Best CISA Study Materials 2025: Top Resources to Pass on Your First Try

• Key materials: Official CISA Review Manual, ISACA Q&A database, and structured online courses.
   
• Combining theory, practice, and peer/mentor support increases your chance of success.
   
• NovelVista’s course offers structured, exam-focused guidance, without the hard sell.
   
• Free download: “CISA Prep Checklist” to organize your study plan and track progress.
   
• Next steps: Follow a step-by-step study plan to make sure you’re fully prepared.

This guide is designed for mid-career IT professionals, internal auditors, and IT governance managers who are looking to earn their CISA certification in 2025. If you're someone who's already familiar with the basics of information systems auditing and IT governance, but you want to sharpen your skills and pass the exam, you’ve come to the right place.

This post will help you understand how to prepare effectively for the CISA exam, including which materials are best suited for you, how to schedule your studies, and strategies to ensure success.

When it comes to preparing for the CISA exam, you need a strong foundation. Below are the essential resources that have helped thousands of candidates succeed:

1. ISACA CISA Review Manual (CRM)

The CRM is the official study guide for CISA certification and is the most comprehensive resource for mastering the five exam domains. It’s the cornerstone of your exam prep, covering control frameworks, terminology, and exam-relevant concepts.

Why it matters: The CRM provides in-depth knowledge and is directly aligned with the exam structure, ensuring you're covering the right material.

2. ISACA Q&A (QAE) Database

The QAE Database contains practice questions that mirror the actual exam in both format and content. These questions are a reliable predictor of success, helping you become familiar with the exam’s question types and structure.

Why it matters: Practice makes perfect. By using the QAE database, you receive immediate feedback on your weak areas, enabling you to adjust your study plan accordingly.

3. Online Study Resources

Structured courses offered by NovelVista and other accredited providers provide guided learning, domain drills, and practice exams. These courses give you a roadmap for focused preparation and peer support, which enhances retention.

Why it matters: Having a structured study plan helps you stay on track, avoid distractions, and ensure that you’re covering all the essential material.

4. Local ISACA Chapter Sessions

In-person or virtual study sessions offered by local ISACA chapters provide peer discussions, group study, and focused preparation on tough topics.

Why it matters: Engaging with peers allows for real-world application of concepts, and hearing others' experiences can give you fresh perspectives and practical insights.

5. Supplemental Resources

Other materials like video explainers, auditor mindset tools, or extra practice guides can help clarify complex topics in areas where the CRM might be dense or overwhelming.

The key to success in CISA lies in building a balanced study plan using a combination of resources. Here’s how you can structure your study materials:

1. Start with the CRM for Domain Mastery: Begin with the CISA Review Manual (CRM) to gain an in-depth understanding of each domain. Take your time with this resource and focus on mastering the control frameworks, terminology, and exam relevancy.

2. Gradually Layer Practice via QAE: Once you’re familiar with the CRM content, start using the QAE database to test your knowledge. Focus on identifying weak areas and retake quizzes until you’re consistently scoring 80% or higher.

3. Join Live or Virtual Training: Consider enrolling in live or virtual courses like NovelVista’s CISA certification training. These sessions provide structured learning, mock exams, and peer support. Live interaction with experienced instructors will guide you through difficult topics and clarify doubts.

4. Peer & Mentor Interaction: Get involved in local chapter meetups or online study groups. These discussions will deepen your understanding, allow you to share experiences, and help you build an auditor mindset, a key factor for passing the exam.

Use Supplementary Tools: Use short explainer videos, flashcards, or additional guides to reinforce your knowledge of complex topics. These affordable tools can help clarify challenging sections of the CRM and provide a fresh perspective.

If you're serious about passing the CISA exam on your first attempt, NovelVista offers CISA Certification training providing the perfect blend of structure, expertise, and resources.

Live Virtual Training

With NovelVista’s live training, you get real-time interaction, expert guidance, and an exam-focused curriculum that covers the five domains thoroughly.

Accredited Courseware

Our courseware is mapped directly to the ISACA exam domains, ensuring that every piece of content is aligned with what you’ll encounter on the test.

Experienced Instructors

Our CISA-certified instructors bring real-world experience and audit expertise to the classroom, making the material more relatable and understandable.

98% First-attempt Pass Rate

Our students have a 98%+ success rate on their first attempt, thanks to simulation-driven prep, comprehensive study materials, and expert-led instruction.

End-to-end Support

From practice sets to exam scheduling help, we offer personalized mentoring and support to guide you through every stage of your CISA preparation.

To ensure you're well-prepared for the CISA exam, here’s a proven strategy that will guide your study efforts:

1. Buy the Official CRM and ISACA QAE

Start with the Official CISA Review Manual (CRM). This will serve as your foundation for mastering all five exam domains. Once you’re comfortable with the manual, dive into the ISACA Q&A Database (QAE) for practice questions. The QAE is one of the most accurate predictors of your success, helping you identify areas of weakness.

2. Commit to a 12-Week Timeline

Dedicate 12 weeks to studying for the exam. A consistent schedule of 6–8 hours per week is ideal. Use this time to read through the CRM, take practice quizzes, attend live sessions, and focus on timed mock exams. Below is the 12-week complete action plan you could use to prepare for your exam

3. Join NovelVista’s Guided Training for Accountability

Enroll in NovelVista’s CISA Certification Training for structured guidance and accountability. Our courses provide not only in-depth content coverage but also give you access to expert mentors who can help with difficult concepts, clarify doubts, and ensure you stay on track.

4. Practice in Timed Conditions

Simulate the exam experience by practicing in timed conditions. This will help you develop the stamina required for the 4-hour exam and ensure that you can manage your time effectively across all 150 questions.

5. Review Weak Domains Until Scoring Comfortably Above 80%

As you practice, keep track of your performance. Focus on reviewing weak domains until you’re consistently scoring above 80% in those areas. The key to success is consistent improvement. Don't wait until the last minute to address weak spots.

Here’s a practical weekly study roadmap to keep you on track and ensure you're exam-ready in 12 weeks:

This study schedule ensures you stay organized and focused on key areas each week, helping you track your progress as you go.

The path to CISA certification doesn’t need to be overwhelming. When you combine the official Review Manual, ISACA QAE, peer support, and structured guidance like NovelVista’s course, you stack the odds in your favor. By studying smart, practicing rigorously, and adopting an auditor mindset, you’ll be ready to pass CISA on your first attempt.

Next Steps:

• Download our FREE CISA Prep Checklist, which includes a task plan, reading schedule, and practice tracker to keep you on course.
   
• Join NovelVista’s CISA Certification Training for expert-led guidance and resources to ensure you’re ready for success.

Good luck on your CISA journey, and remember: consistent, focused study is your ticket to success.