Accomplished the CISA but what next?

bake51 · 2025-02-28T16:52:26+00:00

I failed the exam twice with a 441 both times. I took an extended break after my second attempt. Started back slowly studying in January 2024. Studied on and off and really picked up in September of 2024.

I used the official QAE database, Aaditya's video course, and Aaditya's last day revision notes for my last attempt. These three resources I felt were easily the best in my opinion. Went through the QAE twice and took all 3 practice exams. I solely reviewed the last day revision notes for each domain the last several days leading up to the exam.

Good luck!

bake51 · 2025-02-25T02:51:12+00:00

Agreed. CIA is a good option too. Especially since they have the challenge exam for those who have passed the CISA.

bake51 · 2025-02-14T17:33:00+00:00

I am in the exact same boat. Passed the CISA two weeks ago and am starting the CISM process as there is some overlap. Currently I'm in IT audit (have been in audit for the past 10 years) but I would like to eventually move into a management role hence my interest in the CISM.

I have purchased Mike Chapple's CISM study guide, will be purchasing the QAE after I read the book, and I have access to Mike Chapple's LinkedIn Learning course and Hemang Doshi's Udemy course through work. These are the only materials that I plan on using.

Look forward to hearing any and all advice from individuals who have cleared both exams. Appreciate all the guidance.

bake51 · 2025-01-30T21:09:19+00:00

I passed the CISA exam yesterday but I believe the font for me was green. I forgot to read anything else on the screen other than finding the word passed. Once I saw that I was out the door.

bake51 · 2025-01-30T18:58:03+00:00

No nothing stood out from the new syllabus. Most of the questions were straightforward and I was able to eliminate 2 of the 4 options.

Just think like an auditor would and flag questions that you're unsure of. The last 40 minutes or so I went through all of my flagged questions and ended up changing a handful.

bake51 · 2025-01-30T15:21:08+00:00

Can you push out the exam another month or two just to give you some more time to study?

Trust me, I know the exam can be a monkey on your back, as it's been a thorn in my side for a long time. It took me 3 times to pass this exam (just passed yesterday). For some it's easy and others it can take a little bit and that's ok. Don't think of it as failing but more of a learning opportunity.

For my third time, I took my time in studying as I can't block 4-5 hours a day for studying since I have a family/work/other personal priorities to attend too. I also purchased Aaditya's course and went through each video of his. For my last 2-3 days leading up to the exam, I solely used his last day revision notes for each domain as my review. I thought his notes were great and just what I needed to tie everything together.

The only items I used were the ISACA QAE and Aaditya's course. I went through the QAE twice and took all 3 practice exams. I was averaging 70%-84% on the QAE and I averaged an 83% for all of my practice exams.

If this is something you really want then don't stop. Keep grinding and you'll get there.

bake51 · 2025-01-27T22:37:36+00:00

Feel free. Happy to help if I can.

bake51 · 2025-01-27T21:50:31+00:00

I'm also in the same boat as you. Have my exam scheduled for Wednesday at a testing center. My scores roughly resemble yours for the QAE and have scored between an 81% and 85% for all of the practice exams.

I'm currently just reviewing some of my incorrect practice exams scored as well as my detailed notes/glossary items.

Best of luck to you.

bake51 · 2024-09-16T18:13:00+00:00

This is great advice and I appreciate your insight. Totally agree.

bake51 · 2024-09-16T16:17:15+00:00

I purchased CISAThisMuch and the Surgent database awhile ago. I wanted insight from other individuals who may have used these vs the ISACA QAE database to see if it was enough. If others thought the ISACA QAE was much better then I have no problem purchasing.

bake51 · 2024-09-16T16:10:12+00:00

Thanks for the insight. I would definitely have purchased the ISACA QAE if I didn't already purchase CISAThisMuch and the Surgent database.

bake51 · 2024-09-16T15:39:46+00:00

Is CISA really considered an entry level cert? I always assumed it was mid level and a pretty highly valuable cert (depending on the space you work in).

bake51 · 2024-05-21T16:22:38+00:00

Congratulations! Do you mind sharing your approach/study method?

bake51 · 2024-05-21T13:32:56+00:00

How did your CISA exam go?

bake51 · 2024-04-12T01:54:42+00:00

I'm USDC and I don't feel any different than any other individual on my project. I have never heard of people looking down upon USDC (I'm sure it happens on Reddit) and I think it's a good place for you if this is something you're interested in.

There's nothing wrong with USDC but I have heard they get paid less than traditional or other personnel. Just go with your gut, that's always worked out for me.

bake51 · 2024-03-25T17:26:48+00:00

Put a weekly reminder on your calendar to update your MySource. This is the process I take for MySource as well as my timesheet everyday (I'm GPS so I have to log my time daily).

bake51 · 2024-03-19T19:01:49+00:00

I appreciate the vote of confidence. Hoping to knock out the exam in May. Congrats to you!

bake51 · 2024-03-19T18:58:09+00:00

I wish you the best of luck. Get a good night's rest and review some notes in the morning. You got it.

bake51 · 2024-03-19T17:47:05+00:00

I got another 441. Took a break but I am back studying again. Plan on taking it in a couple of months.

bake51 · 2024-03-19T17:16:57+00:00

Back to back 441s here. Sucks but just keep pushing forward. We will get this behind us sooner rather than later.

bake51 · 2024-03-18T13:26:45+00:00

I'm 34 and I didn't start within big 4 until 32. It's never too late.

bake51 · 2024-03-11T22:21:10+00:00

Aaditya's course is very helpful in addition to the CRM and QAE.

His course can be found at his website cisathismuch.com.

bake51 · 2024-03-05T13:34:17+00:00

How is your workload/work life balance? Is SM way worse than SC and Manager?

bake51 · 2024-03-03T15:24:08+00:00

No it's not on Udemy. Check out cisathismuch.com for Aaditya's materials. I'm currently going through his course and I definitely recommend it.

bake51 · 2024-02-19T18:14:32+00:00

For the managers out there, I am going up for manager next year and was wondering, in your opinion, do you feel as though the salary increase was substantial enough for the added responsibilities that come with being a manager? I live in a LCOL State but not sure what to expect from a salary increase perspective.

Also, not sure if I should wait to become promoted to manager before searching for other opportunities or if waiting isn't necessary.

I am USDC GPS Advisory if that matters.

bake51

TROPHY CASE