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:
  • Margaret Pacheco, CIA, CPA, PMP Managing Director, Protiviti

KEY POINTS:

• Introduction and Margaret's Background [00:00:27-00:01:20]
• Why Margaret Pursued the CIA Through the Challenge Exam [00:01:21-00:02:58]
• Is the Challenge Exam a Shortcut? [00:03:06-00:03:33]
• How the Challenge Exam Differs From the Three-Part CIA Exam [00:03:39-00:04:38]
• Who Is Eligible for the Challenge Exam? [00:04:49-00:06:09]
• Why the Challenge Exam Made Sense Later in Her Career [00:06:12-00:06:39]
• Study Strategy and Preparation Tips [00:06:40-00:07:53]
• How Margaret's CPA Background Helped [00:07:57-00:08:28]
• Advice for Candidates Considering the Exam [00:08:30-00:09:01]
• What the CIA Has Meant for Margaret's Career [00:09:03-00:09:54]
• How the CIA Builds Credibility With Employers and Clients [00:09:58-00:11:05]
• Why Accessibility Matters and Final Thoughts [00:11:05-00:11:57]
• Challenge Exam Reminder and Pilot Deadline [00:11:57-00:12:32]

Visit The IIA's website or YouTube channel for related topics and more.

RELATED CONTENT: Interested in this topic? Visit the links below for more resources:

• CIA Challenge Exam
• Global Internal Audit Standards
• Vison 2035
• Become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• IAP (Internal Audit Practitioner)
• Certification Candidate Handbook
• Certificate Programs

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