Best CISA Study Materials in 2024

Achieving Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is a major milestone for professionals in IT auditing, security, and risk management. Given the exam’s complexity, selecting the most effective study materials is crucial for successful preparation. In 2024, a variety of study resources are available, each offering unique features to cater to different learning styles and preferences. This guide provides a comprehensive review of the top five CISA study materials, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Coverage: Each recommended course thoroughly covers all five CISA domains, ensuring you are well-prepared for the exam.
• Diverse Learning Formats: Courses offer a range of formats, including video lectures, practice questions, and textbooks, catering to various learning preferences.
• Practice-Focused: Extensive practice questions and mock exams are included to help you simulate the exam experience and reinforce learning.
• Instructor Access: Some courses provide direct access to instructors, offering personalized support and guidance.
• Varied Pricing: Options are available at different price points, from premium, feature-rich courses to more affordable, no-frills choices.

Choosing the right CISA study materials is more than just selecting a course; it’s about finding a resource that aligns with your learning style and preparation needs. The following sections delve into the details of each recommended course, including their unique features, pros, and cons. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each option, you can make a well-informed decision that best supports your journey toward achieving CISA certification.

See the Top 5 Best CISA Review Courses comparison below

1. Surgent CISA Review Course
2. Dooey CISA Training Course
3. CISA Super Review Course
4. Kaplan CISA Training Course (CyberVista CISA)
5. CISA Exam Practice Study Materials

1. Surgent CISA Review Course

The Surgent CISA Review Course is renowned for its advanced adaptive learning technology, designed to optimize study efficiency. The course’s A.S.A.P.® Technology tailors study plans to individual needs, focusing on areas requiring the most improvement. This personalized approach can streamline preparation and enhance exam readiness.

Course Overview

Surgent’s CISA Review Course features a robust suite of study tools, including over 2,000 practice questions, detailed video lectures, and customizable practice exams. The adaptive learning technology adjusts the study plan based on your performance, ensuring that you spend more time on weaker areas. The intuitive platform offers performance tracking to help you stay on top of your study goals.

Key Features

• Adaptive Learning with A.S.A.P.® Technology
• Over 2,000 practice questions
• Comprehensive video lectures
• Customizable practice exams
• Detailed performance tracking

Pros

• Highly Efficient Study Approach: The adaptive learning technology personalizes your study plan by identifying and focusing on weak areas. This means you spend less time on topics you’re already familiar with and more on those that need improvement, potentially reducing overall study time and enhancing efficiency.
• Comprehensive Content Coverage: The course provides thorough coverage of all five CISA domains, ensuring that you gain a complete understanding of the exam content. This comprehensive approach helps build a strong foundation in all areas tested on the exam.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed with a focus on ease of use, featuring intuitive navigation and helpful tools to track your progress. This user-friendly design simplifies the learning process and helps maintain focus on your study goals.
• High-Quality Video Lectures: The video lectures are clear, engaging, and broken down into manageable segments, making complex concepts easier to understand. The high production quality of the videos contributes to better retention and comprehension of challenging material.
• Flexible Study Schedule: With an online format, you can study at your own pace, allowing you to fit your preparation around your personal and professional commitments. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for busy professionals with varying schedules.

Cons

• High Cost: The premium price of the Surgent CISA Review Course may be prohibitive for some candidates, especially those with a tight budget. While the advanced features and personalized approach may justify the cost for many, the price point remains a significant consideration for budget-conscious learners.
• Limited Instructor Interaction: The course offers minimal direct access to instructors, which could be a drawback if you require additional guidance or have specific questions. The lack of personalized support may limit your ability to get real-time help with complex topics.
• No Live Instruction: The absence of live classes or real-time interactions with instructors may be less appealing for students who benefit from a structured classroom environment. Without live sessions, you miss out on immediate feedback and interactive learning experiences.
• Potential Over-Reliance on Technology: Some learners might find the heavy reliance on adaptive technology challenging, particularly those who prefer traditional study methods or are less comfortable with tech-based solutions. The technology-focused approach may not suit all learning styles.
• Practice Question Difficulty: While the course offers an extensive question bank, the difficulty level of the practice questions may not always align with the actual exam, potentially leading to gaps in preparation. This discrepancy could affect your readiness for the real exam.

