Since 1974, there has only been one internal audit designation that has garnered global recognition, career advancement, and professional credibility – CIA certification is the one, 50 years of setting the gold standard. Earning the CIA credential is investing in gold.
Learn more about entry and exit requirements to complete and obtain the CIA designation.
CIA certificate holders are required to self-certify as to the completion of the required continuing education hours.
As you embark on earning the CIA, The IIA is here to support your journey with the resources and tools to pass all three exam parts. Training is not required to take the CIA examinations but many candidates choose to study in a variety of methods.
The IIA's Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) is the portal to apply, complete, and maintain your certification program.
The IIA is excited to launch a second CIA Challenge Exam! Both options allow a candidate an opportunity to earn the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) designation through an expedited process after successfully passing a one-part examination.
Certification renewal fees vary globally, based upon membership status, if you renew directly to The IIA through CCMS, or through your local affiliate. Visit the Pricing Structure page of our website for the most current pricing information.
As the only globally recognized internal audit certification, becoming a Certified Internal Auditor ® (CIA ® ) is the optimum way to communicate knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively carry out professional responsibilities for any internal audit, anywhere in the world.
Earning a professional internal audit credential is a critical step to being distinguished from your peers and will:
CIA is the certification, most valued by employers of internal audit professionals. Join the over 200,000 CIAs in 170+ countries awarded the designation that adds immeasurable distinction with only three letters.*
*Source: The IIA’s 2021 Internal Audit Leadership Survey.
On your journey to certification, what skills or knowledge did you gain that helped make you a better Internal Auditor?
What advice would you give to someone who is unsure about whether or not they should achieve the CIA (or CRMA)?
What prompted you to get the CIA (CRMA)?
What would you say has been the greatest benefit(s) of having your CIA (CRMA)?
How has the CIA improved your credibility and skillset?
To support the continued professional development of certification candidates around the world and in response to test center closures, The IIA is now offering online testing in some regions.
This handbook provides certification information for The IIA’s Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®), Certification in Risk Management Assurance® (CRMA®), Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership® (QIAL®), and Internal Audit Practitioner® programs.
To support the continued professional development of CIA candidates around the world and in response to test center closures, The IIA now offering online testing.
CIA Exam Syllabus subtext: Learn the domain topics for the examinations.
Join us for an informal 30-minute webinar! A certification expert will be available to answer your questions about The IIA's certification programs.
IIA certificate holders are required to self-certify as to the completion of the required continuing education hours. CPE reporting is submitted on an annual basis (no later than 31 December) and serves as signed statements that all CPE requirements have been met.
Additional IIA Certifications
Demonstrate your aptitude and foundational knowledge of The IIA Standards. This designations is ideal for University students, rotational auditors and new auditors.
Updated to reflect the in-depth organizational knowledge and advanced skill sets that are required to provide effective risk management assurance to audit committees and executive management.
The IIA maintains an up-to-date registry of individuals who have earned one of its certifications.
Certification renewal fees vary globally, based upon membership status, if you renew directly to The IIA through CCMS, or through your local affiliate. Visit the Pricing Structure page of our website for the most current pricing information.
If you are looking for ways to obtain your CPE or CPD hours, check out these
Unless you have an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation, you must provide proof of education as an entry requirement into the CIA program. Your level of education will determine the amount of experience needed to complete the program and whether that experience is an entry or exit requirement. Eligibility Requirements
How long do I have to complete the CIA certification program?
Candidates have three years to complete the requirements of the CIA certification program.
How long do I have to sit for the exam once I complete the registration?
Exam registrations are valid for 180 days, or until your certification program expiration date, whichever is sooner. If a candidate does not sit for their exam during the exam registration period, the registration will be forfeited.
Are study resources included with the application or registration?
Study resources are not included with the application or registration. However, The IIA encourages candidates to review the exam syllabus and resource list to become familiar with the weighted percentages of questions they can expect to find on their exam. Exam Prep Resources
Am I eligible to sit for a one-part exam to earn the CIA, based on my credentials and/or experience?
An active CPA or CA holder from one of the qualified accounting bodies could be eligible to participate in a new pathway to earn the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®). The CIA Challenge Exam includes content from all three CIA exams, and was designed to be completed in one sitting. CIA Challenge Exam Eligibility
