CIA Exam Overhaul in 2025: Key Changes and How to Prepare

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is ushering in a new era for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) program with the launch of CIA 2025, a significant update to the exam syllabus set to go live in May 2025. This update reflects the evolving demands of the internal audit profession and aligns with the newly released Global Internal Audit Standards. By modernizing the exam structure and content, the IIA aims to ensure that CIA-certified professionals are equipped with the most relevant knowledge and skills to meet current and future challenges in governance, risk, and control.

Why the update?

●The IIA conducted a global job analysis in 2023 involving practitioners, educators, and stakeholders worldwide.

●An external psychometrician ensured objectivity in identifying relevant skills and knowledge.

●The revamped syllabus aligns the exam with the new Global Internal Audit Standards, eliminates duplication across parts, and refines testable knowledge, skills, and abilities.

What remains unchanged?

The CIA is still a three-part exam:

●Part 1: 125 questions, 2.5 hours

●Part 2: 100 questions, 2 hours

●Part 3: 100 questions, 2 hours

Eligibility requirements, costs, and passing criteria (scaled score ≥?600 [out of 250–750 scale]) remain consistent

Timeline & language rollout

New syllabus launch: May 28, 2025 in English, with multilingual releases scheduled through September 2026:

Japanese: July 28, 2025 

Thai & Korean: August 28, 2025 

Portuguese: September 28, 2025 

Spanish & French: October 28, 2025 

Polish & German: November 28, 2025 

Turkish & Russian: December 28, 2025 

Traditional Chinese: January 28, 2026 

Simplified Chinese & Arabic: September 28, 2026

CIA Challenge Exams will be updated in 2026

Note: Candidates who take an exam part before the rollout keep their credit - even if it's based on the older syllabus - provided their program is still valid. If they need to retake, they'll use the new syllabus format .

What does this mean for candidates?

●You're not required to switch to the new exams mid-program - your current credits are preserved.

●Review both the 2019 and 2025 syllabi to determine whether to proceed now or wait.

●Those aiming to take exams after May 28, 2025 in English (or later in other languages) must be ready for the updated format.

●Study resources - including the Becker - The IIA CIA Exam Review - have been revised to align with the new syllabus

●Other prep materials may lag behind; confirm updates with your provider.

Tips for preparation

Compare syllabi: Review both versions to identify new content areas and shifts in weighting. 

Use updated materials: Leverage IIA- and Becker-endorsed resources aligned with the 2025 curriculum. 

Plan exam timing strategically:

●Take parts before May 28 to stick with the familiar format.

●Or delay until updated materials are in hand for exams after May 2025.

Check your program window: You must complete all three parts within three years of program acceptance. 

Order strategically: The IIA allows flexibility - parts need not be taken in order. Choose what aligns with your strengths and preparation timeline.

The CIA 2025 update aims to modernize and streamline the certification process, keeping pace with contemporary internal audit standards and global practice. With clear timing and preserved credits, candidates have flexibility in planning their path. Using updated study tools and aligning exam timing with your readiness will maximize success under the new syllabus.