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The Institute of Internal Auditors® (The IIA®) offers the CIA Challenge Exam as a way for qualified candidates to earn the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) certification through an expedited process.
Normally, CIA candidates must pass all three exam parts to prove their understanding of the content. However, eligible candidates have the opportunity to take the CIA Challenge Exam, which streamlines the CIA content into one exam.
We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you decide if this opportunity is right for you.
The IIA offers three eligibility pathways for the exam
Candidates for the Accounting version of the exam must be a current member of one (or more) of the following accounting bodies to qualify. Before applying, you’ll need to contact your local accounting body to obtain a letter of good standing.
The application window opens April 1, 2026.
The testing windows are:
The exam is offered through Pearson VUE Opens in new window around the world, and candidates are expected to spend three hours completing the exam.
Follow these steps to apply:
Once your application to the program is approved, you’ll be able to register for and schedule your exam. To do this, select “Manage my program” and then choose “CIA” and click “Register.”
Once your application is accepted, you must sit for the exam within 180 days of your application being approved.
The IIA offers discounted fees to IIA members, while non-members have to pay a higher fee. Considering the application and exam fee, the Challenge Exam costs $995 for IIA members and $1,625 for non-members. There is an additional cost if you have to retake the exam, so it’s important to go in prepared so that you can pass on your first try.
See the table for a breakdown of each fee depending on your membership status.
| CIA Challenge Exam Fees* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fee Type | IIA Member | Non-Member |
| Application Fee | $150 | $380 |
| Exam Fee | $845 | $1,245 |
| Retake Fee | $845 | $995 |
*All fees in USD.
We recommend enlisting the help of a review provider to get everything you need to prepare. The exam is difficult, and there are limited opportunities to sit for it, so it’s important to master the topics so that you can pass on your first try.
You don’t have to worry about the details of the exam syllabus—we handle that for you by making sure our course always covers the content you need. Our CIA Challenge Exam Review Course has everything you need to pass with confidence.
The IIA’s 2026 exam syllabus, aligned with the latest Global Internal Audit Standards, is effective beginning June 1, 2026. Regardless of which pathway you meet the eligibility requirements for, you’ll be tested with this exam syllabus.
| 2026 CIA Challenge Exam Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Topic | Percent of Exam |
| Internal Audit Professionalism and Quality | 20% |
| Internal Audit Operations and Audit Plan | 15% |
| Engagement Planning | 20% |
| Engagement Performance | 25% |
| Engagement Results and Monitoring | 20% |
The CIA Challenge Exam has 150 multiple-choice questions based on the exam syllabus, and the examination time is up to 180 minutes.
Candidates must earn 600 points out of a possible 750 to pass the exam. The exam is graded based on scaled scoring Opens in new window.
You’ll receive your exam score within three weeks after taking your exam. Once your exam results are available, you’ll get an email notification and can view your results by logging into CCMS.
The CIA Challenge Exam pass rate is 47% based on exams delivered in all countries globally.
Candidates should use CIA Challenge Exam Review materials to help with their exam preparation. Having help from an experienced review provider can make the difference.
Additionally, candidates should plan their studies on a calendar or scheduler to help them stay on track. Our course comes with a Study Planner that you can personalize to your exam schedule and free time. The Challenge Exam covers a wide array of topics, and you need to be sure you’re meeting your goals in order to pass.
It also helps to understand the interface and format of the exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, so the interface is the same as the traditional CIA exam.
The CIA Challenge Exam is only offered in English. To best prepare, study and practice questions in English to make sure there are no translation issues on exam day.
