Exam Prep & Study Tips
The Critical Importance of Ethical Learning Practices
At HOCK international, we have noticed a growing issue: the unauthorized sharing of exam preparation materials. While this might seem helpful, this practice can have serious consequences. Not only is it unethical, but it is also illegal.
Why Unauthorized Sharing is Harmful
Unauthorized materials may be outdated, incomplete, or fragmented, leading to confusion and poor exam performance. Our resources are developed as a comprehensive learning system that guides students step-by-step through their exam preparation. Using only parts of the system may leave critical knowledge gaps.
Beyond the immediate impact, unauthorized sharing damages the industry. It reduces support for quality content providers, limiting investment in up-to-date and effective study materials. This ultimately harms future learners and lowers the overall quality of available education.
Why Our System Works
Experts develop and regularly update our study materials to ensure they cover all essential topics thoroughly and are aligned with exam standards. Ethical learning means trusting in these high-quality, official resources, which offer a complete understanding of the subject. This investment not only increases your chance of success but also strengthens the integrity of the certification process.
Ethical Collaboration Through Our Resources
We encourage students to utilize our freely available resources, which support ethical collaboration and learning. Here are some ways to engage with these materials:
- Free Resources:
- Complementary Study Guides: Available at www.hockinternational.com.
- Facebook MCQ Groups: Join for daily practice questions: Free CMA Exam MCQs, Free CIA Exam MCQs, and Free EA Exam MCQs.
- New Telegram Channel: Access extra free content and connect with others on our Telegram channel.
- YouTube Channel: Explore our channel for instructional videos and additional support: HOCK International YouTube.
- Study Groups: Create your own study groups with other students using authorized materials. Share insights and celebrate successes while adhering to ethical practices.
Using these authorized materials can foster a supportive learning environment and enhance your understanding of the subject.
Our Commitment to Your Success
In addition to free resources, we offer premium materials designed for in-depth examination preparation. Our materials provide a complete, structured learning experience, ensuring you are fully equipped for success. These are available through a monthly subscription model or numerous course providers around the world.
A Call to Action
We encourage you to:
- Avoid sharing unauthorized materials.
- Report unethical practices to HOCK and the relevant certification body.
- Educate yourself and others on the importance of ethical learning.
By respecting intellectual property and engaging in ethical learning, you ensure your own success and help maintain a high standard of professional education for future students.
Thank you for your commitment to ethical learning practices.
Introducing HOCK Digital Badges for EA Exam Candidates
We are excited to announce that HOCK is now offering digital badges for our Enrolled Agent (EA) exam candidates! These badges are designed to recognize your progress, motivate you throughout your study journey, and showcase your achievements to your professional network.
What are HOCK EA Digital Badges?
HOCK EA digital badges are verifiable, shareable, and meant to demonstrate your mastery of specific topics of the EA exam content. As you progress through your preparation and pass knowledge tests, you will earn badges that reflect your accomplishments. These badges are not a replacement for the official EA credential, but they mark key milestones in your path to becoming an Enrolled Agent.
How to Earn and Share Your EA Digital Badges
All you have to do is study! For each Section, answer 95% of MCQs correctly and pass the Section Review Test with a score of 85% or higher (multiple takes are allowed). Once earned, you can easily share these badges on social media, allowing your professional network to see your progress and dedication.
Why Digital Badges Matter
Digital badges provide a visual and verifiable way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers, colleagues, and clients. By earning and sharing these badges, you can:
- Showcase your commitment to becoming an Enrolled Agent.
- Motivate yourself by celebrating milestones along the way.
- Build credibility and strengthen your professional profile even before you pass the final exam.
At HOCK, we understand the effort that goes into preparing for the EA exam. That’s why we created these digital badges—to recognize your hard work, keep you motivated, and allow you to showcase your progress as you move closer to earning your official EA credential.
HOCK Digital Badges: Celebrate The Path to Certification
We are excited to expand our digital badging program to further motivate and recognize the success of our exam candidates. HOCK is now offering verifiable and shareable digital badges as part of our CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) exam preparation! Like our CMA badges, these milestones help candidates celebrate their progress, showcase their achievements, and stay motivated as they work toward their certification exams.
