Choosing the best CIA review course that will help you pass the Certified Internal Auditor exam isn’t easy. However, there are tons of different CIA prep courses out there, so how are you supposed to decide between them all and figure out which one will prepare you for the CIA exam the most?

Well, here’s a hint. First, you need to look at how you learn. Even the best CIA study guides won’t help prepare you for the exam if they don’t match your learning style. Your study course should fit your learning style and your study schedule otherwise you will most likely end up spending way more time going over the same information over and over without actually learning anything. After all, your study guide should be improving your study time– not holding you back from getting stuff done! The last thing you want is something that adds extra study hours to your schedule.

Therefore, that’s why I decided to make this resource. I tested out all the top-rated CIA study materials on the market today to help you decide which one is right for you and your budget. Furthermore, I show you the benefits and drawbacks of each course along with the sweet features and exclusive differentiators that each study guide offers. I typically try to make a recommendation for each study, so you know if it is right for you. Consequently, you’ll know which one to choose.

Quick Look at CIA Course Reviews and Rankings

Here’s my list of the top CIA exam prep materials on the market.


These are the Best CIA Exam Prep Review Courses and Study Materials for May 2023:

  1. Surgent CIA Exam Review
  2. Gleim CIA Review
  3. Wiley CIA Review
  4. PRC CIA Review
  5. IIA’s CIA Learning System


1. Surgent CIA Exam Review

Surgent CIA Review is a benchmark prep course for the Certified Internal Auditor exam. With Surgent’s signature adaptive learning technology, ample practice questions and exams, PDF textbooks, and a pass guarantee, it’s hard to deny the value of this package. Plus, Surgent does not charge for Content Updates when exam prep material must be updated!

This program comes with Surgent’s adaptive learning tech that customizes a learning plan for you based on observed strengths and weaknesses in the course material. Furthermore, it also constantly tests your knowledge with over 2,000 multiple choice questions and unlimited practice exams! Not only that, all the textbooks you need to pass the class (and the CIA exam) are included as downloads in the course. Finally, the course is protected by Surgent’s pass guarantee, meaning you will be refunded the cost of the course if you take it and then fail the exam. New financing available for Surgent CIA, starting from $44/month.

Ultimately, the only downside to this and other Surgent courses is a lack of interactive teaching methods; you’re largely self-paced between your textbooks and practice questions. Some other review programs on the market feature games, videos, and scenarios, which may be more appealing to certain types of learners. This is something to keep in mind if you struggle with traditional “read-and-answer” testing formats.


2. Gleim CIA Review Course

gleim cia review

Gleim has been publishing some of the most comprehensive self-study courses since the mid-70s. Their review materials are known for their thorough textbooks and detailed explanations of practice questions and examples.

The Gleim CIA Review course comes with access to over 3,000 practice test questions and a final review that candidates can use to prepare during the last week before their exam date. Hence, this cram course is a big help because it refreshes your memory on the most important topics and things you need to remember right before the exam.

Gleim also offers a personal counselor who is your partner throughout your entire studying process. Counselors are assigned to you when you purchase your course and help you stay on track during your exam journey. Additionally, you can ask them questions or just rely on their support when you need a reminder to get back in the books. After all, we all need a kick in the butt once in a while.

Recently updated for 2023: Including an extra CPA final review exam for more practice and improved course outlines.