CIA Challenge Exam

One-sitting CIA Challenge Exam –
multiple testing windows & upto USD500 saving for IIA members

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

As an active CPA or CA holder, 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 CPA or CA exam, saving you time and money.

In offering the challenge exam, The IIA continues to demonstrate the uniqueness of internal auditing as a profession and strengthens its strategic partnership with accounting bodies around the world. Adding the CIA credential to your Resume will differentiate you from your peers and help you elevate your career by:

- Sharpening skills and proficiencies
- Enhancing credibility and respect
- Increasing advancement and earning potential
- Demonstrating understanding and commitment

For more information about the CIA Challenge Exam and how to apply, please visit:  https://www.theiia.org/en/promotions/certifications/qab/qab-cia-challenge-exam/

Apply Today for This One-time CIA Challenge Exam Opportunity

By earning the CIA designation, you will join an elite group of individuals who have experienced global professional growth and upward mobility. Adding the CIA credential to your resume will elevate you among your peers and demonstrate that you are:

Candidates who reside in the United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland or South Africa must be IIA members to partake in the challenge exam. They should reach out to the local IIA affiliate to process membership prior to enrolling. 

CIA Challenge Exam Package

In addition to saving time, the CIA Challenge Exam offers significant financial savings. The CIA Challenge Exam bundle, priced at $1,195 USD for IIA members and $1,545 USD for non-IIA members, includes:

• • CIA Challenge Exam application fee
• • CIA Challenge Exam registration fee
• • CIA Challenge Exam Study Guide for Qualified CAs/CPAs including 1,000 practice questions
• • Access to the online materials are valid for 12 months from date of invitation. Extensions are available for a fee
• • Access to the Standards to help you prepare for the exam

Please visit https://theiiahk.org/membership.aspx?id=8 for IIA Hong Kong membership information. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Program Timeline for retake examinations

Registration & Scheduling: All year
Re-take Test Windows: February 2023, June 2023, August 2023, November 2023

The price for the retake exam is $795 USD for IIA members and $945 USD for non-IIA members.

IMPORTANT: In order to enjoy the preferential exam fees (up to USD500 discount for IIA members), you must have obtained your IIA membership status before applying for CIA challenge exam via CCMS.  

Prepare for the Challenge Exam

The IIA’s CIA Challenge Exam Study Guide for Qualified CAs / CPAs combines online reading materials and study tools to teach and reinforce the CIA challenge exam syllabus in a flexible, on-demand format. All CIA challenge exam candidates will enjoy:

• • A fully online learning experience allowing them to study whenever they have a few spare minutes.
• • Comprehensive online reading materials and downloadable e-reader files.
• • 1,000 practice exam questions to test their comprehension and ability to apply concepts. *Please note these practice questions are developed independently of the IIA Global Certifications department and based on the publically listed syllabi.
• • A glossary of terms.
• • A video tutorial providing an overview of the IPPF components.
• • Access to these online study tools for one year.

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 the materials are valid for 12 months from activation. Extensions are available for a fee.

ACCESS THE IPPF.

Supplemental Exam Prep

Candidates can review the topics covered by the CIA Challenge Exam for Qualified CPAs and CAs with a customized course that provides an overview of the standards of internal audit. The course is available in English only and delivered through on-demand video segments broken into three modules totaling approximately 14 hours, allowing candidates the flexibility to study on their schedules. This course can be purchased for an additional fee.

STUDY ON YOUR OWN PERSONAL SCHEDULE.

Who Is Eligible?

Candidates must be an active CPA or CA from of one of the following qualified accounting bodies; students are ineligible:

*Students are ineligible.

IMPORTANT: Please contact your local accounting body to obtain a letter of good standing prior to submitting an application. This document or current licensure must be provided to complete the application process.

Program Overview

Program Timeline for applicants

Outside China: Program Timeline

• Application window: April & September 2023
• Registration and Schedule: April & September 2023
• First Attempt Testing Windows for April: June or August 2023
• First Attempt Testing Windows for September: November 2023 or February 2024

Mainland China: Program Timeline

• Application Window: April 2023
• Registration Window: April 2023
• Scheduling Window: 1-8 May 2023
• First Attempt Testing Windows: 4 June 2023 at 9:00 am ICT only

• Application Window: September 2023
• Registration Window: September 2023
• Scheduling Window: 1-8 November 2023
• First Attempt Testing Windows: 3 December 2023 at 9:00 am ICT only

The exam is:
 

The CIA Challenge Exam (delivered via online testing or at a testing center)

Application Steps

1. Create a profile or log into the Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS).
2. Select “Apply for Certified Internal Auditor.”
3. Select “CIA Challenge Program for Qualified Chartered Accountants and Certified Public Accountants.”
4. After the payment screen, you must upload a letter of good standing from the qualified accounting body and a government-issued ID. You must also complete the electronic character reference. Once approved into the program, you may register and schedule your examination.
5. To register and schedule your exam, select “Manage my program > CIA > Register.”

Exam Registration and Scheduling

1. Once approved into the program, access your CCMS account and select “Manage My Program” to register your exam with PearsonVUE. Upon completing the registration process select “Access PearsonVUE” 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.​
2. 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.

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.”