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ProfessionalOwned by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)

CIA

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam

The global three-part certification exam for internal auditors, delivered by Pearson VUE.

Facts checked 21 October 2026

Duration
2h–2h 30m
Delivered through
Pearson VUE
Results
One official result within three weeks of the exam date, with an email notice.

Not yet available at GAPICT

Register your interest and we will contact you if CIA becomes available in Lahore.

Overview

The CIA is the IIA's certification for internal auditors. The exam has three parts aligned with the IIA's Global Internal Audit Standards under the 2025 syllabus. It is a computer-based exam taken at Pearson VUE test centres.

Who it is for

  • Internal auditors and audit managers
  • Risk, compliance and control professionals
  • Accountants moving into internal audit
  • IIA-Pakistan members (discount available to 31 Dec 2026)

Versions

CIA (three parts)

Part 1 Internal Audit Fundamentals, Part 2 Internal Audit Engagement, Part 3 Internal Audit Function.

CIA Challenge Exam

One-part alternative for eligible qualified accountants and CISA holders.

Where it is accepted

  • IIA Certified Internal Auditor designation
  • Internal audit roles in banks, companies and the public sector

Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.

Test format

CIA sections
SectionWhat it involves
Part 1: Internal Audit Fundamentals125 questions, 150 minutes.
Part 2: Internal Audit Engagement100 questions, 120 minutes.
Part 3: Internal Audit Function100 questions, 120 minutes.

Total time: 2.5 hours (Part 1); 2 hours each (Parts 2 and 3)

Scores and validity

Scoring
Scaled score from 250 to 750; 600 or higher has been the pass mark. The IIA said it would set the pass score for the 2025 syllabus by standard setting.
Validity
Pass all three parts within three years of applying. Each exam registration is valid for 180 days or until your programme expires.

How long results take is shown at the top of this page.

Fees

Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.

On test day

Identification

Current government-issued photo ID (such as a passport) in the exact name used to register. Without acceptable ID you are a no-show and lose the fee.

Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.

How to book

Exam seats for CIA are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Pearson VUE.

  1. 1

    Apply to the CIA programme and register for each part through the IIA's certification system (CCMS), then schedule with Pearson VUE.

  2. 2

    Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.

  3. 3

    Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.

  4. 4

    Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.

  5. 5

    Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.

You book and pay in your Pearson VUE account. Rescheduling deadlines (often 24–48 hours) and fees are set by each exam programme.

GAPICT cannot take bookings for this exam. Exam seats are booked and paid on the test owner's system.

Need help booking?

We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.

Book a free registration help session

GAPICT's status with these organisations

CIA FAQs

Is there a discount in Pakistan?
Yes. Active IIA-Pakistan members get 20% off CIA fees until 31 December 2026, applied at checkout.
How long is my exam registration valid?
180 days, or until your programme end date if sooner. Unused registrations are forfeited.
Has the exam changed?
Yes. The 2025 syllabus aligns the exam with the IIA's Global Internal Audit Standards. Question counts and times are unchanged.
Can I get my fee back?
No. IIA fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.

CIA and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.

Want to sit CIA in Lahore?

We are preparing to open in Lahore. Register your interest and we will contact you when your test becomes available at our centre.