2. Dooey CISA Prep Course

For candidates seeking a cost-effective yet comprehensive approach to CISA exam preparation, the Dooey CISA Prep Course offers a valuable solution. This course is designed to provide thorough coverage of CISA material at a fraction of the cost of more premium options. It caters to self-paced learners who need flexibility in their study schedule while balancing other commitments.

Course Overview

The Dooey CISA Prep Course includes a variety of study resources such as video tutorials, flashcards, and practice questions. Its self-paced format allows you to progress according to your own timeline, making it suitable for professionals with busy schedules. Despite its affordability, the course provides robust preparation with a comprehensive range of study materials.

Key Features

• Self-paced online learning
• Comprehensive question bank
• Flashcards for quick review
• Detailed video tutorials
• Cost-effective pricing

Pros

• Affordability: The Dooey CISA Prep Course is budget-friendly, offering significant value for those who need comprehensive study materials without a high cost. The affordable pricing makes it accessible to a wider range of candidates.
• Flexible Study Schedule: The self-paced nature of the course allows you to study according to your own timetable, accommodating busy schedules and other commitments. This flexibility helps you fit study sessions into your daily routine.
• Comprehensive Practice Resources: The course includes a large number of practice questions and mock exams, which are crucial for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and testing your knowledge. This extensive practice is essential for thorough preparation.
• Engaging Video Content: The video tutorials are well-produced and cover key topics effectively, breaking down complex subjects into manageable segments. The engaging content helps maintain interest and aids in understanding challenging material.
• Useful Flashcards: Flashcards are a practical tool for quick reviews and reinforcing key concepts and terms. They provide an effective way to test your recall and review important information efficiently.

Cons

• Lack of Adaptive Learning: The course does not feature adaptive learning technology, meaning it doesn’t personalize your study experience based on performance. This lack of customization might lead to less efficient study sessions for some learners.
• Limited Instructor Support: There is no direct access to instructors or personalized support, which could be a disadvantage if you need additional help with difficult concepts or specific questions. The absence of instructor support may limit the depth of assistance available.
• Basic Platform: The online platform is functional but lacks the advanced features and enhancements found in more premium options. The basic design may not appeal to users seeking a more interactive or feature-rich learning environment.
• No Mobile App: While the course is mobile-friendly, the absence of a dedicated mobile app could limit convenience for users who prefer to study on the go. The lack of a mobile app may affect accessibility and flexibility.
• Practice Question Difficulty: Some users have reported that the practice questions may not fully reflect the difficulty of the actual exam, potentially affecting your readiness. This discrepancy could impact your exam preparation effectiveness.

3. Certified Information Security CISA Study Materials

Certified Information Security provides a traditional approach to CISA exam preparation, offering an in-depth study program that appeals to candidates who prefer a detailed and structured learning method. This course emphasizes extensive reading and self-assessment, making it ideal for learners who value a textbook-based approach.

Course Overview

This program features comprehensive textbooks, extensive practice exams, and access to a community forum. The focus is on delivering a thorough understanding of the CISA domains through detailed explanations and traditional study methods. The community forum adds an interactive element, allowing learners to engage with peers for additional support and discussion.

Key Features

• Detailed study guides and textbooks
• Extensive practice exams
• Access to an active community forum
• In-depth coverage of all CISA domains
• Offline study options

Pros

• In-Depth Content Coverage: The course offers highly detailed study guides that cover all five CISA domains comprehensively. This extensive content ensures a deep understanding of the exam material, which is crucial for thorough preparation.
• Community Support: Access to a community forum allows interaction with other candidates, providing opportunities for discussion, question resolution, and peer support. Engaging with the community can enhance motivation and provide additional insights.
• Flexible Study Options: Study materials are available for download, allowing for offline study. This flexibility is beneficial for those who need to study without internet access, accommodating various study environments.
• Realistic Practice Tests: The practice exams closely simulate the actual CISA exam, helping you become familiar with the format and question types. This realistic practice is essential for effective preparation and reducing exam anxiety.
• Traditional Learning Style: The focus on textbooks and self-guided study caters to those who prefer a more conventional approach. Extensive reading and self-assessment can be highly effective for learners who thrive on traditional study methods.

