About the CIA® Exam
Eligibility, Syllabus, Duration, Fees & Career Paths

If you pass, you will only get a notification alerting you that you have successfully completed the exam. Passing candidates do not receive numerical scores.

Note that if you fail, you will need to repay your exam scheduling fees.

The CIA Exam Scoring Scale

The IIA states that every exam question contributing to your score has been pre-tested to ensure it fairly evaluates candidates and has statistical validity. All three parts of the CIA exam are scaled, meaning your raw score is not considered your final score.

Your raw score is based on the number of questions you answered correctly and then converted to a reporting scale of 250-750 points.

A passing score is 600 points or higher. Only those who fail the CIA exam will receive a detailed score report—the detailed score report includes a numeric score and a list of the exam topics to be addressed during preparation for a retake.

Upon leaving the testing center, you will get an unofficial score report, so you will know how you performed right away.

CIA Exam Passing Score & Pass Rates

A passing score on each part of the CIA exam is 600 points or higher. In other words, 600 out of 750 possible points is the minimum passing scaled score. The scaled score allows candidates to know how they performed within the passing standard of 600.

The IIA releases global CIA exam pass rates on their website every year. Current CIA exam pass rates are as follows:

The average pass rate for all three parts of the CIA exam is 45%, so this is not an easy certification to earn. However, with the right prep tools, you can set yourself up for exam day success.

What to Expect on Exam Day

No matter where you take the CIA exam, approach your scheduled test date with confidence. You’ve got this! Below are some tips and requirements to consider, whether you plan to sit for your upcoming exam in a testing center or at home.

Identification Requirements

To enter the testing center or begin your online proctored exam at home, you must present a government-issued photo ID including your name exactly as it appears on your CIA exam application.

Your ID information must be identical to that within your CCMS profile and exactly how it appears on your Pearson VUE exam appointment confirmation. Depending on your testing location, you may also be asked to scan your handprint, sign on a digital signature pad, and have your photograph taken.

Taking the CIA Exam at a Pearson VUE Testing Center

Before arriving at the testing center, make sure you double-check your exam appointment details, including the location and time. Upon arrival, you’ll be required to present valid identification and may undergo security procedures, such as metal detection or bag inspection.

A testing administrator will ask you to sign your name on a digital signature pad, and may direct you to place your hand on a scanner. Scanning your handprint is a measure Pearson VUE takes to prevent anyone from completing an exam in your name. The test administrator will also take your photo to store with your test results.

You will be directed to put your watch, phone, purse, wallet, and other personal items into a locker, as these items are not permitted into the testing room.

Once checked in, you’ll be directed to your assigned testing station equipped with a computer and necessary exam materials. Before the exam begins, you’ll get instructions on the exam format, time limits, and navigation of the testing interface.

What to Bring on Test Day

• Valid Form(s) of Identification - Two forms of ID are required, including one primary ID like a driver's license, passport, or military ID.Your IDs must match your name and details exactly as you entered them when registering for your CIA exam.
• Exam Registration and Appointment Confirmation Emails - Print out these emails to present them prior to your appointment.
• Prescription Medications - If needed, medications are allowed but must be inspected.
• Sweater/Jacket - Test centers can be cool, so dress in lightweight layers.
• Snacks/Beverages - You cannot bring snacks into the testing room, but may put them in your locker for access during breaks. The CIA exam has no scheduled breaks (for candidates without special accommodations), so if you leave to eat, your exam clock will continue running through your return to your desk.

Taking the CIA Exam at Home

If you’re taking the CIA exam at home, make sure you do the following before test day:

• Complete the Pearson VUE system test and review all technical requirements.
• Make sure your chosen testing space is private, clean, quiet and distraction-free.
• Make sure your laptop or desktop computer has up-to-date software to avoid mid-test restarts.
• If using a laptop, ensure it is charged and plugged in so you avoid battery mishaps during your exam.
• Make sure you have a strong internet connection.
• Have your passport and/or driver’s license ready for photos.

