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Best CIA Review Courses

The future is uncertain and difficult to predict— especially when it comes to the job market. However, experts like Robert Half1 and the Bureau of Labor Statistics2 predict that the future job market for internal auditors is promising.

But if becoming a Certified Internal Auditor is in your future, the best thing you can do to ensure your success is find a solid CIA Review Course. 

With the countless CIA course options out there, it’s hard to identify which CIA study materials will best help you in preparing for the exam. 

Here’s how you can make an informed decision without wasting any time:

Use my comparison chart and individual CIA review breakdowns to significantly cut your study time and pass faster!

The Top 5 Best Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Exam Review Courses & Study Materials of May 2021 :

  1. Surgent CIA Review Course
  2. Gleim CIA Review
  3. Ed2Go CIA Review
  4. PRC CIA Review
  5. CIA Learning System Prep Course
  6. Lambers CIA Review Course

How do you rate Surgent CIA Review ?

Surgent CIA Review (Rank: #1)

OVERALL RATING:  ★★★★★

A.S.A.P. Technology: Surgent uses their best in class technology to effectively craft customized practice tests for each student. If you’ve ever felt fatigued or frustrated by other courses’ one-size-fits-all approach, this is the course for you!
Study Planner: This tool integrated into your dashboard helps you determine exactly how much time you’ll need to spend preparing to ace the CIA Exam. It’s surprisingly in-depth and can be a great way of ensuring students stay on track and don’t lose their motivation to study.
Your Daily Surge: This helpful feature provides daily updates to your study plan. In conjunction with its other features, Surgent manages to provide students with a clear vision of their short-term and long-term goals.
No Audio or Video Lectures: Unfortunately, Surgent includes no audio or video lectures in their CIA prep program. Although these can be replaced with free online videos, the quality and content of these resources pale in comparison to other prep courses that do include them.

Surgent Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many practice questions does Surgent offer?
A: There are roughly 2,000+ practice questions in Surgent’s CIA review program.
Q: Does Surgent offer a guarantee?
A: Yes! Students who take their course and fail to pass their CIA exam will get their money back.

Bottom Line: Surgent created a CIA prep course that is designed to be a natural part of a student’s lifestyle. From the start, their A.S.A.P. technology allows students to study from material that’s tailor-made for them. The daily updates ensure that they never have a day with nothing to do.

In addition to the regular updates, a detailed study planner helps to guide each day of education so no time is wasted. This makes Surgent an excellent study companion but it would still be nice for them to include any kind of video or audio content to appease auditory or visual learners.

GO TO SURGENT CIA REVIEW

Surgent CIA Review Discounts & Promo Codes

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Gleim CIA Review (Rank: #2)

gleim cia review

OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★

Course Includes Personal Counselor: If you enroll in Gleim’s prep courses, you won’t need to pay for a tutor because each student is assigned their very own counselor! While not a complete replacement for a live classroom environment, this guarantees that all students can have their problems heard and their questions answered.
Large Question Bank: If you’re looking to maximize your chances of getting a high exam score, more practice questions is extremely important. To accommodate this need, students can use Gleim’s large test bank to create custom practice tests, making their study sessions more effective.
Available in Spanish: Gleim’s review course is now also available in Spanish, with practice questions are now bilingual, which comes as a tremendous benefit to students who would otherwise be extremely limited in terms of viable educational material.
Final Exam Review: The Exam Rehearsal mode offers students the opportunity to prepare with a computerized test that is virtually identical to the actual CIA exam. Thanks to this realistic simulation, much of the anxiety students experience before taking their exams can be effectively eliminated.

Gleim Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many practice questions does Gleim provide?
A: Gleim offers CIA prep students a pool of over 3,000 practice questions to create their own practice tests.
Q: Does Gleim offer a guarantee?
A: Although they don’t offer a money-back guarantee, Gleim has an Access Until You Pass Guarantee for their Premium review course.

Bottom Line: Gleim knocks it out of the park with their CIA prep course. The assistance and insight that can be gained through the assistance of their personal counselors cannot be overstated. Their Final Review is also instrumental in guaranteeing students’ success since it can accurately prepare them for the real thing.

Aside from this, Gleim ensures that students will have no shortage of study material with their huge pool of practice questions. Even students who don’t speak English as their first language can benefit from all of these features since all course material is also available in Spanish. For these reasons, it’s a no-brainer that Gleim would get our pick for the best CIA review course money can buy!

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Ed2Go CIA Review (Rank: #3)

OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★

Certificate of Completion: For most students, the only thing they really want out of a CIA review course is the ability to earn a passing grade on their exam. However, Ed2Go takes it a step further by rewarding you with a certificate of completion from an accredited university.
Excellent Support: Nowadays, trying to resolve an issue over the phone can be frustrating due to automated menus and long hold times. Fortunately, this course’s support line has neither of these issues— you can expect a fast response from a real person if you need to call for any reason.
Take Your Time: How long do you need to study for the CIA exam? If you think you’re going to need more than a year to prepare, Ed2Go is a fantastic choice due to their generous course access period. In fact, you don’t have to complete everything for a year and a half!
Guarantee: With so many excellent resources and features, you’re highly likely to pass your CIA exam on the first try after studying with Ed2Go. However, they don’t guarantee that this is the case, so you won’t receive any refund or extension if you aren’t able to pass.

Bottom Line: Ed2Go is terrific if you’re looking for a university-level education without having to leave your house. They have a helpful and quick support team and tons of resources to get you where you need to be as a professional internal auditor!

