Introduction: CIA Challenge Exam
Did you know there’s a way to earn the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation with just one exam instead of three? It’s called the CIA Challenge Exam – and if you already hold a CPA, CA, or CISA, you might qualify. It’s been around since 2018 or something, but I had never heard about it until I stumbled across a LinkedIn post at one point.
I took this one-exam route in November 2024 and passed. Since I already had my Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential and over 15 years of experience, I didn’t need extensive studying—just a single practice test to get familiar with the format. The Challenge Exam recognizes your existing expertise, so you can skip redundant content and focus on internal audit-specific topics.
If you have a CPA, CA, or CISA and substantial industry experience, I highly recommend the CIA Challenge Exam. It’s the fastest, most efficient way to earn your CIA. Here’s everything you need to know.
My Exam Day Experience
On November 9, 2024, I arrived at the Pearson VUE testing center in Cleveland, Ohio, feeling less prepared than I would have liked—but still confident. The center was quiet, and the check-in process was quick and easy—an ID check, a photo, and a quick rule acknowledgment. Ten minutes later, I was in my chair, staring at 150 CIA Challenge Exam questions.
With three hours to complete the exam, I used every minute, finishing with just 45 seconds to spare. The on-screen timer made it easy to pace myself, and I flagged a few tricky questions for review in the last five minutes.
When I finished, I checked out at the front desk, and the test proctor handed me my results. “PASSED.” I was thrilled!
But that excitement quickly turned into concern.
An email from The IIA stated that my exam had been flagged for additional review due to security screening processes that detect unusual scoring patterns or unauthorized software use. Given that Pearson VUE had been very strict about testing protocols, I was shocked.
The review process could take over 30 days—a frustrating delay for an exam that’s supposed to be a fast-track certification. I wasn’t worried, but I was impatient. C’mon, this is supposed to be quick!
After more than a month of waiting, on December 16, 2024, I finally received the email: “Congratulations, you passed the Qualified Info Systems Auditor CIA Challenge Exam!”
What a relief! While the waiting was annoying, I understood the extra security measures and was just glad to have my official CIA certification in hand before the holidays.
Who Qualifies for the CIA Challenge Exam?
The CIA Challenge Exam is designed for professionals who already hold certain accounting or auditing certifications. You must be an active member in good standing of a recognized professional body.
Qualified Accounting Certifications: CPA (U.S. & global), CA (Australia/New Zealand, India, South Africa, ICAEW, etc.)
Qualified IT Auditors: CISA
If you qualify, you can earn your CIA faster by skipping topics already covered in your prior certification exams.
What’s on the Exam?
The CIA Challenge Exam syllabus will be updated in 2026 to align with the new Global Internal Audit Standards. Throughout 2025, the IIA will review and refine the syllabus to ensure it reflects the latest industry standards and best practices. As of this blog’s publication, the exact release dates for the updated exam have not yet been announced.
The traditional CIA certification consists of three exams, covering:
- Essentials of Internal Auditing (125 questions, 2.5 hours) – Governance, risk management, fraud
- Practice of Internal Auditing (100 questions, 2 hours) – Audit planning, execution, reporting
- Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing (100 questions, 2 hours) – Business acumen, IT, finance
The Challenge Exam condenses all three into a single, 150-question, 3-hour test with this topic breakdown:
- 35% Internal audit foundations, IPPF, governance
- 43% Audit execution, planning, fraud risks
- 22% Business acumen, IT, finance
Since CPA and CISA holders already have external audit and IT knowledge, the exam focuses on internal audit-specific concepts.
Why Take the Challenge Exam?
If you qualify, the Challenge Exam is the smartest way to get your CIA. Here’s why:
- One Exam, Not Three – Earn your CIA in a single sitting instead of spreading it over months or years.
- No Repeating Topics – Skip financial accounting (for CPAs) or IT controls (for CISAs) and focus only on what’s new.
- Faster Career Impact – The CIA boosts your credibility in internal audit, risk management, and compliance—get there sooner.
- Less Disruption – Many candidates pass the Challenge Exam while working full-time. If you’ve recently earned a CPA or CISA, this is an easy next step while your study habits are fresh.
- Same Certification, Less Hassle – Whether you take one exam or three, the CIA designation is the same.
What You Need to Know Before You Register
- Application Deadlines – The Challenge Exam is only offered in fixed testing windows (e.g., June, August, November, February). Apply between April and September.
- Limited Retakes – If you fail, you can retake it in a later window, but you’ll pay a $845 fee. Plan accordingly!
- Certification Requirements – Passing the exam isn’t the final step—you must submit work experience and fulfill continuing education (CPE) requirements to maintain your CIA.
- Exam Logistics – The test is administered at Pearson VUE centers or online with strict security protocols. If you take the exam online, test your setup in advance.
Final Thoughts
The CIA Challenge Exam is a limited-time opportunity for professionals with existing certifications to fast-track their CIA. If you’re eligible, it’s a time-efficient, cost-effective way to earn this globally recognized credential.
For me, it was a no-brainer—one exam instead of three, and no wasted time on material I already knew. If you qualify, I highly recommend taking advantage of this streamlined path to the CIA.
For more information, refer to the Challenge Exam on IIA’s website here: https://www.theiia.org/en/promotions/certifications/qab/qab-cia-challenge-exam/
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you. These are products I’ve personally used and stand behind.
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