How HOCK Digital Badges Motivate and Recognize Success
Earning a badge is more than just a symbol of accomplishment – it is a way for candidates to track their progress and receive recognition for their dedication and hard work during exam preparation. Individuals preparing for the CIA and CMA exams can earn badges by passing knowledge tests throughout their study process. Each badge serves as a milestone that celebrates the mastery of a particular topic or section of the syllabus.
These badges do not replace the CIA or CMA certifications but rather highlight important milestones during the study process. They are a tool to keep candidates engaged and focused, pushing them to reach their certification exams with confidence.
The Importance of Sharing Progress
By sharing these digital badges on platforms like LinkedIn, exam candidates can showcase their progress to employers, peers, and professional networks. These badges provide real-time evidence of growing knowledge and expertise, building a professional brand, and demonstrating commitment to continuous development.
As Brian Hock, President of HOCK international, explains, “Badges are a way for us to recognize the time and effort our students invest in their studies. They motivate students to stay on track and reach their goal of becoming certified. Each badge is a step forward in their professional journey.”
Verifiable, Credible, and Meaningful
HOCK’s digital badges are fully verifiable, meaning employers and peers can easily confirm accomplishments. This feature enhances the credibility of achievements and makes it simple to share success in a way that others can trust.
A Program Designed for Professional Growth
At HOCK, we believe that recognizing milestones throughout the exam preparation process is essential for motivating candidates to continue their journey. With the launch of digital badges for CIA exam preparation, alongside the already available CMA badges, we are helping exam candidates stay committed and confident as they move toward their ultimate goal of certification.
Start earning and sharing HOCK badges today!
HOCK Digital Badges: Your Gateway to Global Success
We are excited to announce the launch of a new program designed to support our students in their professional growth and development. HOCK is now issuing verifiable and shareable digital badges that enable learners to showcase their newly acquired skills to employers, colleagues, and clients, enhancing their professional profiles and career achievements.
How to Earn HOCK Digital Badges
Students can earn badges by passing knowledge tests as part of their studying for the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) exam. Badges for other HOCK exam reviews will be available soon. Additionally, HOCK is developing a series of short courses outside of certification exam prep, each of which will offer its own badge.
The Value of Digital Badges
According to the 2024 State of Credentialing Report, 96% of learners consider digital credentials valuable for their careers, and 78% believe they will help them secure better job offers. These statistics underscore the importance and impact of digital badges in today’s job market.
“At HOCK, we understand that students invest significant time and effort into their studies, even before they sit for the exam,” said Brian Hock, President of HOCK international. “We want to provide proof of their knowledge and time investment, whether it’s mastering a single topic, several topics, or the entire syllabus. This acknowledgment and reward are crucial for motivation and career advancement.“
Yulia Hock, HOCK’s Director of Marketing and Communications, emphasized the importance of sharing badges on social media and adding them to LinkedIn profiles. “Sharing your digital badge is more than celebrating your hard work; it highlights your skills, showcases your expertise, and demonstrates your commitment to professional growth. Additionally, it builds your professional brand, strengthens your online presence, and inspires your network by sharing your success story.“
The Importance of Verifiable Features
Verifiable digital badges from HOCK ensure that each badge is authentic and recognized by employers and peers. This feature adds credibility to your accomplishments and makes it easy for others to verify your skills and expertise.
Through this exciting new program, HOCK international reaffirms its commitment to supporting students’ professional journeys, helping them achieve their career goals, and recognizing their hard-earned accomplishments. Start earning and sharing your HOCK badges today!
HOCK Study Materials – 40% off
HOCK CMA study materials are based on a subscription model and start with a free trial. You can cancel your subscription anytime. Start your exam preparation, earn completion badges and lock in your rate:
HOCK CMA Study Materials: Hard Copy Textbooks Now Available
At HOCK international, we understand the diverse needs of our students when it comes to study preferences. While our comprehensive HOCK CMA study materials are fully available online, we now also offerring hard copy textbooks for those who prefer a traditional approach to studying. In this blog post, we will discuss the various options available for obtaining HOCK CMA textbooks.
Online Study Materials
Our HOCK CMA study materials include online textbooks and offer a modern and convenient way to study. Some key features of our online textbooks include notes, color coding, and search functionality. All your notes and highlights sync across your devices, ensuring you can study anytime, anywhere. Learn more about our online textbooks and their features by watching this video.