GO TO ED2GO CIA REVIEW

Powers Resources CIA Review (Rank: #4)

OVERALL RATING:  ★★★★★

Practice Questions: PRC provides you with more than 3,700 multiple choice practice questions AND explanations to why each answer is either correct or incorrect. You will be able to write notes and compile new test sessions with your marked, incorrect, or unattempted questions.
Flashcards: Instead of having to pay extra for flashcards, PRC includes over 2,800 e-flashcards. You will be able to organize them by high, medium, and/or low priority. And, there’s space for you to keep notes!
Mock Exams: At the end of every CIA Part, you will have two mock exams where you can practice all you’ve learned in a way that mimics the real CIA exam. This is essential when you are conducting your final review and want to practice your understanding in a real CIA exam layout and functionality.
No Video Lectures: PRC does not have any video lectures. You must read the textbook in order to review the material, which is not ideal for visual learners.

Bottom Line: Powers Resources is a fantastic companion program to an aspiring CIA student’s study program. With thousands of practice questions and flashcards, you may not even miss the absent video lectures.

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Lambers CIA Review (Rank: #5)

lambers cia

OVERALL RATING:  ★★★★★

DVD Lectures: Lambers CIA review is one of the only courses that includes training videos for all 3 parts of the exam, available as a downloadable DVD series. While many students may disregard this as obsolete technology, it makes for a great offline study resource for special circumstances.
Audio Review: Lambers caters to audio-visual learners by offering an audio course in addition to DVD lectures, practice questions, and practice tests. The inclusion of these materials makes it significantly easier to study while performing other tasks, such as chores around the house or exercising at a gym.
Price: This is an extremely expensive course. You will pay $1,800 for just the DVDs and the Test Prep Software, which is frankly beyond the pale for many young students. It isn’t that difficult to find courses with lower prices that offer more advanced features that take advantage of cutting-edge technology.
Outdated Technology and Site: Information on the Lambers website is outdated and the course dashboard has obviously not been redesigned in many years. This is most likely to be the biggest deal breaker for most prospective students, especially when considering how expensive this course is as well.

Lambers Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Lambers offer a guarantee?
A: Yes! Lambers offers a No Pass, No Pay Guarantee on all their CIA review materials.
Q: Does Lambers offer CIA tutoring?
A: For an extra fee, students can purchase an “Ask The Expert” package with one-on-one instruction.

Bottom Line: Auditory and visual learners will appreciate the video and audio content provided by Lambers CIA review. And those few individuals who still use physical media such as DVD will appreciate the included training discs. However, this heavy reliance on outdated course technology can turn off a lot of prospective students.

Something else that might scare off potential students is Lambers’ price. When considering just how outdated some of these learning materials are, it’s going to be difficult to justify the higher than average cost. However, there is still a lot of merit to this program and it makes for a useful resource to aspiring CIAs.

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IIA CIA Learning System (Rank: #6)

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OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★

Flexible Program: IIA’s self-study Full Kit includes two full years of access to the course and all the study materials for all 3 parts of the CIA exam. With such a comprehensive test prep package and such a generous period of access, students won’t have to worry about finding new study materials for quite some time!
Online Study Tools: Interactive online tools help students determine what they should be studying. In addition to helping them organize a rock-solid study plan, the Institute of Internal Auditors offer tools that help students identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Expensive: The CIA Learning System provided by IIA is one of the more costly courses on the market. What’s worse is the fact that many features commonly found in other courses are missing here, leading many students to the opinion that they don’t get a whole lot for the money.
Limited Demo and Poor Analytics: Although there is a free demo for IIA, you won’t get access to all parts of the course through it. This means that students won’t know how the entire course functions before making a purchase, which makes the high cost even harder to justify.

IIA Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are IIA’s support options?
A: Students can reach out for support by contacting IIA through email, social media, phone, fax, or physical mail.
Q: Does IIA offer other certification courses?
A: Yes! IIA offers training for CGAP, CFSA, CCSA, and many others.

Bottom Line: In order to reduce anxiety and allow students to take their time, the IIA’s study program offers a long access period and intuitive online study tools. It’s very structure is designed to offer the most stress-free and casual experience with the aid of their excellent study tools.

But even when considering how nice these features are, it may still be very tough for students on a tight budget to justify paying the high price of this course. Worst of all is the fact that IIA’s demo is limited and won’t really offer a full view of what their course provides. Still, it’s certainly worth consideration for students who are worried about panic attacks.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CIA LEARNING SYSTEM

 

Surgent Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Surgent offer a guarantee?

A: Yes! Students who take their course and fail to pass their CIA exam will get their money back.3

Gleim Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Gleim offer a guarantee?

A: Although they don’t offer a money-back guarantee, Gleim has an Access Until You Pass Guarantee for their Premium review course.4

Lambers Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Lambers offer a guarantee?

A: Yes! Lambers offers a No Pass, No Pay Guarantee on all their CIA review materials.5

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Additional Resources to Get You On the Right Track

Not sure you want to become an Certified Internal Auditor? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! You can check out my  CIA vs CPA comparison to find out which is a better fit. Also, learn more about other Accounting and Finance certifications: Certified Public Accountant prep courses and Enrolled Agent review courses and put your future on the right track! If you have any specific CIA questions, just drop a comment below and I’ll personally help you find the right course for you!

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Hock CIA Review

Course Rating: ★★★★★

Hock International CIA Review offers several course options for students who are preparing for the CIA exam. Their textbooks cover the basics in straightforward language, making this course good for those who need a thorough review from the ground up.

You can purchase only the textbooks, study questions, or videos, or combine them into a package deal, depending on your needs. This course is not really a budget option because you can get a lot more material for only slightly more money if you decide to go with one of HOCK’s competitors instead.

PROS

1. Free Samples of Study Materials and Quizzes

HOCK CIA Review offers free downloadable samples of the textbooks, flash cards, the ExamSuccess multiple-choice questions, and videos so you can check out the course before you purchase it. Explore the course without registering for or creating an account to see if it meets your needs and matches your learning style.

Students can also take the free CIA quizzes and have the opportunity to compete with other students studying for the CIA exam to try and get their name onto one of HOCK’s leaderboards. Note that the quizzes are free, but you do have to register for a free account to participate, and that this new feature is still being tested (beta version).

