Certified Internal Auditor® Program Requirements
Administered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA) program has specific education and professional experience requirements. To become certified, you must meet these requirements in addition to passing the three-part CIA exam. Here is a quick overview of current CIA requirements.
CIA Requirements for Education
The IIA allows for several pathways to fulfill the CIA credential’s education requirements. Each pathway impacts the number of years candidates must demonstrate professional experience:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Hold the designation of an active Internal Audit Practitioner
- Have at least 5 years of internal auditing experience along with a high school diploma, associate’s degree, GCE, A-Level, or equivalent
Note: You do not need to have your degree when you sit for the CIA exam. The IIA allows students in their final year of college and those attending Approved Internal Audit Education Partnership schools to take the exam.
Your CIA certification will be awarded only after you have completed your degree and met all other CIA program requirements. You must submit proof of your education or experience within three years of being approved to enter the CIA exam program.
All candidates’ education qualification is subject to IIA approval.*
CIA Requirements for Auditing Experience
Candidates must accumulate and verify (via their employer) at least one year of internal audit experience depending on level of education. Regardless of educational background, all candidates must pass each part of the CIA exam within three years of gaining acceptance to the program.
Below is a table outlining required internal auditing experience based on verified education:
| Level of Education | Internal Auditor Professional Experience |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1 Year |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 Years |
| Active Internal Audit Practitioner Experience | 5 Years |
| High School or Associate’s Degree, etc. | 5 Years |
Experience in areas other than internal auditing is also acceptable, as per IIA guidelines. These areas include:
- Quality Assurance
- Risk Management
- Audit/Assessment Disciplines
- Compliance
- External Audit
- Internal Controls
Work Experience Waivers & Exemptions
The IIA grants education and experience requirement exemptions for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualified members and an education requirement exemption for the US Certified Public Accountant active license holders.
| Certification Level | CIA Requirement Exemptions |
|---|---|
| Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualified members | Both Education and Work Experience |
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) active license holders | Education |
Additional CIA Requirements
Proof of Identity
You must provide proof of identification, such as a valid official passport, driver’s license, military ID, or national identity card (e.g., a green card).
Eligibility Period
You must complete the program certification process within three years of application approval, unless you purchase a one-time, 12-month eligibility extension for an additional fee.
If not, all fees and exam parts will be forfeited.
Confidentiality Agreement
You must agree to keep the contents of the CIA exam confidential. Unauthorized disclosure of exam material will be considered a breach of the Code of Ethics and could result in disqualification.
Code of Ethics
CIA requirements include agreeing to abide by the IIA’s Code of Ethics.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits
Upon certification, the CIA requirements for continued certification ask that you keep your knowledge and skills current by completing a minimum of 20 hours of continuing professional education, also known as CPE credits.
Local IIA Membership, If Required
In most cases, you do not have to be an IIA member to take the CIA exam or become a Certified Internal Auditor. However, many European and Asian countries’ CIA requirements say you must also be an IIA member to take the exam. Please confirm your membership requirements with your country’s specific IIA chapter.
*To waive the CIA education requirements, please contact the IIA directly.