FA-0134Mainframe & Enterprise Systems

COBIT 2019 Foundation

2-Day Exam-Focused Intensive

Introduction

Why this course

The COBIT® 2019 framework represents a fundamental shift in how organizations govern and manage enterprise information and technology. It moves beyond static control models and introduces a dynamic, design-driven approach that recognizes organizational context, strategic priorities, and evolving risk landscapes. As regulatory scrutiny increases and boards demand clearer accountability from IT, COBIT 2019 has become a critical reference point for governance discussions across industries.

This two-day course is designed for professionals who want more than a surface-level understanding aimed solely at passing an exam. It deliberately balances conceptual clarity, exam alignment, and real-world interpretation. Participants are guided not only on what COBIT says, but how the framework is interpreted by auditors, regulators, consultants, and governance bodies. The structure of the course mirrors the way COBIT concepts are tested—definitions, relationships, intent, and application, while avoiding rote memorization.

The instructor delivering this program has over 30 years of industry experience spanning IT governance, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, internal audit, and large-scale transformation initiatives. Every topic is explained using industry-demanded perspectives rather than academic abstractions. Exam preparation is approached strategically: participants are trained to recognize how COBIT concepts are framed in exam questions, how distractors are designed, and how governance logic should be applied under time pressure.

This two-day format intentionally incorporates exam simulation, structured knowledge reinforcement, and iterative review, ensuring participants leave with both confidence and competence—prepared to pass the COBIT 2019 Foundation exam and to speak the language of governance in professional settings.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Clearly explain the purpose, structure, and positioning of COBIT 2019
Distinguish governance responsibilities from management responsibilities
Identify and describe COBIT governance system and framework principles
Explain governance system components and how they interact
Understand and recall COBIT governance and management objectives
Interpret the goals cascade and its role in value creation
Understand COBIT 2019 performance management concepts
Apply design factors to tailor a governance system
Explain COBIT implementation concepts and lifecycle thinking
Confidently approach and complete the COBIT 2019 Foundation exam

Prerequisites

No formal prerequisites
Basic exposure to IT, audit, risk, compliance, or management concepts is beneficial
Suitable for IT professionals, auditors, risk managers, consultants, and governance stakeholders

Training outline

11 modules

01COBIT Context and Framework Overview6 topics

Role of COBIT in enterprise governance
Problems COBIT is designed to address
COBIT product family overview
Relationship between COBIT and enterprise strategy
Positioning of COBIT relative to standards and regulations
Key changes and rationale behind COBIT 2019

02Governance and Management Concepts5 topics

Definition of governance within COBIT
Definition of management within COBIT
Separation of responsibilities and accountability
Value creation, risk optimization, and resource optimization
Governing body expectations versus management execution

03COBIT 2019 Principles2 topics

Governance system principles
- Stakeholder value creation
- Holistic governance approach
- Dynamic governance system
- Tailored governance systems
- End-to-end governance coverage
Governance framework principles
- Conceptual model
- Open and flexible framework
- Alignment with major standards and regulations

04Governance System Components8 topics

Overview of governance system components
Processes and their purpose
Organizational structures and decision rights
Policies, principles, and procedures
Information flows and reporting mechanisms
Culture, ethics, and behavior
People, skills, and competencies
Services, infrastructure, and applications

05Goals Cascade6 topics

Enterprise goals
Alignment goals
Governance and management objectives
Cascading goals from strategy to execution
Role of goals cascade in value realization
Common misunderstandings tested in the exam

06Governance and Management Objectives5 topics

Structure of the COBIT Core Model
Governance objectives
Management objectives
- Align, Plan, and Organize (APO)
- Build, Acquire, and Implement (BAI)
- Deliver, Service, and Support (DSS)
- Monitor, Evaluate, and Assess (MEA)
Purpose and intent of objectives
How objectives are framed in exam questions

07Performance Management in COBIT 20195 topics

Purpose of performance management
Capability concepts in COBIT 2019
Performance measurement versus maturity
Relationship between objectives and performance outcomes
Exam-relevant terminology and interpretations

08Designing a Tailored Governance System5 topics

Why tailoring is central to COBIT 2019
Design factors and their influence
Enterprise context considerations
Translating design choices into governance priorities
Exam scenarios involving design decisions

COBIT Focus Areas

Purpose of focus areas
When and why focus areas are used
Relationship between focus areas and core model
Exam-level understanding versus implementation detail

09Implementation Concepts5 topics

COBIT implementation overview
Implementation lifecycle stages
Change enablement considerations
Continuous improvement concepts
Common implementation pitfalls

10COBIT Business Case and Governance Value4 topics

Business drivers for COBIT adoption
Executive and board-level perspectives
Governance value articulation
Linking governance outcomes to enterprise benefits

11Integrated Exam Simulation and Preparation7 topics

Foundation exam structure and format
Question styles and cognitive levels
Identifying distractors and misleading options
Interpreting COBIT language in exam questions
Timed mock exam simulation
Structured review of incorrect answers
Final consolidation of key concepts

A programme built around your team.

Share your training goals and requirements.