Earn your Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) with a one-part CIA Challenge Exam for experienced internal auditors

The program is still in pilot status. Further updates and program permanency are currently being evaluated.

Another update will be provided by the end of 2026.

As of right now, first attempts are still required by the end of February 2027.

Retakes will be available for a candidate's three year program.

Once you have submitted your application in CCMS with payment, your application will be reviewed. Once your application is approved, you will receive notification via email. After you are approved into your program, you will be able to register for your exam(s). Once you have completed your program (by passing your exam(s) and completing any additional program requirements) your designation will be displayed on your account within 7-14 business days.

Upon certification, you will be able to print a digital certificate or order a physical certificate in the CCMS.

For a step-by-step guide, please review The IIA Certification Candidate Handbook.

Once you have registered for the exam, it will authorize an exam window of 180 days (or until your certification program expiration date, whichever is sooner), in which you will need to schedule and sit for the exam.

As a friendly reminder, the CIA Challenge Exam is only delivered during certain test delivery windows (currently November 2026 and February 2027 for the pilot program). You will need to schedule to sit for your exam within one of these test delivery windows that fall within your authorized exam window.

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.

Effective beginning with the September 2026 testing window test results will be available within three weeks of your exam date.

Once exam results are available, you will receive a system-generated email notification.

1. Once approved into the program, access your CCMS account and select “Manage My Program” to register for your exam with Pearson VUE. Upon completing the registration process, select “Access Pearson VUE” from the main menu bar and follow the onscreen instructions for scheduling your appointment.
2. Schedule your examination for the testing window. To find the nearest testing center, visit the Pearson VUE page and select “Find a test center.”

There are no provisions for program or exam extensions for the Challenge Exam. You must complete the exam within the 180-day period granted.

2026 program timeline for Mainland China

March Test Window

• Registration: 01 January -20 January
• Schedule exam: 1 February – 8 February
• Test or retake exam: 8 March at 9am CST only

June Test Window

• Registration: 01 April -20 April
• Schedule exam: 1 May – 8 May
• Test or retake exam: 7 June at 9am CST only

September Test Window

• Registration: 01 July - 20 July
• Schedule exam: 1 August – 8 August
• Test or retake exam: 6 September at 9am CST only

December Test Window

• Registration: 01 October -20 October
• Schedule exam: 1 November – 8 November
• Test or retake exam: 6 December at 9am CST only