Starting to Study is the Hardest Part!

Written by Guest Blogger MBM

I recently passed the CPA Exam, and in an effort to stay sharp on my skills, I am continuing to take even more standardized accounting exams (most people think I am crazy for this). My first exam to conquer is the CIA Exam. I am taking this exam first after the CPA Exam because AUD was my last part of the CPA Exam, and I know that information is still fresh in my mind.

I realize now that I should be an old pro at studying, but getting started is terribly difficult for me. The busy season has been, well, busy. So I’ve had my CIA materials for a few weeks now and only cracked them open this week. I am starting with part one of the CIA materials, although there doesn’t seem to be much crossover with CPA Exam AUD materials (yet).

I successfully completed the first study unit, which took me about 6 hours. The first thing I did was watch the audiovisual presentation. I took notes (like guest blogger Amy W., I have a study notebook) and paused it anytime I needed to write something down. Then I took the T/F quiz, read the outline, and took the multiple-choice quiz in my Gleim Online Classroom. I realize that this is somewhat different from the Gleim recommended study plan; however, I have a study process down from all my studying time on other exams. I don’t really stray too far from my old routines.

Study Unit 1 wasn’t too bad once I got started. Luckily, work has been somewhat slow, so I can study there. Plus, I know that soon, I will not be as exhausted on the weekends from working and will be able to devote my weekend time to studying as well.

Ideally, I’d like to take the CIA Exam for Part 1 at the end of this month. I have received a lot of encouragement from other CIA candidates and am excited to begin (however, much more excited to end) this studying process and get the CIA Exam completed!