2. ExamSuccess Software/CIA Question Bank

HOCK’s ExamSuccess Study Software is included in the CIA Questions portion of the course. The software includes thousands of multiple choice questions and explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. Questions are timed during study sessions and can be organized by topic, so you can focus your study on one subject at a time. Detailed performance analysis displays your level of competency based on each section of material.

The question bank can be accessed online or downloaded for use without an internet connection. Note that the included Mock Exam contains new questions that are not used elsewhere in the study materials, so you can gauge your preparedness for the actual exam on a fresh set of questions.

3. International Course Options

Hock offers several live courses and provides its study materials to other groups in a number of locations around the world. International students or expats studying for the CIA exam abroad can sign up for a live HOCK course in Belorussia, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, and many other locations have review courses that incorporate HOCK study materials. Materials are also available in Russian and Arabic. Please see the HOCK website for details.

4. Interactive Electronic Flashcards

The interactive flashcards were developed to help you learn the information as efficiently as possible. New cards are introduced gradually and flashcards appear based on an analysis of your mastery of particular concepts and information. Old and new cards appear at regular intervals to help you learn the information quickly and effectively.

5. Free Updates and Course Does Not Expire

One advantage of HOCK’s review courses is that materials can be used as long as students need them to study for and pass the exams, and there is no additional charge for updates to study materials. HOCK’s courseware is compatible with Windows and Macintosh computers, and can be accessed from computers, tablets or smartphones.

CONS

1. Smaller Question Bank

HOCK’s question bank includes more than 2,800 questions, which is a respectable number, but not quite as many questions as its main competitors. Some questions also seem very similar to others or redundant, making the question bank seem even smaller. Students who are looking for more variety and a larger number of practice questions should consider adding questions from other sources to their review.

2. No Money Back Guarantee

If you do not perform well on the CIA exam or decide that the review course is not helping you study, you won’t be able to get a refund for the course. This policy is somewhat offset by the opportunity to preview free samples of HOCK’s study materials before you purchase the course, although you should be aware that this is not a free trial of the actual course, but merely a glimpse at what the materials are like.

HOCK does have a pass guarantee if you buy their Complete Package. If you don’t pass the CIA exam, they will pay your exam fee to re-take the exam if you meet their requirements (but still no refund). Please consult HOCK’s website for details and requirements.

Ideal User

HOCK’s study materials are somewhat cheaper than other CIA prep options, and their international availability and free world-wide shipping will appeal to a large number of students living abroad. Students whose first language is Russian or Arabic will benefit from the course materials that are available in these languages.

Students who want the flexibility of buying only one part of the course (questions, videos, or textbooks) and are committed to studying on their own for however long they need will appreciate HOCK’s free updates and no expiration date.

My Suggestion

Although Hock CIA review is an affordable option, there are better programs out there for only slightly more money. The quality of material does not really compare to other courses like Gleim or Fast Forward Academy. Students who need an introductory review of the basics in clear language might benefit from starting with HOCK before moving onto a larger question bank with more practice materials, however I would highly suggest just avoiding this course altogether and purchasing a better one from their competitors.

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Summary of Course Features

  • Textbooks (downloadable PDF files or hard copy)
  • Personalized Study Plan
  • ExamSuccess Software (Multiple-Choice Practice Questions)
  • Flashcards
  • Mock Exam
  • Videos or Audio mp3 Files
  • Free world-wide shipping
  • Materials also available in Russian and Arabic

Pricing

HOCK Complete

Price for all 3 parts: $649
1 part only: $249 each
Includes:  Textbooks, ExamSuccess Multiple-Choice Practice Questions, Electronic Flashcards, 1 Mock Exam, Videos, and free shipping worldwide.

HOCK Books and Questions

Price for all 3 parts: $399
1 part only: $149 each
Includes:  PDF files of books (additional charge for hard copies), Multiple-Choice Practice Questions, Flashcards, and Mock Exam.

HOCK Books Only

Price for all 3 parts: $249
1 part only: $99
Includes: PDF files of books (additional charge for hard copies).

HOCK Videos

Price for all 3 parts: $199
1 part only: $99
Includes: 13 hours of videos for Part 1 and 11 hours for Part 2 that are similar to a live course; these are also available as audio mp3 files. Videos for Part 3 are due to be released in fall 2015. Videos can be watched on computers, tablets and smartphones.

HOCK Questions Only

Price for all 3 parts: $249
1 part only: $99
Includes:

ExamSuccess Multiple-choice questions, Mock Exam, and Electronic Flashcards. As of July 2015, the number of questions included in Part 1 is 699, Part 2 includes 645 questions, and for Part 3 includes 1,547 questions.

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Lambers CIA ReviewCourse Rating: ★★★★★

Lambers has been active in the test prep industry since 1966 and offers review courses for a variety of accounting courses.

Lambers CIA Review uses case studies and examples to help students understand, remember, and apply what they learn. Their course aims to make studying more efficient by only including subject matter that is the most relevant and likely to show up on the CIA exam. Busy professionals today have no time to waste studying material that is unlikely to be tested on, so Lambers helps you study only what you need to know to pass.

PROS

1. Course DVDs

Lambers CIA review includes over 60 hours of training videos that cover information for all 3 parts of the exam. The review material for each part of the exam comes either as a video series or as downloadable iPod DVD lessons, and an associated workbook. Each lesson lasts approximately one hour in an effort to avoid overwhelming students with too much material at once. The video lessons are taught by experienced instructors and filmed inside a classroom.

The recorded lectures offer an advantage over courses that provide students with textbooks and expect students to teach themselves the material. Students can watch hundreds of problems being solved step by step, and can pause the recording to take notes or rewind and replay specific sections as needed.

2. Workbook Set

A set of textbooks including hundreds of test questions, examples, and outlines accompanies the Video/DVD lectures. Each workbook is designed to be straightforward and to help students maximize retention of the most important information that is likely to appear on the exam.

