CISA Information System Auditing Process Practice Question
An IS auditor identifies a control deficiency that could result in a material misstatement in the financial statements. According to audit reporting standards, this should be classified as:
⚠ Common exam trap
CISA often tests the definitions of deficiency classifications; candidates may confuse 'deficiency' with 'material weakness', but the latter specifically implies a reasonable possibility of material misstatement.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Material weakness
A control deficiency that could result in a material misstatement in the financial statements should be classified as a material weakness. This is a significant deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, that results in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Finding
Why it's wrong here
A finding is a general term for an issue.
- ✗
Deficiency
Why it's wrong here
A deficiency is a less severe category.
- ✗
Observation
Why it's wrong here
An observation is less severe.
- ✓
Material weakness
Why this is correct
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement will not be prevented or detected timely. This classification matches the stem's identified risk of material misstatement.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISACA exam blueprint
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