Official certification questions explained clearly for PRC candidates
What education requirements are required to apply for the CIA?
Unless you have an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation, you must provide proof of education as an entry requirement into the CIA program.
Copy of your degree or official transcripts (include legal name change document if applicable)
Letter from university confirming degree
Letter from evaluation services confirming degree level
Your level of education will determine the amount of experience required to complete the program. For more details, review the CIA eligibility requirements.
What is the Certification Process and is there a guide?
The CIA certification process includes program registration, passing all required exam parts, fulfilling experience requirements, and maintaining certification through annual renewal. A detailed Certification Candidate Handbook is available through the IIA.
What work experience and education exemptions are available?
CIA Exam Exemptions are available for certain certifications:
ACCA Members: Education and work experience requirements waived
U.S. CPAs: Education requirement waived
Candidates should complete the relevant fields in the CIA application. Applications will remain pending while PRC verifies memberships and licenses.
How much time do I have to complete the CIA program?
Candidates have up to three years from the date of program registration to complete all three parts of the CIA exam.
Where can I find study materials? Are they included in my registration?
Exam registration fees do not include study materials. PRC offers comprehensive CIA study packages including textbooks, question banks, mock exams, and instructor support.
Am I eligible to sit for a one-part exam to earn the CIA?
No. The CIA certification requires passing all three exam parts. However, candidates may earn the IAP designation by passing CIA Part 1.
I took the CIA Part 1 exam. Can I receive the IAP designation?
Yes. Candidates who pass CIA Part 1 may apply for the Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) designation if they meet the eligibility requirements.
What is the difference between the IAP and the CIA?
The IAP is an entry-level, foundational exam ideal for university students, beginner internal auditors, and professionals without degrees. It is one exam with 125 multiple-choice questions. IAP holders wishing to pursue the CIA can apply for a waiver for CIA Part 1. The CIA is a 3-part exam. For the CIA program, unless you have an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation, you must provide proof of education as an entry requirement.
What is the duration of the CIA exam?
The CIA exam consists of three parts with the following number of questions and time limits: Part 1: 125 questions, 2.5 hours (150 minutes) Part 2: 100 questions, 2 hours (120 minutes) Part 3: 100 questions, 2 hours (120 minutes)
Do I have to take the exam parts in order?
No. Candidates may take the exam parts in any order.
How much time should I expect to study for the CIA exams?
Depending on education, experience, expertise in accounting and IT, as well as study method and reading comprehension, you should expect to invest around 130 hours of study time (Part 1 - 40 hours; Part 2 - 40 hours; Part 3 - 50 hours).
How will the new Global Internal Audit Standards impact IIA certifications?
The updated standards enhance alignment with modern internal audit practices and are reflected in exam content updates.
What is CCMS?
CCMS (Certification Candidate Management System) is the IIA’s online platform used for exam registration, document upload, payments, and certification tracking.
What does the program cost?
Pricing for the CIA exam varies globally and depends on whether you are an IIA member, nonmember, or student. For detailed information, please visit theCIA Exam Cost page,
How do I maintain my certification?
Report annual certification renewal through your CCMS portal by Dec. 31 each year.
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