HOCK international
HOCK International is a membership-based exam preparation platform serving accounting, finance, and tax professionals pursuing certifications such as CMA, EA, CIA, and CSCA. It operates a cloud-based learning system with community access and distributes through self-serve subscriptions and 125+ global teaching partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersColumbus, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What HOCK international does
HOCK International is a membership-based professional learning platform that prepares accounting, finance, and tax professionals for certification exams including CMA, EA, CIA, CSCA, CIA Challenge, IAP, FMAA, and Cert IFR. Founded in 2000 in Columbus, Ohio by Brian Hock and operated as HOCK International, LLC, the company delivers content through its cloud-based PassMap learning management system, which sequences textbooks, video lessons, audio, podcasts, and large question banks (4,000+ MCQs for CMA, 5,500+ for CIA, 2,800+ for EA) into personalized study plans aligned to target exam dates. The platform layers the HOCK Circle community for peer learning and live study sessions, the ExamReady progress-tracking tool, and the BrAIn AI support bot for on-demand content clarification, positioning membership as ongoing professional development rather than one-off exam prep.
The company operates a freemium-to-paid subscription model priced at $14.99/month for FMAA and Cert IFR tracks and $59.99/month (50% off promotional pricing) for CMA, EA, CIA, CSCA, IAP, and CIA Challenge memberships, with corporate bulk licenses and a no-fee authorized teaching partner program. Distribution combines a self-serve direct-to-consumer funnel with a 125+ partner reseller network across 20+ countries (64 partners in India, 61 globally), supported by regional offices in India & APAC and the Middle East & GCC. Reciprocal relationships with certifying bodies (IMA, IIA, ACCA, IRS) embed HOCK into official candidate workflows, and the 2025 acquisition of PassKey Learning Systems consolidates an established U.S. EA prep brand into HOCK. Scale signals include 15,000+ professionals in the HOCK Circle, 200+ training companies using HOCK materials, and a 4.8-star average across 1,706 verified customer reviews.
HOCK international firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- HOCK international
- Legal name
- HOCK international, LLC
- Website
- https://hockinternational.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- HOCK International is a membership-based exam preparation platform serving accounting, finance, and tax professionals pursuing certifications such as CMA, EA, CIA, and CSCA. It operates a cloud-based learning system with community access and distributes through self-serve subscriptions and 125+ global teaching partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
HOCK international industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Certification Exam Preparation
- NAICS
- Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Test Prep Tutoring Platforms (SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT, etc.) (EDANAGAH)
Keywords
Where HOCK international is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Columbus
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
HOCK international business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Professional Membership Subscriptions: Monthly recurring subscriptions for exam preparation memberships (CMA, CIA, CSCA, EA) at $59.99/month (50% off) and smaller certifications (FMAA, Cert IFR) at $14.99/month. Cancel anytime with access remaining until end of billing period.
- Freemium Access: Free membership providing limited access to first units of study materials, introductory professional development courses, and limited HOCK Circle community access. Serves as conversion funnel to paid memberships.
- Corporate and Teaching Partner Licenses: Organizations purchase bulk membership licenses for employees or students through teaching and corporate partnerships, with partners receiving access to HOCK's complete study materials and PassMap LMS.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | CMA, CIA, CSCA, EA Full Membership |
| Subscription | Monthly | FMAA and Cert IFR Membership |
| Freemium | Monthly | Free Membership |
| Subscription | Monthly | CIA Challenge Exam Membership |
| Subscription | Monthly | IAP Exam Membership |
| Subscription | Monthly | IAP Exam Membership |
| Subscription | Monthly | FMAA (Arabic) Exam Review |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
HOCK international product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HOCK International provides a membership-based professional learning platform for accounting, finance, tax, and audit professionals preparing for certification exams (CMA, EA, CIA, CSCA, FMAA, IAP, Cert IFR). Each membership bundles exam-specific study materials, video lessons, thousands of practice questions, mock exams, and access to the HOCK Circle professional community, delivered through the proprietary PassMap learning management system with BrAIn AI support and ExamReady progress tracking.
