CIA Exam Changes

Everything you need to know about upcoming CIA exam changes, when the new exam will be tested, and more. Plus, learn about past exam changes to see how the exam and profession have developed over the years.

2025 CIA exam changes
Past CIA exam changes

2025 CIA Exam Changes

The IIA is updating the Global Internal Audit Standards , International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and the the CIA exam syllabus . The new Standards have been approved and will be effective January 2025. Beginning in May 2025, candidates will begin to sit for the updated CIA exam.

The upcoming changes to the CIA exam:

ensure the CIA exam is up-to-date with current practices in the internal audit industry,
align the CIA exam syllabus with the IIA’s Standards,
reduce duplicate information across the 3 exam parts,
and clarify the level of knowledge candidates will need to pass.

Updated CIA Exam Syllabus

The IIA released updated CIA exam syllabi that are available on their website . The syllabi provide topic breakdowns for each exam part, including the weighting of the topics tested.

Keep reading to get an overview of the changes coming to each part of the CIA exam.

CIA Part 1 Exam Changes

Current Exam	Updated Exam
Foundations of Internal Auditing – 15%	Foundations of Internal Auditing – 35%
Independence and Objectivity – 15%	Ethics and Professionalism – 20%
Proficiency and Due Professional Care – 18%	Governance, Risk Management, and Control – 30%
Quality Assurance and Improvement Program – 7%	Fraud Risks – 15%
Governance, Risk Management, and Control – 35%
Fraud Risks – 10%

Part 1 of the CIA exam, Essentials of Internal Auditing, currently tests 6 sections. On the new CIA exam, Part 1 is being renamed to Internal Audit Fundamentals, and it will be reduced to 4 sections with updates to the emphasized topics.

The current sections titled Independence and Objectivity, Proficiency and Due Professional Care, and Quality Assurance and Improvement Program will no longer be Part 1 sections.

The new exam will still have the Foundations of Internal Auditing and Fraud Risks sections, and both will have a larger emphasis than they do now. The Governance, Risk Management, and Control section will have a slight decrease in emphasis on the new exam. A new section titled Ethics and Professionalism will also be tested on Part 1.

CIA Part 2 Exam Changes

Current Exam	Updated Exam
Managing the Internal Audit Activity – 20%	Engagement Planning – 50%
Planning the Engagement – 20%	Information Gathering, Analysis, and Evaluation – 40%
Performing the Engagement – 40%	Engagement Supervision and Communication – 10%
Communicating Engagement Results and Monitoring Progress – 20%

CIA Part 2: Practice of Internal Auditing is being updated to test 3 sections instead of 4. Part 2 is also being renamed to Internal Audit Engagement.

All of the current sections are being updated, and there will be a greater emphasis on Engagement Planning, Information Gathering, Analysis, and Evaluation.

CIA Part 3 Exam Changes

Current Exam	Updated Exam
Business Acumen – 35%	Internal Audit Operations – 25%
Information Security – 25%	Internal Audit Plan – 15%
Information Technology – 20%	Quality of the Internal Audit Function – 15%
Financial Management – 20%	Engagement Results and Monitoring – 45%

Part 3 CIA exam, Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing, will be titled Internal Audit Function and it will still test candidates on 4 sections. The section content is being updated with a greater emphasis on Engagement Results and Monitoring and Internal Audit Operations.

Applying for the New Exam

You can still apply to enter the CIA program at any time. Once you’re approved into the program, you’ll have three years to complete it. So when you schedule your exam, you can either schedule it before or after the new exam releases.

Current Candidates

If you’re currently a CIA exam candidate, you should carefully review the IIA’s new exam syllabus when it’s available. Compare it to the current syllabus to determine which is the best choice for you—sitting for the current exams or sitting for the new exams beginning May 2025. Be sure to factor in where you’re at in your program eligibility window to ensure you have enough time to pass all 3 parts within your time limit.

We recommend that current candidates go ahead and complete all 3 exams if possible to avoid the uncertainty of sitting for a new exam. But ultimately, you should make the best choice for your personal situation.

If you pass an exam part before the new exam releases, you’ll retain your passing score for that part when the new exam releases. You’ll only need to re-take exam part(s) if your program window expires.

Learn more on The IIA’s FAQ page .

Exam Languages

The IIA plans to offer the updated CIA exam in different languages according to the release schedule below.

