Best CIA Review Courses – Top 6
Compare the Top 5 CIA Review Courses: Gleim CIA Review, Wiley CIAexcel Review, PRC CIA, Gryfin CIA Review, and more. Find out which one Best fits your needs!
Gryfin CIA Review
Course Rating: ★★★★★
Gryfin CIA Review is a popular course for many students going through the CIA exam process. The course utilizes a cutting-edge technology that allows you to customize your learning experience.
Adaptive learning technology along with the lowest price tag of any CIA review course on the market, Gryfin is a great match for many types of students.
PROS
1. Adaptive Learning Software
Gryfin’s adaptive learning software will create a study plan specific to your needs. By assessing your answers, Gryfin can build a customized program that focuses on your areas of weakness. The objective is to streamline the studying process so you only target the areas that need more understanding.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Gryfin CIA Review tailors the course to your learning style. This targeting results in an extremely efficient way to study. The adaptive software trims away the unnecessary information and redundant work so you don’t waste any time going over material you’ve already mastered.
2. 100% Pass Guarantee
Gryfin is so confident in its review course that it offers a Pass or Refund Guarantee. If you use its course in its entirety and don’t pass, the company will refund your money. Make sure you check out the requirements needed to make you eligible for this great assurance plan.
Not only does Gryfin CIA Review offer a Pass or Refund Guarantee, but also it provides a 50% discount if you decide to retake the course after it has expired. It’s clear that Gryfin takes pride in its software’s ability to get you a passing score on the CIA exam.
3. Easy-to-Use Course Design
The clean web design of Gryfin makes this course easy to use. The dashboard helps make the entire site accessible and guides you through the process as it monitors your progress. Thanks to adaptive learning, Gryfin can provide a study plan that is tailored to your needs. This means that your test prep course will be made for your use, not other students, ensuring you have a smooth and customized studying process. Every study session will help personalize the course, making it easier for you to use.
4. Exam Day Planner
This is a great tool used in Gryfin that calculates how many hours you need to study in order to cover all the material and practice before your exam date. All you need to do is input the date of your exam and what days you can study, and then Gryfin will create your personalized preparation strategy.
You will see a detailed plan of how many hours a day you will need to study in order to be ready for the CIA Exam. This will help you avoid stressing out about the logistics of figuring out how you are going to pace your study time. The less headaches the better when it comes to preparing for your test!
5. Low Cost
Gryfin is the most affordable comprehensive review course available. The low price will be a very attractive option for you, since other review courses with the same features can be more than twice the price of Gryfin.
Add in the cost of the exam itself and you may find yourself in the hole, financially speaking, if you splurge on a more expensive option. Equipped with state of the art adaptive learning technology, this is a higher-end product with a lower-end price tag.
6. Simplicity
Gryfin has made a clean cut web design that takes out the distractions and other nonsense that is not crucial to studying for the CIA Exam. The dashboard is simple and the entire site is free from clutter allowing you to keep your aim on what’s really important: passing the CIA Exam. There are several other indicators that are plainly presented to you—it’s simple to reference any of the included programs and tools while studying. Without all the bells and whistles, you can really focus on your progress and see where you will need to improve.
7. Discounts
Gryfin offers a variety of discounts. Currently, it is offering a 10% discount for first time purchases. Be sure to check the discounts page for other deals they may be offering.
CON
No Video Lectures
Gryfin CIA Review is offered online only and does not have video lectures. Since the company believes in adaptive learning, Gryfin provides you with material, tests your knowledge on said material, and then guides you back to the topics that need more work. Gryfin believes including a video lecture would increase unnecessary study time.
Ideal User
Gryfin CIA Review is a great fit for self-motivated learners who will take advantage of the adaptive learning software to optimize their studies. The course becomes a personalized study experience that targets your attention to areas that need to be strengthened. This leads to a more efficient way to study that doesn’t require you to go back and review material you’ve already mastered.
Gryfin would be great for you if you are working full time or have a busy schedule. The course has a lot of flexibility and can adjust to your time constraints. It even offers review courses for each part of the CIA Exam if you don’t need the entire exam prep program. Honestly, since the software can adapt to any type of student, this review course can be a great match for everyone.
