CIA Exam Fees Complete Breakdown (plus 2 Hidden Costs)

Taking the CIA Exam and getting the certification can be a big investment. Check out the CIA exam fees expected for this big project.

CIA Exam Fees Summary

Here is a list of various CIA exam fees (in US dollars) for quick reference. You can find further explanation below.

Source: IIA (latest fee effective April 2017)

1. IIA Membership Fee (Optional)

You don’t need to become an IIA member to take the CIA exam, but most do. There are two reasons:

• Most of them working in internal audit and there are benefits of becoming an IIA member both as a professional and a candidate.
• The discount on exam fees is big enough as an incentive to join the membership, at least during the year when you register for the exam.

The IIA membership fee varies by location. Assuming you are living in the US:

• Professional member: $250
• Government member: $150
• Educator member: $135
• Student member (must be full-time student): $40
• Retired member: $85
• Life member: $2,100

2. Exam Application and Registration

The application and registration fee is a cost that you must pay in your CIA journey. There are discounts given to IIA member and to those studying or teaching in the University.

(a) IIA Member

• Annual membership fee: $250 (for professional membership)
• Application fee: $115
• Exam registration fee:
  • Part 1: $280
  • Part 2: $230
  • Part 3: $230
• Total: $250 + $115 + $740 = $1,105

(b) Non IIA Member

• Application fee: $230
• Exam registration fee:
  • Part 1: $395
  • Part 2: $345
  • Part 3: $345
• Total: $1,315

(c) Student Discounts

• Membership fee: $40
• Application fee: $65
• Exam registration fee:
  • Part 1: $230
  • Part 2: $180
  • Part 3: $180
• Total: $695

CIA Exam Costs that are Less Obvious

3. CIA Review Material

The CIA exam review materials could be a considerable cost, ranging from $400 to $900. I am going to write a page on CIA review course comparison with pricing details.

4. Travel and Accommodation

Since there are hundreds of testing centers around the world, the travel and accommodation cost should not be a major expense. However, if you need to travel to a neighboring city or country, the cost should be included in your budget.

Overall CIA Exam Fees for a Typical Candidate

My Thoughts

The cost is comparable to what you can expect for CMA (around $2,500), and a lot more affordable when compared to CPA (around $3,000) and CFA (around $4,500)

The decision whether to go for the CIA or for other accounting certification is how you see their values for the rest of the career.

If you are quite certain to develop your career in internal audit, the CIA certification will likely help in salary level, your standing within the organization and recognition in the field of internal auditing.

In other words, go ahead if CIA has a positive ROI for you!

(Annette is our blogger from Namibia, a country next to South Africa. She got an offer to work in Switzerland 4 months after getting her CIA certification.)

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For Your Reference

• Annette’s CIA exam journey
• Where can I take the CIA exam?
• How do I become a Certified Internal Auditor?
• Frequently asked questions on the Certified Internal Auditor exam