HOCK News
CIA Exam and Study Materials Changes
The CIA Exam Has Changed: Here’s What You Need to Know
On January 9, 2025, the IIA has officially updated the Global Internal Audit Standards and International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF). In response to these changes, the CIA exam is being revised to align with the new standards and current global practices.
Candidates will begin sitting for the updated exam in English starting May 28, 2025, with other languages to follow based on The IIA’s official rollout schedule.
What is Different on the New Syllabus?
The content across all three parts of the CIA exam has been restructured. The updates were made to:
- Reflect the latest global internal audit practices.
- Align more closely with The IIA’s updated standards.
- Reduce duplication between exam parts.
- Clearly define the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to pass.
While the content has changed, the structure of the exam remains the same:
- Part 1: 125 questions | 2.5 hours
- Part 2: 100 questions | 2 hours
- Part 3: 100 questions | 2 hours
The IIA has also confirmed that candidates can continue to take the exam parts in any order, and the program eligibility requirements remain unchanged.
Syllabi Updates
What If You Passed a Part Before the Change?
There’s no need to worry if you already passed one or more parts of the CIA exam before the update. Successfully completed exam parts will still count toward your certification. However, if your program expires, you will need to retake any previously passed parts—and those retakes will follow the new syllabus.
Updated HOCK CIA Study Materials – What You Need to Know
To help you stay on track with the new CIA exam, HOCK is releasing updated study materials in stages. We started with Part 3 because the new Part 3 syllabus includes some topics that were in Parts 1 and 2 of the previous syllabus.
This means:
- If you already studied Parts 1 and 2, you’ll recognize many topics in the new Part 3.
- If you haven’t started studying yet, it’s perfectly fine to begin with Part 3—there’s no required order for taking the exams.
Here’s the release schedule for the new materials:
CIA Part 3. Online Textbook and Test Bank: Available Now | Videos: Available by May 30
CIA Part 1. Online Textbook and Test Bank: Available by May 16 | Videos: Available by June 30
CIA Part 2. Online Textbook and Test Bank: Available by June 20 | Videos: Available by July 31
Materials for the current CIA exam (based on the old syllabus) will remain available until May 27, 2025.
CIA Challenge Exams Note: The CIA Challenge Exams are not changing until 2026, so no updates are needed at this time.
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Whether you are just beginning your CIA journey or preparing for your next exam part, HOCK gives you the structure, guidance, and support you need to pass with confidence.
HOCK Hard Copy Textbooks – CMA, CSCA, FMAA
At HOCK International, we understand the diverse needs of our students when it comes to study preferences. While our comprehensive HOCK CMA, CSCA, and FMAA study materials are fully available online, we are also offer hard copy textbooks for those who prefer a traditional approach to studying. In this post, we will discuss the various options available for obtaining HOCK hard-copy textbooks.
Online Study Materials
Our HOCK CMA, CSCA, and FMAA study materials include online textbooks that 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.
Textbooks in the US, Canada, and Europe
For students residing who prefer hard-copy textbooks, we have many HOCK textbooks available for purchase on Amazon.
You can purchase the textbooks through the following links:
Books are available from Amazon in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Japan, and Australia. While Amazon can ship to other countries, international shipping may incur extra fees and longer delivery times.
Please note that there are no legal copies of HOCK textbooks on Amazon in India or in the MENA region.
CIA and EA hard copy textbooks for new syllabi will be available in May 2025.
Textbooks in India
If you are located in India and prefer hard copy textbooks, you can order HOCK textbooks locally.
Send an email to our team at books@hockinternational.com to place your order and receive detailed information.
Textbooks in the MENA Region
If you are located in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, or other GCC and Middle East countries and prefer hard-copy textbooks, you can order HOCK textbooks from our office in the UAE.
Send an email to our team at mena@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 or HOCK UAE.
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!
Introducing HOCK & Farhat CPA Study Materials
Introducing HOCK & Farhat CPA Study Materials: Launching Q2 2025
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Farhat Accounting Lectures! This partnership will provide a new level of education and learning for people interested in passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) professional credentialing exam.
CPA Study Materials for Self-study
Starting near the end of the second quarter of 2025, CPA materials will be available for self-studying through a subscription model. Subscribers will gain access to:
- Comprehensive textbooks
- Online video lectures
- A vast pool of practice exam questions
- Mock exams
- The HOCK online student community
All resources will be integrated into HOCK’s PassMap Learning Management System, offering a structured and engaging learning path.
Fill out this form to be among the first to know when HOCK CPA materials become available.
About Farhat Accounting Lectures
Farhat Accounting Lectures is a well-known and widely respected company intently focused on the CPA credential and the in-depth knowledge needed to successfully earn this certification.
