CIA Exam Syllabus changes 2025
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is making big changes to the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam starting May 2025.
These updates are designed to match current industry practices better and reduce the repetition between the different exam parts.
This guide breaks down the updates clearly so that candidates can focus on what really matters for each part of the exam.
For more details, visit official website
CIA Exam Changes Part wise
Part 1: Internal Audit Fundamentals
What used to be called Essentials of Internal Auditing has been renamed and completely restructured. Instead of six sections, it now has four, focusing more on core internal audit topics. Here’s how the marks are distributed:
Foundations of Internal Auditing (35%)
Focuses more on the core principles and basics of internal auditing.Ethics and Professionalism (20%)
A brand new section about ethical behavior, professionalism, and integrity.Governance, Risk Management, and Control (30%)
Still important, but now with slightly less weight. Covers key governance and risk concepts.Fraud Risks (15%)
Focuses on identifying and reducing fraud within organizations.
Topics like independence, objectivity, proficiency, and quality assurance, which were previously covered, are now spread across the new structure.
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Part 2: Internal Audit Engagement
Previously known as The Practice of Internal Auditing, this section has been trimmed down to three main parts, with a sharper focus on real audit work:
Engagement Planning (50%)
The most heavily weighted section, covering everything involved in preparing an audit.Information Gathering, Analysis, and Evaluation (40%)
Covers how to collect and assess audit evidence.Engagement Supervision and Communication (10%)
Focuses on audit oversight and how findings are communicated.
Topics like managing the audit team and tracking results are now blended into this new format.
Part 3: Internal Audit Function
This part used to be called Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. It still has four sections but now focuses more on the internal audit function and its role in an organization. Here’s the new breakdown:
Internal Audit Operations (25%)
Day-to-day activities and processes in an audit department.Internal Audit Plan (15%)
Building and executing risk-based audit plans.Quality of the Internal Audit Function (15%)
Ensuring audit quality through standards and evaluations.Engagement Results and Monitoring (45%)
Greater emphasis on how audits are evaluated and improved over time.
cia 2025 syllabus
CIA Salary in india
The salary of a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) in India can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and the size of the organization. However, having a CIA certification generally boosts earning potential compared to non-certified professionals in internal audit roles. Here’s a rough breakdown of the average annual salary ranges for CIAs in India:
Entry-Level (0-3 years of experience): ₹5,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 Mid-Level (3-7 years of experience): ₹8,00,000 - ₹15,00,000 Senior-Level (7+ years of experience): ₹15,00,000 - ₹30,00,000 or more
High-level positions, such as Internal Audit Managers, Heads of Internal Audit, or Chief Audit Executives in large corporations or multinational companies, can command salaries that exceed ₹30,00,000 annually.
Benefits of Joining CIA
CIA certification opens up numerous opportunities for your career by validating your credibility as an internal auditor. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing a CIA certification:
- Increases earning potential by up to 40%
- Enhances your knowledge and skills in internal auditing
- Provides a competitive advantage in the job market
- Increases confidence and credibility among colleagues and employers
- Allows for professional networking and career advancement opportunities
CIA Course
6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months
