HOCK and PassKey Partner to Revolutionize EA Exam Prep

Partnership Announcement - HOCK and PassKey partner to provide EA Exam Review.

We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between HOCK and PassKey Learning, two of the most innovative players in professional education. This partnership will transform how candidates prepare for the Enrolled Agent (EA) exams.

PassKey Study Materials

PassKey Learning is a leading provider of EA exam review materials, with an impressive track record of helping students pass the exams on the first attempt. The company’s materials are known for being comprehensive, up-to-date, and easy to understand.

HOCK PassMap Learning System

HOCK brings its innovative and easy-to-use interactive learning system, PassMap, to PassKey’s highest quality materials. PassMap is a game-changing platform that helps candidates navigate the complexities of the EA exam curriculum. With PassMap, candidates can easily track their progress, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop a customized study plan that meets their unique needs.

PassKey and HOCK Partnership

Combining PassKey Learning’s world class study materials with HOCK’s PassMap platform creates a winning combination for EA exam candidates. By partnering together, we are setting a new standard for excellence in EA education.

About PassKey

PassKey Learning Systems was founded in 2008 and has been a leading provider of EA exam review materials for over 15 years. Thousands of candidates use the PassKey EA materials each year and have a proven track record of success.

How to start preparing for the EA exams with HOCK and PassKey

The Next Generation of PassKey Learning EA is now available through HOCK international! Get started on your journey to becoming an Enrolled Agent today! 

Subscribe to EA Exam Review

Want to know more about Enrolled Agent? Read Enrolled Agent (EA) Info here.

 

 

How to Build Strong Business Relationships

How to Build Strong Business Relationships

 

Welcome Jim Piechowski, CAE!

Jim Piechowski, CAE, has recently joined the HOCK team as the Senior Director of Global Business Development. We are thrilled to have Jim on board!

Before HOCK, Jim worked with the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) and other national and international organizations in executive positions. Jim strongly supports professional certifications and is an expert in global business and international relations.

We know that many exam candidates aim to get a promotion and become leaders in their professional field and getting certified is a huge help in achieving these goals. However, there is also a set of skills in addition to the technical skills of your profession that is necessary to build relationships and help your industry grow. So, we asked Jim to share his wisdom.

Working internationally requires a unique set of skills beyond technical proficiency, so I'm happy to share some insights on the most critical soft skills for succeeding in an international setting. These soft skills include increased cultural awareness, adaptability, communication, and emotional intelligence.

  • Cultural Awareness: When working with people from different backgrounds and cultures, it's essential to be aware of and respectful of cultural differences. This means being sensitive to different customs, traditions, and communication styles. The more you understand and appreciate other cultures, the better you can build relationships and avoid misunderstandings.
  • Adaptability: Being adaptable and flexible is essential when working globally. You may need to adjust your communication style, work schedule, or problem-solving approach to align with your international counterparts' needs and expectations.
  • Communication: Effective communication is crucial when working across borders. Clear and concise written and verbal communication are essential for building relationships, managing expectations, and avoiding misunderstandings. Although you don’t necessarily need to know multiple languages, speaking a few key phrases or words in various languages can significantly increase your communication ability!
  • Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your emotions and those of others. This skill is essential when working internationally because it can help you navigate cultural differences and build strong relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

Thank you, Jim, for all of the tips and recommendations!

Dear readers, please comment below if you have more questions for Jim.

The Bright Future of Women in Accounting

The Bright Future of Women in Accounting

Today, HOCK would like to recognize and celebrate the achievements of female accountants and honor their tireless work in shaping the future of the accounting industry. Account­­ing has long been a male-dominated field, but that is changing rapidly. The number of women in accounting has been growing, and the trend is expected to continue. Let us look at the trends and predictions for the future of women in accounting.

Increasing Numbers of Women in Accounting

The number of women entering the accounting profession has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), women now represent more than 50% of all accounting graduates in the United States, and other countries report similar growth in the number of women in the profession.