Cons

• Limited Interactive Elements: The traditional format may lack interactive features such as live discussions or interactive quizzes, which some learners find beneficial. The limited interactivity could affect engagement and retention.
• No Multimedia Content: The course lacks video lectures and multimedia content, which might be a drawback for visual learners or those who benefit from varied learning methods. The absence of multimedia could limit engagement and understanding.
• No Live Classes or Instructor Access: The lack of live classes or direct instructor interaction means you miss out on real-time guidance and support. This absence of live instruction could be a disadvantage for learners who need personalized help.
• Price: The course is moderately priced, which might be considered high relative to the traditional study methods used. Some might find the cost less justified given the focus on textbooks and self-guided study.
• Requires High Self-Discipline: The self-guided nature of the course demands significant self-motivation and discipline. Without structured deadlines or instructor oversight, staying on track and managing study time can be challenging.

4. CyberVista CISA Training Course Online

The CyberVista CISA Training Course (formerly Kaplan) is known for its structured instructional design and focus on exam strategies. This course is suited for candidates who prefer a guided approach to their CISA preparation, combining live instruction with well-organized study sessions and strategic exam tips.

Course Overview

CyberVista offers a structured curriculum that includes live classes, high-quality video lectures, and comprehensive exam strategies. The course provides access to instructors and a range of practice questions and mock exams, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the CISA exam. The blend of live instruction and on-demand content offers flexibility and a thorough understanding of the material.

Key Features

• Structured, instructor-led study sessions
• High-quality video lectures
• Exam strategy tips and techniques
• Access to instructors for additional support
• Practice questions and mock exams

Pros

• Structured Learning Environment: The course offers live classes and structured content, providing a clear and organized approach to studying. This structure helps maintain focus and ensures that all key topics are covered systematically.
• Interactive and Engaging: Interactive practice exams and multimedia content make the learning experience more engaging and effective. The interactive elements reinforce key concepts and help with retention.
• Access to Expert Instructors: Direct access to knowledgeable instructors allows for personalized support and clarification of complex topics. Expert guidance can be invaluable for understanding difficult material and improving exam readiness.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The course covers all five CISA domains extensively, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the exam. Comprehensive content coverage is crucial for building a strong foundation.
• Flexible Learning Options: With a combination of live classes and on-demand content, you can choose the learning format that best suits your needs and schedule. This flexibility enhances the learning experience.

Cons

• Higher Cost: The premium pricing may be a barrier for some candidates, especially those with limited budgets. The cost might be higher compared to other options, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious learners.
• Less Flexibility: The structured nature of the course may limit flexibility for those who prefer a more self-paced study approach. The set schedule of live classes might not suit everyone’s availability.
• No Dedicated Mobile App: The absence of a dedicated mobile app could restrict convenience for users who prefer to study on mobile devices. This limitation may affect accessibility for those who study on the go.
• Focus on Exam Strategies: The emphasis on exam strategies may lead to less focus on in-depth content understanding. Some learners might prefer a more balanced approach that includes detailed content review.
• Limited Practice Question Bank: The number of practice questions may be less extensive compared to other courses, potentially limiting exposure to various question types and formats. This could impact comprehensive exam preparation.

5. ExamPractice CISA Study Materials

ExamPractice offers a focused approach to CISA exam preparation, emphasizing practice exams and simulated test environments. This course is tailored for candidates who excel in a test-driven study method and are looking for extensive practice opportunities to enhance their exam readiness. With a focus on mimicking the actual exam experience, ExamPractice aims to build confidence and ensure familiarity with the exam format.

Course Overview

ExamPractice CISA Study Materials are designed to provide a robust practice experience, featuring a large collection of practice questions, timed mock exams, and detailed answer explanations. The course emphasizes exam simulation, allowing candidates to experience the test conditions and question types they will encounter. The practice questions are crafted to reflect the difficulty and style of the actual CISA exam, helping learners gauge their readiness and identify areas for improvement.

Key Features

• Extensive practice question bank
• Realistic mock exams
• Simple, user-friendly interface
• Affordable pricing
• Practice-focused study materials

Pros

• Affordable: ExamPractice is one of the most cost-effective options available, offering significant value for those on a budget. The low price makes it accessible for candidates looking to prepare without a high financial commitment.
• Extensive Practice Resources: The course features a large number of practice questions and mock exams, providing ample opportunity to test your knowledge and become familiar with the exam format. This extensive practice is crucial for effective exam preparation.
• User-Friendly Platform: The platform’s design is simple and easy to navigate, allowing you to focus on studying without technical distractions. The user-friendly interface enhances the overall learning experience.
• Practice-Oriented Approach: Emphasis on practice exams helps you identify areas of strength and weakness, build confidence, and improve performance. This practice-focused approach is beneficial for thorough exam preparation.
• Good for Self-Directed Learners: The course is ideal for those who are comfortable with self-directed study and prefer a focus on practice rather than additional instructional content. The self-directed nature suits motivated learners who thrive on independent study.