Brian Hock, President and Founder of HOCK International on Reintroducing CPA Offerings
CPA was a large part of our business when we first started teaching CPA 25 almost years ago, but we got away from it as demand for other certifications grew over the years. We’ve wanted to return to providing CPA materials, as we’ve missed having it in our catalog of products and the number of requests we get about it has grown steadily. Our engagement with Farhat Lectures allows us to do precisely that in a very rapid manner, while making certain that the quality will be exactly what candidates expect from HOCK materials.
Mansour Farhat, CEO and Founder of Farhat Lectures on the Partnership
The content and information we have developed over the past decade at Farhat Lectures is terrific. Our partnership with HOCK allows our content to be delivered to a much broader audience worldwide. We look forward to working with HOCK to make the HOCK/Farhat CPA materials the best in the market!
Use HOCK CPA Materials In Your Classes
We are excited to offer all current HOCK partners the opportunity to use our new CPA materials in their classes.
If you are not yet a HOCK Partner but are interested in joining our network, we would love to start that conversation with you. Let’s discuss how we can work together to provide exceptional learning experiences for your students!
Click here to connect with us.
We are excited about this next chapter in our mission to empower learners worldwide. Whether you are an individual preparing for the CPA exam or an educational provider seeking to expand your offerings, this partnership brings unparalleled resources to help achieve your goals. Don’t miss out – subscribe to be notified when the materials are available, or connect with us to explore partnership opportunities. Let’s work together to make CPA success accessible and achievable for everyone!
Happy New Year from Brian Hock
Dear HOCK Network,
Happy New Year! I hope you had an enjoyable holiday season. As we enter 2025, I’m filled with excitement about the year ahead, and I wanted to take a moment to share some news and updates with you.
Celebrating 25 Years of HOCK
2025 marks a special milestone for us—it is HOCK’s 25th anniversary! I can hardly believe how far we’ve come. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our team, partners, students, and friends. I’m deeply grateful to each of you, and I look forward to celebrating this achievement together throughout the year.
New CPA Materials Coming Soon
When I started HOCK back in 2000, I had no idea where the journey would take us. My first course was for the CPA Exam and the first materials I wrote were for the CPA Exam. After selling them a few years ago, I’m thrilled to announce that we will be launching brand-new CPA materials in early 2025. I am proud to announce that we have partnered with Mansour Farhat of Farhat Lectures to bring these new materials to life, and I can’t wait to share the details with you soon!
Launching Short Courses & CPE Programs
This year, we are also launching a library of short courses and CPE programs aimed at helping you grow professionally wherever you are in your career. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes, and I’m truly excited to bring this valuable resource to you.
Introducing the HOCK Podcast Series
One project I’m especially excited about is our new video podcast series. I’ll be sitting down with some amazing people from the fields of accounting, finance, and business—leaders who have accomplished incredible things. I’m looking forward to sharing our deep, meaningful conversations with you, and I hope their stories inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me.
Travel Plans
2025 will also bring more travel. In February, I will be visiting India and the UAE, and I’m looking forward to meeting with professionals and partners in these countries. And later in the year I will be traveling again. It’s always exciting to get out there, meet new people, learn new things and bring back fresh insights.
A Look at What’s Ahead
There’s so much more to share, but I just wanted to give you a peek into some of the exciting things coming up. 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year, and I’m truly grateful to have you as part of our community as we start the next 25 years.
Our Mission: Empowering Your Growth
At HOCK, our mission is simple: to use our expertise and experience to empower your personal and professional growth. These values guide everything we do, and I stand by them every day:
- Behave Ethically: Treating everyone with respect, honesty, and integrity.
- Work Collaboratively: Providing the best solutions and support through global teamwork.
- Deliver Exceptionally: Setting the standard in everything we do.
As always, I’m here to support you in achieving your professional development goals in 2025. If you are focused on growth this year, I’m here to help you get there—Ethically. Collaboratively. Exceptionally.
Wishing you a fantastic New Year filled with growth, success, and new opportunities. I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together in 2025!
Sincerely,
Brian Hock
Founder and President, HOCK International
Welcoming Mansoor Ahamed Pathari to the HOCK team
We are thrilled to announce that Mansoor Ahamed has joined HOCK international as the Regional Director of Business for the GCC region. Mansoor brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for business and accounting professionals, making him an invaluable addition to our growing team.
Mansoor’s journey in the accounting field began at the age of 18, when he joined a Chartered Accountant’s (CA) firm as an articled assistant, right after completing school. Over the next three years, while pursuing his undergraduate studies, he developed a strong admiration for the accounting profession. His passion for accounting, combined with a dedication to learning, drove him to earn a degree in Accounting and certification in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from ACCA.