Remote exam candidates must consent to monitoring through webcam and microphone before beginning the testing session. A real person (greeter) will help you check in virtually before the exam begins, and another person (proctor) will monitor you to prevent cheating or other policy violations.

Learn more about taking your CIA exam at home here.

Do’s and Don’ts on CIA Test Day

Things to Do on CIA Exam Day:

• Arrive at the test center early (at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time)
• Bring two proper forms of identification (e.g. driver's license, passport)
• Review the test admission requirements and procedures
• Visit the restroom before check-in if needed
• Use the basic calculators and whiteboards/markers provided at the testing stations

Things NOT to Do on CIA Exam Day:

• Don't be late or you may not get seated for the exam
• Don't bring unauthorized items (cell phones, notes, study materials, etc.)
• Don't try to access unauthorized websites/software during testing
• Don't talk to or disturb other test-takers
• Don't bring outside calculators—only use the basic on-screen one provided
• Don't leave the testing room for unauthorized breaks
• Don't panic—the exam is challenging but you prepared for this!

Following the proper protocols and avoiding violating any rules is crucial on exam day. Stay calm, focused, and do your best!

Earning the CIA Certification

Passing all three parts of the CIA exam is a major victory! But in order to officially secure your Certified Internal Auditor designation, you must complete a few additional steps after passing your exams. Here’s what’s left:

Education Verification

If you were still in your undergraduate or graduate program while enrolling in the CIA exam program, it is time to upload proof of your degree to the CCMS. Acceptable proof of education include:

• A copy of your degree or official transcripts from the accredited college or university
• A letter from your institution confirming your degree
• A letter from an academic evaluation service confirming your degree level

Professional Experience Verification

The IIA considers proof of experience an exit requirement for its certification programs. You can provide proof of necessary experience any time after your application to enroll in the CIA exam program is approved, but it is required after you pass your exams. If the experience requirement is not met, you cannot become certified.

To submit your proof of experience, log into your CCMS profile and follow the prompts.

If you had provisional entrance to the exams based on education alone, you cannot be fully certified until the experience requirement is met.

Completed CIA Certification

Once your education, experience, and exam scores are all verified by the IIA, you will receive notification via email that you have become certified and may now publicly use the designation of Certified Internal Auditor.

If you choose to opt in, the IIA will add you to the IIA Certification Registry.

As long as your certification is active, electronic certificates are available online. Printed, framed certificates can be ordered directly from the IIA for a fee.

The IIA also offers social media badging for LinkedIn, your email signature, or other online activity.

Continued Professional Education (CPE) for CIAs

The IIA requires Certified Internal Auditors to renew their designations each year. All CIAs must complete continuing professional education credit hours (CPE) by December 31 annually. Failure to comply prevents you from being able to use your certification, and may result in the revocation of your certification upon going 24 months without CPE renewal.

Every year, the IIA randomly audits certified individuals to make sure they are complying with CPE requirements. Upon being selected for an audit, you must submit your CPE certificates as proof of the hours you have attested to.

CPE Requirements for CIAs

If you are an active CIA certificate holder, you must complete 40 hours of CPE annually. At least two CPE hours must be dedicated to ethics training. See the chart below for more details:

Certified Internal Auditor Careers

Certified Internal Auditors provide a level of transparency and integrity to organizations through audit processes and recommendations for better practice. Internal auditing is a growing profession that requires specializing in internal processes and controls to aid business leaders in ethical and efficient decision making and procedures. Internal auditors spend their careers providing independent and objective assessments of a company’s operations.  

But what would a career in internal auditing really look like? 

CIAs deliver value to businesses in many ways, including: 

• Analyzing overall risk and identifying potential 
• Catching and preventing fraud, theft, and data inaccuracies 
• Working across a variety of industries, including government and healthcare 
• Meeting high demand - internal auditors are some of the most valued accounting and finance roles in today’s job market 

CIAs are globally recognized as the premier professionals in internal audit, elevating your salary potential, increasing your career opportunities and mobility, and helping you stand out from candidates seeking internal audit roles while holding other certifications such as CMA or CPA. 

