Executive Takeaways
- The passing score on each CIA part is a scaled 600 on a 250–750 point scale.
- Part 1 has 125 MCQs (2.5 hours); Part 2 has 100 MCQs (2.0 hours); Part 3 has 100 MCQs (2.0 hours).
- All exam parts are aligned to the 2024 Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) across five domains.
- Pearson VUE provides immediate un-official pass/fail results at the conclusion of testing.
Core Practitioner Framework
The GIAS Five-Domain Anchor
Aligning every answer with the 2024 IIA Global Standards framework.
- 1Domain I & II: Purpose of Internal Auditing and Ethics & Professionalism (Objectivity and Independence are absolute).
- 2Domain III: Governing the Internal Audit Function (Board and Audit Committee oversight relationships).
- 3Domain IV & V: Managing the Internal Audit Function and Performing Internal Audit Services (Engagement planning, fieldwork, and communicating results).
The 600 Scaled Passing Score
The IIA uses a scaled scoring system from 250 to 750. A score of 600 represents the minimum passing threshold established by the Board of Environmental, Health & Safety Auditor Certifications (BEAC) and IIA psychometricians. Pearson VUE delivers an instant unofficial printout showing Pass or Fail before you leave the testing facility.
Podcast Excerpt • Marcus & Ava
Ava:Marcus, internal auditors have had to adapt to the massive 2024 Global Internal Audit Standards overhaul. Does that change how the exam is scored?
Marcus:The scoring scale is still the classic 250 to 750, with 600 to pass. But the questions now reflect the five GIAS domains: Purpose, Ethics, Governance, Management, and Services.
Ava:And Part 1 is the marathon: 125 questions in 150 minutes. That is 72 seconds per question. You have to recognize the standards almost reflexively.
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