3. Supplemental Audio Review

Lambers Audio Courseware can be used as a convenient study supplement when you are out and about. Designed for MP3 compatible players, it includes CDs to download to your computer to be synced with  iPods or MP3 portable players, training workbooks, practice questions worked out by professors, and current, up-to-date courseware. An audio sample is available on the Lambers website.

4. Three Adaptive Test Modes

The Test Prep Software includes three separate testing modes that adapt to your current level of proficiency. The Pretest Mode gives exam candidates a better understanding of how much they already know and which areas they will need to brush up on. This avoids having to review material you already know and allows you to focus on your weaker areas.

The Adaptive Drill Mode helps students focus and drill the material until it sticks. If you come across a concept or question you don’t understand, this mode gives you access to more thorough explanations and provides links to more information that will help you learn and understand them better.

Once you’ve mastered your weaknesses, it’s time to work on your test-taking skills and build confidence with the Simulated Mode. The simulated exam mode dials up the pressure by giving students more difficult questions in a format that appears more similar to what they will encounter on the actual CIA exam.

5. Money Back Guarantee

Lambers offers a “No Pass No Pay Guarantee” that promises a refund for those who fail the exam twice after using their products. Please see the Lambers website for the specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a refund.

CONS

1. Price

The biggest drawback of Lambers’ CIA Review is its exorbitant price. At $1,800 for just the DVDs and the Test Prep Software for all three parts of the exam, this review course costs 3 to 4 times as much as competitors’ options, and there is no discount for purchasing study materials for all 3 parts of the exam as a bundle.

Each additional feature is priced separately, and is relatively expensive. For example, the audio review course for all three parts of the exam will set you back by $700, the flashcards cost an additional $500, and the “Ask The Expert” Service is overpriced at $300, given that it is basically a way to get your questions answered by emailing staff. Building a comprehensive course in order to have access to all or even most of the features turns out to be an expensive proposition.

2. Dated Website

Information on the Lambers website dates back to the CIA exam’s change in 2013, giving the impression that Lambers does not update its corporate website with the most recent and relevant information regarding the CIA exam. The course dashboard is also outdated and could benefit from a newer and more streamlined design.

Ideal User

Lambers DVD lessons are best suited for audio-visual learners who prefer not to teach themselves the material from a textbook. Few other review courses offer lectures or demonstrate how to work out problems, so students who need additional guidance will benefit most.

The tips and tricks offered in this course are a nice bonus because they show you where you should focus your time and energy. Lambers prides itself on sticking to the most commonly tested concepts and steering students away from irrelevant material to save time by memorizing only the most pertinent information for the exam.

My Suggestion

The most compelling reason to go with Lambers CIA Review is the access to the instructional DVDs. The majority of online review courses provide students with textbooks, workbooks and online practice questions, but fall short when it comes to presenting the material in lecture format.

On the other hand, Lambers’ course simply doesn’t offer enough value or features to justify their extremely high price tag. Students who don’t need the DVD lectures to succeed would do well to investigate other CIA course options before spending this much money on a review course.

COMPARE THE BEST CIA REVIEW COURSES!

Summary of Course Features

  • DVD classroom lectures in MP4 Format
  • Online or CD-Based classroom lectures
  • Adaptive Test Prep Software with 3,100+ practice questions, answers and explanations
  • Electronic Flashcards
  • Supplementary Audio course material for MP3 players
  • Reference Workbooks for study and practice
  • “Ask The Expert” Service for additional support via email

Pricing

Lambers DVD iPod Course

Price: $299.95 for Part 1 or Part 2; $599.95 for Part 3
Includes: Set of recorded classroom lectures in MP4 format taught by professor Garland Granger, MBA, CPA, CIA.

Lambers Video Courseware CIA

Price: $299.95 for Part 1 or Part 2; $599.95 for Part 3
Includes: Set of recorded classroom lectures available online or in CD-based format taught by professor Garland Granger, MBA, CPA, CIA.

Lambers Test Prep Software

Price: $149.95 for Part 1 or Part 2; $299.95 for Part 3
Includes: Online or CD-based test prep software containing more than 3,100 practice questions, answers and explanations, hyperlinks to the Wiley CIA Review textbook, and free updates.

Lambers Flash Cards

Price: $124.95 for Part 1 or Part 2 Flash Trainer; $249.95 for Part 3
Includes: Electronic flashcards containing of 169 key terms, formulas and definitions, including monitoring and feedback of your performance. Flash cards may also be printed out.

Lambers Audio CIA

Price: $199.95 for Part 1 or Part 2; $299.95 for Part 3
Includes: Supplemental audio courseware designed for any MP3 compatible player that includes downloadable CDs to sync with iPod or MP3 player, workbooks used by course professors during training, and recordings of professors working out hundreds of problems and questions.

Lambers “Ask The Expert” Service for CIA

Price: $299.95
Includes:

Individual support via email from a Lambers subject matter expert to answer your specific questions and provide guidance.

To compare Lambers CIA Review to other prep courses, please click the button below.

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Lambers CIA Breakdown

Lambers CIA Review
 Strengths 
1. Course DVDs
2. Workbook Set
3. Supplemental Audio Review
4. Three Adaptive Test Modes
5. Money Back Guarantee
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2013-cia-books-box-laptop-tabletCourse Rating: ★★★★★

The CIA Learning System is the official study material developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). I have received many inquires from CIA candidates asking if it’s necessary to use this course to pass the Certified Internal Auditor exam, or if there are better and cheaper review courses on the market. This review covers the strengths and weaknesses of the CIA Learning System so you can compare it to other CIA course providers and decide for yourself.

The IIA’s CIA Learning System self-study course includes printed and e-book reading materials, interactive online material, and the option of live, instructor-led courses. The full kit covers all three parts of the exam, or you can purchase the materials for each part separately.

PROS

1. Flexibility

The self-study option means that you can study where you want, when you want, and at your own pace. If you buy the self-study Full Kit, you will have two years of access to the course and all the study materials, so you can take your time to really learn the material for each part of the exam as long as you stick to a regimented study plan.