Language	Release Date
English	May 2025
Chinese Traditional, Japanese	July 2025
Thai, Korean	August 2025
Portuguese	September 2025
Spanish, French	October 2025
Polish, German	November 2025
Turkish, Russian	December 2025
Challenge Exams	February 2026
Chinese Simplified, Arabic	September 2026

Past CIA Exam Changes

See below for information on previous changes to the CIA exam.

CIA Certification Online Testing

In response to worldwide Pearson VUE test center closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The IIA has partnered with Pearson VUE to offer online testing of CIA exams. This option became available starting April 29, 2020, for an initial 3-month trial period. The IIA will then determine whether to continue online testing or not.

The IIA has updated their Certification Candidate Handbook, Appendix D, to incorporate information about online proctoring.

Online testing allows CIA candidates to take their exams in the safety of their own home or office. During this time of uncertainty, this ensures candidates are able to complete their exams and meet their certification requirements.

Languages available for online testing

Online testing is available in multiple languages, but candidates will need to communicate with the proctor in English. See our chart below for language availability dates. Pearson VUE greeters, proctors, and tech support are only available in English, and you must be able to communicate with your proctor in English to participate.

Language	Start Date
English	April 29, 2020
Japanese	May 6, 2020
Arabic, Turkish, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Thai, and Korean	May 27, 2020
Czech, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, and Polish	June 7, 2020
English CIA Challenge Exam for Specialty Programs	Coming Soon

Note: Online testing is not available everywhere. Currently, Cuba, mainland China, North Korea, Slovenia, Sudan, and Syria are not offering online testing.

Requirements to take the CIA exam online

You will need three things to sit for your exam at home: a reliable device with a webcam; a quiet, private location where you won’t be interrupted; and a strong internet connection.

System requirements can be found on the Pearson VUE online testing page. Gleim and The IIA recommend you read these requirements carefully before scheduling your exam. You may download the Pearson VUE software in advance to test your system for compatibility. Pearson VUE has technical support available to assist with any issues that arise.

Candidates must ensure their workspace fulfills the security requirements of the exam, which includes having only one monitor and no other computers on during your exam. If you are suspected of cheating or tampering with the software, your exam will be immediately terminated. This will be reported to Pearson VUE and The IIA, potentially invalidating your exam.

Acceptable online testing locations

Candidates are advised to test in a quiet, private room in their home or office. The room must be inspected by a proctor prior to beginning your exam. This is done via photos submitted through the downloaded exam software. If you have any whiteboards or items with writing on a wall, these will be inspected prior to your exam. If your room fails the inspection, you will be labeled a “no-show” and will need to register and pay the exam fees again.

You cannot have anyone else in the room with you while you are testing. If the exam proctor suspects a third party in the room, your exam could be terminated. Be sure to alert any individuals that are in your office or home not to disturb you during your exam! You are not allowed any paper, notebooks, or writing utensils within arm’s reach of your workspace. You cannot have any physical scratch paper or whiteboards.

Cost for online testing

Pricing for the English exams is listed below. Online testing is the same cost than testing at a Pearson VUE test center, so be sure your home or office meets the testing requirements before you pay to register! Candidates who would normally go through their local affiliate to register and schedule their exams must still do so.

Part	Member Price	Nonmember Price
Part 1	$280 USD	$395 USD
Part 2	$230 USD	$345 USD
Part 3	$230 USD	$345 USD

How to schedule an exam for online testing

Register to sit for your exam using online testing through your CCMS account. Be sure to read the Pearson VUE online testing page thoroughly to make sure this is a viable option. There is an option to “Test my system,” which can be helpful to determine if your station meets the technical requirements.

When registering for your exam on CCMS, select “At my home or office” on the “Select Exam Delivery Option” page. You can schedule exams every quarter hour (9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., etc.) and may even be able to schedule your exam on the same day you take it, depending on availability.

Steps to register for online testing

Log into CCMS.
Click “Manage My Program.”
Under “TEST” on the left navigation bar:
1. If you have not yet registered for an exam, click “Register” and complete the registration process.
2. If you already have an exam scheduled, click “Manage my Appointment.”
  1. In “Upcoming Appointments,” click the exam you wish to change.
  2. Cancel your appointment.
  3. Reschedule your exam via online testing.

NOTE: If you do not see the option to schedule for online testing, click “Help” in CCMS and open a new case. Select the “Request OP-Delivery for Existing Registration” category.