More Women in Leadership Positions

As more women enter the accounting profession, they are also climbing the ranks and taking on leadership positions. According to the AICPA, women now represent nearly 30% of all partners in accounting firms. This is a significant increase from just a decade ago when women made up only about 16% of partners. We can expect to see more women in executive roles such as CEO, CFO, and COO; these roles have typically been held by men, but as more women gain experience and rise through the ranks, we will see more women in these roles too.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion have become increasingly important in the business world, and the accounting profession is no exception. Accounting firms are realizing the value of having a diverse workforce and are actively seeking out women and other underrepresented groups to join their teams. This is not just for the sake of diversity but also because a diverse workforce brings different perspectives, which can lead to better decision-making and improved performance.

Greater Flexibility in the Workplace and Focus on Work-Life Balance

Many women are balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities, and accounting firms are recognizing the need for more flexible work arrangements. This could include options such as part-time work, telecommuting, and job-sharing. Accounting firms are recognizing that in order to attract and retain top talent, they need to create a work environment that is supportive of employees’ personal lives as well as their careers.

The Bright Future

We can expect to see increasing numbers of women entering the profession, more women in leadership positions, and a greater focus on diversity, inclusion, flexibility, and work-life balance. These trends are great news for the profession as a whole because a more diverse and inclusive workforce leads to better decision-making and improved performance.

Happy International Women’s Day!

To all the incredible female accountants out there: thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. You are an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for everything you do. Happy International Women’s Day!

HOCK stream – now with a mobile App

HOCK stream on the mobile app

The HOCK Stream Mobile App is here!

We are happy to announce that HOCK stream subscribers can now watch and download CMA videos via the mobile App available for iOS and Android

You can now watch videos offline and study on the go!

What is HOCK stream?

HOCK stream is a library of live and on-demand video courses that help you prepare for the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) exams. The library includes:

  • Short Courses 
  • Step By Step Courses
  • Crash Courses
  • Essay and MCQ Explanations
  • Study Tips

Additionally, HOCK stream includes:

  • Live Office Hours
  • Community Forum

How much does a HOCK stream subscription cost?

You get a one-week free trial, and after the trial the cost is only $29 per month. You can cancel your subscription any time.

See you in HOCK stream!

We want to make sure that you understand each CMA exam topic and can answer every question on your exam. Sign up for HOCK stream for only $29 per month and prepare for the CMA exams on desktop, mobile, or tablet!

Have more questions? Read HOCK stream FAQs here

 

 

HOCK stream – CMA video subscription platform

Welcome to HOCK stream

What is HOCK stream?

We are thrilled to introduce a revolutionary CMA exam study tool – HOCK stream! HOCK stream is a subscription-based CMA video platform that includes all of the CMA Video content that HOCK has created. This includes the CMA teaching Videos by Brian Hock, the Step By Step Courses and Short Courses taught by Mr. Kazim, MCQ and essay videos, and more. HOCK stream also includes Live office hours with our CMA experts and an engaging learning community to connect with other CMA candidates.

How much does HOCK stream cost?

You get a one-week free trial, and after the trial, the cost is $29 per month. Of course, you can cancel your subscription at any time.

Is HOCK stream enough to prepare for the CMA exam?

HOCK stream is an excellent study tool and supplement for all CMA exam candidates. However, to fully prepare for the exams, you need at least a Test Bank with MCQs and Essays. A Textbook would be helpful for most candidates as well.

Who is HOCK stream for?

HOCK stream is intended for all CMA candidates who are looking for a way to improve their understanding of the exam topics and increase their chances of passing their exams. In other words, all CMA candidates will benefit from their HOCK stream subscription.

You can have materials from any provider and HOCK stream will be an excellent addition to your study materials. HOCK stream also provides you with more than one video style and structure so that you can find exactly what you need for each topic.

  • Maybe you are just starting your CMA journey and want to ensure that you have the best tools and expert support available to you and the learning community. In this case, you will be looking for the Step-by-Step Videos.
  • Maybe you failed your exams, and you are looking for additional content for just a couple of months while you prepare for your next attempt. In this case, you may be looking for the Short Courses, and some of the CMA with Brian Hock Videos as well. And you may need to subscribe for only a month or two.
  • Or maybe as you are getting closer to your exam date, and there are still a few topics that you are not comfortable with. The short courses and MCQ videos will be very helpful for you, and again, you may be looking for only a month or two of access.

