November 23, 2008
 

About the CIA Exam

 

When and where is the exam offered?
The CIA exam is offered just twice a year in May and November.  You must register for the May exam by March 31st and for the November exam by September 30th.  There are over 200 testing locations.  To find the one nearest you, go to The Institute of Internal Auditors website and click on the CIA Exam Schedule link and then Exam Sites where you will enter your state.  The exam is administered in English, Spanish, French and Hebrew.  You may sit for the exam prior to satisfying the CIA experience requirements.

 

What does the exam consist of?
The CIA exam consists of 4 parts that may be taken on separate occasions or all at once.  However, do keep in mind that there are only two exam dates per year.

 

Parts 1 and 2 focus on the theory and practice of internal auditing.

Part 1 - The Internal Audit Activity's Role in Governance, Risk and Control

Specifics include:

  • Comply with the IIA's Attribute Standards
  • Establish a Risk-based Plan to Determine the Priorities of the IA Activity
  • Understand the Internal Audit Activity's Role in Organizational Governance
  • Perform Other Internal Audit Roles and Responsibilities
  • Governance, Risk and Control Knowledge Elements
  • Plan Engagements

Part 2 - Conducting the Internal Audit Engagement

Specifics include:

  • Conduct Engagements
  • Conduct Specific Engagements
  • Monitor Engagement Outcomes
  • Fraud Knowledge Elements
  • Engagement Tools

Parts 3 and 4 test the candidate's knowlege of a variety of methods, techniques and topics ranging from behavior to economics.

Part 3 - Business Analysis and Information Technology

Specifics include:

  • Business Processes
  • Financial Accounting and Finance
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Regulatory, Legal and Economics
  • Information Technology

Part 4 - Business Management Skills

Specifics include:

  • Strategic Management
  • Global Business Environments
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Management Skills
  • Negotiating

  

Time limits for passing
Candidates lose credit for any exam parts previously passed if they don't take a single exam part within a two-year period from their last exam date.

 

 Type and number of questions
Each exam part consists of 125 multiple-choice questions.

  

Scoring and grade delivery
Each exam part is graded separately.  Raw scores are converted to a reporting scale ranging from 250 to 750 points.  A score of 600 points (75%) or higher is required to pass.  Grades are mailed by July 15th for May exams and by January 15th for November exams.

 

Improve your score
The most important thing you can do to pass the CIA exam is to undertake a consistent, intensive study program and prepare with MyExamScore simulated CIA exams.  Visit ExamMatrix for information about a highly interactive online CIA study program with a proven track record of success.