I don’t know about you, but when I’m about to make a big purchase (like, say, a CIA review course), I spend endless hours down research rabbit holes, comparing prices, features, and reviews.
And let’s face it: it’s exhausting.
Stop the madness! Picking a CIA review course shouldn’t feel like an impossible task, but with so many options claiming to be the best, it’s hard to know where to start. I’ve tested the top contenders, compared their features, and narrowed them down to the best CIA prep courses for different study needs—whether you want the most practice questions, the best budget option, or a fully guided program. No matter where you fall on the pickle jar competency scale, there’s a course here to help you pass.
CIA Prep Course Comparison
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $899 | $499-$1,249 | $499 | $599 | $295-$365 |
| Discounts | Save $320 | Save $549 | Save $150 | No Discounts | No Discounts |
| Access | 24 Months | 18 Months to Unlimited | 18 Months | 18 Months | 12 Months |
| Practice Questions | 3,000+ | 3,000+ | 2,500+ | 3,000+ | 2,600+ |
| Practice Exams | Unlimited + 6 Mock Exams | Unlimited + Up to 6 Mock Exams | Unlimited | Unlimited | One Practice Exam |
| Guarantees | No | Money-Back (Premium) | Money-Back |  | |
| Support | Phone, Email, Chat | Phone, Email, Chat | Phone, Email, Chat | Chat, Email (Form) | Phone, Email |
| Get Started | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
Best CIA Review Courses
Best IIA CIA Exam Review: Becker
Best Practice Materials: Gleim
Best Value: Surgent
Budget Course: PRC
Great Supplemental Course: Institute of Internal Auditors
1. Becker: The IIA CIA Exam Review
Becker may be best known for their CPA exam review courses—after all, 90% of Elijah Watts Sells Award winners since 2007 were Becker students. Now, they’re bringing that same level of excellence to the CIA exam, and they’re not doing it alone. Their partner? The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)—the very organization that created the CIA exam.
That’s the biggest selling point of the Becker-The IIA CIA Exam Review: every practice question, textbook, and learning tool is built around the material you actually need to know, with resources that are reviewed, approved, and in many cases, co-developed by the IIA itself.
I had early access to the platform and tested out each of the course tiers—Essentials, Premium, and Pro. I watched video lessons, read through the digital textbooks, completed simulated exams, and even contacted support to evaluate responsiveness. Each tier builds on the last, offering more structure, guidance, and tools depending on what you need. Compared to other CIA prep options on the market, I genuinely believe Becker gives you the best chance at success. Let’s talk about why.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: On-demand for maximum flexibility and self-paced learning
- 🎯 Adapt2U Technology: AI-driven quizzes that target your weak spots with precision
- 🔍 Practice Questions: 2,000+ questions now (expanding to 3,000+ soon)
- ✍️ Practice Exams: Unlimited customizable quizzes + six full simulated exams (two per part)
- 📖 Digital Textbooks: Easy access to study materials anytime, anywhere
- 🤝 Academic Support: Unlimited access to expert help for those tricky topics
- 🏘️ Community Access: Join Becker’s private CIA Facebook group to connect with fellow candidates
- 📅 Study Planner: Build a personalized schedule that fits your timeline and goals
- 🔜 Coming Soon: Lecture videos, digital flashcards, and 1,000+ additional practice questions
Pros
- Co-created with and approved by the IIA
- Access period of 24 months compared to 18 from some Gleim and Surgent courses
- Adapt2U tech runs unlimited personalized practice exams
- Unlimited support and Facebook group access make for community and accountability
- Brand new for the updated 2025 CIA exam syllabus
Cons
- Video lessons are unavailable until May, June, and July 2025 for parts 1, 2, and 3, respectively
Bottom Line: Why Choose Becker CIA Review?
Becker CIA Review is the best all-around choice thanks to its partnership with the IIA, ensuring the most up-to-date and relevant study materials. The Adapt2U technology and six full-length simulated exams make it an excellent choice for structured, adaptive learning. However, since it’s a brand-new course, student feedback is limited, and video lessons won’t be fully available until mid-2025. But if you want the most current and IIA-approved materials, Becker is the safest bet.
