Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
About CIA Course


Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is the only globally recognised professional qualification for internal auditors, awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors. The program provides expertise in the Professional Practice Framework, organisational governance, and tools and techniques for risk and control evaluation. CIAs are capable of conducting audit engagements in adherence to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, applying the necessary business, IT and management acumen for comprehensive audits.
Why CIA Course?
Globally Recognized
$40,000 average salary in the USA and up to 10 lakhs in India.
Certification awarded by The Institute of Internal Auditors – An International Professional Association acting as a recognized voice for global CIAs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of internal auditors in the global market is projected to increase by 6% from 2023 to 2033.
According to the IIA's Internal Audit Compensation study, individuals holding the CIA Certification earn 40% more than those without the certification.
100% Placement Assistance & Pass Guarantee after CIA Course
CIA Course Subjects
PART 1
Internal Audit Fundamentals
125 Questions / 150 Minutes
Foundations of Internal Auditing
Governance, Risk Management & Control
Ethics and Professionalism
Fraud Risk
PART 2
Internal Audit Engagement
100 Questions / 120 Minutes
Engagement Planning
Information Gathering, Analysis and Evaluation
Engagement Supervision and Communication
PART 3
Business Knowledge Of Internal Auditing
100 Questions / 120 Minutes
Engagement Results & Monitoring
Internal Audit Operations
Quality if Internal Audit Function
Internal Audit Plan
Duration:120 Minutes per part
Exam Pattern=100% Objective with 100 MCQ's in each part
Passing Score:600+ out of 750 points on each part
Exams could be taken in any order.
No negative marking
Exams in India and Abroad
CIA Course Eligibility
CIA candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements to obtain the CIA designation. Before a candidate application can be approved, all the documentation (proof of education, character reference and identification) must be received and approved by the IIA's Certification staff.
Education / Qualification | Valid Govt. ID | Years of Experience / Additional Requirement |
---|---|---|
Bachelor’s Student | ✓ | 2 years of IA experience or equivalent |
Master’s Student | ✓ | 1 year of IA experience or equivalent |
Active Internal Audit Practitioner | ✓ | 5 years of IA experience or equivalent |
College Student without Degree | ✓ | Sit for the IAP exam first |
Qualified Accountant | ✓ | Active CPA or CA holder |
Information Systems Auditor | ✓ | Active CISA™ holder |
Steps to CIA Certification
Apply
Complete all application requirements (proof of education, character reference, and identification). Pay the required fees within 90 days after submitting all the documentation.
Prepare and pass all three examinations. Complete the exam process within three years.
Verify experience based on education level and get certified.
Why VGLD

Meet Our Expert Faculty
Learn From Industry Experts
CIA Career Opportunities
Earning the CIA certification opens doors to a wide range of rewarding roles in auditing, finance, and management. Explore some of the top career opportunities available to CIAs:
Internal Auditor
Financial Controller
Quality Assurance Manager
Chief Internal Auditor
Chief Financial Officer
Internal Auditing Manager
Risk Manager
Audit Supervisor
Information Systems Auditor
Management Consultant
Forensic Accountant
Chief Audit Executive
Compliance Lead
Placements after CIA course with VGLD

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Has the CIA exam changed recently?
The CIA exam was revised in early 2019 to reflect the current practice of internal auditing, minimise duplication and overlap among the three exam parts and clarify the knowledge, skills and abilities that CIA candidates must possess to obtain certification. All three parts align with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and The IIA’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. The syllabus topics get modified every year.
How long does it take to complete all three exam parts?
On average, students complete the CIA exam in 6 to 9 months. Candidates have up to 3 years from the date of application approval to complete the program.
How much time should I expect to study for the CIA exams?
Depending on your education, experience, expertise in accounting and IT as well as your study method and reading comprehension, you should expect to invest around 150+ hours of study time (Part 1 - 40+ hours, Part 2 - 50+ hours, Part 3 - 60+ hours).
What is the right order to take each exam part?
There is no wrong or right order. Candidates can take the exams in any order they wish.
When and where can I take the exam?
Year-round at more than 900 Pearson VUE test centers in over 150 countries worldwide.
What is the passing score?
Each exam question that contributes to your score has been pretested to ensure statistical validity. Your raw score is calculated based on the number of questions answered correctly and is converted to a reporting scale ranging from 250 to 750 points. A score of 600 or higher is required to pass a CIA exam part. There is no negative marking.
When do I receive my score?
Candidates receive an informal score report upon completion of the exam at the test centre. The score is not final until validated by The IIA. You will be notified by email when your official score is available. This is typically within 24 to 48 hours after you complete your exam.
Can I reschedule an exam? If so, then how?
Yes, you have the option to reschedule your exam either through Pearson VUE's online system or by reaching out to their customer service team. It's important to note that rescheduling comes with associated fees and there are specific limits to consider.
What is the mode of the exam?
CIA is a computer-based exam.
What is the CIA exam pattern?
The CIA exam consists of 3 parts. You can schedule your exams 180 days after registration. Each part has a different number of questions.
Part 1 - 150 mins, 125 MCQs
Part 2 - 120 mins, 100 MCQs
Part 3 - 120 mins, 100 MCQs
Best CIA Course Institute in India?
VG Learning Destination is the best CIA coaching institution in India, as they provide both weekday and weekend live classes. They provide updated Gleim premium content and expert-led video lectures. With over 600000+ students trained in 34+ years, their experience speaks for itself. Their classes are really flexible and they also have doubt-clearing sessions, so those who are serious can go for VGLD.