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There's only one. Earn your Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) with a one-part CIA Challenge Exam.

Become a Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) and join the more than 200,000 CIAs with diverse professional and educational backgrounds from more than 170 countries who have achieved this highly respected global certification.

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Challenge Exam

Active CPA, CA, and CISA™ holders can earn the CIA through the CIA Challenge Exam

This expedited process allows you to obtain the CIA designation after successfully passing a one-part examination. The CIA Challenge Exam only includes content not covered on your CPA, CA, or CISA™ exam, saving you time and money.

Which CIA Challenge Exam path is right for you?

Accounting CIA Challenge Exam

  • Available to qualified CPA and CA holders
  • Application window: April - September
  • 1 multiple-choice exam including content not covered on CPA and CA exams
  • CIA Challenge Exam Study Guide including 1,000 practice questions
Learn more about CIA Challenge Exam

Information systems CIA Challenge Exam

  • Available to qualified CISA™ holders
  • Application window: April - September
  • 1 multiple-choice exam including content not covered on CISA™ exam
  • CIA Challenge Exam Study Guide including 1,000 practice questions
Learn more about CIA Challenge Exam

Marking the calendar

The CIA Challenge Exam syllabus is changing

We are excited to announce that the CIA Challenge Exam syllabus will be updated to align with the new Global Internal Audit Standards™ in 2026.

During the 2025 program cycle, a comprehensive study will be conducted to ensure the syllabus reflects the latest standards and best practices in internal auditing.

The exact dates of the updated exam's release will be communicated in the coming months.

The CIA Challenge Exam is now available through a test center-only delivery model. Online proctoring has been discontinued to preserve the integrity of IIA certification programs and enhance the testing experience for all candidates. 

 

Pricing is applicable in the United States, Canada, and select countries throughout the world. Pricing may differ in countries where exams are administered through agreements with National Institutes.

Applicable taxes may be collected in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Candidates residing in the United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland or South Africa must be IIA members to apply for the CIA, CRMA, IAP, and CIA Challenge Exam.

CISA™ is a trademark of ISACA.