Becker CIA Review
2. Gleim CIA Review: Best Practice Materials
Gleim’s highlights include a large question bank with detailed explanations for right and wrong answers, 45 hours of video lectures from Gleim Instruct professor Joseph Mauriello, and their SmartAdapt™ adaptive learning platform.
A pass guarantee backs the Premium CIA Review System, so if you follow Gleim’s “suggested steps” and fail your exam, you’re eligible for a refund on your purchase. Ideally, you won’t have to take advantage of this guarantee, but it may ease the investment anxiety on such a big purchase for some students.
After reviewing the materials, I think this is a good course for most CIA candidates, but you’ll especially appreciate what Gleim has to offer if you value practice materials over everything else. Gleim features 3,000+ exam-quality practice questions, digital flashcards, up to six full-length mock exams, and unlimited practice exams.
Plus, I’ve noticed (and many students agree) that Gleim’s practice questions are more challenging than what you’ll find on the actual exam, perfect if you want to feel overly prepared.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: On-Demand
- 🎯 SmartAdapt™ Adaptive Learning Course for efficient study
- 🔍 Number of Practice Questions: 3,000+
- 🎥 Video Lectures: 45+ hours of content led by Joseph Mauriello, CIA, CMA, CPA
- 🔊 Audio Lectures: Audio versions of the video content
- 📱 Email and Phone Support for on-the-go assistance
- 💯 Money-Back Pass Guarantee if you fail the CIA exam
- 🤝 Personal Counselors and Accounting Experts for personalized support
- ✍️ Unlimited Practice Exams and up to six mock exams
- 📖 Printed and Digital Textbooks available for studying
Pros
- Large library of exam-quality practice questions
- Money-back pass guarantee for a low-risk investment
- Adaptive learning tech to identify weaknesses and optimize your study schedule
- Unlimited personalized support from accounting experts and counselors
- Lots of video content for audiovisual learners
Cons
- Need to buy the Premium System for pass guarantee and Access Until You Pass®
- The “overpreparation approach” can be overwhelming compared to Becker’s realistic questions
Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
u/Traditional-Bit6446
“I bought Gleim Access Until You Pass. My personal counselor was Dale for the entire journey. I passed every part on the first attempt. I didn’t have prior experience in the field.”
⭐
u/Negative_Passion_865
“I used IIA, Gleim seems to have a lot of unimportant info.”
Bottom Line: Why Choose Gleim?
Gleim CIA Review is perfect for students who thrive on practice questions and want a rigorous test-prep experience. The 3,000+ exam-quality questions, SmartAdapt™ system, and six full-length mock exams make it one of the most comprehensive choices available. However, you’ll need to buy the Premium System to get full access and the pass guarantee, which increases the cost. If you’re looking for a more structured course with video lectures, Becker might be a better fit.
Gleim CIA Review
3. Surgent CIA Review: Best Value
The Surgent CIA Review essentials package offers all of the basics most students need—2,500+ practice questions, unlimited practice exams, reference ebooks, a mobile app, and even a money-back pass guarantee—for a surprisingly affordable price. If you’re looking for a budget option, I’d argue this may be the best match on the list.
However, Surgent doesn’t lead with their price: they lead with their self-reported 96% pass rate and 73% faster learning speed for students thanks to a focus on technology and efficiency. While these statistics could be inflated due to factors like sample size and survivor’s bias, it’s tough to argue the quality of Surgent’s materials.