Benefits of Obtaining the CIA Certification

Earning your Certified Internal Auditor designation demonstrates a commitment to the discipline, a high level of professionalism, and expertise in the practice of internal auditing. Becoming a Certified Internal Auditor can:

• Boost your credibility
• Expand your career opportunities 
• Show your commitment to advancing your own professional development 
• Provide proof of your expertise within the internal auditing profession
• Increase your confidence on the job 

High Demand for CIAs

• CIAs are highly desirable professionals, with 180,000+ certificate holders globally vs. 670,000 CPAs.
• The CIA designation makes professionals stand out and more likely to land coveted, high-paying positions.

Higher Earning Potential

• CIAs earn as much as 51% more than non-certified auditors or auditors with other accounting designations.

International Acclaim

• Internal auditing is an essential global profession—the IIA is the internal audit field’s leading body in standards, certifications, professional education, and technical guidance around the world.
• The IIA releases Global Internal Audit Standards™ to ensure the integrity of audit practice worldwide.
• CIAs are at the forefront of these standards—making them leaders in auditing both at home and abroad.

Check out the number of Certified Internal Auditors by region below:

Practical Skills

• CIAs demonstrate advanced skills in operations analysis, compliance review, fraud prevention, risk analysis and management, and internal processes. 
• These practical business skills help CIAs truly understand organizational needs.

Path to Powerful Positions

• CIAs are prepared for leadership roles like CFO and Controller positions. 
• The majority of CIAs worldwide agree the designation benefits career advancement.

Internal Auditor Jobs

Internal auditors review company records and financial documents to find and report compliance issues, fraud, risk, and data issues. They investigate irregularities and present their findings to the company. Internal auditors must have strong knowledge of laws, industry regulations, standard audit practice, and internal company policies. 

Some roles and their salaries are outlined below. All salary figures come from PayScale: 

Entry-Level Internal Auditors

Early in your career, you must have the basic skills to review an organization’s processes, operations and goals, and provide clear summary reports of your findings. Most positions are tailored toward recent college graduates with bachelor’s degrees in accounting, finance, business administration or computer information systems.

• Potential Jobs: Auditor, Auditing Specialist, Risk Assessment Specialist, Financial Analyst, Internal Controls Auditor, Information Systems Auditor
• Salary Potential: $65,279 to $94,659

Lead Internal Auditors

With roughly five years of internal audit experience, you should now demonstrate an understanding of the organization as well as industry best practices. You’ll often be asked to work with management to monitor internal controls, mitigate risks posed to the organization and provide feedback about audit plans.

• Potential Jobs: Senior Internal Auditor, Lead Internal Auditor
• Salary Potential: $88,565 to $120,399

Internal Audit Supervisors

With more experience—often with eight years minimum in the industry—comes more oversight and management of the auditors on staff. You’ll assist in the planning, testing and executing of internal audit activities, and examine and monitor the company’s system of internal controls.

• Potential Jobs: Audit Supervisor, Audit Manager, Risk Manager, Project Manager, Internal Audit Director
• Salary Potential: $133,668 to $234,920

Internal Audit Executives

After a decade or more of experience, you may be overseeing the internal audit department as well as participating in management and execution of audit plans, and lead and direct the audit team. A successful track record as an effective manager is required.

• Potential Jobs: Finance Director/VP, Chief Financial Officer, Controller
• Salary Potential: $147,434 to $264,250

Conclusion

Earning the CIA credential through the IIA represents a challenging yet rewarding achievement. The skills gained make CIAs uniquely valuable assets ready to drive operational success, mitigate risk, prevent fraud, and emphasize integrity at organizations across industries and specialties. CIAs bring their competencies to education, government, healthcare, and other fields. Whether you want to enhance the value you bring to your current position or expand your career potential, the CIA certification will help you advance your career in internal auditing.