Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) Certification
The Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) is a professional certification offered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) as a first step toward a career in internal auditing.
To become an IAP, candidates have to pass the CIA Part 1 exam. On average, it takes about 2-3 months to study and complete the exam.
What is the IAP and Who Is It For?
The IAP is designed for those just starting in internal audit or looking to establish foundational knowledge in the field. It’s an ideal credential for:
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University students preparing to enter the profession
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Entry-level or rotational internal auditors
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Managers responsible for internal audit functions who want to formalize their knowledge
Earning the IAP shows that you understand the Global Internal Audit Standards and are ready to contribute meaningfully in an internal audit role.
What Is the CIA and How Is It Connected to the IAP?
The IAP exam is the same as Part 1 of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam. This means that by passing the IAP, you automatically complete one-third of the CIA exam requirements. If you later choose to pursue the CIA, you will only need to complete Parts 2 and 3.
This direct pathway gives you flexibility—either continue your career with the IAP or fast-track your CIA certification when you are ready.
The total cost includes an application fee, exam fee, and study materials. Prices vary based on your membership status with The IIA:
Application Fee:
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$120 USD (Member)
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$240 USD (Non-member)
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$65 USD (Student)
Exam Fee:
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$310 USD (Member)
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$445 USD (Non-member)
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$245 USD (Student)
Exam Prep Materials:
While our competitors’ materials can cost $400-600 or more, HOCK offers an IAP subscription for only $59 per month.
Because most students study for IAP for no more than 3 months, this means you can prepare for your exam with HOCK’s all-inclusive and comprehensive IAP Exam Review for under $180.
The IAP program is accessible and inclusive. There are no education or work experience requirements. To apply, you only need:
- A valid, government-issued photo ID<
- A completed application submitted through The IIA’s Candidate Certification Management System (CCMS)
The IAP exam tests your knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards and foundational internal audit practices. The content reflects the same syllabus as CIA Part 1 and covers the following topics:
- Foundations of Internal Auditing – 35%
- Ethics and Professionalism – 20%
- Governance, Risk Management, and Control – 30%
- Fraud Risks – 15%
The exam includes:
- 125 multiple-choice questions
- 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to complete
You can take the IAP exam in any of the following languages:
Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese.
Each language is transitioning to the 2025 CIA Part 1 syllabus between May 28, 2025, and September 28, 2026.
Exam registration is done through the IIA, and exams are taken in person at Pearson Vue Testing Centers located in major cities worldwide. You can visit the Pearson Vue website to find the testing center closest to your location.
Based on the difficulty of the questions randomly selected for your exam and the number of questions that you got correct, you are given a “scaled score” between 250 and 750. A 600 score is required to pass the exam.
Note: 600 does NOT translate to 70%. It is simply a score and not a percentage of anything.
More details about how the IAP exam is graded are available on our How is My CIA Exam Score Determined? Page.
Starting in 2026, IAP holders must complete:
- 20 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) each year
- Annual Certification Renewal through The IIA
Maintaining your CPE ensures your credential remains active and aligned with evolving internal audit practices.
Once you earn your IAP, you can apply to the CIA program directly from your existing IIA profile. You may qualify for a waiver for CIA Part 1, depending on the timing of your IAP:
- If awarded on or before May 27, 2025 – you have until May 31, 2026 to use the waiver
- If awarded after May 27, 2025 – you have four years to enter the CIA program and keep the waiver active
This makes the IAP not just a credential on its own, but also a strategic first step toward full CIA certification.
We recommend studying 1-2 hours at a time, three to five times a week, which will prepare you to take the exam after 2-3 months of studying. Of course, you will need to adjust the time based on your education, experience, and other time commitments.
The HOCK IAP Exam study materials cover the exam syllabus and are made up of the three types of materials:
- Online Textbook
- Test Bank
- Video Lectures (coming soon)
The HOCK Team is always here to answer your questions about the IAP and CIA exams. Send us an email at support@hockinternational.com, and we will be happy to support you in your certification journey!
The best way to start studying for the IAP exam is to sign up for HOCK’s 3-day free trial. This is an excellent opportunity to see how you like the HOCK materials and if IAP is the right certification for you. Read the textbook, answer MCQs, and get the most out of your free trial!
