CIA Exam Tips: Pass in 90 Days Strategy

Suppose you are looking for global employment opportunities in accounting, better career options, salaries, and other competitive benefits to grow further in your career. In that case, going for the Certified Internal Auditor is a good choice. In this blog, you will learn how opting for the CIA 3-Part Exam can be beneficial for your career. Preparation for the CIA exam with the right mindset and approach increases your chances of qualifying on the first attempt.

CIA Exam Format

In January 2025, the IIA revised the format of all the sections of the CIA exam to stay aligned with the Global Internal Audit Standards. The purpose of the Certified Internal Auditor exam is to identify individuals who meet the requirements of the global market in current internal audit practice. The Certified Internal Auditor Exam is a three-part exam that has been designed well to check candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities related to current internal audit practices.

The parts of the Exam:

Part I: Internal Audit Fundamentals

• 125 questions, 150 minutes

Part II: Internal Audit Engagement

• 100 questions, 120 minutes

Part III: Internal Audit Function

• 100 questions, 120 minutes

The questions of the exam still come in multiple-choice question form.

CIA Exam Topics

Each part of the CIA Exam is focused on different subject areas, which are essential to the practice of internal auditing. Each part of the exam covers all the minute details, scenarios, and questions mentioned in the IIA Exam syllabus. Topics and subtopics of each part of the exam:

Part I: Internal Audit Fundamentals

• Foundations of Internal Auditing (35%)
• Ethics and Professionalism (20%)
• Governance, Risk Management, and Control (30%)
• Fraud Risks (15%)

Part II: Internal Audit Engagement

• Engagement Planning (50%)
• Information Gathering, Analysis, and Evaluation (40%)
• Engagement Supervision and Communication (10%)

Part III: Internal Audit Function

• Internal Audit Operations (25%)
• Internal Audit Plan (15%)
• Quality of the Internal Audit Function (15%)
• Engagement Results and Monitoring (45%)

CIA Certification Requirements

Candidates interested in pursuing the CIA certification in India should meet the following CIA certification guidelines: Education: A bachelor’s degree from a deemed university. Work Experience: Two years in internal audit, quality assurance, risk management and compliance for a bachelor’s degree holder. One year in internal audit, quality assurance, risk management and compliance for candidates who hold a master’s degree. CIA Audit Exam: There is a need for candidates to pass all three sections of the exam that focus on internal audit basics, practice, and knowledge. Ethics: Finalists will be required to commit to the IIA’s standards of conduct. People interested in taking up the CIA certification in India can apply on the IIA’s site and thus start the process by registering for the CIA audit exam.

Get CIA Certification in 90 Days

Getting CIA certification in 90 days is not an impossible task; instead, it is achievable, but with the right plan and strategy.

1. Understand the Blueprint of the Exam

• Download the content of the CIA exam from IIA’s website.
• Focus on the critical key topics: internal controls, governance, risk management, fraud, and business acumen.
• Identify your strong and weak areas based on your prior knowledge.

2. Make a Study Plan

• Dedicate at least 2-3 hours daily to study.
• Make sure to divide the 90 days into three phases:

Phase 1: Make study concepts and study guides. Phase 2: Practice with mock questions and case scenarios. Phase 3: Set aside time for revision and practice mock tests.

3. Ensure that you are studying from the right study resources.

• CIA exam prep materials from IIA.
• Practice questions and exam simulations.

4. Give mock exams to learn about time management.

• Attempt all the full-length mock exams under the given schedule.
• This helps in learning time management and tricks of giving the exams.

5. Take 4-5 days out only for revision.

• In the last 4-5 days, make sure to revise the important concepts, formulas, and governance framework.
• Focus on essential topics like internal controls, risk response and fraud.

CIA certification is the best way to advance in your profession, earn more money, and be recognised as a professional internal auditor at the international level. Joining Netrika to prepare for your CIA examination will give you the best training and trainers who will offer their professional services and support from fellow auditing professionals. Why settle for ordinary when you deserve extraordinary? If you are feeling stuck or lack motivation in your current position. In that case, it’s time for you to make a move with the CIA certification course at Netrika and experience the world of oysters. For more information on this or to enrol in the course, please do not hesitate to contact Netrika.