I work full time (46 hours a week) and just registered for the CIC. I'm trying to set a realistic study timeline before committing to a test date.
From what I've read, estimates range from 4 weeks to 16 weeks depending on background. My background is related but I've never taken a formal study guide course, so I'm probably starting at an intermediate level.
I've been using the cic - certified investment counselor investment adviser regulations questions and answers to gauge where I stand, and my initial diagnostic scores are around 66%. Also reading through certified investment counselor to fill in the theory gaps.
For those who've been through it: did you study daily or more intensively in bursts? Did your practice scores accurately predict your real exam performance?
Late to this thread but wanted to add — the exam prep section trips up more people than any other part. If you're scoring below 71% there in practice, treat it as your only focus for at least a week before moving on. Breadth at the expense of depth in that area is a common mistake.
Bookmarking this. I'm still in the early stages of CIC prep and threads like this are way more useful than generic study guides. The specifics about practice test are particularly helpful — that's the section I've been avoiding.
For the people asking about study timelines: I studied 48 minutes per day for 11 weeks working full time. It's absolutely doable without burning out. The key is consistency — missing days hurts more than extending your timeline.
This is exactly the thread I needed. I sit for my CIC in 2 weeks and have been second-guessing my prep. The exam prep area you mentioned is definitely my weak spot. Thanks for the honest breakdown.
For the people asking about study timelines: I studied 70 minutes per day for 10 weeks working full time. It's absolutely doable without burning out. The key is consistency — missing days hurts more than extending your timeline.
Honestly, I almost didn't make it. I started with this grand plan to study 2 hours every night after work, but 46-hour weeks are exhausting and by week three I'd basically quit. What actually saved me was cutting it down to just 30-45 minutes on weekday mornings before everything hit the fan, and then a longer session on Saturdays. Took me about 12 weeks total, which felt like forever, but it wasn't wasted time.
The thing nobody tells you is that the material itself isn't that hard once it clicks, it's the consistency that gets people. I'd say don't pick a test date too soon just because you feel pressure to commit. Give yourself buffer. I failed a practice exam in week eight and thought I was doomed, but I passed the real thing two weeks later. You'll feel underprepared almost the whole time and that's normal.
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