I took the "Mentor Mode" and refined it into a sustainable rhythm:
- 5 days of deep work: Theory first, then questions in Mentor Mode.
- 1 day of light revision: Maximum 2-3 hours.
- 1 day of total relaxation: Pure mental recovery.
This tactic is a recommendation from several CIA mentors.
I also changed my logistics strategy: I stopped booking months in advance. I waited until I felt ready, then booked just one week before. Because the Budapest center was closed for the summer, I headed back to where it all began: Bratislava.
The Cooling Strategy
This time, I was a master of "Environmental Risk." I ensured my accommodation had high-performance air conditioning—no more "sauna rooms." Even when the train was "only" 70 minutes late, I didn't care. I was in Bratislava.
I spent the afternoon letting Bratislava carry me away. A walk, the UFO tower, and total relaxation. But as I returned to my accommodation in the evening, the sky turned black.
The Becherovka Intervention
Just 40 meters from my room, "the sky fell." A massive summer downpour trapped me under a small 4x4 meter shelter. I wasn't alone; a Dutch university student couple was already there, hiding from the storm.
We started talking. When I told them I was there for a major exam the next day, they gave me the best advice possible: "Don't study now!" They even offered me a shot of Becherovka to seal the deal. We laughed, the rain stopped, and I went to bed perfectly relaxed.
The Final Result
The exam itself was a replay of my successful Part 2 tactics. I acted as a mentor to myself for every question, maintaining a steady pace. I finished with exactly 1 minute left on the clock.
When I stepped out of the building, the biggest surprise was waiting for me: The Dutch couple. They remembered the time and place from our conversation in the rain, and they were there to cheer for me.
Result: PASSED. Certification: COMPLETE.
Final Lesson Learned:
Success in the CIA journey (and in auditing) is a balance. When I passed, I didn't just have the necessary knowledge—I had the necessary mental state. I was relaxed, calm, and open to the world.
Do you have any CIA or other exam survival stories? Share them in the comments below!
Another CIA series is coming soon. Stay tuned!
