Real Challenges, Real Stories – HOCK Study Path

Real Challenges, Real Stories

Dive into the heart of exam prep with our latest video collection – a powerful glimpse into the real challenges faced by HOCK Study Path participants.

From juggling time to tackling tough topics, these stories are all about the raw, unfiltered journey toward professional certification.

Watch as our students share their hurdles in the early stages of their study journey. Their courage, resilience, and commitment shine through every word, reminding us all of the strength it takes to chase our dreams.

 

Watch the Stories

 

Your next chapter is waiting to be written. Begin your journey with HOCK today and transform challenges into victories.

Stepping Into Accounting: My Personal Take on the FMAA Certification

Stepping Into Accounting - Blog

Tyler Skelton is the Director of US Business Development at HOCK and he has spent over ten years helping professionals prepare for finance and accounting certifications. Although Tyler doesn’t come from an accounting background, his interest in continuous learning and professional development has led him to explore the new FMAA certification. Join him as he shares his experience with this journey.

Understanding the FMAA: A Certification for All Professionals

For over a decade, I’ve dedicated myself to providing individuals with the resources to help them obtain various accounting and finance certifications. I had never considered taking an exam for any of those certifications, mainly because I wouldn’t meet the work experience requirements, but also, I just didn’t fit in with what I wanted to do with my career. I do not come from an accounting background and haven’t taken an accounting course for as long as I have been in my current field.

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) recently launched a brand-new certification called the FMAA, which stands for Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate. The FMAA is a foundational certification designed to equip early-career professionals with core accounting and finance knowledge skills. What sets this certification apart is that it doesn’t require education or work experience to sit for the exam. This makes it an ideal certification for business students starting out in accounting or finance, business professionals who work closely with accountants or the accounting department, or professionals looking to transition into a new career path.

The FMAA Experience: Gearing Up for the Exam

When I learned about the FMAA certification, I realized it was not only relevant to my background but also an option I could consider pursuing. I believe it’s important to commit to continuous learning and professional development. By taking the FMAA exam, I aim to better understand the challenges our candidates face in preparing for exams. It also helps me relate more closely to the accounting and finance profession. As I approach my exam date this month I am beginning to feel the pressure. I’m excited to update you all on my exam results and will report back!

Tyler Skelton
US Business Development Director

Conquering Exam Fears: Insights from HOCK Study Path

HOCK Study Path Series

It is common to encounter many fears and hesitations when preparing for professional certification exams. We asked the HOCK Study Path participants to share the fears that have held them back and see how acknowledging and facing these fears is the first step toward overcoming them.

The Fears Holding Us Back

  • Time and Financial Constraints: Many participants highlighted the challenge of balancing demanding jobs with study time alongside concerns about the financial implications of taking exams, especially when travel is required.
  • Fear of Failure: The fear of not succeeding on the first try was a big reason for not moving forward. The thought of failing not only themselves but also those who support them added an extra layer of pressure.
  • Uncertainty and Feeling Overwhelmed: Some participants delayed their exam preparation due to uncertainties about the exam process or concerns about their ability to commit to and complete a rigorous study schedule.

You Are Not Alone

  • 60% of our participants cited time management and financial concerns as major hurdles.
  • Over 70% expressed a fear of failure and the pressure of expectations as significant barriers.
  • Nearly 50% mentioned uncertainty about the exam process and doubts about their study discipline.

Turning Fears Into Motivation

The HOCK Study Path community demonstrated that starting is the most important step in transforming these fears into success stories. By engaging with the program, participants have begun to:

  • Prioritize and Plan: Setting up a Personal Study Plan in PassMap helps in managing study hours and fitting exam preparation into busy schedules.
  • Embrace the Learning Process: Shifting focus from the pressure of passing exams to enjoying the acquisition of new knowledge makes the journey more fulfilling.
  • Leverage Community Support: Sharing experiences and challenges with fellow students provides a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.

Join Us and Start Your Journey

Let the HOCK Study Path Series be your guide and support system. Subscribe to the YouTube channel and follow the community where real students share their real experiences. By subscribing, you’ll find inspiration, insights, and the motivation to study with a plan.

It is never too late to conquer your fears and start your path to success!

HOCK Study Materials – 40% off

All our materials are based on a subscription model and start with a free trial. You can cancel your subscription anytime. Start your studies now and lock in your rate:

Why are you studying for your exams?