Their adaptive learning technology helps students hone in on (and strengthen!) their weaknesses for an expedited study process. Further, Surgent’s ReadySCORE™ Technology allows students to assess their progress and identify when they’re ready to take the actual exam.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: On-Demand
- 🤖 Adaptive Learning AI and ReadySCORE™ Technology make learning faster
- 🔍 Number of Practice Questions: 2,500+
- 📱 Mobile Study Companion App to fit studying into your busy schedule
- 💯 Money-Back Pass Guarantee if you fail the CIA exam
- 📖 Reference eBooks for learning the material
Pros
- ReadySCORE™ Technology is a helpful tool for monitoring progress and readiness
- Money-back pass guarantee is never a bad addition
- Mobile companion app is helpful to squeeze in a quick lesson (only robust app on the list)
- Cutting down on study time saves energy and might reduce some stress and anxiety
Cons
- No video lectures, unlike 45+ hours with Gleim, which is a big selling point for a lot of students
- 500+ fewer practice questions than competitors like Becker and Gleim
Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
u/Sellum
“Used Surgent for both CPA and CIA and passed all parts first time.
The adaptive assessment at the beginning is good, but is rough to get through. After that I would drill down in each section until I had an 80+ readyscore than move to the next.
My readyscore and actuals were plus or minus 2 points on all four parts of the CPA.”
⭐
u/Guagliodorione
“Surgent I feel, is like hard-mode. The exam questions were so much simpler.”
Bottom Line: Why Choose Surgent CIA Review?
Surgent CIA Review is excellent for students who want to study efficiently and focus on weak areas. The ReadySCORE™ technology helps track progress and determine when you’re ready for the actual exam, and the adaptive learning system cuts down on unnecessary study time. However, there are no video lectures, which may be a drawback for visual learners. If you need a more traditional learning format with instructor-led content, Becker or Gleim could be better options.
Surgent CIA Review
4. PRC: Best Budget Course
PRC rivals Surgent in price, but as a smaller company, they’re a little more difficult to trust. However, my experience has been a pretty solid one, hence their presence on this list. I mostly spent time with the materials and students from the 2024 and back review systems, but PRC is revitalizing their courses with a revamp for exams taken after May 2025.
Currently, they lack part 3 flashcards, printed textbooks for every part, and the Premium Bundle. However, because the course is incomplete (I’m assuming, anyway), you can grab the Standard Bundle for 50% off. I wanted to include this course because, even though it isn’t the best value, it is the lowest price, and it’s important to have an affordable option for everyone.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: On-Demand
- 🎯 Adaptive Learning Technology to help you improve your weak areas
- 🔍 Number of Practice Questions: 3,000+
- 💯 Money-Back Pass Guarantee if you fail the CIA exam
- 🤝 1-on-1 Support for studying and exam registration
- 📖 Textbook and eBook based on IIA outlines
Pros
- Newly updated for relevant practice questions and study materials
- Money-back pass guarantee helps you spend more safely
- Included 3-month and 12-month extensions to increase access time
- The sale price is very affordable (nearly $1,000 less than the Gleim CIA Premium System)
Cons
- No video lectures, which may hurt your chances if you’re an audiovisual learner
- Incomplete, so you may not get everything you need right away
- Doesn’t have as strong a reputation as Becker, Gleim, or Surgent
Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saad Alawami
“The PRC material was very good, and because of that, I passed my CIA exams. Also, I want to express my appreciation for the outstanding and continuous service and help that I received from the PRC staff.”
⭐
u/Guagliodorione
“I’ve passed on the 4th attempt actually. But again, my first 3 attempts were strictly MCQs. I used PRC + HOCK for my second attempt. I stopped using PRC and purchased GLEIM for my 3rd attempt.
My 4th attempt I relied completely on GLEIM and read all the chapters in the digital book, took notes, memorized.”
Bottom Line: Why Choose PRC?
PRC is a low-cost alternative for students who want an affordable way to prepare for the CIA exam. The 3,000+ practice questions and one-on-one study support are helpful, but the course is still in the update process for 2025, and some materials—like printed textbooks and flashcards—are currently missing. PRC also doesn’t have the same reputation as Becker, Gleim, or Surgent, so if you want a proven, structured study program, one of those might be a better option.
5. Institute of Internal Auditors: Best Supplemental Course
Now that IIA has paired with Becker as the only IIA-approved education provider for CIA exam prep, they’re planning on retiring their learning system. However, the materials are still valid for tests taken up to May 2025, when the new exam is scheduled to be released.