2. Online Study Tools

Interactive online tools make it easy to create a customized study plan based on your performance on practice questions and tests. You can take a diagnostic pre-test to determine your strengths and weaknesses and then use the SmartStudy feature to design your study plan. Quizzes follow each chapter, and post-tests help you identify how much information  you have retained once you’ve covered all of the material. Five textbooks cover everything you need to know for all three parts of the exam.

3. Optimized for Mobile Devices

Although there is no dedicated app for the IIA CIA self-study program, candidates will be able to access all course features from their smartphones and tablets for more convenient study. You can study on the road if you commute, or pull out your phone while you are waiting in line to read a textbook chapter or practice a problem or two.

4. In-Person Courses

For students who prefer a more traditional classroom course taught by an instructor they offer online seminars, weekly classes, and multi-day seminars in a number of US and international locations through local IIA chapters, universities, and other partners. Many of these courses also include access to all the online study materials.

CONS

1. Limited Demo & Analytics

You can sign up for the free demo if you are interested in checking out some elements of the course before you buy it, however, the demo does not give you access to all parts of the course and the access is for a small amount of time. The course demo involves limited guided tour of the site and its features plus an example textbook chapter. Interested candidates must also fill out a short survey to get access to the demo.

Although you can get some feedback on your progress, this is not a learner-adaptive course: the same questions may pop up over and over again, and there is no sophisticated software to track your performance statistics or determine which kinds of practice questions would be best for each individual student.

2. Price

At $895 for the complete course, the CIA Learning System is one of the most expensive courses on the market. Given their relatively limited course analytics and lack of more advanced features (no creation of customized exams with detailed filters, etc.) students would do well to shop around. E-seminars and live courses led by facilitators are even more expensive at more than $1,000 per course.

3. No Audio or Video Lectures

This course is comprised solely of information in the textbooks, practice questions, and practice tests. Unless you enroll in a live course with a facilitator, you will have to teach yourself the material from the books included in the course and working out the practice questions on your own.

Ideal User

As with most review courses, students who are self-motivated and can keep to a regular study plan will do fine with this self-study program and study materials. Those who perform better in a structured classroom setting will probably benefit more from a live, facilitator-led review session with peers. Internal audit professionals with considerable experience will certainly have to study for the CIA exam, but should keep in mind that the CPA exam is generally considered to be much more difficult.

My Suggestion

Although the textbook materials are a great way to prepare for the exam, the online tools are less impressive than those offered by many of IIA’s competitors. The most comforting aspect of the CIA Learning System is that it was designed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), so students can feel confident that the material they are learning is what will be covered on the exam.

That being said, many candidates agree that the practice questions they offer are less challenging than other CIA prep courses like Gleim CIA Review.

The CIA Learning System is a decent course, but compared to some of their competitors it’s more expensive, less comprehensive, and uses more outdated technology. I would suggest checking out all your options before committing to this CIA review course.

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Summary of Course Features

  • Study materials in a combination of print and e-reader form
  • Access to online tests and study tools
  • Pre- and post-tests
  • Chapter quizzes
  • Flashcards & glossary
  • CIA practice exam
  • Access to online resource center

Pricing

IIA CIA Learning System: Self-Study Full Kit (3-Part Exam)

Price: $895
Includes: Study materials for all three parts of the CIA exam in print and e-reader form, access to online tests and study tools for two years, pre- and post-tests, chapter quizzes, flashcards, glossary, CIA practice exam, and online resource center.

IIA CIA Learning System: Self-Study Part 1, 2 or 3 (when purchased separately)

Price: $325
Includes:

Study materials for Part 1, 2, or 3 of the exam (each sold separately) in print and e-reader form, access to online tests and study tools for 1 year, pre- and post-test, chapter quizzes, flashcards, glossary, CIA practice exam, and online resource center.

To compare the CIA Learning System to other review courses, please click the button below.

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Course Rating: ★★★★★

Powers Resources Corporation, or PRC for short, is a clean and efficient course that will get you where you need to go without all the extra add ons that you find in other courses.

With PRC CIA Review you’ll be ready to pass the CIA exam with their affordable study materials. Let’s see why future Certified Internal Auditors tend to agree that PRC an great way to prepare for the CIA exam.

PROS

1. Large Amount of Practice Questions

PRC provides you with tons of questions and answers—more than 3,700!  The questions are set up so that you can target the specific topics that you are struggling with. And when preparing for the CIA Exam, you need all the practice you can get.

You not only have ample practice questions, but also see detailed explanations why each answer is either correct or incorrect. PRC definitely has more flexibility when it comes to its practice questions compared to other courses. You will be able to write notes and compile new test sessions with your marked, incorrect, or unattempted questions, allowing you to make the most out of your practice questions.

2. Pass Guarantee

PRC is very confident in its review course. So much so that it offers a pass guarantee. If you really work the course and don’t pass, PRC will refund your money. You must meet its requirements (such as scoring more than 90% on the mock quizzes), in order to receive the refund for not passing.

Unlike other CIA review courses, PRC gives you the option to ask for a full refund after 30 days, no questions asked! If you realize this course does not match your learning style, you will be able to get your money back and find a course that will be a better match.

3. Clean Course Format

The simple design of this course makes it extremely easy to navigate. No distractions here to take your focus away from studying the material. You have the freedom to jump in and out of the course at any time and study in the most efficient way possible.

As you’re guided through the course, you will see that the textbook is divided into manageable study sessions that mirror the IIA’s exam outline. The format works so that you review the material while simplifying your exam preparation, thanks to the expert study tips and passing tips provided throughout the course. At the end of each study session, you will be able to check your level of understanding with a couple practice questions with explanatory examples within the text.

4. Lots of Mock Exams

After you have finished studying the material, practiced all the multiple choice questions, and reviewed with the e-flashcards, you have two mock exams to take to see how well you will do on the actual exam. These mock exams have the same layout and functionality as the real test so you will truly be able to see how well you studied.

