CIA
Offered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is the IIA's global certification for internal auditors. Candidates must pass three exam parts within three years of applying. The syllabus is aligned with the IIA's Global Internal Audit Standards (2025 syllabus).
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Questions
125
Testing time
2.5
hours
Sections
3
Passing score
600
Cost
$120 (member) / $240
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Part 1 — Internal Audit Fundamentals
Part 2 — Internal Audit Engagement
Part 3 — Internal Audit Function
About the CIA certification
You may sit the exams before finishing the experience requirement; the certificate is awarded once education, exam, and experience are complete.
Who it’s for
Internal auditors and professionals moving into assurance, risk, and governance roles.
- Testing time
- Part 1: 2.5 hours; Parts 2 and 3: 2 hours each
- Delivery
- Pearson VUE test center (and IIA-approved delivery options by language/region)
- Passing score
- 600 on a 250–750 scaled scale, independently on each part
- Cost
- Application $120 (member) / $240 (non-member); Part 1 $310 / $445; Parts 2 and 3 $280 / $415 each, USD
- Validity
- All three parts must be passed within 3 years of applying; after certification, maintain with CPE
- Prerequisites
- Education and experience routes set by the IIA (bachelor's typically with 2 years of internal-audit experience, with substitutions for other degrees/experience); exams may be taken before experience is complete
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Join the IIA if you can — member pricing is substantially lower.
02
Study Part 1 against the 2025 syllabus (Foundations, Ethics, Governance/Risk/Control, Fraud Risks).
03
Sit parts in order unless you have an IAP waiver for Part 1.
04
Use IIA or reputable review materials mapped to the Global Internal Audit Standards.
05
Retake only the part you missed; each part is scored on its own 600 threshold.
FAQ
Do I have to pass all three parts at once?
No. Pass them one at a time within three years of applying. Each part needs a scaled 600 on the 250–750 scale.
Can I take the CIA without internal-audit experience?
You can sit the exams first. The CIA is awarded only after you also meet the IIA's education and experience (or equivalent) requirements.
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