CIA Qualification
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.
CIAs earn an average of $38,000 more annually than those without a certification. Join the over 160,000 CIAs in 170+ countries awarded the designation that adds immeasurable distinction with only three letters.
Certification Requirements
To be approved into the CIA programme, candidates must either hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, hold an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation, or possess five years of internal audit experience. Once candidates have been accepted into the CIA programme, they must pass all three CIA exam parts within the programme eligibility period.
You can download the complete handbook from this link:
https://dl.theiia.org/Documents/Certification-Candidate-Handbook-ENU.pdf
What do you learn?
The CIA exam Part 1 is well aligned with the IIA’s International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and includes six domains covering the foundation of internal auditing: independence and objectivity; proficiency and due professional care; quality assurance and improvement programmes; governance, risk management, and control; and fraud risk.
The CIA Part 1 exam tests candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, particularly the Attribute Standards (series 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300) as well as Performance Standard 2100.
The CIA Part 2 exam includes four domains focused on managing the internal audit activity: planning the engagement, performing the engagement, communicating engagement results, and monitoring progress. Part 2 tests candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities particularly related to Performance Standards (series 2000, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, and 2600) and current internal audit practices.
The CIA Part 3 exam includes four domains focused on business acumen, information security, information technology, and financial management.
Part Three is designed to test candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities, particularly as they relate to these core business concepts.
This is an intermediate course which covers multiple competencies expected from internal audit professionals.
This includes IPPF elements such as the Mission of Internal Audit and Core Principles for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, differences between assurance and consulting engagements, appropriate disclosure of conformance ...
This is an advanced course which covers multiple competencies expected from internal audit professionals.
This includes chief audit executive’s responsibility for assessing residual risk and communicating risk acceptance, greater understanding of The IIA’s Performance Standards, sampling tools & techniques and communicating engagement results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why CIA?
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.
Is IIA Membership necessary to give CIA exams?
In most cases, you do not have to be a member of The IIA to take the CIA exam or become a CIA, but we encourage you to consider its advantages. There are some countries, however, that do require candidates to be IIA members to take the CIA exam. IIA members receive discounts on CIA review materials and courses and have access to the latest exam preparation resources, networking opportunities, and current CIA news and information.
What are the requirements for ACCA Members while joining CIA?
ACCA members do not have to provide education and work experience requirements. They just have to pass the 3 exams to become CIA certified. They also have opportunity to write the CIA Challenge Exam (1 exam instead of the 3 exams).
What is the difference between CIA exams and CIA Challenge Exam?
Becoming CIA through the normal route requires 3 exams to be completed. However, as an ACCA Member you have the privilege to attempt 1 special exam instead of the 3 exams which is called CIA Challenge Exam. It is more expensive and more challenging to attempt CIA Challenge Exam.
To know more about it, please follow this link:https://global.theiia.org/certification/challenge-exams/Pages/ACCA-CIA-Challenge-Exam.aspx
What is the minimum qualification requirement to start CIA?
To be approved into the CIA program, candidate must either: Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher, Hold an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation, or Possess five years of internal audit experience.
Do I need work experience to get CIA certified?
Candidates may apply to the certification program and sit for exams prior to obtaining the required work experience. However, candidates will not be certified until unless the experience requirement is met within the program eligibility period. Experience for the CIA’s certification program is based on the entry method: Experience obtained in the following areas is acceptable: Internal Audit Quality Assurance Risk Management Audit/Assessment/Disciplines Compliance External Audit Internal Control
How long does it take to complete CIA qualification?
All 3 exams can be done within one year with proper guidance and support.
Can I do CIA if I don't have a Bachelors degree?
Yes, you can do CIA even if you don't have a degree by doing Internal Audit Practitioner exam which is recently launched by IIA USA. It is a self study course in which you get online study material by IIA USA and the exam is 2 hours 100 MCQs.
Do you provide training for Internal Audit Practitioner exam?
This exam is comprised of topics from the CIA Part 1 and Part 2 exams. So when you take classes from us, you are good to go for the Internal Audit Practitioner exam as well. As soon as you pass Internal Audit Practitioner exam you can enroll in the CIA program on the IIA website and register for CIA exams.
What is the best strategy to pass CIA exams in the 1st attempt?
Study both CIA Part 1 and Part 2 exams together and attempt them with a gap of 15 to 20 days.
About CIA exams.
CIA Qualification comprises of three exams.
Part 1 exam in 2.5 hours. Part 1 exam has 125 MCQs.
Part 2 and 3 exams are 2 hours each. Part 2 and 3 exams have 100 MCQs each.
You need 600 out of 750 to pass each exam which means around 80%.
Exams can be taken throughout the year at Pearson VUE centers. When you register for exam on the IIA website, you can access the Pearson VUE platform within your student profile (called CCMS) and select your preferred testing center location, date and timing.
How much CIA costs and what are other costs involved?
IIA Membership -(please check with your local chapter
CIA Application Fee - Member USD 115 - Non Member USD230
CIA Exam Fee Part 1 - Member USD 280 - Non Member USD 395
CIA Exam Fee Part 2 - Member USD 230 - Non Member USD 345
CIA Exam Fee Part 3 - Member USD 230 - Non Member USD 345
Once you register with us, we will guide you through the whole process.