Every CMA exam candidate will find HOCK stream useful and it will add to the confidence that you need to pass the exams. Depending on where you are in your CMA journey, you can subscribe for just a month or for as long as you need to.

What Videos are included in HOCK stream?

There are four different groups, or libraries, of videos that are available on HOCK stream:

  • HOCK CMA Classroom Videos (also called CMA with Brian) – there are about 32 hours for Part 1 and 30 hours for Part 2. These are the videos that are part of our You Pass or We Pay Guarantee and cover the entire LOS.
  • Short Courses – each of these Videos looks in depth at a specific topic and includes both teaching concepts and solving some MCQs. There are currently 27 Videos for Part 1 and 20 for Part 2. Each video is about 2 hours long and taught by Mr. Kazim Nazeer.
  • New Step-By-Step courses that Mr. Kazim is posting on a weekly basis. These courses are our most detailed coverage of the syllabus and include both teaching and MCQs solved by Mr. Kazim Nazeer. The full set of videos for Parts 1 and 2 are scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2023, so you will have access to them before the end of the June exam window.
  • Solving Essays and MCQs videos. Although we believe that the most important part of preparing for the exams is understanding concepts, it is also helpful to see the process of solving MCQs and Essays. These short, practical sessions are recorded by Brian Hock and Mr. Kazim and demonstrate solving the more challenging questions and essays.

Why a subscription and not a one-time purchase?

Think Netflix, Spotify, Adobe Acrobat, and other subscription-based platforms. Why do you need unlimited access and ownership of something that you only need for a short period of time? Why buy a movie on DVD if you are only going to watch it once? Subscription is the way for you to get what you want, for as long as you want, at a very affordable price.

As a stand-alone, one-time purchase, CMA with Brian costs $649, and Short Courses would be about $1,100 total, and Step By Step Courses about $1,000. This is a total of almost $2,800! And all of that content is available to you for only $29 per month.

What are office hours?

In addition to all of the video content, HOCK stream is also hosting weekly Live Office Hours with Mr. Kazim for each Part. While each week there is a topic for that Office Hour, you can ask Mr. Kazim any questions you have about that Part of the exam. And if you have a lot of questions or very detailed questions, Mr. Kazim may connect with you outside of Office Hours to answer them.

What is the Learning Community?

The Learning Community is a virtual community where CMA candidates from around the world are able to share study tips, find accountability partners, and motivate each other to the exam date. HOCK experts will also be a part of the community to answer questions and provide support and motivation throughout your study process. With the Learning Community in HOCK stream, self-study doesn’t have to be alone anymore!

Welcome to the HOCK stream! 

Before HOCK stream, your options to prepare for the CMA exams have been either self-study or joining in-person classes. However, with self-study, exam candidates often lack community, support, and motivation to keep going. In-person classes require you to follow their schedule at their place and may provide only limited-time access.

That’s why we built HOCK stream. It is a unique learning platform that offers you world-class CMA prep courses in various formats. We have been helping CMA candidates pass their exams for more than 20 years and we are excited about making this new method of studying available to you.

We invite you to prepare for the CMA exams in a practical, personal, and affordable way!

Subscribe to HOCK stream

Time to Become Certified – No Excuses

Time to Become Certified - No Excuses

No Excuses!

It is often difficult to start on ambitious goals. There is always a reason that we can find that allows us to postpone starting something big and meaningful. Exam certifications are one of those ambitious goals that you may be having trouble getting started. How long have you been thinking of becoming a CMA (What is CMA certification?), CIA (What is CIA certification?), or getting another professional certification (Which accounting certification is best for me?)? Getting certified is one of the best investments you can make in your own career. However, you are likely using one or more of these excuses to delay getting started: not enough time, too difficult, or too expensive.

When it comes to the decision to start studying for your professional certification, all of these excuses can be used to procrastinate. Guess what? You no longer have these as your excuses.

Here at HOCK, we have eliminated these excuses for you – all you have to do is to start studying, and you will pass the exams in 2023!

I don’t have enough time

You may think you do not have enough time, but our interactive study system PassMap efficiently guides you through all the content that you need to know. A personalized study planner will take you through the exam syllabus week by week and adjusts accordingly if your study schedule changes.

