Comparison
Ciroexam vs Prep108 for the CIRE Exam
Prep108 is one of the longest-running CSC-era prep brands, now updated for the CIRO Proficiency Model. Ciroexam was built in 2026 specifically for the new model. Below is the direct read on cost, question bank size, mock-exam structure, and where Prep108 still has an edge for some candidates.
| Feature | Ciroexam Live | Prep108 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cost (CIRE prep) | $250 CAD | $220-$320 CAD (per package) |
| Includes the other 8 CIRO Proficiency Model exams | Yes (one subscription) | Bought per exam |
| Practice questions on CIRE | 1,032 | ~600-1,000 (depending on package) |
| Lessons mapped to every outcome | 99 outcome-aligned lessons | Chapter summaries |
| Two full-length timed mocks | Yes (110 Q × 120 min, disjoint pools) | Yes (mock count varies) |
| AI tutor on every wrong answer | Yes | No |
| Per-question Teach-Back grading | Yes | No |
| Pass-probability score | Yes (calibrated, 0-100) | No |
| Spaced-repetition flashcards | 1,032 cards, SM-2 schedule | Limited card decks |
| Free 25-question diagnostic | Yes (no card) | Limited free preview |
| Mobile + desktop synced | Yes | Web only |
| Course access duration | While subscribed (cancel anytime) | Time-limited per package |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | Yes | Conditional refund only |
| Built specifically for the 2026 CIRO model | Yes | Transitioned from CSC content |
| Citation-grounded answer explanations | Every answer cites a CIRO rule, NI, or statute | General explanations |
| Independent of CIRO and Fitch Learning | Yes | Yes |
Where Prep108 is genuinely stronger
Prep108 has been preparing Canadian securities candidates since the early CSC years. Long-time tutors who guided thousands of CSC candidates are still on the team, and the chapter-style summaries are familiar to anyone who studied with the legacy textbook.
If you bought a Prep108 package before the CIRO transition, you may already have access to their refreshed CIRE material under your existing license. Confirm with Prep108 support before paying for new prep elsewhere.
FAQ
Is Prep108 the official prep provider?
No. Like Ciroexam, Prep108 is an independent prep provider. The official CIRO Proficiency Model exam administrator is Fitch Learning. Neither Ciroexam nor Prep108 writes the official exam.
How does Ciroexam pricing compare to Prep108 across the full 9-exam path?
Ciroexam is $29.99/month or $250/year and includes all 9 CIRO Proficiency Model exams under one subscription. Prep108 sells per-exam packages. If you only need the CIRE, Prep108 might come in close on the single-exam price. If you need the CIRE plus the Retail Securities exam plus a role-specific exam (Supervisor, Trader, or Derivatives), the per-exam math shifts toward Ciroexam.
Do you have an AI tutor like Prep108 has tutors?
Different products. Prep108 offers human tutor sessions in some packages. Ciroexam runs an AI tutor (Gemini, grounded in CIRO rules) inline on every wrong answer with a daily fair-use allowance. The AI tutor is faster for the typical 'why is this answer right' question. A human tutor is better for high-context exam-strategy conversations. We don't claim our tutor replaces a human tutor for someone with a specific learning gap.
If I'm already studying with Prep108, should I switch?
Not necessarily. Take our free 25-question diagnostic. If our element-level scoring shows you're weak in 2 to 3 elements, drill those with our practice bank for $29.99. If you pass cleanly, Prep108 is doing its job and you don't need a second source.
Are answer explanations the same depth?
Our every-answer explanation cites the CIRO rule, NI 31-103 / 81-102 section, or statute behind the question. Prep108 explanations are shorter and reference 'the CSC chapter'. For exam preparation, citation-grounded explanations transfer more reliably to scenario questions on the actual exam.
Try the diagnostic before you commit to either.
25 questions, 25 minutes, real outcome-by-outcome score. No card. Tells you where you actually stand against the CIRE blueprint, regardless of which course you end up using.