We are thrilled to share an update on the HOCK Study Path Series, where over twenty fortunate applicants have recently begun their journey toward exam preparation. Brian Hock always emphasizes the importance of knowing your “WHY” when it comes to studying for exams. With this philosophy in mind, we asked our participants to share the motivations behind their pursuit of professional certification. The variety and depth of the responses we received were both inspiring and enlightening.
 

In a collection of video responses, our participants shared their personal motivations, ranging from career advancement to personal fulfillment. Each story provides a glimpse into the diverse goals and drives that bring our community together, reinforcing the idea that every journey is unique but equally significant. We invite you to watch these powerful testimonials, hoping they will motivate and encourage you in your own journey. Whether you are on the path to professional certification or considering taking that first step, remember that your WHY is the key to unlocking your full potential.

Welcoming Tyler Skelton to the HOCK Family

Welcoming Tyler Skelton to the HOCK Family (1)

We are excited to announce that Tyler Skelton has joined the HOCK family as the new US Business Development Director! Tyler brings over a decade of expertise in business growth, partnership development, and strategic program management.

Tyler’s expertise and dynamic approach to business development are set to propel our growth and expand our reach within the US market. Tyler’s appointment underscores our commitment to excellence and our dedication to developing and nurturing meaningful relationships and partnerships.

I am truly excited to join the HOCK family and embark on this journey to foster and expand our partnerships with US universities and organizations. My passion lies in nurturing existing connections and building new ones, with the ultimate goal of helping thousands of students across the US to benefit from HOCK’s exceptional study materials. It is an honor to play an important role in shaping the future of education and to contribute to the professional growth of the next generation of accounting professionals. Together, we will unlock new opportunities and achieve great success.” Tyler Skelton.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Tyler to the HOCK family. We look forward to the innovation and leadership he will bring to our business development efforts in the US!

Welcoming Ronak Baheti to the HOCK Family

Welcoming Ronak Baheti to the HOCK Family

We are excited to welcome Ronak Baheti, CMA as the new Business Relationship Director at HOCK international! With Ronak stepping into this role, we set to cultivate and deepen our business relationships, especially in the vibrant market of India.

Ronak joins us with a unique perspective, having been a US CMA student who benefited greatly from HOCK’s educational resources. Ronak is passionate about leveraging his insights and experiences to contribute to our growth in India.

In his own words, Ronak shares, “As a US CMA student, I had the opportunity to use Hock videos, which helped me immensely to clear my exams on the first attempt. I always liked the clarity Brian used to explain, keeping it simple for understanding. I am really honoured to join the HOCK family and help them grow the Indian market. Brian’s student-first approach is something that resonated with me, and I decided to join him on this journey!”

Ronak’s appointment as Business Relationship Director is a testament to our commitment to not just educating but also building strong, supportive relationships with our partners and the professional community in India.

Brian Hock: “Ronak brings to our team a unique blend of experience as both a student and a professional. His understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Indian market, coupled with his passion for education and growth, makes him an ideal fit for leading our business relationships. I am confident that with Ronak’s leadership, we will continue to strengthen and expand our presence in India, providing unparalleled support to our students and partners.”

Please join us in warmly welcoming Ronak Baheti to the HOCK family. Here’s to the exciting journey ahead and the achievements we will accomplish together!

Learn more about the HOCK Partner Program and HOCK India

Exclusive EA Strategy Talk with Brian Hock and Timalyn Bowens

Brian Hock, CMA, CSCA, CIA, CRMA, has joined Timalyn Bowens, EA, for an insightful live session about the Enrolled Agent (EA) license – a prestigious designation awarded by the IRS to top-tier tax professionals.

Whether you are aspiring to become an Enrolled Agent or are already one and looking to sharpen your skills and knowledge in accounting practices, this session is for you.

 

 

HOCK Study Path Series

HOCK Study Path Series

HOCK international is excited to launch a unique opportunity for accounting and finance professionals preparing for certification exams in 2024. We seek dedicated individuals committed to their professional development journey and willing to share their experiences as part of a dynamic case study program: HOCK Study Path Series.

HOCK will provide selected participants free access to our complete study materials. This access is conditional on participants adhering to the program's rules, such as submitting weekly updates and engaging in monthly Zoom meetings. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in the cancellation of access to these resources. Our goal is to foster a productive partnership where committed students receive essential support for their exam success.

Interested candidates who meet the following criteria should apply by January 31st, 2024.

