[Katie75]

Hey all,

Just wondering if anyone else out there is studying for the CIA. I just took Part 1 and passed it. I currently work as an Internal Auditor for a Big 4. I’ve scheduled Part 2 for July 27th (strategically to get a day off too). I’m using the IIA’s CIA Learning System as my study materials. I thought the first test was harder than I expected, but still doable. I am hoping for the same for the second part. Any tips for those of you who have Part 2 done?

I also have my CPA license. I studied Becker over about 6 months and got that out of the way last summer. The CIA is a personal goal of mine. I’m glad I only have to take 3 parts instead of 4!!!!

[LongJourney]

Do what you did with part 1 and focus on solving as many MCQs as possible (a good number of questions will come in the actual exam). In addition, there is a good overlap between part 1 and 2 which will make your life a little bit easier. I felt that part 1 was tougher than 2 and 3 so I hope that this will give you some relief.

REG: 80 (02/02/2012)
FAR: 91 (02/06/2012)
AUD: 89 (02/09/2012)
BEC: 79 (02/12/2012)

Ethics: 90 (02/11/2012)

[Katie75]

Yep, sounds like the normal — MCQs and reread the book a few times. I'm already seeing some of PART 2 that was on my PART 1 question, so I'm glad my expereince as an IA paid off. I wasn't just clueless and came out with the pass.

I also hear that PART 3 is much more theory than questions. I passed BEC just fine, so I'm not too worried….

[LongJourney]

There is also plenty of overlap between part 2 and part 3 (IT stuff). Even though part 3 contains both cost accounting (BEC) and financial accounting (FAR) questions, the actual exam didn't contain much calculations. Since you already passed both FAR and BEC, most likely part 3 would be close to walk in the park (don't mistake this as an advice to not prepare at all).

REG: 80 (02/02/2012)
FAR: 91 (02/06/2012)
AUD: 89 (02/09/2012)
BEC: 79 (02/12/2012)

Ethics: 90 (02/11/2012)

[Katie75]

No, of course you need to study. I've heard about the overlap with 1 and 2, but not with 2 and 3.

I mean, overall they are quick to prepare for, about a month of real studying. Most of the time you have to read the questions slowly and pick out the answers with “all”, “onky”, etc.

What materials did you use?

[jeff]

CMA and CIA are highly recommended for resume boosters after you pass the CPA.

AUD - 79
BEC - 80
FAR - 76
REG - 92

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS)
NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE | Another71

[LongJourney]

I used Gleim books and software. I can't judge on IIA learning system since I haven't tried it myself, but Gleim tends to add more stuff to the book than what you would actually see in the exam. Most likely most of the questions in Gleim and IIA materials are from the same source.

REG: 80 (02/02/2012)
FAR: 91 (02/06/2012)
AUD: 89 (02/09/2012)
BEC: 79 (02/12/2012)

Ethics: 90 (02/11/2012)

[nycegurl]

For those who have studied and taken the CIA, how long did you study for? 6mos-1yr? Is it feasible to complete the 3 parts within a year based on the material (with the Part 4 waiver)? I want to beat the Dec '13 deadline if this is possible.

REG - 82 (11/09)
FAR - 72 (2/27/10), 79 (5/29/10)
BEC - 69 (7/9/10), Retake 11/26
AUD - 75 8/28/10

[Anonymous]

@nycegurl — you've passed all for CPA parts. CIA should be easy for you. I took and passed 3 CIA sections in 2007 after a 6 month review when it was the pencil and paper test. I was exempted from Part 4 because I have a CPA license from another country.

[nycegurl]

Thank you cheska_0222! I appreciate the response! Ok, so it's doable! I will invest in the study materials this holiday season! 🙂 Good luck on the remainder of your exam!!! Way to go on FAR!

REG - 82 (11/09)
FAR - 72 (2/27/10), 79 (5/29/10)
BEC - 69 (7/9/10), Retake 11/26
AUD - 75 8/28/10

[Author]

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