It is too difficult

You may think studying will be difficult because the syllabus is so large. But, with our comprehensive and easy-to-understand study materials, we make learning the content as straightforward and as structured as possible. Regular review and practice sessions, detailed video explanations, a final 3-week review system with multiple Mock exams, study tips, and ongoing support from the CMA and CIA experts will make studying much easier than you can imagine!

It costs too much

You may think it costs too much, but we have done everything we can to help you with that as well. Right now, all HOCK CMA and CIA study materials are 50% off. This is the biggest discount we offer during the year, and it is for a limited time. If your purchase is $299 or more, you can use our interest-free payment plan.

With the HOCK PassMap, our study materials, unlimited access, expert support, and a 50% discount, you have no excuses left. Take advantage of this limited-time offer to start your exam studies right now. Start studying today! No excuses!

CMA materials50% off

CIA materials50% off

 

HOCK PassMap 2.0 for CIA with new interface and bite-sized study units

PassMap 2.0
HOCK is pleased to announce the release of PassMap 2.0 for CIA Parts 1, 2, and 3.

PassMap 2.0 includes:

  • Shorter study units that cover only one topic each and include a study time estimate.
  • A resume feature that takes you right to where you left off.
  • A Resources section with all of the information about studying for the CIA exams in one place.
  • A more modern interface that is easier to navigate.
  • Easier navigation on mobile devices.

MCQ and Video progress is saved independently of the PassMap, and is not affected by this transition.

If you have any questions about PassMap 2.0 or need any help using the materials or PassMap please contact us and we will be glad to help.

ExamReady™ Progress Bar Now Available in PassMaps for CMA Exams

What is ExamReady?

Exam candidates frequently ask, "Am I ready to take the exam?" HOCK's ExamReady™ progress bar helps you determine when you are ready.

How does it work?

  • ExamReady™ starts at 0 and counts up to 360, which is the passing score for the CMA exam.
  • Your ExamReady™ progress will increase with the completion of study units, videos, MCQs, essays, and mock exams.
  • You are in a good position at 230 to start your Final Review.
  • When ExamReady™ reaches 360, you are prepared to take your exam with confidence.

How do I see my ExamReady™ progress?

ExamReady™ is available to students who have CMA Review Complete materials, and to those who have purchased both the CMA Review Standard and CMA Videos. ExamReady™ shows on the Personal Study Plan in the PassMap.

Personal Study Plans Now Available in PassMaps for CMA Exams

See a Sample
Personal Study Plan

Click to Enlarge

What is the Personal Study Plan?

The Personal Study Plan is the latest addition to PassMap - HOCK's topic by topic learning system - that will guide you week by week through your studies based on your target exam date. If your exam date changes, the study plan will adapt your study schedule accordingly.

How does the Plan work?

We know that your study schedule changes every week, so your Personal Study Plan:

  • Is based on weeks rather than days.
  • Stays constantly updated based on your progress.
  • Shows you how much time you need to study each week to be ready for your exam date.
  • Automatically adjusts your weekly study time if you fall behind or get ahead.
  • Keeps you on track to pass your exam.

How do I set up my Plan?

The Personal Study Plan is available for CMA Parts 1 and 2. Students with the CMA trial can also set up a full study plan, and it will carry over when purchasing the HOCK CMA Review.

HOCK PassMap 2.0 for CMA with new interface and bite-sized study units

PassMap 2.0
HOCK is pleased to announce the release of PassMap 2.0 for CMA Parts 1 and 2. Both Parts are now available in My Studies.

PassMap 2.0 includes:

  • Shorter study units that cover only one topic each and include a study time estimate.
  • A resume feature that takes you right to where you left off.
  • A Resources section with all of the information about studying for the CMA exams in one place.
  • A more modern interface that is easier to navigate.
  • Easier navigation on mobile devices.

The original PassMap will remain available for the time being and students who want to continue with original PassMap are welcome to do so. MCQ and Video progress is saved independently of the PassMap, so students are welcome to switch at any time it is convenient to take advantage of the PassMap 2.0 layout and features.

If you have any questions about PassMap 2.0 or need any help using the materials or PassMap please contact us and we will be glad to help.