The CIA® Challenge Exam
Do you want to fast-track your Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) journey? The CIA® Challenge Exam (CCE) is here for you!
Instead of taking three parts of the traditional CIA®, CCE candidates will take only a one-part examination. Be a CIA® fast when you successfully pass the one-part CCE!
The CIA Challenge Exam is your chance to join the more than 185,000 CIAs who have achieved this highly respected global certification.
Who is qualified to take the CCE?
If you are a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), take the CCE for qualified accounting bodies. This one-part exam tests candidates on the CIA content that the CPALE does not cover.
If you are a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA™), take the CCE for qualified information systems auditors. This one-part exam tests candidates on the CIA content that the CISA™ exam does not cover. (CISA™ is a trademark of ISACA.)
Why take the CCE?
Earning the CIA designation will elevate you among your peers and demonstrate that you are:
- A credible and trusted internal auditor.
- A stronger, more competent professional.
- Knowledgeable in organizational governance.
- Equipped for career-advancing opportunities.
About the CCE
- Comprised of 150 multiple-choice questions based on the syllabi
- Based on the International Professional Practices Framework and Standards.
- Examination time is up to 180 minutes.
- Offered in English only.
- Based on scaled scoring
- A passing score of 600 is required out of 750 points.
- Developed following best practices with the support of experts and professionals.
- Available via online testing or at a testing center.
CIA Challenge Exam Package
In addition to saving time, the CIA Challenge Exam offers significant financial savings. This bundle includes:
- CIA Challenge Exam application fee.
- CIA Challenge Exam registration fee.
- CIA Challenge Exam Study Guide for Qualified CPAs, including 1,000 practice questions.
- Access to the online study materials is valid for 12 months from date of invitation. Extensions are available for a fee on the study materials only.
- Access to the Standards to help you prepare for the exam.
IIA Member Rate: $1,255 USD
Nonmember Rate: $1,625 USD
Program Timeline for CCE Applicants
- Application window: April – September
- First Attempt Testing Windows: June, August, November, or February
- Once your application is approved, please note you have 180 days to register, schedule, and sit for the exam.
Requirements
- Proof of good standing. For CPAs, furnish a letter of good standing from PICPA. For CISAs, provide proof of good standing from ISACA’s public registry.
- Government-issued ID.
Application Steps
- Create a profile or log in to the CCMS.
- Select Apply for Certified Internal Auditor.
- Select the CIA Challenge Program that is appropriate for you.
- After the payment screen, you must upload the above requirements. You must also complete the electronic character reference. Once approved for the program, you may register and schedule your examination.
- Select Manage my program > CIA > Register to register and schedule your exam.”4
Challenge Exam Study Materials
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 contact CustomerCare@learncia.com to inquire further. Access to the materials is valid for 12 months from the invitation date. Extensions are available for a fee.
Supplemental Exam Prep
Candidates can review the topics the CIA Challenge Exam covers with a customized course that provides an overview of the internal audit standards. 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.
Candidates may also choose the IIA Philippines’ review program. Email the training coordinator at training@iia-p.org.
Exam Registration and Scheduling
- Once approved into the program, access your CCMS account and select “Manage My Program” to register for your exam with Pearson VUE. Upon completing the registration process, select “Access Pearson VUE” 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.
- Schedule your examination for the testing window. You will have the option to take your exam via online testing or at a testing center.
There are no provision for 75-day extensions for Challenge Exam. You must complete the exam within the 180-day period granted.
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.”
Program Timeline for Retake Examinations
- Registration & Scheduling: All year
- Re-take Test Windows: February, June, August, November.
Retake Pricing
IIA Members: $845 USD
Non IIA Members: $995 USD