Practicing with mock exams is essential for your CIA exam success and truly the best way to see if you are ready. PRC designed the mock exams to have varying amounts of questions per topic based on the IIA’s weight of each section.

5. Low Cost

As one of the more affordable options for CIA Exam review courses, PRC is only $396. You get all the features other courses have but for the fraction of a cost. There is also the option to purchase the parts separately for $175 each.

And if you just want the practice questions, mock exams, and flashcards, you can buy the Powers Up option for $310. Lots of options with great study tools!   

6. Instructor Support

Studying for the CIA is a solo journey, that’s why PRC has instructors for you to contact so you don’t have to do this alone. These industry experts will be able to assist you with your specific questions and deepen your understanding so you will be passing the CIA exam in no time.

CON

No Video Lectures

PRC CIA Review does not have video lectures for you to watch and learn from. You must do all of you material review by reading the textbook. This course is all about saving you time and giving you just what you need to know, so there really is no need for superfluous video lectures.

Ideal User

PRC is the perfect fit for those that want to study efficiently and focus on what’s most important—passing the CIA Exam. Self-motivated learners will benefit from the to-the-point text book and the large question bank. This course is designed for you to practice, practice, practice. After all, that is the most efficient way to study for and pass the CIA Exam.

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wiley cia 2015Course Rating: ★★★★★

Wiley has been in the test prep business for more than 40 years. They’re known for creating review courses for several different accounting exams. Wiley CIAexcel, also known as Wiley CIA Review, provides a variety of resources that are good– but not great.

Some of the more popular course features include their huge test bank comprised of over 5,000 practice questions, mobile apps, comprehensive textbooks, and Focus Notes.

 

How do you rate Wiley CIA Review?

See the Top CIA Review Courses
  1. Surgent CIA Review Course ◄◄ Our Highest Rated + Save $150
  2. Gleim CIA Review Course ◄◄ Personal Counselor
  3. PRC CIA Review ◄◄ Most Practice Questions
  4. Lambers CIA Review ◄◄ DVD Lectures
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PROS

wiley test bank1. Test Bank

Taking practice tests is a crucial part of preparing for the CIA exam. The Wiley CIA Test Bank gives students that opportunity. The Test Bank for all three parts of the exam includes more than 5,000 questions and answers. It also includes the option of creating unlimited, customized practice tests, and performance analytics to track your progress and performance. The software simulates the actual Pearson VUE test experience to help prepare students for what to expect on the day of their exam.

2. Textbooks

Wiley’s CIA textbooks are updated annually. The complete course includes a set of 3 textbooks, one for each part of the CIA exam. The three books work together to help reinforce topics and help you master the concepts and principles, however, they can be purchased individually or as a set. Each book is filled with diagrams, tables, charts and memory devices to help you remember the material. You also have access to multiple choice questions and their solutions.

wiley focus notes3. Focus Notes

This supplemental reference set outlines the most important study material covered on the exam in condensed form. Wiley Focus Notes come in a spiral bound flip guide and focus on key concepts to help you make the most of your study time. You’ll complete drills on financial calculations, spreadsheet and research skills.

Each section teaches you new strategies for how to prepare for your exam quickly and efficiently and provides additional reference material for your weaker areas.

CONS

1. Mobile Apps

Nothing beats a mobile app for studying on the go. Wiley has created apps for both the iOS and Android devices with the intention of providing convenient study resources. However, students who have tried to use these apps tell a different story. Expect issues connecting to your desktop study materials and limited access to their entire library.

2. No Live Options or Video Lectures

Wiley CIA Exam Review is strictly an online course without any live or video components. Students will have to cover the material in the textbooks and complete the practice questions on their own and rely on the answers that are provided to clarify any problems or questions they might have.

3. Written Materials

Although Wiley makes an effort to keep their textbooks up-to-date, they’re still very difficult to get through. Many students have remarked that the overly dry and technical material contained in these books made it difficult to stay motivated and retain the info. If you prefer to learn with the aid of a well-made textbook, look elsewhere.

My Suggestion

Wiley CIA will benefit online students who learn best by practicing many questions and plan their approach to passing the exam according to their own study schedule. The included textbooks and Focus Notes are a welcome addition for more traditional learners who want to work their way through a text.

Having access to mobile apps would be valuable for candidates with long commutes or who like to multitask. Unfortunately, this is the worst part of their study package by far, so you’ll want to steer clear if this is a priority to you.

VIEW OUR TOP RATED CIA REVIEW COURSE

Summary of Course Features

  • Exam guides (3 volumes)
  • Focus Notes (flipbooks with most essential material)
  • Online Test Bank with 5,300+ practice questions
  • Practice Exams created through Test Bank
  • Course Analytics
  • Mobile app for iPhone and iPad

Pricing

Wiley CIAexcel Exam Review 2015: Complete Study Pack (Includes Parts 1, 2 and 3)

Price: $675
Includes: Complete Wiley CIA exam guides (3 volumes), Focus Notes for all three parts, 1-year access to the Online Test Bank, including 5,300+ practice questions.

Wiley CIAexcel Pack Parts (Internal Audit Basics Pack; Internal Audit Practice Pack; or Knowledge Elements Pack)

Price: $225 for each Part
Includes: 1-Year Test Bank subscription to associated exam Part, Focus Notes associated with exam Part, and Review Guide associated with Exam Part.

Wiley CIA Exam Focus Notes

Price: $40 for each Part (1, 2 and 3)
Includes: Spiral-bound Focus Notes guides for 2015. These study aids distill key information to enhance retention of the material.

Wiley CIA Exam Focus Notes App

Price: Free-$89.99, depends on in-app purchases
Includes: Free Install with 30 Notes. Additional study materials can by added through in-app purchases at $34.99 per part or $89.99 for all three parts.