Naturally, IIA and their partners will have the most relevant practice materials, as they’re designed and approved by the exam’s governing body. However, these courses are currently only offered on a part-by-part basis, and the cost adds up quickly if you grab one for all three exam parts. Plus, there’s no video content and minimal mock exams (just one). This is really the choice if you’re studying for an exam before May 2025 and you’re serious about learning with as many materials as possible. However, for the most part, Becker is probably a safer bet at the time of writing.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: On-demand
- 🔍 Number of Practice Questions: 2,600+
- 📅 Pre-Assessment and Personalized Study Plan for a more efficient process
- ⛏️ Bonus Tools like flashcards and a searchable glossary
- ✍️ Quizzes and a Practice Exam to boost your format familiarity
Pros
- Made by the creators of the exam for relevance
- Great as an add-on to other courses
- Available in single parts for flexibility
Cons
- Not useable for exams planned after May 2025
- Not available as a full set for max access (only 12 months compared to competitors’ 18 and 24)
Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
u/xx_edgyyy_xx
“I used Gleim for part 1 and failed my first attempt. Bought the practice questions from the IIA and that helped me pass part 1 on my second attempt. As a newbie to the field I definitely needed both to help me.”
⭐
Redditor
“The IIA learning system is super expensive for Americans, too. It’s actually pretty ridiculous, in my opinion and if I didn’t have my company reimbursing me, there’s no way I’d pay for it. “
Bottom Line: Why Choose IIA’s CIA Learning System?
IIA’s CIA Learning System is a good supplemental resource for students taking the exam before May 2025 since it was created by the governing body of the exam. The practice questions and study materials are highly relevant, making it a valuable add-on for anyone looking to reinforce their knowledge. However, with limited mock exams, no video content, and the looming discontinuation, most students will be better off choosing Becker, which offers more long-term value and continued support for the updated exam.
| | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $899 | $499-$1,249 | $499 | $599 | $295-$365 |
| Discounts | Save $320 | Save $549 | Save $150 | No Discounts | No Discounts |
| Access | 24 Months | 18 Months to Unlimited | 18 Months | 18 Months | 12 Months |
| Practice Questions | 3,000+ | 3,000+ | 2,500+ | 3,000+ | 2,600+ |
| Practice Exams | Unlimited + 6 Mock Exams | Unlimited + Up to 6 Mock Exams | Unlimited | Unlimited | One Practice Exam |
| Guarantees | No | Money-Back (Premium) | Money-Back | | |
| Support | Phone, Email, Chat | Phone, Email, Chat | Phone, Email, Chat | Chat, Email (Form) | Phone, Email |
| Get Started | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
Final Thoughts: The Best CIA Review Course For You
It’s cheesy, but it’s true. The best exam prep course isn’t the flashiest, most expensive, or best-reviewed; it’s the course that works for you.
If you want the most official study materials, Becker—co-created with the IIA—is the safest bet. Prefer tons of tough practice questions? Gleim is your best option. Need an efficient, adaptive learning system? Surgent is great for speeding up your study process. PRC is the most budget-friendly, but it lacks some premium features. And if you already have a course but want extra practice, the IIA Learning System makes a strong supplement.
If one’s speaking to you, your next step is to see if it fits your needs. Many of the customer service teams are quick and happy to help, so get your questions ready and purchase the perfect course for you. Now, it’s study time! Best of luck on your CIA journey!
FAQs
Becker is the best option because it’s co-created with the IIA, ensuring the most accurate and up-to-date materials.
Yes, Gleim provides all necessary study materials, but some students supplement with IIA’s practice questions for extra reinforcement.
Part 3 is the hardest because it covers a broad range of topics, including finance, IT, and risk management.
No, the CPA exam is generally considered harder due to its length, breadth of topics, and in-depth accounting focus.
Use an adaptive review course, take mock exams, and focus on weaker areas with practice questions and flashcards.
