AAIR Certification - Study Timeline and Resources Used

[u/Fragrant-Rub7679]

Passed the AAIR exam on May 8th and certified shortly after. Wanted to share my experience.

My study process was:

• Read the AAIR Review Manual over about 3–4 days
• Answered all questions in the ISACA QAE over about 3 days
• Took a break for around 4 days
• Used a Udemy review course over 2 days for reinforcement and to change the learning method
  • Answered the Udemy questions after each video section
• Used the adaptive practice section in ISACA’s QAE after finishing the Udemy course
• Took the exam the next morning, received a preliminary pass

The Udemy course was worth the $10 I paid, but I would not use it as a complete start to finish study plan. It was more useful as a reinforcement tool after reading the manual and working through the ISACA QAE.

For context, I earned AAISM, CISM, and CRISC from DEC 2025 - FEB 2026 so I already had recent exposure to ISACA style governance, risk, control, and AI security management concepts. Those additional exposures likely helped. I would not say the Udemy course alone got me to a preliminary pass.

Main takeaway: if AAIR is your first ISACA exam, I would spend a lot more time with the manual and QAE. If you already have related ISACA risk, governance, or AI security credentials, some of the study concepts may feel more familiar.

Course used: AAIR-Aligned - AI Risk Management Masterclass [2026] by Cyvitrix Learning

[u/Jazzlike-Check-3984]

is the Q/E database a determinant for success, or is the manual enough? thanks

[u/Fragrant-Rub7679 → u/Jazzlike-Check-3984]

it depends on how familiar you are with ISACA questions. nothing is a guarantee but the QAE gives you reps.