CIA Challenge Exam

The more focused path to Certification

The CIA Challenge Exam is your chance to join the more than 185,000 CIAs who have achieved this highly respected global certification.

As a PIA, you can take advantage of this limited opportunity to earn the Certified Internal Auditor^® (CIA^®) designation through an expedited process called the CIA Challenge Exam. This expedited process allows you to obtain the CIA designation after successfully passing the one-part examination.

The CIA Challenge Exam only includes content not covered on your PIA exam, saving you time and money.

Why Take the CIA Challenge Exam?

Earning the CIA designation will elevate you among your peers and demonstrate that you are:

A credible and trusted internal auditor.
A stronger, more competent professional.
Knowledgeable in organizational governance.
Equipped for career-advancing opportunities.

CIA Challenge Exam Package

In addition to saving time, the CIA Challenge Exam offers significant financial savings. This bundle includes:

CIA Challenge Exam application fee.
CIA Challenge Exam registration fee.
Customized CIA Learning System study materials with access until 31 December 2023.
Access to the Standards to help you prepare for the exam.

IIA Member Rate: $895 USD (nonmembers are ineligible)

Who Is Eligible?

Candidate must be an active holder of the following designation:

Professional Internal Auditor (PIA)

Program Timeline for Applicants

Program Timeline

Application window: 1 July- 30 November 2023
Program window: 1 July- 31 December 2023
Testing Window: 1 July- 31 December 2023*
Waiting period between unsuccessful examinations: 30 calendar days

*Individuals may take the CIA Challenge Exam and register throughout the program window. However, all examinations must be taken before 31 December 2023. There will be no program or exam extensions past this date. Individuals currently enrolled in the traditional 3-part program will need to open a new case within their CCMS to apply into this program and regular CIA Challenge Exam fees apply for this program. No refunds or transfer of funds between programs.

Application Steps

Create a profile or log in to the Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS).
Select “Apply for Certified Internal Auditor.”
Select “CIA Challenge Program for South African PIA Holders”
After payment screen, you must upload proof of good standing and a goverment-issued ID. You must also complete the electronic character reference. Once approved for the program, you may register and schedule your examination.
To register and schedule your exam, select “Manage my program > CIA > Register."

Challenge Exam Study Materials

Once approved into the program, candidates will receive the email invitation for the online Challenge Exam Study Guide within 7 days from The IIA’s CIA Distribution Center with the subject line, “Action Required - Your IIA Online Access.” Candidates will need to activate the online access to the Study Guide separately. For questions or assistance with the Study Guide, please reach out to CustomerCare@learncia.com to inquire further.

Access to online study materials will expire at the end of the test window on 31 December 2023.

Exam Registration and Scheduling

Once approved into the program, access your CCMS account and select “Manage My Program” to register for your exam with Pearson VUE. Upon completing the registration process, select “Access Pearson VUE” from the main menu bar and follow the onscreen instructions for scheduling your appointment. During the scheduling process, you will have the option to take your exam via online testing or at a testing center.
Schedule your examination for the testing window. You will have the option to take your exam via online testing or at a testing center. To find the nearest testing center, visit the Pearson VUE page and select “Find a test center.” Learn more about online testing.

Online testing is not available in all markets.

Accessing Score Reports

Approximately 24 hours after you have completed your exam, you will receive a system-generated email notifying you that your exam score is available. You may also check your score online by logging into your CCMS profile and selecting “Access Pearson VUE,” then selecting “View Score Reports.”

Program Timeline for retake examinations

Registration, Scheduling, and Testing: Available anytime until 31 December 2023 with a 30 day waiting period between unsuccessful attempts

Retake Pricing

IIA Members: $595 USD