How to Save Money on the CIA Exam

Looking for ways to lower the costs of the CIA exams? The following tips can help you save money on the exam while keeping your chances of passing the exam high.

Plan and budget

Set a budget for your CIA exam expenses by setting aside money for the costs associated with taking the CIA exam, such as the exam fees, study material costs, and any additional resources you might require or need.

Benefit from student discounts:

If you're a student or recent graduate, see if the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) offers any reductions or discounted prices for the exams or membership fees.

CIA certification fees differences between students and professionals

Make smart use of study resources

Look into free or inexpensive study resources before investing in pricey ones. Look for study aids, quizzes, and other online materials that are less expensive or even free. Make use of public libraries, online discussion boards, and study groups for additional support. Although saving costs on study resources is a good way for saving money, using a good-quality exam review material is a better guarantee that you are studying content that is relevant to the exam. Good-quality study materials increase your chances of passing your exams from the first attempt, which lowers the risks of spending more money on exam fees.

Create a study plan

Planning your study time will help you stay organized and focused, allowing you to get the most out of your time.

Benefit from IIA membership discounts

Becoming a member of the IIA (The Institution of Internal Auditors) provides you with access to a number of services and advantages. Discounts on exam costs, study guides, and admission to special webinars or events are a few examples. Determine whether it is worthwhile to join by comparing the membership costs against the potential savings.

Membership Fees

Fees may differ from one country to another. Check your local chapter first. Here are the membership fees in the US and Canada as of 2023.

CIA Certification Fees for members and non-members:

Check if your current employer reimburses exam fees

Some businesses have policies in place to encourage staff to pursue certifications like those offered by the IIA. Ask your supervisor or the HR department about possible reimbursement options.

Benefit from exam discounts

The IIA occasionally runs special offers on exam registration fees. Keep an eye out for any announcements or updates regarding discounts on their website, newsletters, or social media channels. For instance, the IIA usually offers discounts throughout May, which is the Audit Awareness Month.

Study and prepare well

Studying and preparing well will give you the advantage of avoiding test retakes, which will save you both time and money. Give yourself enough time to fully comprehend the exam's subject matter and use practice tests to get accustomed to the format and question types. Try our free demo from here.

Take part 2 exam first

We recommend that you take part 2 exam before attempting part 1.  This recommendation is based on several points:

In comparison to Part 1, Part 2 is easier, and has a higher pass rate. In addition, the cost of part 2 exam is less than the cost of part 1. By starting with Part 2 you will have the chance to become familiar with the test's format, question types, and overall testing procedure. Your confidence will grow as a result of this initial exposure, and you'll develop effective strategies for approaching the CIA exams, which will increase your chances of passing the exams on your first attempt. In case you don’t pass part 2 exam, the loss will be less than that which you would have incurred if you sat for part 1.

Keep in mind that cutting costs shouldn't mean sacrificing the standard of your exam preparation. To increase your chances of success, combine cost-cutting strategies with efficient study techniques. For more CIA study tips, read our study tips article here.