The 2025 CIA exam update, explained
In 2025 The IIA rewrote the CIA syllabus to align with its Global Internal Audit Standards and renamed the three parts: Internal Audit Fundamentals, Internal Audit Engagement and Internal Audit Function. The format didn’t change: 125 questions in 150 minutes for Part 1, and 100 questions in 120 minutes for Parts 2 and 3, with 600 out of 750 needed to pass.
Source: The IIA’s CIA 2025 FAQ and exam documents; launch date as reported. Checked October 11, 2026.
| Part | Old name | New name (2025) | Questions / time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Essentials of Internal Auditing | Internal Audit Fundamentals | 125 / 150 min |
| Part 2 | Practice of Internal Auditing | Internal Audit Engagement | 100 / 120 min |
| Part 3 | Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing | Internal Audit Function | 100 / 120 min |
Source: The IIA.
What changed and what didn’t
- Changed: the content, now aligned with the Global Internal Audit Standards. Part 2 follows the engagement lifecycle, and Part 3 focuses on running the internal audit function rather than broad business knowledge.
- Unchanged: question counts, time limits, the 600 passing score, eligibility rules and fees, according to The IIA.
- Credit kept: parts you passed before the update still count.
- The IAP credential now uses CIA Part 1 as its exam (since May 28, 2025).
What it means for you
- Use prep materials updated for the 2025 syllabus.
- Older advice about Part 3 being broad business knowledge no longer applies.
- If you test in a language other than English, check which syllabus applies; The IIA rolled out languages on a schedule.
Official source & community discussion
The IIA: CIA 2025 FAQ (official) →
See related questions on Quora →