Choosing the Right Study Material for CIA Part 3: A Guide
Navigating the study material options for CIA Part 3 can be quite challenging. Having successfully used Gleim for Parts 1 and 2, I was confident of a similar experience for Part 3. It turns out, however, that opinions in the community are widely divided when it comes to this section.
While Gleim was my go-to resource for the initial parts, many voices in the CIA community suggest that it might not suffice for Part 3. There’s a notable consensus that Gleim could be enhanced by integrating it with materials from Hock and relevant GTAGs. On the other hand, some candidates advocate for completely shifting to alternative resources like Surgent, Hock, or even the official IIA materials in conjunction with GTAGs.
Now, I’m caught in a dilemma: which option provides a comprehensive coverage of the essential topics? Furthermore, which material is most effective for practice exams? Is there a single provider that offers an all-inclusive package?
Your insights and suggestions are welcome as I embark on this decision-making process.
Thank you for your guidance!
One response
Passing the CIA Part 3 exam requires a comprehensive understanding of a broad range of topics, from governance and risk management to information technology and financial management. The experience you’re describing with mixed feedback on study materials is quite common, as Part 3 covers a diverse set of topics that can make a single resource less effective. Here’s a structured approach to help you select the best material combination:
Understand the Scope and Complexity: Unlike Parts 1 and 2, Part 3 requires a deep dive into different subjects that often exceed traditional internal Audit knowledge. This means your study materials need to be both diverse and in-depth. Taking a closer look at the exam syllabus from the IIA can clarify which areas might require additional resources.
Gleim’s Strengths and Weaknesses: While Gleim is recognized for its robust content, especially in parts 1 & 2, its Part 3 material may not be as comprehensive in certain specialized areas like IT and financial management. Evaluate if Gleim has added newer updates or complemented material for Part 3 in recent editions, and consider using it if you’ve had previous success.
Considering Hock and Surgent: Hock offers thorough coverage of all three parts of the CIA exam, with a noted strength in its simplified explanations and practice questions that might fill gaps left by Gleim. Surgent, known for its adaptive learning technology, can be effective if you find an area where you are particularly weak and require more personalized practice. Combining both could provide a balanced approach, benefiting from both depth and adaptability.
Incorporating IIA and GTAGs: Since the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) sets the exam, their materials are inherently aligned with the curriculum. IIA’s study guides combined with GTAGs (Global Technology Audit Guides) are crucial for understanding evolving IT governance topics, which are becoming increasingly emphasized in Part 3.
An All-in-One Solution: If you’re seeking an all-in-one provider, it’s tough to find a single provider that excels in every aspect due to the specialized nature of Part 3. However, starting with Hock or Surgent might be beneficial, as they both tend to offer comprehensive help systems and extensive practice questions.
Tactical Resource Blending and Practice: Given the varied feedback, consider starting with Gleim and supplementing with Hock for conceptual clarity and practice questions, while using IIA