CIA Exam: format, questions, passing score & pass rate
The CIA exam has 325 multiple-choice questions across 3 parts, for a total seat time of 6h 30m. Scaled score from 250 to 750; you need 600 to pass each part. Pass rate: ~43% globally (well-prepared candidates score much higher).
The only globally recognized internal-audit certification. The gold standard for an internal-audit career.
Facts at a glance
| Number of questions | 325 |
|---|---|
| Total duration | 6h 30m |
| Format | Computer-based multiple-choice (Pearson VUE), at a test center or online-proctored. |
| Passing score | Scaled score from 250 to 750; you need 600 to pass each part. |
| Pass rate | ~43% globally (well-prepared candidates score much higher). |
| Cost | IIA fees: roughly $1,150 total for non-members, less for members (program fee + 3 parts). |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience), a character reference, and 1–7 years of audit experience depending on education. |
| Validity | Lifetime, subject to annual CPE (40 hours/year for practitioners). |
| Study time (adaptive plan) | 200–300 total hours (≈65–100h per part), spread over 3–6 months with an adaptive plan. |
Structure: the 3 parts
| Part | Title | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Essentials of Internal Auditing | 125 | 2h 30m |
| Part 2 | Practice of Internal Auditing | 100 | 2h |
| Part 3 | Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing | 100 | 2h |
Domain weighting
| Domain | Exam weight |
|---|---|
| Part 1Essentials of Internal Auditing | 33% |
| Part 2Practice of Internal Auditing | 33% |
| Part 3Business Knowledge | 34% |
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CIA exam?+
The CIA exam has 325 questions in total, split across three parts: 125 in Part 1, 100 in Part 2, and 100 in Part 3. All are multiple-choice.
What is the passing score for the CIA?+
Each CIA part is scored on a scaled range of 250 to 750. You need a 600 to pass each part.
What is the CIA exam pass rate?+
The global CIA pass rate is around 43%. Candidates who study with a structured, exam-style question bank and adaptive plan pass at a significantly higher rate.
How long does it take to study for the CIA?+
Most candidates need 200 to 300 total study hours across the three parts (roughly 65–100 hours per part), typically spread over 3 to 6 months. An adaptive plan that targets your weak domains and uses spaced repetition can shorten this.
How much does the CIA certification cost?+
IIA exam fees total roughly $1,150 for non-members (program fee plus three parts), and less for IIA members. This excludes study materials.
Is the CIA worth it?+
Yes — the CIA is the only globally recognized internal-audit credential and is consistently tied to higher salaries and faster promotion in audit, risk, and compliance roles.
Prep for the CIA with an AI tutor
200–300 total hours (≈65–100h per part), spread over 3–6 months with an adaptive plan. Adaptive plan, spaced-repetition flashcards, scored mock exams, and unlimited AuditBot. 7-day free trial, no credit card.
Sources & updates
Figures verified on May 1, 2026 against The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)’s official documentation. Blueprints change: when an official update lands, we correct this page within 30 days. Official source ↗