Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is awarded by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The IIA describes it as the only globally recognized internal audit certification. It has been awarded since 1974, and the IIA reports more than 220,000 CIAs worldwide.

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170+Recognized in Countries
High Demand at Big 4 & Top MNCs in India
3Books
3–8Months to complete
CERTIFIED INTERNAL AUDITOR

CIA Course Overview

Explore the certification details and examination structure for the CIA course.

CIA
COURSE DETAILS

CIA course at a glance

Awarding body

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)

Exam format

Three parts, computer-based, at Pearson VUE test centers

Passing score

600 on a scale of 750, for each part

Time limit

Pass all three parts within 3 years of your application being accepted

Syllabus

The 2025 syllabus, aligned to the Global Internal Audit Standards

Study time

8–10 months

EXAM BREAKDOWN

CIA Exam Structure

3 Examination Parts
PART 1
1

Internal Audit Fundamentals

125Questions
150Minutes
4Sections
PART 2
2

Internal Audit Engagement

100Questions
120Minutes
3Sections
PART 3
3

Internal Audit Function

100Questions
120Minutes
4Sections
CERTIFIED INTERNAL AUDITOR

CIA Syllabus (2025)

Explore the syllabus topics and their weightage across the three parts of the CIA examination.

SYLLABUS
PART 01

Internal Audit Fundamentals

04Topics
SYLLABUS TOPICWEIGHTAGE
TOPICS COVERED

purpose, mandate, charter, assurance vs advisory, independence, Three Lines Model

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the CIA exam, syllabus, fees and preparation.

Three: Internal Audit Fundamentals, Internal Audit Engagement and Internal Audit Function. Each is taken as a separate exam.