Starting your exam

Pearson VUE has instructions on their site for exam-day procedures. You will still need to be on time for your exam, but you should plan to be there up to 30 minutes earlier to complete the check-in process, including submitting your ID and other security details. If you are late due to a prolonged check-in process, you can be labeled a “no-show” and risk registering and paying the exam fees again. It can take up to 10 minutes to get a proctor, who will be monitoring you both visually and audibly during your entire exam.

Handling technical issues

According to Pearson VUE, the most common technical issues are an unreliable internet connection (less than 3 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up) or an unauthorized program running simultaneously. CIA candidates can verify both by testing their software and making sure all unauthorized programs are exited before their exam.

If you have a minor internet outage, the exam will pause until connection is resumed. However, if your connection is disrupted for a long period of time, the exam will be terminated and a case will be opened for review.

If you have any other technical issues after meeting with the greeter, Pearson VUE will automatically log a case on your behalf. Due to high volume, it may take 3-5 business days for Pearson VUE to review your case. However, if your exam is terminated or paused, you will not be able to resume your exam session.

Contact Pearson VUE’s IIA-specific customer service via online chat or over the phone. Remember, all greeters, proctors, and technical support are only available in English.

Major differences between an in-person and online exam

Some of the major differences of the online exam are as follows:

No physical scratch paper or whiteboards may be used. Any writing utensil or surface within arm’s reach can be grounds for terminating your exam. A digital whiteboard will be available.
You will not be allowed breaks. The CIA exam has no scheduled breaks, so you will need to remain seated for the entire exam length. Getting up from your seat could result in a disqualification of your exam.
You will not be allowed food or drinks other than water in a clear glass. Chewing gum is also prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will I receive my score report?

Once your exam is completed, you will receive an unofficial “pass” or “fail” result on your screen. Just as with an in-person exam, you will also receive a numeric score for an unsuccessful attempt. Candidates will have the option to print their exam result or save it as a PDF. You will still receive an email when your official exam result becomes available.

Can I challenge the decision if a proctor terminates my exam?

The Pearson VUE online testing page states that if an exam is terminated for suspicion of cheating or tampering with the software, or if a third party is detected in the physical room, a log will be made and reported to The IIA. You need to contact The IIA or Pearson VUE if you feel your exam was unfairly terminated.

Can I take the exam someplace that isn’t a home or office?

Pearson VUE states that your testing location should be a walled room with a closed door and without distractions. Places that aren’t entirely private, such as a rented room in a library, may be difficult to secure well enough for your exam. Additionally, the computer you use MUST meet the technical requirements (you must have a webcam, steady internet connection, and the ability to download the testing software).

If you plan to sit someplace that isn’t a home or office, check with a Pearson VUE customer service agent either over the phone or through their chat service to help determine if your location is acceptable.

2019 CIA Exam Changes

CIA Exam Changes Overview

The IIA has streamlined the CIA exam by redefining the three exam parts according to The IIA’s 2017 global job-analysis study. Each part will better test the knowledge and skills required of current internal auditors.

Now, content is more evenly distributed across all three parts and topics in Part 3 no longer overlap with those in Parts 1 and 2. This redistribution has made it more important to take Part 3 last, but it is now more feasible for candidates to take Part 3 either first or last. Parts 1 and 2 should continue to be taken in numerical order because topics tested in Part 2 still build on those found in Part 1.

Part 3 still requires a basic knowledge of topics that relate peripherally—but not directly—to auditing. However, now Part 3 has an increased focused on IT-related topics and how they pertain to auditing.

Biggest Changes Across the Exam

The amount of variance in Part 3 topics is now much fewer.
Governance is now tested in Part 1.
Data Analytics is now tested in Part 3.
Topics now include a rating of “Basic” or “Proficient” denoting the level of understanding necessary to answer questions on that topic.

CIA Exam Changes Timeline

The new CIA exam syllabus took effect January 1, 2019, for the English version of the exam. The new exam has been translated into 14 languages as of 2021. Some previously offered languages are being discontinued.

Discontinued languages

The following languages have either been discontinued or will be discontinued, and the last dates to sit for the 2018 version of the exam in these languages are listed.

