The CIA exam, explained
The Certified Internal Auditor exam is run by The Institute of Internal Auditors. It has three parts, updated in 2025 to align with the Global Internal Audit Standards, each scored 250 to 750 with 600 to pass. It costs $990 for IIA members and $1,515 for nonmembers, and current global pass rates are 44% to 56% by part.
Fees, format and pass rates from The IIA, checked October 11, 2026.
Everything on the CIA
Education, experience and ID.
→Every IIA fee.
→Parts, questions and scoring.
→Current global rates by part.
→Year-round scheduling.
→When results arrive.
→Step by step.
→Why most start with Part 1.
→Timing and tips.
→New syllabus and part names.
→Recent changes.
→Syllabi, Standards and more.
→Common questions
What does it take to earn the CIA?
Apply to The IIA’s program, pass all three parts within three years of approval, and meet the education and experience requirements for your route.