IAP Exam Information

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 (Certified Internal Auditor) Part 1 exam. On average, it takes about 2-3 months to study and complete the exam.

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:

• University students preparing to enter the profession
• Entry-level or rotational internal auditors
• 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.

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 the flexibility to 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:

• $120 USD (Member)
• $240 USD (Non-member)
• $65 USD (Student)

Exam Fee:

• $310 USD (Member)
• $445 USD (Non-member)
• $245 USD (Student)

Exam Prep Materials:

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

HOCK IAP Membership includes complete CIA 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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore our FREE CIA exam resources:

• Join HOCK Free Membership for sample materials, free MCQs, and more
• Download CIA Exam Guide
• 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, andwe will be glad to help.