In response to worldwide Pearson VUE test center closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The IIA has partnered with Pearson VUE to offer online testing of CIA exams. This option became available starting April 29, 2020, for an initial 3-month trial period. The IIA will then determine whether to continue online testing or not.
The IIA has updated their Certification Candidate Handbook, Appendix D, to incorporate information about online proctoring.
Online testing allows CIA candidates to take their exams in the safety of their own home or office. During this time of uncertainty, this ensures candidates are able to complete their exams and meet their certification requirements.
Languages available for online testing
Online testing is available in multiple languages, but candidates will need to communicate with the proctor in English. See our chart below for language availability dates. Pearson VUE greeters, proctors, and tech support are only available in English, and you must be able to communicate with your proctor in English to participate.
| Language |
Start Date |
| English |
April 29, 2020 |
| Japanese |
May 6, 2020 |
| Arabic, Turkish, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Thai, and Korean |
May 27, 2020 |
| Czech, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, and Polish |
June 7, 2020 |
| English CIA Challenge Exam for Specialty Programs |
Coming Soon |
Note: Online testing is not available everywhere. Currently, Cuba, mainland China, North Korea, Slovenia, Sudan, and Syria are not offering online testing.
Requirements to take the CIA exam online
You will need three things to sit for your exam at home: a reliable device with a webcam; a quiet, private location where you won’t be interrupted; and a strong internet connection.
System requirements can be found on the Pearson VUE online testing page. Gleim and The IIA recommend you read these requirements carefully before scheduling your exam. You may download the Pearson VUE software in advance to test your system for compatibility. Pearson VUE has technical support available to assist with any issues that arise.
Candidates must ensure their workspace fulfills the security requirements of the exam, which includes having only one monitor and no other computers on during your exam. If you are suspected of cheating or tampering with the software, your exam will be immediately terminated. This will be reported to Pearson VUE and The IIA, potentially invalidating your exam.
Acceptable online testing locations
Candidates are advised to test in a quiet, private room in their home or office. The room must be inspected by a proctor prior to beginning your exam. This is done via photos submitted through the downloaded exam software. If you have any whiteboards or items with writing on a wall, these will be inspected prior to your exam. If your room fails the inspection, you will be labeled a “no-show” and will need to register and pay the exam fees again.
You cannot have anyone else in the room with you while you are testing. If the exam proctor suspects a third party in the room, your exam could be terminated. Be sure to alert any individuals that are in your office or home not to disturb you during your exam! You are not allowed any paper, notebooks, or writing utensils within arm’s reach of your workspace. You cannot have any physical scratch paper or whiteboards.
Cost for online testing
Pricing for the English exams is listed below. Online testing is the same cost than testing at a Pearson VUE test center, so be sure your home or office meets the testing requirements before you pay to register! Candidates who would normally go through their local affiliate to register and schedule their exams must still do so.
| Part |
Member Price |
Nonmember Price |
| Part 1 |
$280 USD |
$395 USD |
| Part 2 |
$230 USD |
$345 USD |
| Part 3 |
$230 USD |
$345 USD |
How to schedule an exam for online testing
Register to sit for your exam using online testing through your CCMS account. Be sure to read the Pearson VUE online testing page thoroughly to make sure this is a viable option. There is an option to “Test my system,” which can be helpful to determine if your station meets the technical requirements.
When registering for your exam on CCMS, select “At my home or office” on the “Select Exam Delivery Option” page. You can schedule exams every quarter hour (9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., etc.) and may even be able to schedule your exam on the same day you take it, depending on availability.
Steps to register for online testing
- Log into CCMS.
- Click “Manage My Program.”
- Under “TEST” on the left navigation bar:
- If you have not yet registered for an exam, click “Register” and complete the registration process.
- If you already have an exam scheduled, click “Manage my Appointment.”
- In “Upcoming Appointments,” click the exam you wish to change.
- Cancel your appointment.
- Reschedule your exam via online testing.
NOTE: If you do not see the option to schedule for online testing, click “Help” in CCMS and open a new case. Select the “Request OP-Delivery for Existing Registration” category.
Starting your exam
Pearson VUE has instructions on their site for exam-day procedures. You will still need to be on time for your exam, but you should plan to be there up to 30 minutes earlier to complete the check-in process, including submitting your ID and other security details. If you are late due to a prolonged check-in process, you can be labeled a “no-show” and risk registering and paying the exam fees again. It can take up to 10 minutes to get a proctor, who will be monitoring you both visually and audibly during your entire exam.
Handling technical issues
According to Pearson VUE, the most common technical issues are an unreliable internet connection (less than 3 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up) or an unauthorized program running simultaneously. CIA candidates can verify both by testing their software and making sure all unauthorized programs are exited before their exam.
If you have a minor internet outage, the exam will pause until connection is resumed. However, if your connection is disrupted for a long period of time, the exam will be terminated and a case will be opened for review.
If you have any other technical issues after meeting with the greeter, Pearson VUE will automatically log a case on your behalf. Due to high volume, it may take 3-5 business days for Pearson VUE to review your case. However, if your exam is terminated or paused, you will not be able to resume your exam session.
Contact Pearson VUE’s IIA-specific customer service via online chat or over the phone. Remember, all greeters, proctors, and technical support are only available in English.
Major differences between an in-person and online exam
Some of the major differences of the online exam are as follows:
- No physical scratch paper or whiteboards may be used. Any writing utensil or surface within arm’s reach can be grounds for terminating your exam. A digital whiteboard will be available.
- You will not be allowed breaks. The CIA exam has no scheduled breaks, so you will need to remain seated for the entire exam length. Getting up from your seat could result in a disqualification of your exam.
- You will not be allowed food or drinks other than water in a clear glass. Chewing gum is also prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will I receive my score report?
Once your exam is completed, you will receive an unofficial “pass” or “fail” result on your screen. Just as with an in-person exam, you will also receive a numeric score for an unsuccessful attempt. Candidates will have the option to print their exam result or save it as a PDF. You will still receive an email when your official exam result becomes available.
Can I challenge the decision if a proctor terminates my exam?
The Pearson VUE online testing page states that if an exam is terminated for suspicion of cheating or tampering with the software, or if a third party is detected in the physical room, a log will be made and reported to The IIA. You need to contact The IIA or Pearson VUE if you feel your exam was unfairly terminated.
Can I take the exam someplace that isn’t a home or office?
Pearson VUE states that your testing location should be a walled room with a closed door and without distractions. Places that aren’t entirely private, such as a rented room in a library, may be difficult to secure well enough for your exam. Additionally, the computer you use MUST meet the technical requirements (you must have a webcam, steady internet connection, and the ability to download the testing software).
If you plan to sit someplace that isn’t a home or office, check with a Pearson VUE customer service agent either over the phone or through their chat service to help determine if your location is acceptable.
