IT Risk Fundamentals — IT Risk Fundamentals Certificate (opens in a new tab)
- Software Development Fundamentals — Software Development Fundamentals Certificate (opens in a new tab)
- CSX-P — Cybersecurity Practitioner Certification (opens in a new tab)
- Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework using COBIT 2019 — NIST Cybersecurity Framework Implementation using COBIT 2019 (opens in a new tab)
- AAISM: ISACA Advanced in AI Security Management (AAISM) Exam (opens in a new tab)
- Cloud Fundamentals — Cloud Fundamentals Certificate (opens in a new tab)
- IoT Fundamentals — IoT Fundamentals Certificate (opens in a new tab)
- IT Audit Fundamentals — IT Audit Fundamentals Certificate (opens in a new tab)
- CCAK: Certificate of Cloud Auditing Knowledge (opens in a new tab)
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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.