Yes, I believe a sacrifice of some sort of livestock is customary on the eve of the exam.

I got the most out of ISACA's practice exams. Being forced to critically think about the material and gaining an understanding of why they felt each answer was or wasn't correct was very beneficial. The key is to think like the auditor they want you to be and answer the way they're expecting.

The official guide was an extremely difficult read. It felt like it was hundreds of pages of bullet points, and it's hard to tell if that resource was of any value. It's been a couple years though, so maybe that's better now.

I agree, you have to forget about the technical stuff in the exam. CISA is the worst. For CISM you still learn something useful, and related to security (at least some project management infos), but CISA... There is a chapter in it about security, and they cover it pretty good (for this level). In the exam the only "technical" question was something like what is https (or when you use it). That's all. This exam is made for the accountants not for security people.

Also, the manuals are still dry. You need a lot of discipline in order to read them.

Practice the questionnaire and you are good for the exam.

Good Luck!

1. Remember all the bullet'd stuff in CRM (CISA Review Manual) and their order as many questions come in "which one of these is/is NOT primary means", etc.

2. It would help if you remember that business is the primary driver, and in case of controversial stuff, one that is closer to business is usually the winner.

3. CRM is where all the questions come from, so no matter what reference material you study to understand stuff, make sure that you read the relevant CRM material too.

4. It would help if you have their question bank (with answers , as it would help you see their point of view)

While i am all game for technical security stuff (is the reason y i study it, and i like it), compliance gives you 20K feet view of information security, something which is required, no matter the current stage of your career.

And all the best for the exams!