CIA Part 1 Exam Guide: Format, Sections and Study Plan
Everything you need to know about the Certified Internal Auditor Part 1 exam, Essentials of Internal Auditing, and how to prepare for it for free.
CIA Part 1 at a glance
- Questions: 125 multiple-choice questions
- Time: 150 minutes, which is about 72 seconds per question
- Scoring: a scaled score from 250 to 750, with 600 needed to pass
Rules and fees change, so check The IIA website for the latest details before you register.
The four exam sections
- Section A: Foundations of Internal Auditing (35%). Study units: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4
- Section B: Ethics and Professionalism (20%). Study units: Unit 5
- Section C: Governance, Risk Management, and Control (30%). Study units: Unit 6, Unit 7, Unit 8, Unit 9
- Section D: Fraud Risks (15%). Study units: Unit 10
Because the sections are weighted, spend more time where more questions come from. CIA Drill mock tests follow the same weighting, so your practice matches the real exam.
A simple 8-week study plan
- Weeks 1 to 3: Section A. Read units 1 to 4, then practice each one.
- Week 4: Section B, Ethics and Professionalism (Unit 5).
- Weeks 5 and 6: Section C, units 6 to 9.
- Week 7: Section D, Fraud Risks (Unit 10), then review your wrong answers.
- Week 8: take graded mock tests, review every question you miss, and rest the day before.
Adjust the plan to your exam date. CIA Drill can build a day-by-day plan from your exam date and daily goal.
Tips for exam day
- Answer every question. Flag hard ones and come back if time allows.
- Read the whole question and every option before choosing.
- Many questions test definitions from the Global Internal Audit Standards, so learn the key terms in the glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Is CIA Drill really free?
Yes. It is free to use and supported by advertising.
Does CIA Drill cover Part 2 and Part 3?
Not yet. Part 1 is available now, and Parts 2 and 3 are planned.
Is it affiliated with The IIA?
No. It is an independent study aid.