How to Register for CIA Exam 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Register for CIA Exam: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Quick Answer: CIA Exam Registration at a Glance
| Step | Action | Time Required |
| 1 | Create CCMS Profile | 15-20 minutes |
| 2 | Submit CIA Application | 20-30 minutes |
| 3 | Pay Application Fee | 5 minutes |
| 4 | Upload Documents | 30-45 minutes |
| 5 | Wait for Approval | 5-10 business days |
| 6 | Register for Exam Part | 10 minutes |
| 7 | Schedule with Pearson VUE | 10-15 minutes |
Total Time to Complete: 2-3 weeks (including approval wait time)
Why Getting CIA Registration Right Matters
I’ve spoken with dozens of candidates who delayed their CIA certification journey simply because they felt daunted by the registration process. One candidate from Bangalore told me he spent three weeks just figuring out where to start.
Here's the truth: It feels complex only because it's new.
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) manages everything through their Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS). To simplify your process, here's the sequence broken down with time estimates: create your profile (Time: 5 min), submit application (Time: 10 min), upload documents (Time: 15 min), await approval (1-2 weeks), register for exams (Time: 10 min), and schedule the test (Time: 10 min). Overall, the actual work takes about an hour, but it is spread across two to three weeks.
Let me lead you through each step based on the current 2026 process.
Before You Begin: Check Your Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution, OR
- Currently enrolled as a full-time student in the final year of my undergraduate program.
- Two years of internal audit experience (or equivalent), OR
- Master’s degree holders need one year of experience.
- Experience can be completed within three years of passing all exams.
- A signed form from an IIA-certified professional, your supervisor, or a professor
If you’re unsure about whether your background qualifies, the IIA allows you to apply first and complete the CIA work experience requirement within three years of passing.
Step 1: Create Your CCMS Profile
The Certification Candidate Management System is your single point of contact for everything CIA-related. You’ll use it to apply, upload documents, register for exams, check scores, and eventually maintain your certification.
- Visit the IIA’s certification portal.
- Click “Create Account” or “Register”
- Enter your personal information:
-
- Full legal name (must match your government ID exactly)
- Email address (use one you check regularly)
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- Create a secure password.
- Verify your email address.
Pro tip: Use the exact name that appears on your passport or national ID. Any mismatch will cause problems at the testing center. I’ve observed candidates being turned away because the “Vikram” on their application didn’t match the “Vikram Kumar” on their ID.
Your CCMS profile stays active throughout your certification pathway and beyond. Once certified, you’ll use it to report CPE credits annually.
Step 2: Submit Your CIA Program Application
- Log in to CCMS
- Click “Complete a Form” from the main dashboard.
- Select “CIA Program Application”
- Fill in your educational background details.
- Provide employment history
- Answer character and conduct questions.
- Review everything carefully
- Submit the application
| Section | Information Required |
| Education | Institution name, degree type, graduation date |
| Employment | Current/past employers, job titles, dates |
| Character | Declaration of ethical conduct |
| Program Selection | CIA certification program |
The application itself is simple. Answer honestly—the IIA takes character references seriously, and any misrepresentation may result in disqualification.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Application fees are non-refundable and must be paid before your application moves forward. The fee varies based on your membership status.
| Membership Status | Application Fee (USD) |
| IIA Member | $120 |
| Non-Member | $240 |
| Student | $65 |
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Debit card
- Some regions accept bank transfers.
Tactical timing advice: Don’t pay the application fee until you’re ready to start studying seriously. Once paid, your three-year completion window begins. Many candidates pay too early, then find themselves racing against time.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
After submitting your application, the IIA sends an approval email with instructions for the document upload portal. You have 90 days to submit everything.
1. Government-Issued Photo Identification
- Passport (preferred)
- National identity card
- Driver’s license (in some regions)
- Must be current (not expired)
- The photo must be clearly visible.
- Name must match your CCMS profile exactly.
2. Proof of Education
- Official degree certificate
- Official transcripts
- Letter from your institution confirming enrollment (for students)
3. Character Reference Form
- An IIA-certified professional (CIA, CRMA, or QIAL)
- Your current supervisor or manager
- A university professor (for students)
- Scan in color if possible. Ensure text is readable (minimum 300 DPI)
- Save files in appropriate formats: PDF, JPG, or PNG. Adhere to maximum file size: typically 5MB per document
Step 5: Wait for Application Approval
Once you’ve uploaded all documents, the IIA reviews your application. This typically takes 5-10 business days, though it can extend during peak periods.
