CIA Challenge Exam Information

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification offered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is the only internationally recognized internal auditor certification. A CIA has more career prospects than a non-certified internal auditor.

To become a CIA, candidates have to meet the eligibility requirements and pass three exams. On average, it takes about 12-18 months to study and complete the exams. Learn more about the CIA Exam here.

The CIA Challenge Exam is an expedited path to becoming a CIA. Eligible candidates already have specific accounting and internal audit knowledge demonstrated through other certifications and can take just one exam to become a CIA.

The CIA Challenge exam is available to professionals with 10+ years of experience in internal audit or related fields, or active* CISA, or a CPA or CA from one of the following qualified accounting bodies:

• CPA license from any US State Board
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
• Chartered Accountants Ireland Institute
• Chartered Professional Accountants Canada (CPA Canada)
• CPA Australia
• Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA)
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA Ireland)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU)
• Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
• Koninklijke Nederlandse Beroepsorganisatie van Accountants (NBA)
• Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA)
• Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)
• Registro Oficial de Auditores de Cuentas (ROAC)
• Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA)
• South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
• State of Israel Ministry of Justice-Board of Accountants

*Former members and students are ineligible

The IIA fee includes the application and registration for the Challenge Exam. The total cost is $995 for the IIA members and $1,245 for non-members.

If you don't pass the exam on the first attempt, the retake costs $845 for IIA members and $995 for non-members.

Exam prep materials

HOCK offers a complete CIA Challenge Membership for $59.99 per month with our current 50% discount.

HOCK CIA Challenge Membership includes complete CIA Challenge study materials, professional development courses, digital badges, and access to the HOCK Circle community - all in one place.

You can study at your own pace, take as long as you need, and cancel anytime.

There are five Parts in the CIA Challenge Exam 2026 syllabus:

1. Internal Audit Professionalism and Quality (20%)
2. Internal Audit Operations and Audit Plan (15%)
3. Engagement Planning (20%)
4. Engagement Performance (25%)
5. Engagement Results and Monitoring (20%)

These Sections are the same as the three Parts on the standard CIA exam. However, for the Challenge Exam, there are fewer questions than on the full CIA Exams and some topics in each Part are not tested on the Challenge Exams. Though some topics on the CIA Exams are not included on the Challenge Exam, most topics are included. In fact, over 80% of the syllabus for the CIA Exams is on the CIA Challenge Exams.

As with the regular CIA exams, all questions are split into two levels of proficiency:

• Basic (marked with a B in the exam syllabus). These questions require basic knowledge. Candidates must be informed about these topics, but in-depth knowledge is not required.
• Proficient (marked with a P in the exam syllabus). Candidates must have a deep knowledge of these topics and should be able to apply this knowledge to practical situations.

There are 150 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have three hours to complete the exam. Unlike the CIA exams that are offered in many different languages, the Challenge Exam is available only in English.

Candidates have to get 600 points out of 750 to pass the exam on a scaled scoring system. This means 600 does NOT translate to 70%. The points are given based on the number of correct answers and based on the difficulty of the questions.

The CIA Challenge Exam application window is open from April through September each year. Testing is offered in June, August, November, and February.

Exam registration is done through the IIA, and exams are taken in person at Pearson Vue Testing Centers located in major cities worldwide.

Once you have your CIA certification, you must earn the required 40 CPE every year. 

You can earn CPE by attending webinars, many of which are free. Failure to maintain CPE will result in your removal from The IIA's records of certified members.

CPE requirements are listed here.

Explore our FREE CIA exam resources:

• Join HOCK Free Membership for sample materials, free MCQs, and more
• Download CIA Exam Study Tips
• Test Your Knowledge with a Free CIA MCQs Quiz
• Watch Your Guide To The CIA Certification - webinar with Brian Hock

For in-depth articles about choosing a certification, preparing for exams, and professional development, visit the free HOCK Resource Library.

If you have any other questions about the exam or studying for the exam, please get in touch, and we will be glad to help.