How I Aced My CISA Exam on the First Attempt in 2010

Back in 2010, preparing for the CISA exam was a whole different game. There were no AI tutors, no YouTube lectures breaking down concepts, and no fancy online training platforms. Just Google, my books, and sheer determination. The internet was slow-dial-up or, if you were lucky, primitive broadband. Learning wasn't about watching videos or asking ChatGPT; it was about reading, understanding, and grinding through the material.

Step 1: Committing to the Right Study Material

I started with the CISA Review Manual (CRM)-the bible for CISA aspirants. It was structured, precise, and covered everything in breadth but not necessarily in depth.

• I focused on Section 2 of each domain, which became my guiding framework:The "WHAT" – The fundamental concepts an IS Auditor must know.The "HOW" – What an auditor should look for while assessing these concepts.

This understanding helped me think like an auditor, not just memorize facts.

Step 2: Filling in the Knowledge Gaps

At times, I felt the CRM didn't explain things deeply enough. But I reminded myself that its purpose wasn't depth, but breadth-to cover everything needed for the exam. If I needed more clarity, my only option was Google search. No ChatGPT, no AI explanations-just good old-fashioned research and cross-referencing.

Step 3: The Power of QAE – Learning by Doing

If the CRM was my guide, the Questions, Answers, and Explanations (QAE) database was my training ground. I can't stress this enough-QAE was a game-changer.

• It trained my mind to think the IS Auditor way.
• It taught me to read carefully and avoid tricky answer traps.
• It reinforced the "HOW"-the practical aspects of auditing.

I didn't just practice questions-I analyzed why I got answers right or wrong. This built confidence and clarity like nothing else.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Format & Staying Focused

I opted for the hardcopy CRM and QAE instead of online subscriptions. The printed books meant no distractions, no excuses-just focused studying.

At first, I experimented with four different CISA prep books written by industry professionals. While they were good, I soon realized I was spreading myself too thin. After a month, I made a crucial decision: Stick to CRM + QAE + Google. No more chasing multiple resources-I needed focus, not information overload.

Step 5: Discipline, Mindset & The Final Push

With no shortcuts available, it was just me, my books, and the exam date looming ahead. I kept revising, practicing, and testing myself, ensuring I had a solid grasp of concepts.

And then, the big day arrived. The exam was intense, tricky, and required deep focus. But when I walked out, I knew-I had given it my all.

A few months later, the results came in: PASSED ON MY FIRST ATTEMPT. That moment? Pure joy. All the grinding, late nights, and self-discipline had paid off.

Looking Back: Then vs. Now

Today, CISA aspirants have AI, YouTube, online study groups, and instant access to expert guidance. Back in 2010, it was raw effort, determination, and the willingness to grind.

But the essence of passing CISA remains unchanged:

✔ Master the CRM

✔ Utilize my resources (DM me for the link)

✔ Practice QAE relentlessly

✔ Think like an IS Auditor

✔ Stay disciplined & focused

And trust me, the feeling of acing CISA on the first attempt? It's worth every second of hard work.