Product overview
HOCK International offers a membership-based professional learning platform for accounting, finance, and tax professionals preparing for certification exams. The core offering consists of exam-specific membership programs (CMA, EA, FMAA, CSCA, CIA, CIA Challenge, IAP, Cert IFR), all built on the PassMap learning management system. Each membership includes study materials, video lessons, practice questions, mock exams, and access to the HOCK Circle professional community. The platform also offers AI-powered tools including BrAIn (support bot) and ExamReady (progress tracking). Products range from $14.99/month to $59.99/month with discounts available. The company acquired PassKey Learning Systems in 2025, expanding its EA exam preparation offerings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PassKey Learning Systems: Enrolled Agent (EA) exam preparation materials brand acquired by HOCK International in 2025
- HOCK Circle
- PassMap
- ExamReady
- BrAIn
Products and services
- HOCK CMA Membership Subscription-based exam preparation for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential, including complete study materials, PassMap learning system, video lessons, thousands of practice questions, mock exams, and HOCK Circle community access.
- HOCK EA Membership Subscription-based preparation for the Enrolled Agent (EA) exam covering all three parts, including 45+ hours of video lessons, 2,800+ practice questions, weekly live study sessions, and practical tax courses.
- HOCK CIA Membership Subscription-based preparation for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credential, including study materials, 30+ hours of video lessons, 5,500+ multiple-choice questions, and an exam-style testing interface.
- HOCK CSCA Membership Subscription-based preparation for the Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA) credential, including online textbooks, audiobooks, podcasts, 10+ hours of video lessons, and 800+ multiple-choice questions.
- HOCK FMAA Membership Subscription-based preparation for the Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate (FMAA) credential, including online textbooks, 25+ hours of video lessons, 700+ multiple-choice questions, and 2 full mock exams.
- HOCK CIA Challenge Membership Subscription-based preparation for qualified professionals pursuing CIA certification via the expedited Challenge exam path, including 22+ hours of video lessons and 3 full mock exams for the 2026 syllabus.
- HOCK IAP Membership Subscription-based preparation for the Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) credential, the first step toward CIA certification, including 8+ hours of video lessons and 2,000+ multiple-choice questions.
- HOCK Cert IFR Membership Subscription-based preparation for the Certificate in International Financial Reporting (Cert IFR), including 21+ hours of video lessons, 1,450+ multiple-choice questions, and 4 full mock exams.
- HOCK Free Membership Free tier providing one year of limited access to first units of each exam prep course, introductory professional development courses, and limited HOCK Circle community access, designed as a conversion funnel to paid memberships.
- FMAA (Arabic) Exam Review Arabic-language subscription preparation for the FMAA credential, including 250+ pages of textbook, 700+ practice questions, 25 hours of videos with English subtitles, and a mock exam; offered with a 3-day free trial.
Quantifiable outcome
- 15,000+ professionals prepared for certifications
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use HOCK international
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
HOCK international technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability5 records
Feature6 records
HOCK international partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- BrainscapecoreHOCK partnered with Brainscape to offer AI-powered flashcards for EA, FMAA, and CSCA exams. The flashcards use active recall, spaced repetition, and metacognition techniques. Cards are built from HOCK study materials and available for separate purchase on Brainscape's platform.
- IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)coreHOCK offers discounts on IMA membership fees and CMA entrance fees for new members (30% discount, savings of $175+). Students can register for CMA, FMAA, and CSCA exams through HOCK at discounted rates ($50-150 savings).
- IIA (The Institute of Internal Auditors)coreHOCK provides exam prep for CIA, CIA Challenge, and IAP certifications administered by The IIA. Students register for exams through IIA's certification system and take exams at Pearson Vue Testing Centers.
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)coreHOCK provides exam prep for Cert IFR certification administered by ACCA. Cert IFR is an ACCA qualification that helps finance professionals understand and apply International Financial Reporting Standards.
- IRS (Internal Revenue Service)coreEA exam is authorized by the IRS. The exam, called Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), tests candidates on tax law and qualifies them to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Testing administered by PSI Services.
- Authorized Teaching Partners (125+ globally)major64 authorized partners in India and 61 globally including education providers, training organizations, and companies. Partners receive access to complete study materials, PassMap LMS, instructor support, and partner portal with marketing assets. No registration fees to become a partner.
