10-Year Experience Pathway for CIA Challenge Exam Eligibility

The Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) certification opens nearly unlimited growth potential in your auditing career. And if you meet specific eligibility requirements, you can streamline your path to earning the CIA designation. Learn about the 10-year experience pathway for CIA Challenge Exam eligibility and how to apply before the September 30th deadline. 

What Is the CIA Challenge Exam? 

The CIA Challenge Exam is a streamlined path to CIA certification. The standard CIA Exam consists of three separate parts, each focusing on a separate aspect of the internal audit practice. 

However, the CIA Challenge Exam allows qualified professionals to leverage the knowledge and credentials they’ve already gained throughout their careers towards the CIA journey, and sit for a single-part CIA Challenge Exam instead of the traditional three-part CIA Exam. 

What Is the CIA Challenge Exam 10-Year Experience Pathway? 

Traditionally, the only path to CIA Challenge Exam eligibility has been possessing an active CPA/CA or CISA^TM credential. However, for the first time in 2026, the CIA credential’s administrating body, The Institute of Internal Auditors® (The IIA®), opened a new Challenge Exam eligibility option: the 10-year experience pathway. 

The 10-year experience pathway offers CIA Challenge Exam eligibility to professionals with 10+ years of experience in the practice of internal auditing. Through this program, you can streamline your path to CIA certification through the Challenge Exam, even if you don’t possess an approved credential. 

However, this 10-year experience pathway is currently a pilot program. Applications close September 30, 2026 and you must test before the end of the 2026 testing windows. The application process includes an experience verification form that documents your previous roles and responsibilities, organizations, and time spent in each position. 

Am I Eligible for the CIA Challenge Exam 10-Year Experience Pathway? 

If you have at least 10 years of professional experience in internal auditing, you likely qualify. According to The IIA, eligible experience must be in one of the following areas: 

• Internal Audit 
• Quality Assurance 
• Risk Management 
• Audit/Assessment Disciplines 
• Compliance 
• External Audit 
• Internal Control 
   

How to Apply for CIA Challenge Exam Eligibility through the 10-Year Experience Pathway 

Application for CIA Challenge Exam eligibility through the experience pathway happens through The IIA’s website: 

1. Create an account through The IIA’s CCMS (Certification Candidate Management System). 
    

2. Once you’re logged in, click the “Apply for Certified Internal Auditor” link under the “Apply for New Certifications” heading on the dashboard. 

   

    

3. On the next page (“Pathway Selection”), choose the “CIA Challenge Program for Experienced Internal Auditor (10+ years)” option.

   

    

4. Walk through the system’s steps to agree to the Terms & Conditions, answer the Ethical Standing question, upload your government-issued photo ID, and note if you need testing accommodations. 

   

    

5. On the "Qualified Status" page, click "Download the Form" — this opens a new tab titled "CIA Challenge Exam pathway for professional auditors." On that page, right-click the "Experience verification form" link to download the form template to your device. 

   

    

    

6. Fill out the form with your qualifying experience, return to the CCMS, and upload it on the "Qualified Status" page. Click "Continue" once uploaded. 

   

    

    

7. On the next page, “Review and Submit”, you’ll have the chance to double check your information. Once you ensure that everything is correct, click “Submit”. 
    

   

Note that, after you submit your application, you’ll see “Fee Payment Status” as “Outstanding” in your CCMS. You will need to pay the application fee in your CCMS for your application to be completely submitted for approval. 

• For members, the application fee is $150. 
• For non-members, the application fee is $380. 

Once you pay this application fee, expect to receive confirmation of your CIA Challenge Exam eligibility within one to three business days. The IIA will also notify you via email if you need to submit any additional documentation as part of the verification process. 

After you receive this eligibility verification, you can schedule your Challenge Exam testing date.

Timeline & Application Deadline for the 10-Year Experience Pathway 

If you have at least 10 years of experience in internal auditing, you can take advantage of the experience pathway—but do so quickly! The application deadline is September 30, 2026, and the opportunity closes if you don’t apply before this date. 

This is the timeline for the 10-year experience pathway: 

• Application window: Before September 30, 2026 
• Testing window: You must take your first CIA Challenge Exam attempt in the September - November 2026 testing window. You can test any day in September or November, but remember that your preferred testing center’s availability isn’t guaranteed; schedule as soon you enter the program to make sure that you get a time and date that works for you. 
• Exam Fee: For members, $845. For non-members: $1,245. 

This timeline can’t be extended. However, if you do follow this timeline but fail on your first testing attempt, you can schedule a retake in any of the following Challenge Exam windows within your three-year program eligibility period. However, you will have to register for an exam retake and pay the registration fee again. 

Pass the CIA Challenge Exam the First Time 

Becker—The IIA CIA® Challenge Exam Review is the only prep course built in collaboration with The IIA team who created and administers the exam. By working together, we’ve combined Becker’s advanced study tools and proven instruction with The IIA’s inside expertise of the most up-to-date CIA Challenge Exam content. 

Our exam review course helps you pass the first time, with guided support and customized study that includes: 

• Complete course aligned with the latest exam syllabus 
• Unlimited use of Newt^TM AI assistant 
• Customizable study planner  
• Lecture and SkillBuilder solution videos 
• Unlimited, adaptive tech practice tests 
• Simulated exams 
• Textbook 
• Flashcards 
• Unmatched learning and technical support 

Try risk-free for 14 days and see how you can get the support to pass the CIA Challenge Exam the first time! Start your free trial of Becker’s CIA Challenge Exam Review. 

10-Year Experience Pathway FAQs 

Who qualifies for the CIA 10-Year Experience Pathway? 

Professionals with 10+ years of experience in internal audit, quality assurance, risk management, audit/assessment disciplines, compliance, external audit, or internal control qualify. Applicants must submit an Experience Verification Form; The IIA may verify employment history directly with past employers. 

What is the application deadline for the 10-Year Experience Pathway? 

Applications must be submitted and paid for by September 30, 2026. The IIA has stated there are no provisions for extensions. 

Does the September 30 deadline affect other CIA Challenge Exam pathways? 

No. The deadline applies only to the 10-Year Experience Professional Pathway pilot program. Challenge Exam pathways for existing credential holders — CPA, CISA, and similar — continue beyond September 30 and are unaffected. 

What happens after I apply for the 10-Year Experience Pathway? 

Once approved, you must register for one of the pilot testing windows: September or November 2026. Approved applicants can also transition into Becker–The IIA CIA® Challenge Exam Review to prepare for success on testing day. 

When will I get my CIA Challenge Exam score? 

The June 2026 window is the first administration of the updated exam and carries an 8-week enhanced scoring turnaround. Starting with the September 2026 window, results return to the standard 3-week turnaround.

*CISA^TM is a trademark of ISACA.