What are the main topics of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam?

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a credential that is awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to professionals who conduct internal audits and display the skills, knowledge expertise, and code of conduct required by IIA as part of the internal auditor designation. 

While the certified internal auditor course encompasses topics relevant to the field, aspirants often get overwhelmed by the exam course structure by not diving into the topic details first. Understanding the CIA exam course structure is the first key to commencing the CIA exam preparation and obtaining the certification.

Here are the topics covered under the Certified Internal Auditor Course Exam-

Part 1 – Essentials of Internal Auditing

125 questions, 2.5 hours (150 minutes)

Part 1 of the CIA exam covers parts of the IPPF’s mandated advice, internal control and risk concepts, and tools and methodologies for conducting internal audit engagements. It assesses candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the IPPF, namely the Attribute Standards (series 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300) and Performance Standard 2100.

Part 1 also comprises 6 areas.

• Foundations of Internal Auditing (15%)
• Independence and Objectivity (15%)
• Proficiency and Due Professional Care (18%)
• Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (7%)
• Governance, Risk Management, and Control (35%)
• Fraud Risks (10%)

Part 2: Practice of Internal Auditing 100 questions 

2.0 hours (120 minutes)

The CIA test Part 2 subjects cover four domains: managing internal audit activity, planning and engagement, performing the engagement, reporting engagement findings, and tracking progress. It assesses candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities, focusing on Performance Standards (series 2000, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, and 2600) and current internal audit processes.

Part 2 only has 4 areas.

• Managing the Internal Audit Activity (20%)
• Planning the Engagement (20%)
• Performing the Engagement (40%)
• Communicating Engagement Results and Monitoring Progress (20%)

Part 3: Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing

100 questions, 2.0 hours (120 minutes)

The CIA test Part 3 covers disciplines such as business acumen, information security, information technology, and financial management. It assesses the candidates’ knowledge, skills, and talents, particularly as they apply to these basic business ideas.

Part 3 only has 4 areas.

• Business Acumen (35%)
• Informational Security (25%)
• Information Technology (20%)
• Financial Management (20%)

The exam structure and topics covered under them are designed to assess an aspirant’s skills, knowledge,, and expertise in different internal auditor aspects as well as test their competence in risk governance, management, fraud detection & prevention as well as the financial and business management practices. By thoroughly understanding these topics in detail and even enrolling in CIA exam review courses, an aspirant become well-equipped with their roles & responsibilities to contribute significantly to organizational growth and success.