Certified Internal Auditor Certification (CIA exam) 

Requirements

Requirements to receive the Certified Internal Auditor Certification include an education requirement, a character reference, professional experience, agreement to abide by a code of ethics, and a reqirement to maintain CPE (Continuing Professional Education) on an ongoing basis. 

Education requirement

CIA candidates must hold a bachelor degree or its equivalent from an accredited college-level institution.  Documentation of the candidate’s transcripts, diploma, or other written evidence must be submitted along with the candidate’s application.

The IIA also will accept candidates who are currently enrolled as a senior in an undergraduate program or as a graduate student, and who are full-time students as defined by the college or university which they are currently enrolled.

Character Reference

 CIA candidates must have a high degree of professional and moral character.  Candidates must have a CIA, their supervising manager, or educator complete a character reference form for submission with their application to the IIA.

Professional Experience

Candidates for the CIA certification must have 24 moths of internal auditing experience or equivalent experience.  Equivalent experience may be experience gained in audit/assessment disciplines, including external auditing, quality assurance, compliance, or internal control.  One year of experience may be substituted by a master’s degree, or work experience in a related business profession such as accounting, law, or finance. Candidates are not required to have met the experience requirement before taking the CIA exam.

Code of Ethics

CIAs are required to agree to and abide by a code of ethics.

Continuing Professional Education

Certified Internal Auditors are required to maintain 80 hours of CPE every two years.

Additional information on the CIA exam can be found on the website of The Institute of Internal Auditors located  at: http://www.theiia.org