- Your identity documents are valid.
- Educational credentials meet requirements.
- Character reference is properly completed.
- Application information is accurate.
| Status | What It Means | Action Required |
| Approved | Ready to register for exams | Proceed to Step 6 |
| Pending | Additional information needed | Check email, upload requested docs |
| Rejected | Eligibility not met | Contact IIA for clarification |
You’ll receive an email notification when approved. Don’t just wait—check your spam folder and log in to CCMS periodically to see your status.
Step 6: Register for Your Exam Part
Here’s where many candidates get confused. Application approval doesn’t automatically register you for an exam. You must separately register for each part you want to take. Think of the process as similar to joining a gym versus booking a class: the application process is like joining a gym, while registration is like arranging a time for a specific class you want to attend..
- Log in to CCMS
- Click “Manage My Program” from the dashboard
- Select “Register for Exam”
- Choose which part you want to take:
-
- CIA Part 1 – Essentials of Internal Auditing
- CIA Part 2 – Practice of Internal Auditing
- CIA Part 3 – Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing
- Pay the exam registration fee.
- Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT)
| Exam Part | IIA Member | Non-Member | Student |
| Part 1 | $310 | $445 | $245 |
| Part 2 | $280 | $415 | $215 |
| Part 3 | $280 | $415 | $215 |
- You can take parts in any order.
- Most candidates start with Part 1
- You can only register for one part at a time (some regions allow multiple)
- Once registered, you have 180 days to schedule and sit for that part.
The CIA exam structure follows a three-part format. Understanding what each part covers helps you decide the order that works best for your background. Consider asking yourself, "Which order best matches your current expertise?" Through analyzing your strengths and weaknesses, you can create a strategic plan that corresponds with your professional goals.
Step 7: Schedule Your Exam with Pearson VUE
After registration, you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) via email. Wait at least 48 hours before attempting to schedule—this gives Pearson VUE time to receive your information from the IIA.
Important 2026 Update: The CIA exam is now available only through test centers. Online proctoring has been discontinued.
How to schedule your CIA exam:
- Wait 48 hours after receiving your ATT.
- Visit the Pearson VUE website or access through CCMS.
- Sign in using your IIA credentials.
- Select “Schedule an Exam”
- Choose your preferred test center location.
- Select an available date and time.
- Confirm your appointment
- Mumbai (multiple locations)
- Delhi/NCR
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Pune
- Book early: Popular time slots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
- Morning advantage: If you’re sharper in the morning, book a 9 AM slot
- Avoid month-end: Accounting professionals often have work conflicts.
- Consider travel time: Factor in traffic and give yourself extra time
You can reschedule without penalty if you do it more than 48 hours before your appointment. Within 48 hours, you forfeit your exam fee.
The Complete Timeline: What to Expect
| Week | Activity |
| Week 1 | Create CCMS profile, submit application, pay application fee |
| Week 1-2 | Gather and upload documents |
| Week 2-3 | Application under review |
| Week 3 | Receive approval, register for Part 1 |
| Week 3-4 | Schedule exam with Pearson VUE |
| Week 4+ |
Most candidates aim to sit their first exam within 2-4 months of starting preparation, depending on their background and available study hours.
What Happens After You Register?
Once you’ve scheduled your exam, turn your attention to preparation. The CIA salary in India for certified professionals ranges from ₹6-25+ LPA, depending on experience—solid motivation to study diligently.
- Obtain a quality review course (Surgent, Gleim, etc.)
- Create a realistic study schedule.
- Practice with MCQs extensively
- Take full-length mock exams.
- Review weak areas before exam day.
For a thorough breakdown of exam content, review the CIA exam structure syllabus guide covering all three parts.
Comparing career paths? Check out our review of CIA vs CISA to understand which certification is better suited to your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CIA exam registration take?
The actual registration work takes about an hour total. However, the approval process adds 5-10 business days. Plan for 2-3 weeks from the start of your application to being ready to schedule an exam.
Can I register for all three CIA parts at once?
