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All Things Internal Audit

The CIA Challenge Exam: A New Pathway for Experienced Professionals

April 21, 2026·12 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

The Institute of Internal Auditors Presents: All Things Internal Audit    In this episode, Benito Ybarra speaks with Margaret Pacheco about her experience earning the CIA through the Challenge Exam. They discuss who the exam is designed for, how it differs from the traditional three-part path, why it is not a shortcut, and how the CIA can strengthen credibility for internal audit professionals at every stage of their careers.   You can apply for the CIA Challenge Exam now if you meet the eligibility requirements, with multiple testing windows offered throughout the year. If you're planning to qualify through the 10+ years of internal audit experience pilot, you must apply before September 30, 2026, and test during one of the remaining windows in 2026. What's covered on the exam? The CIA Challenge Exam syllabus outlines the topics and structure so you know what to expect. Not sure you're up for the Challenge? The IIA's Challenge Exam practice questions offer a simple way to preview the format and level of difficulty before you commit to the exam.   HOST: Benito Ybarra, CIA  Executive Vice President, Global Standards, Guidance, and Certifications, The IIA GUEST: <a id= "OWA03886b74-1421-b280-c986-5295d96c9b53" class="x_x_x_OWAAutoLink" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-pacheco-b3465616/" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-pacheco-b3465616/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-outlook-id= "72281cce-b73a-4480-99b1-6f190852eee7" data-linkindex="1" data-ogsc="" data-olk-copy-sour

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