​CIA Challenge Exam Apply

There's only one. Earn your CIA with a one-part exam.

Take the next step and apply for the CIA Challenge Exam.

The application window is open now! Don’t miss the chance to add CIA to your credentials.

Who Is Eligible?

Candidates must be active CPA or CA from one of the following qualified accounting bodies:

*Students are ineligible

IMPORTANT: Please contact your local accounting body to obtain a letter of good standing prior to submitting an application. This document or current licensure must be provided to complete the application process.

Program Timeline for Applicants

Program Timeline

Application Steps

  1. Create a profile or log in to the Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS).
  2. Select “Apply for Certified Internal Auditor.”
  3. Select “CIA Challenge Program for Qualified Chartered Accountants and Certified Public Accountants.”
  4. After the payment screen, you must upload a letter of good standing from the qualified accounting body and a government-issued ID. You must also complete the electronic character reference. Once approved for the program, you may register and schedule your examination.
  5. To register and schedule your exam, select “Manage my program > CIA > Register."

Seeking Support from Your Employer?

If you’re currently employed and wish to seek support from your employer, download this letter explaining your plan to add CIA to your credentials and requesting their support.

Not a Member?

Don't hesitate to contact your local Institute for IIA membership information. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

*Candidates residing in the United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland or South Africa must be IIA members to take the challenge exam and should contact the local IIA Affiliate to process membership before enrolling.

ACCA® is a registered trademark of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Chartered Accountants Ireland® is a registered trademark of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
CPA Australia® is a registered trademark of CPA Australia, Ltd.
CPA Ireland® is a registered trademark of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
ICAG® is a registered trademark of Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana
ICAI™ is a trademark of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
ICPAK® is a registered trademark of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
ICPAU™ is a trademark of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda
NBA™ is a trademark of Koninklijke Nederlandse Beroepsorganisatie van Accountants
ROAC™ is a trademark of Registro Oficial de Auditores de Cuentas
SOCPA™ is a trademark of Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants
State of Israel Ministry of Justice- Board of Accountants® is a registered trademark

CA ANZ® is a registered trademark of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
CPA Canada® is a registered trademark of Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada
HKICPA® is a registered trademark of Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
ICAEW® is a registered trademark of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
ICAS® is a registered trademark of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
ISCA® is a registered trademark of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants
MICPA™ is a trademark of Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants
PICPA™ is a trademark of Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants
SAICA™ is a trademark of South African Institute of Chartered Accountants

Challenge Exam FAQs

Questions? We have answers.

How do I know if I qualify for the CIA Challenge Exam?

You must be a current member of a listed qualified accounting body in order to be eligible for the CIA Challenge Exam. Please verify your membership prior to applying since there are no refunds, full or partial, once the application is submitted. CIA Challenge Exam Eligibility

I am currently enrolled in the traditional (3-part) CIA program and want to apply to the CIA Challenge Exam program.

Since there are no refunds or transfers between certification programs, you would need to deactivate your traditional CIA program before you can enroll in the CIA Challenge Exam pathway. If you wish to deactivate your current program, select "Help" in CCMS and open a case to confirm your desire to deactivate your current program.

How long is the CIA Challenge Exam registration valid for and can it be extended?

CIA Challenge Exam registration is valid for 180 days or until your certification program expiration date, whichever is sooner. Since exam extensions are not available for the CIA Challenge Exam, we encourage you to review the upcoming testing windows for the best time to register. CIA Challenge Exam Eligibility

I don't see my accounting body listed under approved partners.

"The CIA Challenge Exam was developed to provide an opportunity for qualified individuals who hold Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials that meet criteria set by The IIA’s Professional Certifications Board. The analysis compares the selected accounting credentials under the IFAC educational standards to the CIA exam syllabi and eligibility requirements. We will continue to engage accounting bodies around the world to determine if the CIA Challenge Exam can be offered to their members. We appreciate your dedication to the internal audit profession, and will provide updates of any newly approved organizations on the IIA website. "