In most regions, you register for one part at a time. Some IIA affiliates allow multiple registrations. Check with your local IIA chapter for specific rules.
What if my application gets rejected?
Contact the IIA directly to understand why. Common reasons include incomplete documents, eligibility questions, or issues with character references. Most rejections can be resolved by providing extra documentation.
Do I need to be an IIA member to take the CIA exam?
No, membership is optional but recommended. Members save approximately $135 per exam part on registration fees. Over three parts plus the application, that’s $650 in savings—more than double the membership cost.
Can I change my exam date after scheduling?
Yes, you can reschedule without penalty if you do it more than 48 hours before your appointment. Log in to Pearson VUE to make changes.
What documents do I need on exam day?
- Primary: Government-issued photo ID (passport preferred)
- Secondary: Credit card, bank card, or another ID with your signature
How soon can I retake a failed exam?
You must wait 90 days between attempts for the same part. Use this time productively—review your score report, identify weak areas, and adjust your study approach.
Your Next Steps
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Questions? Answers.
What is the CIA certification and who awards it?
The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is the only globally recognized certification for internal auditors, awarded by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
What is the passing score for each CIA exam part?
Each CIA exam part is scored on a scale from 250 to 750 points, and you must achieve a scaled score of 600 or higher to pass.
Should I accelerate my CIA attempts now or wait and prepare directly for the 2025 syllabus?
The decision depends on how soon you can realistically prepare and your comfort with change: if you can sit quickly, you may prefer the familiar 2019 content, but if your timeline already extends into late 2025, it is often more efficient to study once for the revised syllabus that will remain in place for several years.
I’ve already passed some CIA parts under the 2019 syllabus. How do the 2025 changes affect my remaining parts?
Any CIA part you have already passed will continue to count as long as your overall CIA program window is still active; you only need to adapt your study plan for the parts you have not yet passed, which may now test updated content aligned to the new Global Internal Audit Standards.
How will the CIA 2025 update change the way higher‑order skills like critical thinking are tested?
The 2025 revision is informed by a global job analysis and explicitly emphasizes scenario‑based and judgment‑heavy questions, so candidates should expect more items that require evaluating risk, controls, and stakeholder expectations in realistic internal audit situations rather than just recalling definitions.
If my exam language transitions mid‑year, how do I avoid getting ‘stuck’ between the old and new exams?
You need to monitor the language‑specific release schedule and plan your registrations within 180‑day windows so each attempt clearly falls either fully before or fully after the go‑live date for your language, avoiding split preparation across two syllabi.
How will the passing score be set for the revised CIA exams, and should I expect the exam to feel harder?
The IIA will run a standard‑setting study using psychometric methods to map raw scores to the same 250–750 scale, and while the required scaled score (600) is unchanged, the mix of questions and emphasis on applied skills may make the exam feel more challenging for candidates who rely heavily on memorization.
Can older internal audit experience (10–15 years ago) still help me meet the CIA work experience requirement?
Yes, prior internal audit or equivalent experience can count as long as it is properly documented and attested by a manager or certified professional, but you should also be ready to demonstrate that your current knowledge keeps pace with modern practices the updated exam now reflects.
I’m an external auditor / finance professional moving into internal audit. Is it smarter to pursue the CIA Challenge Exam or the full three‑part route?
If your existing credential qualifies, the Challenge Exam can be a faster path because it consolidates CIA content into a single rigorous exam, but you sacrifice the part‑by‑part learning curve and must be comfortable mastering the entire body of knowledge for one high‑stakes sitting.
What CIA timing strategy works best if I’m also juggling other certifications (e.g., CPA, CISA, ACCA)?
Many candidates front‑load CIA Part 1 soon after internal audit or controls‑heavy study, then align Parts 2 and 3 with periods when they have more bandwidth to absorb governance and strategy content, using the three‑year CIA program window to sequence attempts around other exam cycles
How do the 2025 CIA Parts 1, 2, and 3 divide responsibilities across the internal audit lifecycle?
The updated structure concentrates foundational principles, risk and control concepts, and Standards in Part 1; engagement planning, fieldwork, and communication in Part 2; and governance of the internal audit function, audit strategy, and portfolio‑level oversight in Part 3, mirroring how responsibilities scale as auditors become managers and heads of internal audit
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