- Corporate Partner OrganizationsmajorOrganizations purchase HOCK memberships for employees to access certification exam preparation and professional development. Employees choose what to study based on their roles and career goals. HOCK offers flexible corporate arrangements and can develop customized learning programs.
- Prometric Testing CentersminorCMA and FMAA exams are administered at Prometric Testing Centers worldwide. CSCA exams are also taken at Prometric centers with testing windows in March and September.
- Pearson Vue Testing CentersminorCIA, CIA Challenge, and IAP exams are administered at Pearson Vue Testing Centers worldwide.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
HOCK international competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Becker Professional Education: Becker is the largest CPA, CMA, and CFA exam prep provider globally, with similar subscription-based access to study materials, video lectures, and practice questions. Direct competitor for CMA and a broader portfolio peer across accounting/finance certifications.
- Wiley Efficient Learning: Wiley Efficient Learning (formerly Bisk) provides CPA, CMA, and CIA exam prep with adaptive learning technology and review courses. Closely comparable to HOCK in target certifications (CMA, CIA) and subscription-based content delivery model.
- UWorld (Roger CPA Review): UWorld acquired Roger CPA Review and offers adaptive question banks and review courses for accounting and finance certifications. Direct peer in the subscription question-bank-driven prep model.
- Gleim Publications: Gleim provides CPA, CMA, CIA, and EA exam prep with comprehensive study materials and question banks. Closely comparable multi-certification strategy and similar professional certification exam focus.
- Surgent Accounting & Financial Education: Surgent provides CPA, CMA, and EA exam review with adaptive learning technology and a pass-or-refund guarantee. Direct competitor in the accounting certification prep space with similar product architecture.
- Ninja CPA Review (NINJA Notes): NINJA offers condensed CPA and CMA review materials and notes targeting busy professionals. Comparable to HOCK's "for busy lives" positioning and similar concise, supplementary prep content model.
- Knopman Marks Financial Training: Knopman Marks provides Series 6, 7, 63, and other FINRA licensing exam prep, sharing HOCK's professional certification exam prep model for working professionals with subscription access to study materials.
Emerging players
- Universal Accounting School: Universal Accounting offers professional bookkeeper and accounting certification training, including CMA-aligned programs. Comparable as an emerging professional accounting certification prep provider with similar self-paced online delivery.
- Corporate Finance Institute (CFI): CFI provides online finance and accounting certification programs (FMVA, CBCA) for working professionals. Comparable in target audience (career-advancing finance professionals) and online subscription model, though focused on different specific credentials.
Broad incumbents
- Kaplan Financial Education: Kaplan offers broad test prep across many certifications including CPA, CFA, and financial planning. Comparable as a test prep incumbent but at much broader scale and with different go-to-market (live courses, institutional).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses2 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
HOCK international social profiles
Digital presenceHOCK international financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HOCK international leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
HOCK international subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
HOCK international funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HOCK international M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about HOCK international
What does HOCK international do?
HOCK International provides a membership-based professional learning platform for accounting, finance, tax, and audit professionals preparing for certification exams (CMA, EA, CIA, CSCA, FMAA, IAP, Cert IFR). Each membership bundles exam-specific study materials, video lessons, thousands of practice questions, mock exams, and access to the HOCK Circle professional community, delivered through the proprietary PassMap learning management system with BrAIn AI support and ExamReady progress tracking.
Is HOCK international a public or private company?
HOCK international is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was HOCK international founded?
HOCK international was founded in 2000. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is HOCK international based?
HOCK international is headquartered in Columbus, United States, in the North America region.
How does HOCK international make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Professional Membership Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are freemium Access and corporate and Teaching Partner Licenses.
Who are HOCK international's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Becker Professional Education, Wiley Efficient Learning, UWorld (Roger CPA Review), Gleim Publications, Surgent Accounting & Financial Education, Ninja CPA Review (NINJA Notes) and Knopman Marks Financial Training. Emerging players are Universal Accounting School and Corporate Finance Institute (CFI). Kaplan Financial Education is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does HOCK international have an API?
No public API is recorded for HOCK international.
What industry is HOCK international in?
HOCK international's product category is Professional Certification Exam Preparation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDANAGAH, Test Prep Tutoring Platforms (SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT, etc.). Its NAICS code is 611691 and its SIC code is 8200.