The IIA recently announced that they will be updating the CIA Exam based on the results of the Job Analysis Study (JAS) performed in 2011. There will be two major changes to the exam. The first change will impact the exam structure, reducing the program from four to three parts. With the reduction in parts, The IIA will be eliminating the recognition credit provision previously applicable to Part 4. The other major change consists of a realignment of the exam content outline and question count for each part.
These changes will not take effect until mid-2013. Candidates who are in the process of studying for the exam should continue to prepare for the current exam and become certified before the changes occur. Any candidates who are considering taking the exam should start now and pass all parts of the current CIA Exam well before these changes become effective in 2013.
That being said, The IIA just announced their Candidate Transition plan for candidates who are unable to pass all parts of the current structure by the time these changes occur.
| Current 4-part Structure Part(s) Passed | The 3-Part Structure Part(s) it Will Count Toward | Need to Complete for 3-Part Structure Part(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Part 1 | Nothing |
| Part 2 | Part 2 | Nothing |
| Part 3 (without Part 4) | Part 3 | One of the following three options (within 6 months of the conversion)
|
| Part 4 (without Part 3) | Nothing | New Part 3 |
| Both Part 3 and Part 4 | Part 3 | Nothing |
Part 1 and Part 2 in the new structure will still count as the corresponding Part 1 and Part 2 of the four-part structure. Therefore, those candidates who pass Part 1 and/or Part 2 under the four-part structure, will not be required to sit for or pass the corresponding part(s) under the three-part structure. Additionally, candidates who have completed both Part 3 and Part 4 under the four-part structure, will receive credit for the new Part 3 and nothing additional will be required of the candidate for the new Part 3 credit. If a candidate ONLY passes Part 4 and not Part 3 of the four-part exam, this will count toward nothing of the new structure and the candidate will be required to pass Part 3 of the 3-part exam. However, if a candidate has ONLY passed Part 3 and not Part 4, there will be an additional requirement. The candidate will need to either complete Part 4 (from the old four-part structure) within six months of conversion, apply for and be granted a Part 4 exemption in recognition of completion of another approved certification, or complete the Professional Experience Recognition (PER) process to receive credit for those topics covered in Part 4 that were not tested when Part 3 of old structure was taken. The requirements of this process are being developed now and will be provided here once they are approved.
Gleim will update our CIA Review materials when it is appropriate, giving candidates adequate time to prepare for these changes. In the meantime, purchase the Gleim CIA Review System to prepare for the current exam and pass before the changes occur.