Cracking the ISACA AAIA Certification in 44 days: Study Strategy, Tips and My Journey to complete this certification

Since many reached out to me to understand my experience with the Advanced in Artificial Intelligence Audit (AAIA) certification from ISACA, I am writing this article. Advanced in Artificial Intelligence Audit (AAIA) exam preparation was a truly enriching and rigorous learning journey that tested both my audit fundamentals and my adaptability to emerging Al concepts.

If you're curious about what it takes to pass the AAIA or are looking for a roadmap, I hope this write-up gives you the clarity and encouragement you need.

What is AAIA?

The Advanced in Artificial Intelligence Audit (AAIA) is ISACA's newest certification, officially launched on May 19, 2025. It is designed for audit, risk, and governance professionals seeking structured and practical knowledge of auditing artificial intelligence systems.

Eligibility is currently limited to professionals who are certified CIAs (Certified Internal Auditors), CISAs (Certified Information Systems Auditors), or CPAs (Certified Public Accountants).

The AAlA equips professionals with the skills to evaluate the design, development, and deployment of Al solutions through the lens of governance, risk management, and control assurance. It is similar to CISA where it is not that you are deep diving into technical topics (like an Al implementer) but to help you understand Al at a level where an Auditor should be able to perform Audits or reviews on Al models.

The exam covers:

Domain 1: Al Governance and Risk (33%)

Domain 2: Al Operations (46%)

Domain 3: Al Auditing Tools and Techniques (21%)

It consists of 90 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 150 minutes or 2.30 hours.

Why I Chose AAIA:

I was particularly drawn to Domain 3: Al Auditing Tools and Techniques, which aligns with my core professional interests in assurance and risk-based auditing.

At the same time, I noticed how the term "Al" was intimidating many professionals; and I wanted to understand what was behind the buzzword. My goal was to break down Al to understand its lifecycle, associated risks, vulnerabilities, governance requirements, and most importantly, how to audit Al systems effectively and be future-ready. The AAIA certification offered a comprehensive structure to achieve this.

Suggested resources and investments: (All digital within ISACA and cannot be shared with others)

The suggested materials for preparation are typically the official ISACA materials:

-> AAIA Manual (USD 89)

-> QAE (Questions, Answers, Explanations) Database (USD 249)

-> Exam Fee (Member$459, Non-Member$599, Short time discounted BETA pricing $399 - 1 was lucky to get Beta pricing after official launch on May 19 2025)

I reviewed some internal company training materials on Al fundamentals before beginning the manual, which helped set a strong foundation.

Study Strategy That Worked for Me:

1. Start with Familiarisation: I began by reviewing internal Al-related content to build initial context before reading the AAIA manual.
2. Manual First, Twice: I read the AAIA manual twice - first for understanding, second for reinforcement. During both reads, I created handwritten notes in simple language, which helped greatly with retention and revision.
3. QAE Practice: The ISACA QAE database is the suggested questions database and while limited in quantity, the explanations were valuable. It is better to focus on understanding the logic, not memorizing answers.
4. Use of ChatGPT: Whenever I struggled with a concept, I used ChatGPT to break it down into simpler terms. I then rephrased and added these explanations to my notes, which made even complex topics digestible.
5. Targeted Revision: I gave myself a 45-day deadline and revised regularly. In the final stretch, I focused on weaker areas by revisiting the manual and my personal notes. By Day 42, I felt confident enough to schedule the exam.
6. Exam Day Strategy: The exam was not overly technical, but the questions were conceptual and sometimes tricky. I used a keyword-based elimination method, applied practical judgment, and thought through each scenario from an auditor's standpoint.

Time Management and Routine:

Being a morning person, I consistently studied between 4:30 AM and 7:00 AM, which helped me stay focused without distractions. This routine, combined with positive reinforcement and daily goal setting, helped me stay disciplined and on track.

In addition writing AAIA next to my name in my vision board and manifesting every day did make a difference. It’s good to believe that you are already an AAIA during your journey and stay disciplined with your preparation and manifestations.

Exam Summary:

Duration: 150 minutes / 2.30 Hours

Format: 90 multiple-choice questions

Difficulty Level: Moderate with strong emphasis on real-world application and judgment

Key Strategy: Conceptual clarity, keyword focus, elimination, and scenario thinking

Tips and Tricks for Future Aspirants:

Here are some specific strategies that helped me throughout my preparation and during the exam:

1. Make Your Own Notes: Don't rely solely on the manual. Writing down your understanding in simple language helps clarify complex ideas and supports last-minute review.
2. Don't Fear Al but break Al concepts into small, manageable topics. Think in terms of data, models, ethics, governance, lifecycle, and assurance.
3. Understand the Question First: Read every question carefully. Focus on key words like most likely, least likely, firstly, best, except, primarily, biggest. These words often determine the exact nature of the answer expected.
4. Think Holistically: Approach each question with a broad perspective. Consider the Al lifecycle, its governance structure, roles and responsibilities, ethical practices, information security, risk exposure, and control
5. Answer Like an Auditor: Always wear the auditor's hat. Think about what kind of controls, evidence, or oversight mechanisms you would expect in a real-world scenario. This mindset can guide you toward the most appropriate
6. Use QAE for Concept Reinforcement: Instead of using practice questions as a memory test, treat them as learning tools. Analyze both correct and incorrect answers to understand the reasoning ISACA uses.
7. Set a Clear and Realistic Deadline: A 45-day focused study period worked well for me. It created urgency without pressure, and helped me stay consistent and motivated.

Acknowledgment-

Thank you to ISACA and the ISACA Bangalore Chapter for extending the beta pricing to eligible professionals. This made it accessible and affordable for many of us to explore this much needed area of audit specialization.

Final Thoughts

Clearing the AAIA wasn't just about passing an exam, it was about gaining confidence to engage in meaningful conversations around artificial intelligence, governance, and risk. What once felt complex and inaccessible now feels structured and actionable.

If you're considering the AAlA certification, I strongly encourage you to take the leap. With the right mindset and a disciplined plan, you can not only earn the credential but also build future ready audit capabilities that will set you apart in the evolving landscape of assurance and risk.

To all those who are in their certification journey - Consistency and Discipline are the key. Trust me, all those notes you write, the late nights, early mornings and weekend study hours are worth it, keep going. 💪🏼✌🏼

All the best!

Regards

Sugganthan CG, CIA, CFE, AAIA, CISA, ISO22301 (BCMS LA)