Exam Format

• Exam Code: IIA-CFSA
• Certification Level: Professional Specialty (Financial Services Auditing)
• Exam Duration: Approximately 2 hours 55 minutes (computer-based)
• Passing Score: Approximately 600 on a 250–750 scale (scaled exam score typical for IIA certifications)
• Unscored Content: The exam may include research or pre-trial items that do not affect your final score (standard practice for large professional exams).

Exam Details

• Question Types: Multiple-choice questions only
• Number of Questions: ~115–125 multiple-choice items
• Language: English (offered at Pearson VUE and partner testing centers worldwide)

Exam Policies

• Offline Proctoring: Delivered at authorized Pearson VUE test centers globally — scheduling, cancellation, and rescheduling follow IIA/Pearson VUE policies.
• Online Proctoring: IIA historically offered computer-based delivery at Pearson VUE (remote options where available).
• Waiting Period: Standard IIA retake and waiting period policies applied (e.g., retake fee and scheduling intervals — details available through Pearson VUE/IIA).
• Retake Fee: Full exam fee applied for each retake (IIA and Pearson VUE policy).

Certification Validity and Renewal

• Validity: 3 years from date of certification — holders were required to maintain the credential through continuing professional education (CPE) and adherence to IIA’s Code of Ethics.
• Renewal Options: Maintain active status by submitting CPE hours and annual renewal fees.

Exam Fee

• Base Fee: $285 USD (non-IIA members), $230 USD (IIA members) — excluding taxes
• Taxes: Country-specific VAT/GST may apply
•  Example: In India, 18% tax applies, making the total $336.30 USD ($285 + $51.30 tax) for non-members

Prerequisites

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent (from an accredited university).
• Have at least 24 months (2 years) of auditing experience in a financial environment — this includes internal audit, external audit, compliance, risk management, or related work within financial services.
• Agree to abide by the IIA’s Code of Ethics and professional conduct requirements.

Exam Topics

• Financial Services Environment: Structures and unique aspects of banking, insurance, securities, and related sectors.
• Auditing Principles Applied to Financial Institutions: Application of internal auditing standards within financial services.
• Regulatory & Compliance Frameworks: Laws, regulations, and governance affecting financial institutions.
• Risk Management & Internal Control: Assessing risk, internal control design, and assurance practices.
• Financial Reporting & Products: Auditing financial products, financial reporting accuracy, and market activities.

Intended Audience

• The CFSA certification was designed for professionals such as:
• Internal Auditors specializing in financial services
• Audit Managers and Senior Auditors in banking, insurance, or capital markets
• Risk and Compliance Professionals in financial sectors
• External auditors focusing on financial institutions

Career Impact

• Jobs You Could Get: Financial Services Auditor, Internal Audit Specialist, Audit Manager (Banking/Insurance), Risk Assurance Analyst.
• Average Salary: Varies by country — U.S.: $70,000–$110,000 USD, India: ₹5,00,000–₹15,00,000 INR, United Kingdom: £35,000–£70,000 GBP, UAE: 120,000–250,000 AED per year.
• Why It’s Valuable: Demonstrated specialized expertise in auditing financial institutions and assurance practices across complex regulatory and risk environments. It was globally recognized among employers in financial services.

Exam Mode

• In-Person: At authorized test centers.
• Online/Computer-Based: Scheduled through Pearson VUE’s online platform.

Exam Booking Link

• Schedule your CFSA Exam:Candidates historically registered and scheduled via Pearson VUE after eligibility approval from The IIA.

After passing the exam:

•  Download your certificate from the IIA Certification portal
•  Processing Time: Certificate available after certification requirements are verified
•  Log in to IIA Certification Account
•  Navigate to the Certifications section
•  Download your certificate (PDF format)

Offers