The answer is missing Write permission for transfers. This is the most likely reason because user acceptance testing permission errors often stem from incomplete access rights: while the user can authenticate and read data, executing a fund transfer requires Write access to modify the database record or initiate the transaction. Without it, the application can display information but cannot commit the operation, causing the failure. On the CISA exam, this scenario tests your understanding of segregation of duties and least privilege—common traps include assuming authentication equals full access or confusing Read with Execute rights. Remember the memory tip: “Read lets you see, Write lets you be”—if a user can log in but not complete an action, check for missing Write permissions on the transaction object.
CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information systems acquisition, development and implementation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During user acceptance testing, a user with the above permission set cannot execute a fund transfer. What is the MOST likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Missing Write permission for transfers
The user can authenticate and access the system (since they are in user acceptance testing with the given permission set), but cannot execute a fund transfer. This indicates that the user lacks the necessary Write permission for the transfer operation, which is required to modify the database record or initiate the transaction. Without Write access, the application can read data but cannot commit the transfer, causing the operation to fail.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Incorrect username
Why it's wrong here
The username is part of the policy and matches the user; this is not the issue.
✓
Missing Write permission for transfers
Why this is correct
The policy grants ReadOnly on transfers, which is insufficient to execute a transfer.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Network connectivity issue
Why it's wrong here
Network issues would likely affect multiple operations, not just transfers.
✗
Database connection error
Why it's wrong here
No database error is indicated in the exhibit, and permission issue is more specific.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse authentication (username/password) with authorization (permissions), assuming any failure to execute a function must be a network or database issue, rather than recognizing that the user is already authenticated and the problem is a missing Write permission for the specific transaction.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In role-based access control (RBAC) systems, permissions are granular: Read allows viewing data, Write allows creating or modifying records, and Execute allows running specific processes. For a fund transfer, the application typically requires Write permission on the transaction table to insert a new record and Update permission on the account balance. Without Write, the SQL INSERT or UPDATE statement fails, returning an access denied error at the database level (e.g., ORA-01031 or SQL Server error 229).
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CISA exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — This question tests Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Missing Write permission for transfers — The user can authenticate and access the system (since they are in user acceptance testing with the given permission set), but cannot execute a fund transfer. This indicates that the user lacks the necessary Write permission for the transfer operation, which is required to modify the database record or initiate the transaction. Without Write access, the application can read data but cannot commit the transfer, causing the operation to fail.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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