Cons

• Lack of Instructional Content: The course is primarily focused on practice questions and lacks detailed instructional content. This might be a disadvantage if you need a more comprehensive review of the material. The absence of detailed explanations could limit understanding.
• No Video Lectures: The lack of video lectures or multimedia content may be a drawback for visual learners or those who benefit from varied learning formats. The absence of video content might affect engagement and retention.
• No Instructor Support: The course does not offer access to instructors or personalized support, which could be a limitation if you need help with difficult concepts or specific questions. The lack of guidance might impact your preparation.
• Basic Platform: While functional, the platform lacks advanced features and interactive elements found in more premium courses. The basic design may not cater to all learning preferences.
• No Offline Access: All content is available online, requiring an internet connection to study. This lack of offline access could be inconvenient for users with limited or unreliable internet connectivity.

Additional Resources and Final Recommendations

To maximize your preparation for the CISA exam and ensure a well-rounded study approach, consider incorporating the following resources and strategies:

1. Supplementary Study Materials:

• Official ISACA CISA Review Manual: This manual is a comprehensive resource covering all exam domains, offering detailed explanations and examples. It is an excellent complement to practice exams and should be used to fill in any gaps in knowledge.
• Online Forums and Study Groups: Joining online forums like Reddit’s CISA community or LinkedIn groups can provide support, additional study materials, and insights from other candidates who have successfully passed the exam.
• Webinars and Workshops: Participating in webinars or workshops offered by ISACA or other reputable organizations can provide interactive learning opportunities and insights into exam strategies.

2. Study Strategies:

• Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that allocates time for each exam domain, incorporates practice exams, and allows for regular review sessions.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Use performance analytics from practice exams to identify and concentrate on weaker areas. Tailor your study efforts to address these specific topics.
• Practice Time Management: During practice exams, focus on managing your time effectively to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time during the actual exam.

3. Certification Maintenance:

• Continuing Education: After obtaining your CISA certification, engage in continuing education and professional development to maintain your certification and stay updated with industry standards.
• Networking: Join ISACA and other professional networks to stay informed about industry trends and certification updates.

FAQs About CISA Study Materials

How can CISA study materials help with exam preparation?

CISA study materials help by providing practice questions and simulations that reflect the actual exam format, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the types of questions they will encounter. They also aid in reinforcing key concepts and identifying areas that need more attention.

Are the practice tests included in CISA study materials reflective of the actual exam?

Yes, practice tests included in CISA study materials are typically designed to closely mirror the format and content of the actual CISA exam. They help simulate the test-taking experience and provide valuable feedback on your performance.

Can I access CISA study materials online?

Yes, many CISA study materials are available online. You can access them through various platforms, including dedicated study websites, online courses, and digital study guides.

How often should I use CISA study materials during my study plan?

It is beneficial to use CISA study materials consistently throughout your study plan. Incorporate them into your routine to regularly assess your knowledge, practice with different question formats, and refine your understanding of key concepts.

What features should I look for in effective CISA study materials?

Effective CISA study materials should include features such as comprehensive coverage of exam domains, detailed explanations for practice questions, a variety of question formats, and up-to-date content that reflects the current exam syllabus.

How can I effectively incorporate CISA study materials into my study routine?

To incorporate CISA study materials effectively, start by assessing your current knowledge level with a practice test. Use study guides and practice questions to focus on weaker areas, and regularly take full-length practice exams to gauge your progress.

Are there any additional resources that should be used alongside CISA study materials?

In addition to CISA study materials, consider using other resources such as official ISACA study guides, review courses, and online forums where you can interact with other candidates and experts to gain further insights and support.

What should I do if I have difficulties with the study materials?

If you encounter difficulties with the study materials, seek additional help from study groups, online forums, or reach out to instructors for clarification. Review the explanations provided in the materials and consider using supplementary resources for better understanding.

Where can I find reviews or testimonials about CISA study materials?

Reviews and testimonials about CISA study materials can often be found on the websites of the study material providers, as well as on third-party review sites and forums where other exam candidates share their experiences and feedback.