CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
An organization has just completed a post-implementation review of a new payroll system. Management is now deciding whether to formally transfer ownership of the system from the project team to IT operations. Which of the following is the MOST important prerequisite before this transfer is approved?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that completion of user training or an audit is sufficient for handover, when formal operational acceptance is the key control.
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
✓
The system documentation, support procedures, and service level agreements have been reviewed and formally accepted by IT operations.
The transfer of ownership from a project team to IT operations requires formal acceptance by the receiving party. This ensures that operations has reviewed and agreed to support the system, including documentation, procedures, and service levels. Without this acceptance, accountability remains unclear, and the system may not receive adequate support, leading to operational risks.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The project team has completed all user training sessions.
Why it's wrong here
Training completion is necessary for user adoption but does not by itself ensure that operational support can assume responsibility. Without documented support procedures, service levels, and a formal acceptance of the system, training alone leaves operations unable to maintain the system effectively. The transfer of ownership should be based on a broader readiness assessment, not solely on training completion.
- ✓
The system documentation, support procedures, and service level agreements have been reviewed and formally accepted by IT operations.
Why this is correct
Formal acceptance by IT operations confirms that the support organization has the necessary documentation, procedures, and agreements to assume ownership. This is a critical control because it ensures accountability and operational readiness. Without this acceptance, the project team may remain responsible indefinitely, and operational support may be inadequate, leading to service disruptions and unclear escalation paths.
- ✗
The project manager has released all team members to other assignments.
Why it's wrong here
Releasing project team members is an administrative step that typically occurs after the transfer is complete. Doing so before operations formally accepts the system can leave the system without knowledgeable support, increasing the risk of unresolved incidents. The release of resources does not demonstrate operational readiness and is not a prerequisite for ownership transfer.
- ✗
The internal audit department has completed a post-implementation audit of the project.
Why it's wrong here
An internal audit provides independent assurance but is not a prerequisite for transferring ownership. Audits may occur after the transfer and can still identify issues that require remediation. Waiting for an audit before transferring ownership can delay benefits realization and is not a standard control for operational readiness. The focus should be on management's acceptance and readiness.
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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
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISA exam.