The correct next step when actual test results differ from expected is to log a defect in the defect tracking system. This is because the structured testing process requires that any deviation between actual and expected outcomes be formally documented as a defect before any further action, such as re-testing or requirement changes, can occur. Logging the defect captures the issue, assigns a severity level, and initiates the resolution workflow, ensuring traceability and accountability within the testing lifecycle. On the CISA exam, this concept tests your understanding of the audit and testing process, where a common trap is to assume the tester should immediately re-run the test or update the requirements. Instead, remember that the defect must be recorded first to maintain an accurate audit trail. A useful memory tip is “Log before you retest”—if the result is wrong, the first formal step is always to document the defect.
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.
Exhibit
Test Case ID: TC-101
Test Name: User Login
Step 1: Enter valid credentials
Expected Result: Redirect to dashboard
Actual Result: Error 'Invalid credentials' displayed
Status: Failed
Refer to the exhibit. A tester executes test case TC-101 and records the result shown. What is the NEXT appropriate step in the testing process?
Test Case ID: TC-101
Test Name: User Login
Step 1: Enter valid credentials
Expected Result: Redirect to dashboard
Actual Result: Error 'Invalid credentials' displayed
Status: Failed
A
Re-run the test case after the defect is fixed
Why wrong: Re-running without logging the defect delays resolution.
B
Create a new test case to cover the error
Why wrong: The existing test case correctly identifies the bug; a new one is unnecessary.
C
Update the requirements to reflect the actual behavior
Why wrong: Requirements are correct; the system behavior is erroneous.
D
Log a defect in the defect tracking system
The discrepancy indicates a defect that should be logged for resolution.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Log a defect in the defect tracking system
The tester executed TC-101 and observed a result that deviates from the expected behavior, indicating a defect. The immediate next step in the structured testing process is to log the defect in the defect tracking system to formally document the issue, assign severity, and initiate the resolution workflow. This aligns with the CISA testing lifecycle, where defects are captured before any re-testing or requirement changes.
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.
✗
Re-run the test case after the defect is fixed
Why it's wrong here
Re-running without logging the defect delays resolution.
✗
Create a new test case to cover the error
Why it's wrong here
The existing test case correctly identifies the bug; a new one is unnecessary.
✗
Update the requirements to reflect the actual behavior
Why it's wrong here
Requirements are correct; the system behavior is erroneous.
✓
Log a defect in the defect tracking system
Why this is correct
The discrepancy indicates a defect that should be logged for resolution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think re-running the test (Option A) is the logical next step, but CISA emphasizes that defects must be formally logged before any remediation actions to maintain audit trail and process integrity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In structured testing, the defect lifecycle begins with logging in a tracking system (e.g., JIRA, Bugzilla) where fields like severity, priority, environment, and steps to reproduce are recorded. This ensures traceability and allows the development team to analyze root cause before any code changes. A common real-world scenario is when a tester observes a 500 Internal Server Error on an API endpoint that should return 200; logging the defect with the exact request/response payloads is critical before any re-testing.
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: Log a defect in the defect tracking system — The tester executed TC-101 and observed a result that deviates from the expected behavior, indicating a defect. The immediate next step in the structured testing process is to log the defect in the defect tracking system to formally document the issue, assign severity, and initiate the resolution workflow. This aligns with the CISA testing lifecycle, where defects are captured before any re-testing or requirement changes.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.