Wiley CIA Exam Test Bank Only

Price: $215 for 1 year/$75 for 4 months per Part
Includes:

Over 5,000 questions and answers, unlimited practice sessions and tests, create practice sets from 30+ exam sub-topics, and analytics that track strengths and weaknesses.

 

COMPARE THE TOP CIA REVIEW COURSES

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Wiley CIA Breakdown

Strengths
 Weaknesses
1.Test Bank With 5,000 Questions 1. Mobile App
2.Free Trial 2. Limited Access Period
3.Focus Notes 3. Poorly Designed Textbook
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RATING: ★★★★★

Surgent CIA Review course offers many appealing features that not only make it a viable study tool for students looking to pass the CIA exam, but also an educational resource that can’t be imitated.

In a similar fashion to other exam prep programs offered by the company, Surgent relies heavily on the power of adaptive learning technology to tailor-fit study plans for each enrolled student. One of the results of this can be see when you look at the statistics that Surgent CIA review students pass on average 73% faster!

With an easy-to-use interface that is accessible on a variety of devices, Surgent’s CIA prep program is a modern tool for the modern student.

How do you rate Surgent CIA Review?

Surgent CIA Strengths

1. A.S.A.P. Technology

Short for “Adaptive Study and Accelerated Performance”, this is the backbone of Surgent’s educational toolkit. After taking a comprehensive 150-question assessment, students’ knowledge of CIA exam material is evaluated and organized by topic.

This allows the program to effectively craft customized practice tests for each student that help to familiarize them with aspects of the exam they may struggle with. With the aid of this technology, students are sure to be prepared for the real thing as soon as possible.

Surgent CIA Review Dashboard 2. Dashboard

Surgent’s CIA test prep dashboard was designed so that important information is displayed front and center. As part of their goal to save students as much time as possible, everything needed to immediately start studying can be easily located in one or two button presses from the home screen.

While this may seem like a minor feature, the truth is that an intuitive interface can help to motivate students who would have been too intimidated to start studying otherwise.

Best CIA Prep Courses Online

3. Analytics

Another helpful feature provided by Surgent’s robust online program is their Trending Score system. As students complete practice tests, powerful analytics are used to gauge their readiness for the CIA exam. The more a student uses Surgent’s study tools, the more accurate of a reading they will receive from their Trending Score.

According to Surgent’s website, students with a Trending Score of 75% had an 89% chance of passing the exam, while those with a score of 80% or higher had an impressive 100% chance.

Best CIA Prep Course - Dashboard

4. Flexible Pricing

While many of the features discussed above are appealing, perhaps the most appealing aspect of Surgent’s CIA study tools are its flexible pricing. Students who are looking to only study for one part of the CIA exam can purchase an individual course for a fraction of the full price.

These courses each offer almost 600 practice questions and offer the same powerful adaptive learning and analytic tools provided by the full package. For repeat exam takers, this is quite possibly the most affordable option for brushing up on one specific aspect of the test.

New financing is also available for full courses, starting from $44/month with Affirm.

5. Mobile Textbook Access

In recent years, it’s become harder and harder for many students to juggle study time with other obligations. Because of that, Surgent ensured that their CIA prep textbooks come in a format that can be accessed anywhere and at anytime, allowing for quicker study sessions on the go.

6. Frequent Updates

In order to ensure that all of their educational materials are up-to-date, Surgent’s CIA review course is frequently updated with new material. Best of all is that these upgrades are completely free for all enrolled students.

Surgent CIA Weaknesses

1. No Lectures

For some university students who have to listen to multiple lectures a day, this may actually be a positive aspect of the exam. However, there are many students who learn best when the material is explained to them in this way. Unfortunately for them, Surgent includes no audio or video lectures in their CIA prep program. For those who aren’t satisfied with practice tests and downloadable textbooks, this will probably be a dealbreaker.

Ideal User

The kind of student that would get the most out of Surgent CIA Review is one that is self-motivated. Without any live teachers or lectures, only students with the discipline and drive to study on their own will benefit from this educational tool. They will also need a computer or smart device with a stable internet connection in order to take advantage of the A.S.A.P. technology and Trending Score feature.

Some features of this CIA prep program will appeal to specific students who fulfill this criteria. For instance, those with limited amounts of free time due to work or school will appreciate how little time it takes to take a practice test and examine their results. Repeat exam takers can appreciate this program as well because of its ability to pinpoint specific topics on the exam they may be having problems with, as well as its flexible pricing.

My Suggestion

While it may not have as many features as some other CIA test prep programs, Surgent’s review course is a laser-guided study tool that can help students prepare for the exam in record time. If you’re looking for a high-tech study tool that won’t waste your time, check out Surgent CIA Review.

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gleim cia materialsRATING: ★★★★★

Gleim CIA Review is one of the most popular CIA review courses on the market. Students have praised this extensive self-study course, which comes with an assigned personal counselor to help you through the entire CIA exam process.
The comprehensive study materials, an option to buy materials separately or as a package, performance tracking, and money back guarantee, all make this course a very attractive option.

How do you rate Gleim CIA Review?

PROS

gleim cia counseling1. Personal Counselors & Accessibility

You won’t need to pay for a tutor because your very own counselor is built into the course. Right from the start, your counselor will help you create a study plan based on your schedule, current situation and background. Whether you have questions about the CIA exam process or the study materials, you can turn to your counselor or the expert accounting staff at Gleim. Contact them by phone, email, or consult the Q&A message board for answers to commonly asked questions.

2. Large Question Bank

Gleim’s online test software includes over 3,000 multiple choice questions. Students can use the large test bank to create custom practice tests. Practice questions on tests can be filtered by number and type, and you can choose to exclude questions you have worked on previously. This helps avoid spending time on the same questions you’ve already answered in favor of focusing on those you haven’t seen or need to practice. Detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers are also included.

gleim cia3. Performance Analysis

Gleim helps you identify and focus on your weak areas so you don’t spend more time than necessary preparing for your next CIA exam. The software comes with detailed analytics that track your performance as you progress through the course. Struggling with a particular section? You can keep retaking the same questions until you master that type. The software tracks your most recent attempt, the average of your last 3 attempts, and your cumulative average. You can also follow your progress in the Performance Graphs section, which shows a snapshot of your performance so far.