My Suggestion
Gryfin is breaking through the test prep industry and has become a leading choice for many CIA candidates. With a comprehensive software that can adapt to each individual user, it’s taking the personalized study route and making it affordable. At an incredibly low cost, no other course compares when getting the most bang for your buck.
This company is so confident with its course and your passage of the CIA Exam that it includes a Pass or Refund Guarantee. Gryfin really wants to see you succeed and pass your test on your first try. Picking the right review course is one of the most important steps in your process to becoming a CIA, so make sure you choose one that will compliment the way you learn and your lifestyle.
Summary of Course Features
- More than 2,000 Multiple Choice Questions
- Web Based Review
- 12 Months of Online Access
- 100% Pass or Refund Guarantee
- Exam Day Planner
Pricing
Gryfin CIA Exam Review Full Course (Includes Parts 1, 2, and 3)
Price: $427 $357 Show Coupon
Includes: 12 Months of online access, 2,000+ multiple choice questions, Exam Day Planner, and Pass or Refund Guarantee
- Price for individual Exam part: $149
Gryfin CIA Review Course Info
| Gryfin CIA Review |
Strengths |
| 1. | Adaptive Learning Software |
| 2. | 100% Pass Guarantee |
| 3. | Easy-to-Use Course Design |
| 4. | Exam Day Planner |
| 5. | Low Cost |
Gleim CIA Review
Course Rating: ★★★★★
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.
PROS
1. 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.
3. 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.
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!
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 a slight savings. Self-motivated learners will do best with this program – even though you are assigned a personal counselor 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 counselors 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 demonstrates 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!
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
- Final Exam Rehearsal™
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), and Exam Rehearsal™ 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
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 |
Wiley CIA Review
Course Rating: ★★★★★
Wiley has been in the test prep business for more than 40 years and is known for creating high-quality review courses for several different accounting exams. Wiley CIAexcel, also known as Wiley CIA Review, lives up to these standards and provides a variety of resources to help candidates study for and pass the CIA exam.
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.
PROS
1. Test Bank
Taking practice tests is a crucial part of preparing for the CIA exam. The Wiley CIA Test Bank
2. Mobile Apps
Nothing beats a mobile app for studying on the go. Wiley has created apps for both the iPhone and iPad. You can create note cards with bullet points of key concepts, bookmark specific terms or sections, search by keywords, and create your own notes for all three parts of the CIA exam.
3. Up-to-Date 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.
The first textbook covers Part 1, Internal Audit Basics; textbook 2 covers Part 2 and focuses on Internal Audit Practice; and the third textbook goes over the Internal Audit Knowledge Elements covered in Part 3 of the exam.
4. Focus Notes
This supplemental reference set outlines the most important study material covered on the exam in condensed form. Wiley Focus Notes
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.
5. Free Trial of Test Bank
You can sign up to get 24 hours of free, unlimited access to the Test Bank. Although you won’t be able to access the course textbook materials or other resources, you will be able to decide whether to purchase the Test Bank separately or as a part of your course.
CONS
1. No Android App
Wiley’s CIA Exam Focus Notes are only available for Apple iOS devices. However, Wiley has developed Android apps for its CPA exam prep courses, so maybe Android users will be able to benefit from this feature in the future.
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.
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. Wiley is well-known for high-quality questions that are similar to those on the exam and can be filtered for practice sessions involving the Test Bank. 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 gives students the opportunity to study anytime, anywhere at their convenience. This is valuable for candidates with long commutes on the subway or train. The CIA online Test Bank is the core of the program and will help students become adept at answering questions online, just as they will on the actual exam.
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.
Wiley CIA Breakdown
| Wiley CIA Review |
Strengths |
| 1. | Test Bank With 5,000 Questions |
| 2. | Mobile App |
| 3. | Up-To-Date Textbooks |
| 4. | Focus Notes |
| 5. | Free Trial of Test Bank |
CIA Learning System Review
Course 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.
COMPARE THE BEST CIA REVIEW COURSES!
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.
COMPARE THE BEST CIA REVIEW COURSES!
CIA Learning System Breakdown
| CIA Learning System Review |
Strengths |
| 1. | Flexibility |
| 2. | Online Study Tools |
| 3. | Optimized for Mobile Devices |
| 4. | In-Person Courses |
Lambers CIA Review
Course 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.
COMPARE THE BEST CIA REVIEW COURSES!
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 |
Surgent CIA Review
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.