How to pass the CISA exam: 10 proven tips for 2025 success

Did you know the ISACA career path is the highest-paying in the industry? Perhaps you did, and this is why you're interested in the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam from ISACA.  

The CISA certification is one of the most prestigious and well-known exams for mid-career professionals to validate skills in assessing, controlling and mitigating risks with security systems. With a fresh update for 2025, the new CISA exam reflects the changes in the fast-moving cybersecurity landscape like a more significant emphasis on business resilience and governance. If you're exploring the CISA exam and are anxious to pass on the first try, check out these top 10 study tips below to maximize your chance of success. 

(Note: If you're interested in other high-paying security roles, download the free cybersecurity salary guide to explore different job titles and wages.) 

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1. Understand the exam content

As a mid-level certification, ISACA requires 5+ years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control or security. The exam focuses closely on these real-world skills, knowing that candidates have fairly extensive experience in conducting security assessments, evaluating risk controls and overseeing internal control testing and documentation.

ISACA transparently publishes the individual domain weights and breakdowns of the CISA exam, giving candidates a fair shot to brush up on their knowledge in weaker areas. 

2. Focus on auditing skills and knowledge

Don't forget that the CISA is primarily for information system auditors with specific skills in conducting scans and tests to expose vulnerabilities and flaws within an internal system. Adopt an auditor perspective throughout the exam, especially if you have more limited technical application experience.

This means consistently considering governance and compliance requirements, taking a risk-based approach to minimize risk but maximize business impact and relying on documentation and audits to validate. 

3. Understand the new 2025 CISA exam changes

ISACA publishes extensive information on the CISA exam, including details on the registration process, dates and deadlines, renewal requirements and critical exam details like the number of questions and links.

Review the newly updated domains in depth to assess your strengths and weaknesses and inform your study plan. You can also check out Infosec's comprehensive CISA certification hub. 

4. Feel confident about the exam details

Especially if you're an anxious test taker, ensure you thoroughly understand the exam structure, number of questions and length. For example, know that the exam has roughly 150 multiple-choice questions, is four hours long, and that you need a passing score of 450 on a scale of 200-800. Knowing these details helps you approach the exam with confidence.

The official ISACA candidate guide here has great info about what to expect before, during and after the exam.

5. Use quality, approved training resources

While there are tons of free resources online, make sure you're using at least some of the ISACA official study guide or resources of an approved partner like Infosec. Especially with the new updates for 2025, you don't want to study old or outdated materials.

Our blog on CISA training resources is a great place to get started.

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With more than 448,000 U.S. cybersecurity job openings annually, get answers to all your cybersecurity salary questions with our free ebook!

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6. Leverage diverse exam-prep resources

To pass the CISA exam, begin studying several months in advance. Use a mix of reading material, practice questions, live boot camps, self-paced learning and even podcasts for a well-rounded study experience.

ISACA and Infsoec offer a mix of study guides, question-and-answer banks and online courses, and it might even be helpful to talk with professionals who have passed the exam previously. Depending on your learning style, engage in self-paced courses, on-demand webinars, free YouTube videos and whatever else helps you test your skills and knowledge thoroughly. 

7. Get involved in an exam prep course

The CISA is not the most straightforward exam to pass, so purchasing an exam prep course is typically well worth the investment. Infosec is an ISACA-accredited Elite+ Partner, and our prep resources include the CISA Boot Camp, which is live online or in-person and taught by expert instructors. Across five days, candidates will receive expert training, and boot camp enrollment includes a 12-month subscription to the official question, answer, an explanation database, an Exam Pass Guarantee and an exam voucher.

The CISA Boot Camp is an intensive experience designed to get you over the hump and certified quickly, so it might be a good option if you're short on studying time. 

8. Join an online community

Some of the best CISA encouragement can come from others who have passed the test. Reddit forums and community groups include professionals who share their experience studying and taking the difficult CISA exam. However, a word of caution: stay away from discouraging discussions and posts, especially if you suffer from exam anxiety.

Focus on positive, motivating stories of people who passed the CISA exam on their first or second try. Don't get bogged down in negativity from people who consistently didn't pass the exam. 

9. Have an exam-day preparation plan

The CISA exam is available at PSI testing centers or via online proctoring. Candidates can register at any time, as soon as 48 hours from their exam window. However, make sure you have an exam-day preparation plan, including leaving ample time to commute to the testing center, eating a healthy, balanced breakfast and getting enough sleep the night before. 

Also, don't forget to check the candidate guide for the required verification documentation. Pack your IDs in your bag the night before so you show up prepared and ready. If you're taking the exam online, make sure you have a stable, reliable internet connection and a fully charged computer. Minimize distractions by closing other browser windows and putting your cell phone on silent. 

10. Prepare mentally

Roughly 40% to 60% of students have significant test anxiety, so half the battle of the CISA exam is conquering your own fears and doubts. On the exam day, try not to review any more materials and simply focus on staying relaxed and focused. You've spent months preparing for this exam, so trust your studying and practice to pay off. 

Take a look at a few different test-taking strategies below: 

• Stay aware of time, making sure you don't linger too long on one question 
• Make sure you thoroughly read each question and ensure you're picking the best answer, not just one that seems partly right. 
• Try not to panic, especially if you come across hard questions or concepts that you feel like you didn't study 
• If you don't know the answer to a question, move on quickly and come back to it at the end 

Get your guide to the top-paying certifications

With more than 448,000 U.S. cybersecurity job openings annually, get answers to all your cybersecurity salary questions with our free ebook!

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Prepare for CISA exam success 

The CISA exam is a valuable certification for your career, with an average U.S. salary of $102,827. It remains one of the most popular and respected certifications for anyone in the auditing space.

To validate your experience in risk-based information systems auditing, implementation and strategic recommendations, consider taking the CISA exam as the next step in your career. For more on the CISA certification, view the CISA certification hub for an exam overview, a free self-study materials list, question banks and practice exams.