CMA Textbooks in the US
For students residing in the US who prefer reading hard-copy textbooks, we have made HOCK CMA textbooks available for purchase on Amazon. This option provides the following benefits:
You can purchase the textbooks through the following links:
While Amazon can ship to other countries, please note that international shipping may incur extra fees and longer delivery times.
CMA Textbooks in India
If you are located in India and prefer hard-copy textbooks, we have a new option available for you. You can now order HOCK CMA textbooks locally, shipped from India.
Send an email to our team at india@hockinternational.com to place your order and receive detailed information.
Piracy and Illegal Copies
It is important to be aware of piracy and illegal copies of HOCK textbooks. Here are some crucial points to keep in mind:
- Beware of Fakes: There are numerous illegal copies and non-HOCK textbooks falsely bearing our logo.
- Risks of Illegal Copies: These materials are not approved, not updated, and often contain incorrect or incomplete information.
- Authorized Sources: Only purchase textbooks through the Amazon links provided above or by directly ordering from HOCK India.
Protect your investment and ensure you are studying with updated and legal materials.
Whether you prefer online study materials or hard copy textbooks, HOCK has you covered. Choose the option that best suits your study habits and location, and ensure you are using authorized and up-to-date HOCK materials.
Happy studying!
FMAA Exam and Study Materials Now Available in Arabic
We are excited to announce that IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) has made the FMAA (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate) exam available in Arabic! This significant development opens the door for a wider range of candidates to pursue this valuable certification in their native language, making it more accessible and manageable for those who may have faced language barriers in the past.
In line with this news, we are proud to introduce our FMAA study materials in Arabic! Our FMAA textbook, and test bank are now available in Arabic, and our FMAA videos now have Arabic subtitles. This ensures that Arabic-speaking candidates have comprehensive, accessible resources to help them succeed in their exam preparation and achieve their certification goals.
What is the FMAA Exam and Who is it For?
The FMAA certification is a foundational credential designed for early-career professionals in the accounting and finance sectors. It provides essential knowledge and skills, setting the stage for a successful and impactful career. With no eligibility requirements, the FMAA is ideal for anyone looking to begin their career in this dynamic field or to gain the accounting and finance skills needed to advance in their current role.
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 consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and is offered through Prometric testing centers.
Recent Exam Results and Insights from Brian Hock
The IMA recently released the exam results for the first exam window that took place in March. Many candidates successfully passed the exams using HOCK study materials, and we extend our congratulations to all of them!
Among the successful candidates is our very own Brian Hock, President of HOCK international. Brian took the exam to ensure our FMAA study materials fully cover the syllabus. Here’s what he had to say:
“It was great to take the FMAA Exam! The FMAA certification is an excellent starting point for those beginning careers in accounting and finance. It provides a straightforward way to demonstrate business knowledge and impress employers. Even managers outside of accounting or finance can benefit from the skills covered in FMAA, aiding their career advancement. I was very happy to see that our materials covered all of the questions on my exam. We are already getting a lot of feedback from students who passed the FMAA exam about how useful and practical it is. But for many students, English has been an issue, and I would like to thank IMA for offering FMAA in Arabic. It is going to make a huge impact and change many careers. The certification is growing, employers are starting to pay attention to it, and the ability to prepare for and pass the exam in their native language will allow thousands of candidates to focus on the content.“
Next Exam Windows and Registration Discount
The first testing window for the FMAA Exam in Arabic will be the week of September 8-16. Don’t miss the opportunity to advance your career with the FMAA certification and HOCK’s expert resources. The FMAA Exam Registration fee, paid to the IMA, is $299. However, HOCK students receive a $50 discount on this fee, valid during the first month of your subscription or with a one-year access purchase. This makes it even more affordable to take the next step in your professional journey with our comprehensive and supportive study materials.
FMAA Live Classes
We have multiple partners in the Middle East who will offer FMAA classes in Arabic. Stay tuned and follow us on social media if you are looking for in-person classes, as we will be announcing more details and updates regularly.
Self-study for FMAA exam
Ready to start your FMAA journey? Learn more about the FMAA certification and our study materials. Sign up for our 3-day free trial today and take the first step towards your professional growth in accounting and finance.
