[nrlew28]

I need more advice on something. I put aside the CPA studying last fall to get my CIA because I was in a role that was more towards Internal Audit. I was laid off back in January. I have one more CIA part to take in June. There aren’t as many Internal Audit roles in my area, and when I apply for accounting roles, my limited experience in that field is a weakness. I know the CPA is far more valuable. But I was wondering, should I just restart studying for the CPA now and put aside the CIA? I know I got one part left, but I feel the need now more than ever to get he CPA done, as it would be the best option to open up more opportunities.

[Missy]

Is there a time limit to pass the last CIA? Yes I think you'll find the CPA to be more widely known but it's not a golden ticket and provides the biggest benefit when combined with relevant experience.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[nrlew28]

Yeah, 4 years from the time the CIA application is approved. That was August, 2016, so I got more than 3 years to pass the final part.

[VDP]

I would go ahead and finish the CIA exam while everything is fresh, then move on to the CPA exam. The last thing you're going to want to do after finishing the CPA exam is go back and finish the CIA exam. Plus, it would be unfortunate if the part(s) of the CIA exam you have passed end up expiring because the CPA exam took longer than you expected.

[Anonymous]

I agree with VDP, finish the CIA exam while everything is fresh, then move on to the CPA exam. Besides, I've heard IIA is proposing to change the CIA exam which will most likely make it harder!

[rb2017]

I as well think you should finish the CIA first while everything's still in your brain. Then maybe jump into Audit or BEC as your first exam since they test on internal audit.
Once I finish my CPA, I was planning on taking the CIA since I'm in internal audit – how difficult is it? How long do you normally study for each test?

[nrlew28]

Parts 1 and 2 are Audit theory. If you can handle the CPA, if say about a month for each part would be enough to study and then take. I bought the Gleim course, it has been great. Part 3 I was alaways told to double to triple the study time. I'd say 2-3 months for that one.

[Author]

Replies