Tip # 2 Factual Questions Vs. Analytical Questions

I discussed in my earlier post that the CISA exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions. In setting up the CISA exam, ISACA asks either factual questions or analytical questions. Now, a question comes to mind as to what's the difference between factual questions and analytical questions.

Factual questions are questions based on facts. For example, questions on technology and technical standards, control frameworks such as COBIT, COSO, BS7799, ISO7799 etc are normally factual questions. Analystical questions on the other hand, are more decision and context oriented. Analytical questions require the candidate to analyze the situation presented in the question and then choose the correct answer.

In answering factual questions, answers can usually be found in the ISACA standards and other information technology standards and guidelines such as COBIT, COSO, BS7799 etc. A through reading of the ISACA standards, CISA Review Manual and COBIT is required before one sits for the exam. Remember, these are the bare minimum. The list of recommended materials is illustrative and not exhanustive. For answering analytical questions, a candidate should try and get conceptual clarity. This is the only and easiest way of answering such questions. If your concepts are in place, you cannot go wrong on analytical questions. Since these require the candidate to make decision based on the situation presented.