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There are three main steps to getting your CIA certification:
The first step in the process of registering for the CIA exam is to make an account in The IIA’s Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) Opens in new window. You will apply for the program, view your exam score reports, and check on your certification status through the CCMS, so you can think of it as your home base. Additionally, you will use this system to report your Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits after you have earned your certification.
On the homepage, there will be an option to create your account under “Don’t have an account yet?” Click on this option and fill out the required information. Once you have completed this step, you’ll be brought back to the homepage and will be able to sign in. Finish filling out your profile before continuing.
Once you’re logged into CCMS, there will be a list of certifications you can apply for. Click on “Apply for Certified Internal Auditor.” You’ll have the option to either pay by credit card or with PayPal, and you can view your invoices and receipts by clicking “My Orders.”
Once The IIA processes your payment, you have 90 days to complete the application process. Follow the instructions within CCMS to complete your application.
Part of the application process includes providing all the required documentation so that The IIA can verify that you meet the CIA program requirements.
| CIA Application Fees* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Membership | Current | Effective July 1, 2024 |
| IIA Member | $115 | $120 |
| Non-IIA Member | $230 | $240 |
| Student | $65 | $65 |
*All fees in USD.
After you submit your application, you have a limited time to get all of your documents approved. The IIA doesn’t mention how long it takes to approve documents, so play it safe and have all of your documents ready to go the same day you submit your application.
You must submit proof of current and valid identification to apply to the CIA program. See the table for a guide to the acceptable and unacceptable forms of ID.
Follow the prompts in CCMS to submit one of the following documents as proof of education:
| Acceptable ID | Unacceptable ID |
|---|---|
| Government-issued driver’s license | Employee ID or work badge |
| Passport | University or college ID |
| Military ID | Insurance card |
| Alien registration card (green card, permanent resident visa, etc.) |
Selfie or photo ID without name |
| Government-issued local language ID (if issued from the country in which the candidate is testing) |
Expired photo ID |
To earn your CIA certification, you must also provide proof of your experience; however, this requirement can be submitted at any time during your time in the program. Be sure to upload this documentation as soon as you qualify! You don’t want to delay getting your CIA certificate because you forgot to provide this information.
The IIA makes reasonable testing accommodations for candidates who need them. If you anticipate needing any accommodations, you’ll have the option to request special accommodations for a documented disability that limits your ability to complete the exams. During the program application process, you’ll need to fill out and upload The IIA’s accommodations application, and you may be required to submit supporting documentation.
You’ll receive an email notice when your application has been approved. You must be approved into the CIA certification program before registering for the CIA exams. If one or more of the documents aren’t approved by The IIA within the 90-day period, your application will be denied, and you will have to start the process over again, including having to pay another application fee.
After you upload your documents and they’re approved by The IIA, you can register for the CIA exam. You can take the CIA exam parts in any order, so you’ll need to select the CIA part you wish to sit for when you’re registering.
You’ll be required to pay the CIA exam fee when you complete registration. You cannot undo or transfer the registration of one exam to another, so double-check your selection before submitting. If you believe the price shown during your registration is incorrect for any reason, open a case within CCMS and do not complete your registration.
Once your payment is complete, your window to sit for the exam is 180 days or until your program expiration date, whichever comes first. You must schedule and sit for your exam before your exam window expires.
After registering for the CIA exam, you’ll be able to schedule your exam appointment through CCMS. Your Exam Details page will be displayed, and you will proceed to the Test Center Search page which will display available dates and times.
Pearson VUE test centers and online testing schedules can vary. Most test centers are open 6 days a week, but your local test centers may vary due to availability. Test Centers and exam appointments can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to schedule early and plan ahead. Be sure to account for travel and check-in time when selecting your exam appointment. It’s better to go to a test center a little farther away if you can get an appointment that fits your schedule better.
Once you select your date and time, be sure to check that all of the information is correct, including your appointment time, date, and test center before you proceed to check out.
You’ll be prompted to agree to The IIA’s Polices. Your order details will display once you accept. Take the time to check your appointment again. If you need to make any changes, be sure you either cancel the order and submit a case in CCMS, or navigate back to change an option.
After you check out, you’ll get the confirmation page to show you are booked for your exam at your selected time and test center. You’ll get an exam appointment confirmation email from Pearson VUE with additional information depending on whether you selected a test center or online testing. You will now see “Scheduled” next to your registered exam on the CCMS home page.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your CIA exam appointment, you can do so within CCMS or by contacting Pearson VUE. You can make changes up to 48 hours before your appointment, but you will be charged a $75 USD fee each time you reschedule.
If you do not appear for your exam, you will be considered a no-show, your registration will be voided, and you will forfeit your exam fee. If this happens, you must register for the CIA exam and pay the fee again in order to reschedule.
You will receive your preliminary exam results at the test center (or after your online exam). These results will say “unofficial,” but your score will seldom change from these unofficial results. Your score report will be posted in your CCMS account about 48 hours after completing the exam, and you will receive an email notification. For more information on CIA pass rates, check out our CIA Pass Rate page.
The IIA will also send you an email once you have passed all parts of the CIA exam. Your certification status will then be displayed in CCMS, along with your reporting period for CPE and how many credits you have earned in the current cycle. From CCMS, you will be able to download a PDF of your certificate and order a printed certificate to honor all of your hard work!
Once you’re a CIA, make sure you take the steps to maintain your CIA certification and use it to boost your career!