In 2011, Mansoor embarked on his professional career in Saudi Arabia, working as an accounting professional. His enthusiasm for business and accounting, paired with his expertise in the field, led him to Dubai in 2014. There, Mansoor gained valuable experience across various accounting roles in different companies. During this time, he keenly observed the challenges faced by accountants, particularly when it came to career progression and salary growth, which were often hindered by a lack of professional certifications.
Mansoor’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his desire to add value to the accounting community, led to the co-founding of Bradford Learning Global (BLG) in Dubai in 2020. Through BLG, he merged his passion for business with his commitment to helping accountants achieve both professional and personal growth. Under his leadership, BLG has established significant partnerships, including contracts with the Ministry of Finance in Dubai, other government entities, and large private organizations in the region.
With Mansoor’s dedication to elevating the accounting profession in the Gulf region, we are confident that his leadership will bring new opportunities and growth to HOCK international in the GCC. We look forward to the valuable impact he will make as we continue to support accountants and finance professionals in their journey toward certification and professional success.
Welcome to the team, Mansoor!
HOCK International Acquires Bradford Learning Global to Drive Growth in UAE and Region
HOCK International Acquires Bradford Learning Global to Drive Growth in UAE and Region
The acquisition strengthens HOCK’s collaboration with training providers across the GCC, expanding access to professional development and corporate training programs while fostering regional growth and partnership opportunities.
HOCK international, a leading provider of professional certification exam preparation, is excited to announce its acquisition of Bradford Learning Global (BLG), a UAE-based organization known for its comprehensive courses, both exam-based and non-exam-based, in accounting, finance, and professional skills development. With this acquisition, HOCK strengthens its presence in the GCC and broadens the reach of its study materials for certifications like CMA, CIA, EA, FMAA, CSCA, and more.
“We are thrilled to expand into the GCC through this acquisition, which allows us to work closely with local partners and provide tailored solutions for professional growth,” said Brian Hock, President of HOCK international. “Our goal is not to compete with existing providers of CMA live courses, but rather to collaborate, helping students and training providers thrive together.“
Key benefits of the acquisition:
- Offering HOCK and BLG study materials through partnerships with local trainers and training providers.
- Leading corporate training and developing specialized programs tailored to regional needs.
- Fostering collaboration with existing CMA course providers and supporting training providers in other certification programs.
Integrating BLG into HOCK enhances the company’s ability to deliver top-tier professional education across the UAE and the GCC. This acquisition opens doors to new collaborations with local training providers and corporate partners, ensuring mutual growth for providers and students alike.
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 international Partners with Hire Heroes USA for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life
We are excited to announce a strategic partnership with Hire Heroes USA to support veterans in their transition to civilian life. This collaboration aims to address the challenges many veterans face when attempting to navigate the job market and secure meaningful employment opportunities.
For many veterans, transitioning from military to civilian life can be a challenging experience, particularly when it comes to finding suitable employment that aligns with their skills and experiences. By partnering with Hire Heroes USA, HOCK international is committed to providing veterans with resources and support to help them successfully integrate into the civilian workforce.
“We are honored to collaborate with Hire Heroes to support veterans and military spouses in their career transitions. “We understand that making a career transition can be challenging, and we are dedicated to providing top-quality accounting certification preparation materials to help these heroes stand out on their resume. Our goal is to open new doors and create exciting opportunities for those who have bravely served our country.” – Tyler Skelton, Director, US Business Development at HOCK international.
As part of this partnership, veterans will have access to specialized training and certification programs offered by HOCK international, including the prestigious CMA (Certified Management Accountant), FMAA (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate), and EA (Enrolled Agent) certifications. These certifications are designed to equip veterans with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of accounting and finance. No matter if you’re starting out in accounting or have years of experience, there’s a certification to match your level of expertise.
“We are grateful to partner with HOCK international to provide veterans and military spouses with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in civilian careers. This partnership combines the strengths of both organizations to create a powerful support system for our clients, helping them achieve their professional goals and build fulfilling careers in accounting and finance,” said Michele Wiesner, Director of Capacity Building at Hire Heroes USA.
The collaboration between HOCK international and Hire Heroes USA underscores the commitment of both organizations to support veterans in their professional development and career advancement. By combining resources and expertise, they aim to make a positive impact on the lives of those who have served their country and are now seeking to build successful civilian careers in accounting and finance.
About Hire Heroes USA
Hire Heroes USA empowers US military members, veterans, and spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. Our organization offers personalized one-on-one coaching, professionally revised resumes, mentoring, workshops, a job board, career fairs, and more to tens of thousands of job-seeking veterans and military spouses annually. Hire Heroes USA prioritizes transparency, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the GuideStar Platinum Seal. Funded exclusively through public donations and federal and private grants, we provide our services at no cost to clients. For more information about our organization, visit hireheroesusa.org.