The 2024 CMA Syllabus Change

the 2024 cma syllabus change

The CMA Learning Outcome Statements (the LOS, or exam syllabus) are changing for the September/October 2024 Exam Window. There are a lot of questions that candidates have about this change. We have answered the most common questions here.

For more detailed information about the changes, click here.

How big is the change?

The changes to the CMA to the LOS are very small. No significant topics are being added or deleted. The largest topic being added is connected to consolidated financial statements in Part 1 Section A. But, there is no requirement added to perform a consolidation. Candidates need to understand what consolidation is when it is required and what is done during a consolidation (the elimination of intracompany balances).

When does it take effect?

The new syllabus will be tested in the September/October Exam window. The January/February and the May/June Exam windows will test the syllabus that was established in 2020.

Will I have to retake an Exam that I have already passed?

No. If you pass Part 1 or Part 2 under the current syllabus, you will keep that credit for whatever time period you are able to keep the credit. The requirement that you must pass both Exams within 3 years of registering as a CMA candidate is still in place.

For example, if you registered as a candidate in November 2021 and passed Part 1 in January 2024, you need to pass Part 2 in the September/October window because you must pass both Exams within 3 years of registering as a CMA candidate. If you do not pass Part 2 in the September/October Exam window, you will need to re-register as a CMA candidate and pass Part 1 again.

What happens if I fail an Exam in the May/June Exam window?

If you take an Exam in the May/June window and fail, you will need to retake the exam under the 2024 syllabus in September/October (or later). The good news is that the changes are very small, and you will not need to study very much new content for your retake.

What should I do if I have not started studying yet?

If you are just starting to study as a CMA candidate, we recommend that you start studying with the 2020 syllabus. It is very possible that you will be able to prepare and take your Exam in the May/June Exam window. If, in a couple of months you realize that you will not be ready by the May/June window, you will just shift your studies to the 2024 syllabus for the September/October Exam window. Again, the changes to the syllabus are small, so this will not be an issue.

What should I do if I have already started studying for CMA?

If you are already studying, continue to study and work towards passing in the May/June Exam window. If you determine that will not be possible, you will simply shift to the September/October window.

What should I do if I pass Part 1 (or Part 2) in the January/February window?

If you pass Part 1 or Part 2 in the January/February Exam window, you will probably not be ready to take the Exam in May/June. If you want to try, there is no problem at all to start under the 2020 syllabus and then switch to the 2024 syllabus if you need to.

When will HOCK have new Materials?

Our CMA exam materials, accessible through 1, 6, and 24-month subscriptions, are undergoing a comprehensive update, including the addition of new content removing topics that will no longer be part of the exam. We anticipate the updated materials to be available in March 2024, and as all our resources are online, updates will be immediately accessible to subscribers. Find out more details about the HOCK CMA Exam Review Subscription.

FMAA – A New Certification And New Study Materials

FMAA - HOCK Study Materials

We are thrilled to announce the launch of HOCK’s study materials for the Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate (FMAATM) certification! This new foundational certification, introduced by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA®), is a critical step for early-career professionals in the accounting and finance sectors. It is designed to provide essential knowledge and skills, setting the stage for a successful and impactful career.

Why FMAA?

The FMAA certification is an excellent starting point for those new to accounting and finance. It’s crafted to demonstrate business knowledge and leave a strong impression on potential or existing employers. With no eligibility requirements, it offers a unique opportunity for a wide range of professionals to either begin their careers in this dynamic field, regardless of their educational or professional background, or to move up in their company by gaining needed accounting and finance skills.

Exam Overview

The FMAA exam covers five key areas:

  • General Accounting and Financial Management (25%)
  • Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis (25%)
  • Planning and Budgeting (20%)
  • Cost Management and Performance Metrics (20%)
  • Professional Ethics (10%)

This structure ensures a comprehensive grasp of critical accounting and finance concepts. The two-hour exam is offered through Prometric testing centers and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions.

Study with HOCK

Understanding the importance and intensity of the FMAA certification, HOCK has developed study materials to ensure you are well-prepared for the exam. Our materials include HOCK’s interactive learning system PassMap, a personalized study planner, textbook, test bank, and mock exam.

Learn More and Subscribe

Ready to start your FMAA journey? Learn more about the FMAA certification and our study materials. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career with the FMAA certification and HOCK’s expert resources. Sign up for our free trial today and take the first step towards your professional growth in accounting and finance.