CIA Challenge Exam
FAST TRACK YOUR CIA WITH THE ONE-PART CHALLENGE EXAM
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Only holders of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation are eligible to apply for this pathway. Students are not eligible to apply.
Qualified CPA and CA Holders | ||
For candidates applying under the Qualified Accounting Bodies: Applicants must contact their respective accounting body to obtain a letter of good standing prior to submitting their application.
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Qualified Information Systems Auditors |
For candidates applying under the Qualified Information Systems Auditors: Applicants are required to obtain proof of good standing from the public registry prior to submitting an application.
CISA is a trademark of ISACA. |
PROGRAMME TIMELINE
Candidates have three years from the date of acceptance into the programme to complete the one-part exam and meet the exit requirements.
CIA Challenge Exam Application Window: 1 April to 30 September annually
CIA Challenge Exam Test Window: June, August, November, and February
Once the programme application is approved, candidates have 180 days to register, schedule, and sit for the exam. Exams are only available during the test windows listed above.
The exam fees for the first sitting are included in the CIA Challenge Exam bundle. Candidates who need to retake the exam must pay additional fees.
EXAM FEES
DESCRIPTION | Member (US$) |
Non-Member (US$) |
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CIA Challenge Exam Bundle * | 1,255 | 1,625 | ||
Exam Retake Fees (only if applicable) | 845 | 995 |
The fees indicated exclude GST. Singapore’s prevailing GST is payable by individuals. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
* The CIA Challenge Exam bundle includes:
- CIA Challenge Exam application fee.
- CIA Challenge Exam registration fee for the first exam sitting.
- CIA Challenge Exam Study Guide for Qualified CPAs/CAs and Qualified Information Systems Auditors (CISA) and 1,000 practice questions included in the customised study material.
- Access to the online materials is valid for 12 months from date of invitation.
EXAM FORMAT
The CIA Challenge Exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
UPDATE COMING TO THE CIA CHALLENGE EXAM SYLLABUS IN 2026
The CIA Challenge Exam syllabus will be updated to align with The IIA’s new Global Internal Audit Standards in 2026. During the 2025 programme cycle, The IIA will conduct a comprehensive study to ensure the syllabus reflects the latest standards and best practices in internal auditing. The exact dates of the updated exam's release will be communicated in the coming months.
ACCESS TO YOUR CHALLENGE EXAM STUDY MATERIALS
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Approved candidates will receive an email invitation to access the online Challenge Exam Study Guide within seven business days. The email will be sent from The IIA's Distribution Center with the subject line: “Action Required - Your IIA Online Access”. Candidates must activate their online access separately.
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If the email is not received, please check your inbox and spam or junk folders before contacting The IIA Customer Care.
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The Challenge Exam Study Guide is valid for 12 months from the date of the email invitation.
For any questions or clarifications, please contact Customer Care.
USEFUL RESOURCES
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Certification Candidate Management System – Frequently Asked Questions
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CIA Challenge Exam Syllabus - For Qualified CPAs and CAs
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CIA Challenge Exam Syllabus - For Qualified Information Systems Auditors
- IIA Singapore CIA Challenge Exam Preparatory Course (1 Nov & 8 Nov 2025)
COMPUTER-BASED TESTING
The CIA exam is available through computer-based testing, allowing you to schedule exams throughout the year at more than 500 locations worldwide. You can sit for exams at any IIA-authorised PearsonVUE testing centre worldwide, regardless of whether the testing centre is located in your hometown or country. To locate the testing centres closest to you, visit the PearsonVUE website.
In Singapore, the IIA-authorised PearsonVUE testing centres are located at:
NTUC LEARNINGHUB PTE LTD | PEARSON PROFESSIONAL CENTERS | RELC EXAMINATIONS BUREAU | ||
NTUC Trade Union House 73 Bras Basah Road Level 3, Room 3J Singapore 189556 |
51 Cuppage Road #05-02/03/04 Singapore 229469 |
30 Orange Grove Road Level 8 RELC Building Singapore 258352 |
Starting 28 May 2025, all exams will be available only at test centres to enhance exam security and ensure a consistent testing experience for all candidates worldwide. Click here to view the FAQs on this transition.
APPLYING FOR YOUR CIA CHALLENGE EXAM PROGRAMME |
1. Prepare the required documents and information. 2. Log in to the Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS).
3. For IIA Singapore members: Please check that your membership status is correctly displayed in your profile before proceeding to the next step. 4. On the CCMS Home page, select APPLY FOR NEW CERTIFICATIONS. Click on Apply for Certified Internal Auditor, followed by CIA Challenge Program for Qualified Chartered Accountants and Certified Public Accountants (for CAs/CPAs) or CIA Challenge Program for Qualified Information Systems Auditors (for CISAs). Complete the required information and declaration, upload your Letter of Good Standing and Proof of Identification, and declare if special accommodations are required. This step must be completed within 90 days of application. Click SUBMIT. 5. Pay for the application fee by credit card or PayPal on CCMS. Credit card and PayPal are the only modes of payment for IIA Singapore members. 6. After document approval by the Certification Team, you will receive an email from IIA Global confirming your application. You can then register for the exam. 7. Complete the payment for the exam registration fee on CCMS. Your exam status will update to Registered. The system will also allow you to schedule and sit for the exam within one of these test delivery windows that fall within your authorised exam window. There is no provision for programme or exam extension for Challenge Exam. You must complete the exam within the 180-day period granted.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS All new candidates must submit the following:
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For questions or clarifications, please contact the Certification Team for assistance.