When preparing for the CIA exam, you must decide whether you will add a group study component to your self-study efforts. Group study entails meeting and interacting with other CIA candidates.
The benefits of this interaction include:
- Assistance in your studies thanks to other individuals
- Interactive environment can stimulate and facilitate learning
- Some groups include live instruction, which makes the material less imposing
Do not overlook the negative aspects of group study. Such drawbacks include:
- Difficulty finding other CIA candidates in your area
- Requirements to purchase additional non-Gleim materials
- Live instruction usually comes with high cost
Peer pressure often causes many candidates to enroll in group study. Some candidates need help with their study discipline and benefit greatly from group interaction, while live instruction can help candidates can greatly benefit from group study.
Nevertheless, learning is essentially an individual activity. If you have the necessary self-discipline, the Gleim materials will teach you all you need to know without the scheduling and pace constraints imposed by group study. Reflect on how much you have already learned about the CIA exam and the subject matter tested.