Hi Javier,
I believe the Practice Question Bank was reasonably similar enough to the exam to be helpful. Two observations regarding the prep materials: 1) When I took the course (Nov 2018 - about Feb/Mar 2019) there were only 150 sample questions which I thought was a bit light, although I very recently was told (when I expressed this concern) that there are now more sample questions and more will continue to be added, and 2) there was one type of question (just a few, 4-6?) that I thought were a bit odd and not reflected in the prep materials, but ultimately it appears not to have negatively impacted my my score. Whether that was a reflection of the study materials, the test itself, or a gap in my preparation is not determinable... so the gist is the materials supplemented with other websites and reading (see below) is adequate.
I read "On Strategy" thoroughly, and most sections twice. Several sections were very good, a few not as critical. Although it may have been overkill from a test prep standpoint, I read parts of both
Competitive Advantage and
Competitive Strategy by Michael E Porter. Cheap used copies are available online.
I also recommend, which you may already be doing, additional web searches on topics you're less familiar with and/or which still seem less then clear (or deep) post study. As a former educator I repeatedly read through the testing standards and thus looked up additional websites which I felt potentially underprepared for (ex. balancedscorecard.org).
------------------------------
John Wright CMA
Controller
Seattle
WA
US
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2019 07:15 AM
From: Javier Erro
Subject: CSCA Study Help
Hi Lisa,
I'm now preparing for the CSCA exam, and I was wondering if the questions that appeared in the Practice Question Bank of the Learning Series are similar to those that we will find in the exam.
I am using the Learning Series and the book " On Strategy " to prepare the exam. I hope it will be enough to pass.
Thank you very much and good luck to everyone!
------------------------------
Javier Erro CMA
Director/Manager
Logrono
Spain
Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2019 09:05 AM
From: Lisa Beaudoin
Subject: CSCA Study Help
Hi Kevin,
I work on IMA staff and I sat for the CSCA in the fall of 2017 (and passed)T. I studied using the Learning Series provided by IMA. I found it to be very helpful and very thorough. I created a lot of my own study notes from the content provided in the Learning Series. I also purchased a used textbook called "Strategic Management" by Hill, Jones and Schilling as a reference. I liked being able to refer to the text to see how something was explained in different words. I bought an old edition of the text and it only cost about $20. While I had a copy of the recommended Harvard book called "On Strategy," I did not use it and I don't feel that I needed it.
The CSCA does not require as much study time as the CMA. I would say that about 40-50 hours would be sufficient.
Best of luck to you!
Lisa
------------------------------
Lisa Beaudoin CMA,CSCA,CAE
Director/Manager
IMA
Northville MI
United States
Original Message:
Sent: 08-06-2019 08:34 PM
From: Kevin Razawich
Subject: CSCA Study Help
Hi All,
I'm interested in studying for the CSCA - however it seems that IMA is a bit cryptic on the best way to prepare for the exam.
Does the Competitive Analysis Learning Series prepare you enough to pass the exam? If not, would someone kindly share their thoughts on how to best prep to pass it?
Thanks in advance!
------------------------------
Kevin Razawich CMA
Camillus NY
United States
------------------------------