We are pleased to share several important updates regarding the CIA Challenge Exam program, including the relaunch of the updated exam and the introduction of a new experience-based pathway.
Please find below the key updates:
1. Updated, Unified Exam for All Eligible Candidates
· Effective 1 June 2026, the CIA Challenge Exam will be relaunched to align with the Global Internal Audit Standards™.
· All eligible candidates, regardless of their credential, will take the same exam.
· The updated exam syllabus can be found here: CIA Challenge Exam Syllabus.
· Expanded accessibility for certified accountants includes recognition of 17 additional accounting bodies.
· Currently, the CIA Challenge Exam is offered in English only, though translations into additional languages are being considered.
2. New Experience-Based Pathway (Six-Month Pilot)
· A new experience-based pathway is being introduced for professionals with seven or more years of internal audit or related experience.
· The new eligibility pathway complements the existing eligibility routes for credentialed accountants and CISA holders and is specifically aimed at chief audit executives and experienced internal auditors who do not yet hold the CIA designation.
· This pilot reflects a broader strategic objective: engaging influential leaders in governance roles, expanding participation in The IIA’s professional ecosystem, and reinforcing the CIA as the globally recognized standard for internal audit excellence.
· The six-month pilot of the experienced-based pathway includes June, September and November testing windows.
3. Testing Windows
· Beginning 1 April 2026, applications will be accepted year-round rather than during designated application windows.
· The Challenge Exam includes four testing windows each year: February, June, September (previously August), and November 2026
· The first administration (June 2026) will be a crucial data-collection window to establish a reliable passing standard. Candidates testing in June will receive their official exam results within eight weeks of their exam date
4. Study Materials
· Study materials are now sold separately, available through The IIA’s exam study partner Becker.
· Plans for offering Becker study materials in additional languages are also underway.
5. Marketing Toolkit
· A marketing toolkit is available on the portal to support National Institutes in promoting the Challenge Exam and its updated pathways.
We encourage all members to review these updates carefully and share the information with eligible candidates.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with IIA Bangladesh.