Pearson Vue Testing Center: What to Expect on Exam Day
We are pleased to share this blog post written by Raffy Molina, a HOCK CIA student. We thank Raffy for sharing his experiences at the Pearson Vue Center on CIA exam day. Congratulations to Raffy on passing CIA Part 1, and we look forward to his continued success in Parts 2 and 3.
Preparing for the CIA exam can be very nerve-wracking. But there’s no better way of getting that needed boost in confidence than by reviewing the topics and answering the MCQs. Granted you’ve already studied well enough and are ready to rock the CIA exam, there are still other important things to prepare for, making sure that everything will go smoothly during the actual exam day.
Here are some preparation tips for you to consider so you can set expectations for the actual exam day.
Before the exam:
- Research about the exact location of the testing center. Days before the actual exam, I spent time researching about the testing center, the correct location, and how exactly would I get there. If you’re commuting, just like me, be sure to be clear about the routes going to the testing center because the last thing you would want to happen is to get lost and not be able to report on time for the exam.
- Secure all the needed IDs. The night before the exam, I made sure to have all the IDs needed for admission ready. Pearson Vue will send an email about the Admission Policy and what IDs are acceptable. In my case, I brought with me my Passport and another government-issued ID. Depending on the testing center, they might ask for another ID aside from your Passport (“ask” suggesting that this might not be really required as it wasn’t mentioned in Pearson Vue’s email to bring more than 1 acceptable ID). In my experience, I was allowed to bring inside the testing room another ID so if I needed to take a bathroom break, I have another card for identification when I go back to the testing room.
Exam day:
- Ensure you have all the things you need—and it’s definitely not much. In my case, I only brought with me a small bag, my passport, another acceptable ID (based on the list of acceptable IDs from Pearson Vue’s email), my phone… and that’s it! During the actual exam, all your personal belongings will be surrendered and placed inside your assigned locker box. Thus, you are really not going to be able to bring anything else except for your ID and locker box key. Depending on the testing center, they might give you scratch paper and a pen with some instructions that you are not allowed to bring them outside the testing room after the exam, and whatever you’ve written there, you are not allowed to erase yourself–not sure if it was really their standard procedure or just the testing administrator’s self-imposed policy, but the point is, there’s not much for you to bring during the actual exam.
- Be on time. And by that, follow Pearson Vue’s Admission Policy that they will send via email which includes arriving at the testing center 30 minutes before your exam appointment. In my experience, my scheduled exam was 8:30 am. Hence, I made sure to be at the testing center by 8:00 am. Remember that the time of your exam appointment does not include the time needed for you to register and submit the required IDs for admission. The 30-minute allowance will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures.
- No more reviewing at the testing center. Yes, you heard that right. You are not allowed to do a last-minute review inside the testing center, not even in the admission area. This is one of the policies written within a list of reminders about the conduct of the examination. Hence, there’s no need for you to bring your review materials because you won’t be allowed to use them.
- Upon arrival at the testing center, you will be seated in a waiting area until they have your exam station ready. While waiting, they will hand you a list of reminders that basically translates to the “dos and don’ts” during the exam proper. Make sure to read it carefully and be mindful of the expected demeanor during the exam.
Once they call your name, you will be asked to provide your passport, register using a logbook, have your photo taken, and asked for your signature, which in my case was through a signature pad. They will also give you the key to your locker box, where you can store your personal belongings while taking the exam. Before entering the testing room, the testing administrator will give you general instructions. This is the time when you can ask them questions like taking bathroom breaks, how you start the exam, do you need to turn on the machine yourself, what happens when you are done answering all the questions, and others. Ask as many questions as you can to make sure you are confident that you know what to do once you’re inside the testing room.
The testing administrator will lead you to your testing station. There will be instructions flashed in the computer screen. Make sure to read them carefully because they’re going to help you navigate the exam.
And so, the exam begins.
After the exam
Once you are done with the exam, let the testing administrator know and they will tell you if you’re now allowed to leave the testing area. Make sure to surrender the scratch paper and the pen and be sure to take everything you brought in with you.
CIA Results
Expect that the exam results will come out so fast that the testing administrator have it already printed by the time you leave the testing room. Congrats, you have just finished and hurdled the CIA exam!
