IIA IIA-CHAL-QISA Practice Exam Questions & Answers

5 Free Questions · Last reviewed: September 19, 2026 · Prepared & Reviewed by the ValidExamDumps Editorial Team

Exam Facts

IIA IIA-CHAL-QISA Exam Details

Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline

150 Practice Questions (Our Bank)
180 minutes Exam Duration
600 out of 750 points Passing Score
Exam Code
IIA-CHAL-QISA
Full Name
Qualified Info Systems Auditor CIA Challenge Exam
Issuing Body
Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
Question Format (Our Bank)
Multiple Choice
Delivery
Online proctored or at a Pearson VUE test centre
Eligibility
Current CISA designation holders
Practice Questions

Free IIA-CHAL-QISA Practice Questions

Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right

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ValidExamDumps Editorial Team Every question and its answer is checked by our IIA-CHAL-QISA exam preparation team, who also write the explanation shown with each one. How we research and review these pages

Who is responsible for ensuring internal auditors continuing professional development*

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

Introduction:

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for internal auditors to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge.

Responsibility for CPD:

While the organization and CAE provide support and resources, the primary responsibility for ensuring CPD rests with the individual internal auditors.

Options Analysis:

Option A: Individual internal auditors are responsible for their own CPD.

Option B: The CAE facilitates opportunities for CPD but is not solely responsible.

Option C: The board oversees overall governance and strategy but not individual CPD.

Option D: Engagement supervisors support auditors in their roles but do not manage their CPD.

Conclusion:

Individual internal auditors are responsible for ensuring their own continuing professional development.


IIA's Continuing Professional Education Requirements

An internal audit activity has to confirm the validity of the activities reported by a grantee that received a chantable contribution from the organization Which of the following methods would best help meet this objective?

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

Introduction:

When verifying the validity of activities reported by a grantee, it is essential to gather evidence that the project was executed as intended and within the defined scope.

Effective Verification Methods:

A site visit allows the auditor to observe firsthand the activities and projects funded by the grant, ensuring they align with the grant's objectives and scope.

Options Analysis:

Option A: Visiting the grantee provides direct evidence of the project execution and alignment with the grant scope.

Option B: Verifying the final report against the initial budget request ensures financial compliance but does not confirm actual project activities.

Option C: Reconciling general ledger accounts verifies financial records but not the execution of activities.

Option D: Interviewing corporate affairs employees provides insight but not direct evidence of project execution.

Conclusion:

The best method to confirm the validity of the activities reported by a grantee is to visit the grantee and assess whether the project execution aligns with the defined grant scope.


Internal Audit Standards and Practice Guides .

At a conference an internal auditor presented a new computer-assisted audit technique developed by his organization The presentation included sample data derived from performing audit engagements for the organization. Travel costs were paid by the conference organizers and the trip was approved by the chief audit executive (CAE). However, neither management nor the CAE was aware that the internal auditor would be making a presentation based on work completed for the organization According to IIA guidance, which of the following statements is most relevant regarding the actions of the auditor?

Correct Answer: B
Explanation

Understanding Confidentiality: According to the IIA Code of Ethics, internal auditors are required to respect the value and ownership of information they receive and not disclose information without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or professional obligation to do so.

Presentation Details: In this scenario, the internal auditor presented sample data derived from audit engagements performed for the organization. Even though the travel costs were covered by the conference organizers and the trip was approved by the CAE, neither the CAE nor management was aware of the specific content of the presentation.

Violation of Confidentiality: By disclosing information related to the organization's audit engagements without prior approval from management or the CAE, the auditor breached the confidentiality principle. The auditor should have sought permission before using and presenting any material related to the organization's internal operations.

IIA Standards: Standard 1310 -- Requirements of the Quality Assurance and Improvement Program -- states that internal auditors must adhere to the IIA's Code of Ethics and Standards. This includes maintaining confidentiality and obtaining necessary approvals before disclosing any organizational information.

Reference:

The principle of confidentiality is clearly violated when information is shared without proper authorization, regardless of the perceived impact on the organization. The IIA Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of obtaining appropriate permissions to prevent unauthorized disclosures.

Which of the following methods is most closely associated to year over year trends?

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

Introduction:

Horizontal analysis involves comparing financial data across multiple periods to identify trends and patterns over time.

Year-over-Year Trends:

This method helps in understanding changes in financial performance and position year-over-year.

Options Analysis:

Option A: Horizontal analysis is directly related to comparing data year-over-year.