4. Available in Spanish

Students planning to take the exam in Spanish will be happy to know that Gleim offers its study materials in Spanish as well. There is no need to translate the practice questions into Spanish in your head or struggle with a language barrier, as everything has been translated for you already! You will be able to see the practice questions in both English and Spanish.

5. Choose Study or Exam Mode

In the Study Session mode,  you can choose how many questions to include on your practice exam. This is useful if you don’t have much time to study because you can fit in a quick session on your lunch break or before work. In study mode, your answers will be graded immediately and you’ll get an explanation of why your answer was correct or incorrect.

When you start to feel more confident about a section, you can switch over to the Practice Exam mode, which simulates the actual exam environment. Just as on the real CIA exam, the answers will not be revealed until you have completed all of the questions.

6. Final Exam Review

The Exam Rehearsal mode offers the chance to prepare with a computerized test that is almost identical to the actual CIA exam. It should be taken at least one week before your real exam date, during your final review. It simulates the actual exam environment by including 100 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 3.5 hours. You’ll be able to practice your time-management skills while testing yourself on the content of the exam. Additionally, their Premium course offers one more Rehearsal for additionally pre-assessment and practice.

7. Pass Guarantees

If you are not satisfied with the Gleim CIA Review course you can return it for a full refund (less shipping costs). Or you can take advantage of their Replacement Guarantee or the Continued Access Guarantee. It is obvious that Gleim is investing in satisfied customers who will pass the CIA exam on their first attempt. For more details and eligibility requirements for the various guarantees, please click here.

8. Discounts

Gleim currently offers Crush readers a 5% discount on all their CIA study materials. Be sure to take advantage of this discount if you go with Gleim! Gleim also offers financing options for those who need it.

Get 5% OFF Gleim CIA Review

CONS

1. Price / No Savings on Most Packages

Unless you are planning to buy the Gleim Premium CIA Review System with all components ($849), buying the study materials for all three parts of the exam together in a bundle won’t save you much (or anything) compared to buying the separate components of the program. With our additional discount, you’ll save an extra $42 if you plan to buy the entire Premium CIA Review program with everything included, but students interested only in the online review course would do better to buy prep materials for one part of the exam at a time to see how well it fits their needs and prepares them.

Ideal User

The Gleim CIA audio review is great for people who are constantly on-the-go. Each clip is approximately 30-minutes long and covers a different study unit. The audio is compatible with most portable music devices and smart phones, allowing candidates to study while at the gym, during their daily commute to work, and other less traditional study times. For more information about Gleim’s audio review course click here.

The program’s flexibility allows students to buy study materials for just one part of the exam at a time, or they can purchase the entire course for slight savings. Self-motivated learners will do best with this program – even though you are assigned a personal counsellor to answer questions and help you design a study plan, this is not a traditional assignment with live lectures, deadlines or peer interaction.

My Suggestion

Gleim is the most comprehensive CIA online review course on the market and is a great fit for anyone who is serious about passing all 3 parts of the exam on the first try. The personal counsellors assigned to each student are one of the biggest strengths of Gleim’s program. Students who have taken Gleim’s courses recommend the practice questions and report that the material prepared them well for the actual exam.

The fact that their course is backed by a Money Back Guarantee, a Replacement Guarantee, and an Online Access Guarantee demonstrate Gleim’s commitment to their products and their desire for their clients to succeed on the CIA exam. Download one of Gleim’s FREE Demos and check it out for yourself. This could be the most important decision you make in your journey to crush the CIA exam!

GO TO GLEIM CIA REVIEW!

Summary of Course Features

  • Interactive Review Sections for Part 1, 2, and 3 of the CIA exam
  • Large Test Question Bank (3,000+ questions)
  • Unlimited Practice Exams
  • Interactive Study Planer
  • Personal Counselor
  • Digital Books with Outlines, Examples, Audiovisual Lectures
  • Audio Review Lectures for Download/Streaming
  • 2 Final Exam Rehearsals™

Pricing

Gleim Premium CIA Review System Package (Includes Parts 1, 2 and 3)

Price: $849
Includes: Unlimited access until you pass to Gleim’s Premium online self-study review course (2016 edition), unlimited practice exams, exam-emulating test bank and quizzes, personal counselor, interactive Study Planner, digital book with comprehensive outlines, examples and audiovisual lectures. Also includes Gleim CIA Test Prep, Audio Lectures (2017 edition), 2 Exam Rehearsals™ and free Gleim bookbag.

  • Price for Part 1 or 2 only: $299
  • Price for Part 3 only: $339
Gleim Traditional CIA Review Online (Includes Parts 1, 2 and 3)

Price: $799
Includes: Gleim’s Traditional online self-study review course (2016 edition) comes with an interactive study planner, Audio Lectures (2017 edition) practice questions, Gleim digital books containing comprehensive outlines and examples, and your own personal counselor, all until you pass.

  • Price for Part 1 or 2 only: $279
  • Price for Part 3 only: $319
Gleim CIA Parts 1,2,3 (Books & Test Prep) 

Total Price: $447

Includes: 18-month access to one of the most widely used question banks on the market. CIA Exam questions released by The IIA and books (optional).

  • Price for Part 1 – Internal Audit Basics (Book & Test Prep) only: $139
  • Price for Part 2 – Internal Audit Practice (Book & Test Prep) only: $139
  • Price for Part 3 – Internal Audit Knowledge Elements (Book & Test Prep) only: $169

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Gleim CIA Review Course Info

Gleim CIA Review
 Strengths 
1. Personal Counselors & Accessibility
2. Large Question Bank
3. 5% Off Discount Code
4. Available in Spanish
5. Pass Guarantees

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