The CIA exam, or any exam for this matter, is not just about being confident that you’ve studied well enough about the topics. Rather, it’s also making sure that you know the protocols and you are clear about what to expect during the actual examination day. If some things are unclear to you during the exam day, reach out and do not hesitate to ask questions to the testing administrator. Best of luck!
Click to locate the nearest Pearson Vue testing center for CIA and CIA Challenge Exams.
HOCK CIA and CIA Challenge 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:
Prometric Testing Center: What to Expect on Exam Day
It’s the day you’ve been preparing for – your accounting certification exam day. After dedicating hours to study, it’s your time to demonstrate everything you’ve learned in your exam preparation. However, before you enter the testing center, did you review the Prometric Testing Center policies? This aspect is often overlooked by exam candidates and can disqualify you from taking your exam.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect at the Prometric Testing Center and hopefully this information will save you from an exam day disaster.
1. Arrive Early:
Prometric recommends you arrive 30 minutes before your exam to allow enough time to check-in. Depending on the location of Prometric in your area, you will want to allow for additional time to navigate traffic and parking. The last thing you want is to be stressed out before your exam.
2. Bring Everything You Need:
There are many things that you need to bring with you to the testing center and it can be very easy to leave something behind. Put together an exam-day bag that has all your important items. You also don’t want to be searching for your wallet and keys before you are trying to head out the door, so having those in your exam-day bag will eliminate stress. Often, testing centers may be on the colder side, so you should bring a sweatshirt or jacket with you.
Exam-Day Bag
- Exam Confirmation Number
- Passport or Drivers License + secondary form of ID (credit card, social security card, etc.)
- Exam Approved Calculator
- Wallet
- Keys
- Sweatshirt
3. Check-In Process:
When you arrive at Prometric, there will be a check-in desk. Depending on your location, there may be several other people waiting to check in for their exams. This is another reason why you want to show up early on your exam date. When you first check in, you will need to provide your ID as mentioned earlier. Prometric will verify if the name on the ID matches the name registered for the exam and verify that you are the person on the ID. Next, you will undergo a scanning procedure to verify you don’t have any other items on you. They will also ask you to turn your pockets inside out and show that they are empty. If you wear glasses, you will need to take those off for inspection. They even check under your wedding ring! If you are brining your own calculator, confirm it is approved for the exam you are taking. They will also check to see if the memory has been cleared. Once that is completed, you will be given a locker key for your personal items. You will keep that key with you until after you have completed your exam. The only things you should have on you are your ID, locker key, and calculator (if applicable).
4. Entry Into Your Exam:
Prior to your exam, you will be seated in a waiting room until they have your exam station prepared. Once they call your name, you will provide them with your ID once again. They will also snap a photo of you and collect fingerprints (if applicable). Once that is completed, they will hand you a sheet of paper with the time you entered the exam room. They provide you with a basket that contains: scratch paper, pencils, ID, locker key, and calculator. You will be provided on instructions on where you need to place these items. Your exam station will have a section for you to leave your locker key and a section to leave your ID face up. A Prometric representative will log you into your computer to begin the exam.
5. Starting Your Exam:
Before starting your timed exam, there are a few pre-screens that you will go through. An instructional guide will demonstrate how to navigate the exam. I suggest reviewing this thoroughly to make the most of the system’s features. You will then have a final screen related to the exam that you are taking. This time can vary depending on the exam. There is more than enough time to read through everything. I would recommend taking time to write down any formulas or notes on your scratch paper. Keep in mind that you need to advance these screens in a timely manner.
6. Leaving Prometric:
You finally made it through your exam and are ready to leave. First, ensure that you completely finished your exam. There are some survey questions afterward that you will complete as well. When you are ready to leave your station, be sure to take everything you brought in with you. You will need to sign out of the exam before you head home. Depending on the exam, you may be required to leave any scratch paper with Prometric. You are now ready to go home. Get everything out of your locker and give back your locker key to the Prometric representative. Take a sigh of relief – you made it through exam day!
Hopefully, this breakdown has been beneficial in preparing you for your Prometric experience. By knowing what to expect and following these tips, you can approach your exam day with more confidence and improve your chances of success. Best of luck on your exam!
Tyler Skelton
Click to locate the nearest Prometric testing center for FMAA, CMA, or CSCA exams.
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:
Conquering Exam Fears: Insights from HOCK Study Path
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:
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.
