If you’re in the internal auditing profession or working to move into this specialization, you likely already know that there’s no better way to advance your career than by earning your Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) credential.
But earning this esteemed certification means first passing the CIA Exam. Start your road to success with these 3 CIA Exam tips.
CIA Exam tip #1: Get to know the CIA Exam
Before diving into preparing, you should learn the basics of the test itself and what you need to pass the CIA Exam.
The CIA Exam is split up into three separately taken parts:
- Part 1: Internal Audit Fundamentals
- Part 2: Internal Audit Engagement
- Part 3: Internal Audit Function
Knowing this information will help you focus on what content to study and when, preparing for just one exam part and subject area at a time.
During Part 1 of the exam, you’ll have 150 minutes to complete 125 multiple choice questions. During Parts 2 and 3, you’ll have 120 minutes for 100 multiple choice questions. You’ll have to earn 600 out of a max 750 points on each exam section to pass.1
This understanding will help you focus on how to study—learning to practice and successfully navigate multiple choice questions as the format you’ll face on the exam.
CIA Exam tip #2: Map out a study plan
Studying is imperative if you want to pass the CIA Exam. Block out consistent, distraction-free chunks of time in your schedule to dedicate to exam prep. Make a study plan and stick to it!
When creating this study schedule, it’s important to be realistic. Don’t spend all your time studying and then burn out; pace yourself with what you know your schedule will allow, leaving room for breaks that refresh your energy and maintain your focus.
Additional CIA Exam study tips include:
- Focus on the end goal to maintain motivation
- Make studying part of your routine
- Eliminate distractions
- Take advantage of extra “down time” to study
- Take breaks and recharge
- Get enough sleep
- Find a supportive and motivating community
CIA Exam tip #3: Get a great review course
Finding a great CIA Exam review course is the best way to pass the exam the first time. Only with targeted content designed around each exam section can you:
- Study exactly what’s on the exam
- Make the most of your time invested
- Familiarize yourself with the test format
- Practice questions like those you’ll see on the real exam
Becker has partnered with the governing body of the CIA certification, The Institute of Internal Auditors® (The IIA®), to create a brand-new CIA Exam Review course. We combine our 60+ years of exam review experience, proven study tools, and expert instruction with focused content from the creators of the exam itself.
This Becker – The IIA CIA Exam Review will be released in March. It includes:
- Engaging video lectures designed around exam content
- Practice multiple choice questions
- Simulated Exams
- Academic support team
- Expert and experienced instructors
- Personalized study planner