Pass the CIA Challenge Exam now and fast-track your CIA

Are you a CPA, CA, or CISA? Or do you have 10+ years of internal audit experience—but you’re not yet a Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®)? Earning the CIA can feel like a long road when you picture three exam parts and months of study. Good news: you don’t have to take that road.

The Institute of Internal Auditors® (IIA®) created the CIA Challenge Exam specifically for qualified professionals like you, giving you a faster, more focused way to earn your CIA.

This guide explains why the CIA Challenge Exam is the quickest path to your CIA and why you should get started now.

1. One exam, not three. The standard CIA exam requires you to study for and take three parts separately. The Challenge Exam condenses the material into a single session of 150 multiple-choice questions over three hours. 
2. Less study time. If you’re eligible for the Challenge Exam, you’ll already have proven your knowledge through either a qualifying certification or 10+ years of experience. You’re most likely already familiar with a lot of the content, so you won’t need to spend as much time studying.
3. Immediate ROI. In as little as three to six months, you can add “CIA” after your name, opening doors to senior audit roles, leadership tracks, and global assignments.

Need more details on who’s eligible and what’s tested on the exam? Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about the CIA Challenge Exam.

The CIA Challenge Exam is only offered a few times a year, so make sure you’re aware of when you can apply for and take the exam. 

The IIA’s 2026 CIA Challenge Exam syllabus is effective starting June 1, 2026. It’s updated to align with the latest Global Internal Audit Standards.

Learn more about how the CIA Challenge Exam syllabus has changed in our blog Breaking Down the CIA Challenge Exam Changes.

Eligible CPAs, CAs, CISAs, and professionals with the required years of experience are in a unique position to take this expedited path and start reaping the CIA career benefits almost immediately.  

• Accelerated promotions: CIAs qualify faster for senior audit and risk roles. 
• Salary premium: CIAs can earn around 48% more than non-certified peers. 
• Global mobility: The CIA is recognized in more than 170 countries.