Certified Internal Auditor | Global Certification in Internal Audit

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

As The IIA’s premier designation for more than 40 years, the CIA sets the standard for excellence within the profession. Earning the CIA is an important step toward demonstrating your core internal audit skills and knowledge.

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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 internal audit, anywhere in the world.

Earning a professional internal audit credential is a critical step to being distinguished from your peers and will:

Enhance credibility and respect.

Sharpen skills and proficiencies.

Increase advancement and earning potential.

Demonstrate understanding and commitment.

Did You Know?

CIA is the certification, most valued by employers of internal audit professionals. Join the over 185,000 CIAs in 170+ countries awarded the designation that adds immeasurable distinction with only three letters.*

*Source: The IIA’s 2021 Internal Audit Leadership Survey.

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On your journey to certification, what skills or knowledge did you gain that helped make you a better Internal Auditor?

Ms. Lina Xu-Fenz, CIA, CRMA

CAE Austria at Helvetia Versicherungen AG

IIA Austria Board Member

What advice would you give to someone who is unsure about whether or not they should achieve the CIA (or CRMA)?

Ms. Lina Xu-Fenz, CIA, CRMA

CAE Austria at Helvetia Versicherungen AG

IIA Austria Board Member

What would you say has been the greatest benefit(s) of having your CIA (CRMA)?

Thanh (Alan) Nguyen, CIA, CRMA

Internal Audit Director of R.E.E Corporation

Online Testing

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.

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The CIA designation increases career-advancing opportunities and earning potential.

BECOME A GO-TO EXPERT

Become the credible, trusted expert that everyone turns to and one that can apply the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.

STAND OUT FROM THE REST

Becoming a CIA differentiates you from your peers and gives you credibility that puts you ahead of those without.

Register for Certification Q&A Session

Join us for an informal 30-minute webinar! A certification expert will be available to answer your questions about The IIA's certification programs.

CPE Requirements

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.

How to report your CPE hours

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

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