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CIA USA

Prove Credibility & Proficiency

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 audit, anywhere.

Adding the CIA credential to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and business card will help you stand out and demonstrate you are:

  • A credible and trusted internal auditor.
  • A true expert who understands and can apply the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
  • A stronger, more competent professional who is knowledgeable in organizational governance.
  • Committed to the profession of internal auditing and equipped for career-advancing opportunities.
  • Differentiated from your peers.

Plus, CIAs earn an average of $38,000 more annually than those without a certification.* Join the over 150,000 CIAs in 170+ countries awarded the designation that adds immeasurable distinction with only three letters.

Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) Eligibility Requirements

CIA candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements for education, character, work experience, and identification. Before a candidate application can be approved, ALL documentation (proof of education, character reference, and identification) must be received and approved by The IIA’s Certification staff.

Education

Candidates must hold an Associate’s degree or higher to be approved into one of The IIA’s certification programs. Common equivalents are a Foundation Degree, Diploma of Higher Education, or Higher National Diploma.

Acceptable Documents:
  • Copy of your degree or official transcripts (If your name has changed since you earned your degree, you must also include your legal name change document.)
  • Letter from university confirming degree
  • Letter from evaluation services confirming degree level
*The IIA offers an alternate path to eligibility for candidates who do not possess the minimum education requirements. Candidates may now become eligible for the CIA, subject to approval, who possess seven years verified experience in internal audit or its equivalent.
Once you have completed the form, please access the Certification Document Upload Portaland upload your form(s) there. (Submit the document type as Educational)

Character Reference

Candidates must exhibit high moral and professional character and must submit a Character Reference Form signed by a CIA, CGAP, CCSA, CFSA, CRMA, or the candidate’s supervisor.

Work Experience

Experience for the IIA’s certification programs is based on the maximum level of education achieved. The work experience requirements for the CIA program are:
Education Level Years of Work Experience Required
Master’s Degree (or equivalent) 12 months – internal auditing experience or its equivalent
Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) 24 months – internal auditing experience or its equivalent
Associate’s Degree, A-Level
Certificate (or equivalent)
60 months – internal auditing experience or its equivalent
Certification Fee Structure, Effective April-1-2017
  •    CIA

    Member Non-Member Student
    Application Fee US $115 US $230 US $65
    CIA Exam Part fee (three part exam) Part 1 US $280 US $395 US $230
    CIA Exam Part fee (three part exam) Part 2 US $230 US $345 US $180
    CIA Exam Part fee (three part exam) Part 3 US $230 US $345 US $18
Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) Exam Syllabus. Part 1 – Internal Audit Basics. 125 questions | 2.5 Hours (150 minutes) Part 2 – Internal Audit Practice. 100 questions | 2.0 Hours (120 minutes) Part 3 – Internal Audit Knowledge Elements. 100 questions | 2.0 Hours (120 minutes)
*CIA Exam: Why, How, and What Is Changing January 2019. Why…