Option B: Vertical analysis involves comparing items on a financial statement as a percentage of a base figure within the same period.

Option C: Common-size analysis is a type of vertical analysis where all items are expressed as a percentage of a common base.

Option D: Ratio analysis evaluates relationships between different financial statement items but is not primarily focused on year-over-year trends.

Conclusion:

Horizontal analysis is most closely associated with year-over-year trends as it involves reviewing financial data across periods.


Financial Analysis and Reporting Guidelines

When is an organic organizational structure likely to be more successful than a mechanistic organizational structure?

Correct Answer: B
Explanation

An organic organizational structure is more flexible and adaptive compared to a mechanistic structure. It is characterized by less formalization, decentralized decision-making, and a greater reliance on lateral communication. This type of structure is beneficial in environments that are dynamic and uncertain, such as when an organization faces strong political and social pressures. The flexibility of an organic structure allows the organization to respond more effectively to external changes and pressures.

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Study Guide

What the IIA IIA-CHAL-QISA Exam Covers

Exam domains verified against: Official IIA IIA-CHAL-QISA exam guide, last checked September 2026.

Domain 1: Essentials of Internal Auditing 50%

Candidates are tested on foundations of internal auditing, independence and objectivity, proficiency and due professional care, and the quality assurance and improvement program. The section covers organizational governance and corporate social responsibility and requires candidates to interpret fraud risks and types of fraud to determine whether special consideration is needed.

Sample question from this domain above: Q1

Domain 2: Practice of Internal Auditing 30%

Candidates demonstrate knowledge of policies and procedures for planning, organizing, directing, and monitoring internal audit operations, including resourcing and staffing. The section covers engagement planning, objective setting, scope determination, and communicating engagement outcomes.

Sample questions from this domain above: Q3Q5

Domain 3: Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing 20%

This domain covers strategic planning, organizational configuration structures, and business acumen needed for internal auditing. Topics include financial and managerial accounting, cost analysis for decision-making, and assessing the risk and control implications of organizational structures.

Sample questions from this domain above: Q2Q4

FAQ

IIA-CHAL-QISA Exam FAQ

Common questions about the exam itself

Who is the IIA-CHAL-QISA exam designed for?
The CIA Challenge Exam is designed for experienced professionals who hold the CISA designation and wish to obtain the CIA credential. It recognizes prior expertise in information systems auditing and tests advanced application of internal audit knowledge.
What is the passing score for IIA-CHAL-QISA?
You need to score 600 out of 750 points to pass the exam. The exam uses scaled scoring to ensure fair and consistent evaluation across all test administrations.
How long do I have to complete the IIA-CHAL-QISA exam?
You have 180 minutes to answer all 150 multiple choice questions on the exam. This is the testing time itself, not the full appointment duration at the test centre.
Can I take IIA-CHAL-QISA online or only at a test centre?
The exam is available both as an online proctored exam and at Pearson VUE test centres. You can choose whichever delivery method works best for your situation.
How is IIA-CHAL-QISA different from the regular CIA certification path?
The CIA Challenge Exam is a one-part alternative to the three-part CIA certification for qualified professionals. Instead of completing three separate exams, you take a single 150-question exam that evaluates practical application of internal audit knowledge at an advanced level.
What is the hardest domain on IIA-CHAL-QISA and how should I prepare?
The Practice of Internal Auditing domain accounts for 30 percent of the exam and covers operational topics like engagement planning and resource management. Focus on understanding real-world audit scenarios and the policies that guide internal audit operations.
How long should I study to prepare for IIA-CHAL-QISA?
Preparation time varies depending on your background and experience with internal auditing. Since the exam is designed for CISA holders or equivalent professionals, many candidates spend several weeks to a few months reviewing the content and practising with sample questions.
What happens if I fail IIA-CHAL-QISA, can I retake it?
Yes, you can retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. You will need to pay the exam fee again and follow the IIA's retake policies regarding waiting periods before rescheduling.
How long is the CIA designation valid if I pass IIA-CHAL-QISA?
Once you earn the CIA credential through the Challenge Exam, it remains valid as long as you meet the continuing professional education requirements. The IIA requires credential holders to complete a certain number of professional education hours annually to maintain their designation.
What job roles does the CIA credential from IIA-CHAL-QISA qualify me for?
The CIA designation opens doors to internal audit positions at all levels within organizations across every industry. It demonstrates your competency in audit planning, risk assessment, control evaluation, and the ability to communicate audit findings to senior management and governance bodies.