Language	Last Date
Hebrew	December 31, 2020
Indonesian	December 31, 2020
Czech	September 30, 2021
Italian	September 30, 2021

PART 1: ESSENTIALS OF INTERNAL AUDITING

Previous Part Title: Internal Audit Basics

Biggest Syllabus Changes in Part 1:

Includes Governance, which is now a main focus
Greater alignment with The IIA’s Attribute Standards
Cognitive levels: 14 basic topics, 16 proficient topics

2018 Syllabus
I. Mandatory Guidance Now in Part 1, Area I. Foundations of Internal Auditing	35-45%
II. Internal Control/Risk Now in Part 1, Area V. Governance, Risk Management, and Control & Part 1, Area VI. Fraud Risk	25-35%
III. Conducting Internal Audit Engagements — Auditing Tools and Techniques Now in Part 1, Area III. Proficiency and Due Professional Care Content about Data Analytics now in Part 3, Area I. Business Acumen	25-35%

2019 Syllabus
Ι. Foundations of Internal Auditing	15%
ΙΙ. Independence and Objectivity	15%
ΙΙΙ. Proficiency and Due Professional Care	18%
ΙV. Quality Assurance and Improvement Programs	7%
V. Governance, Risk Management, and Control	35%
VI. Fraud Risk	10%

PART 2: PRACTICE OF INTERNAL AUDITING

Previous Part Title: Internal Audit Practice

Biggest Syllabus Changes in Part 2:

No longer tests on fraud risk (although risk is still an element of Part 2)
Goes deeper into the Information Gathering process under Domain 3, Performing the Engagement.
Cognitive levels: 14 basic topics, 21 proficient topics

2018 Syllabus
I. Managing the Internal Audit Function Now in Part 2, Area I. Managing the Internal Audit Activity	40-50%
II. Managing Individual Engagements Now in Part 2, Area II. Planning the Engagement, Part 2, Area III. Performing the Engagement, & Part 2, Area IV. Communicating Engagement Results and Monitoring Progress.	40-50%
ΙΙΙ. Fraud Risks and Controls Now in Part 1, Area VI. Fraud Risk	5-15%

2019 Syllabus
Ι. Managing the Internal Audit Activity	20%
ΙΙ. Planning the Engagement	20%
ΙΙΙ. Performing the Engagement	40%
ΙV. Communicating Engagement Results and Monitoring Progress	20%

PART 3: BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE FOR INTERNAL AUDITING

Previous Part Title: Internal Audit Knowledge Elements

Biggest Syllabus Changes in Part 3:

Fewer topics
No longer tests on Governance or Ethics
Now tests on Data Analytics
Cognitive levels: 32 basic topics, 3 proficient topics
Goes much deeper into Information Technology and Information Security

2018 Syllabus
I. Governance/Business Ethics Now in Part 1	5-15%
II. Risk Management Now in Part 1	10-20%
ΙΙΙ. Organizational Structure/Business Processes and Risks Now in Part 3, Area I. Business Acumen	15-25%
ΙV. Communication Removed. Elements of this topic appear in Part 1, Area III Performing the Engagement, Part 2, Area I. Managing the Internal Audit Activity, Part 2, Area IV. Communicating Engagement Results and Monitoring Progress, & Part 3, Area I. Business Acumen	5-10%
V. Management/Leadership Principles Now in Part 3, Area I. Business Acumen	10-20%
VΙ. IT/Business Continuity Now in Part 3, Area II. Information Security & Part 3, Area III. Information Technology	15-25%
VΙΙ. Financial Management Now in Part 3, Area IV. Financial Management	10-20%
VΙΙΙ. Global Business Environment Removed. Elements of this topic appear in Part 3, Area I. Business Acumen	0-10%

2019 Syllabus
Ι. Business Acumen	35%
ΙΙ. Information Security	25%
ΙΙΙ. Information Technology	20%
ΙV. Financial Management	20%

Passing Score

The IIA has always set the level at which new CIAs need to perform. To do this, it conducts a standard-setting study to determine what constitutes a passing score.

The passing score will remain the same on the new exam: 600 on a scale of 250-750. However, because there will be a lot of changes all at once, the first candidates to take it will actually help The IIA determine how hard the new exam is, and what percent of answers correct is needed to achieve a 600. A 600 has always been a moving target. 600 equals 75% when the test is of a moderate difficulty level, and sometimes 600 is less than 75% when the test is more difficult.

What About the CIA Exam Hasn’t Changed?

TEST FORMAT

The format of the test will stay the same. You will still be asked the same number of questions and given the same amount of time to finish each part of the exam.

PART 1:
125 questions 150 minutes

PART 2:
100 questions 120 minutes

PART 3:
100 questions 120 minutes

FEES AND REQUIREMENTS

The fees and requirements to take the CIA exam will also stay the same.

The Revised CIA Syllabus

You can read The IIA’s outline for the exam syllabus changes here. It is incredibly granular and much of the information isn’t relevant to your exam preparation, but it does offer more details if you need them.