Certified: The ISACA CISA Prepcast

Understanding risk is a cornerstone of the CISA exam, and this episode takes you beyond the basics. You’ll explore advanced techniques such as scenario-based analysis, quantitative vs. qualitative risk scoring, and how to apply them in real audit environments. Through practical examples, we connect these methods to the types of audit planning decisions you’ll be tested on. This deep dive gives you the context and nuance ne...

The CISA exam tests your ability to evaluate and differentiate between control types—preventive, detective, corrective, and compensating. This episode breaks down each control category, explains when and how they’re used, and ties them to audit objectives. We also explore the difference between design and operational effectiveness, a key area where exam questions often challenge candidates. If you need to build control flu...

CISA candidates must not only understand audits—they must also understand how to manage them. This episode outlines the core principles of audit project management, including setting timelines, assigning resources, monitoring progress, and addressing unexpected changes. You’ll learn how to apply project management techniques to real audit environments and understand how these tasks align with ISACA’s exam objectives. It’s ...

Sampling is a heavily tested concept, and many CISA candidates struggle to distinguish between statistical and judgmental sampling. This episode demystifies sampling strategy, explains how to choose the right sample size, and shows you how to interpret sample-based results accurately. You'll also learn how testing ties directly into audit objectives. If you're unsure how to approach audit evidence and sample reliability, t...

Effective audits rely on strong, defensible evidence. In this episode, we explore how to gather evidence using inquiry, observation, inspection, and re-performance. You'll learn how to assess evidence sufficiency, reliability, and relevance—three key terms you’ll see on the exam. We also discuss the auditor’s professional judgment in deciding which method to use and when. These foundational skills are directly mapped to Do...

Modern audits demand more than checklists—they require smart use of data. This episode introduces audit data analytics, explains the types of analytics (descriptive, diagnostic, predictive), and outlines how tools like ACL and IDEA support audit objectives. You’ll also learn how data analytics supports risk-based auditing, improves coverage, and enhances evidence quality—core areas for CISA Domain 1. Ready to start your jo...

To truly master data analytics, you need to see it in action. This episode presents real-world examples and case studies showing how data analytics is used in fraud detection, operational audits, and compliance testing. You’ll understand the workflow from data extraction to final analysis and learn how CISA exam questions might present similar scenarios. It’s a high-value session that connects theory to practice and brings...

Communicating audit results effectively is critical for both real-world auditors and CISA exam success. This episode teaches you how to write clear findings, structure reports logically, and deliver recommendations that management can act on. We’ll also explore techniques for presenting sensitive results diplomatically—a key soft skill that shows up in audit reporting scenarios on the test. Ready to start your journey with...

ISACA expects CISA-certified professionals to uphold audit quality through structured QA practices. In this episode, we explore internal reviews, peer assessments, and continuous improvement models that strengthen the audit function. You'll learn how quality metrics are defined, how findings are tracked, and how QA fits into the professional standards you’ll be tested on. This is a vital component of Domain 1 that every ca...

Domain 2 shifts your focus from audit execution to how IT supports business objectives. This episode provides a strategic overview of IT governance principles, roles and responsibilities, and how auditors assess the effectiveness of governance frameworks. You'll gain a preview of the domain’s major topics—including risk management, IT strategy, and compliance—so you can prepare to master this high-impact section of the CIS...