Earning your Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) certification demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in internal auditing, opening the door to new career opportunities and helping you to stand out in your field. If you want to earn this globally recognized credential, we’re sharing a comprehensive guide to cover everything you need to know about the CIA certification, including what it is, requirements, benefits, and so much more.
Table of contents
- What is the CIA certification?
- How to become a Certified Internal Auditor
- The CIA Exam
- Benefits of earning your CIA certification
- Careers for Certified Internal Auditors
- Choosing the right credential
- Maintaining your CIA certification
What is the CIA certification
The Institute of Internal Auditors® (The IIA®) awards the CIA certification to individuals who have the proven knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to effectively complete an internal audit. Created in 1974, CIA certification has been globally recognized as the gold standard, ensuring that Certified Internal Auditors can apply the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
What is The IIA?
The IIA is an international association that leads the internal auditing profession in standards, certification, education, and research across the globe. Established in 1941, The IIA currently has 245,000 members working in internal auditing, risk management, governance, internal control, IT audits, and security around the globe.
In addition to awarding certifications, they also advocate for the profession, provide education and development opportunities, offer networking opportunities, and host conferences. Most importantly, they set the Global Internal Audit Standards which include 15 guiding principles that support effective internal auditing. These Standards are determined in accordance with a due process followed by the International Internal Audit Standards Board and overseen by the International Professional Practices Framework Council.
How to become a Certified Internal Auditor
Just like earning a CPA license or other credential, you will need to meet specific requirements to earn your CIA certification.
Join the CIA certification program
The first step towards becoming a Certified Internal Auditor is gaining acceptance into the program by meeting one of the following criteria:
- Holding a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Are a student in your final year of university
- Have five years of relevant experience, which can include quality assurance, risk management, external audit, internal audit, audit and assessment, compliance, and internal control
- Hold a qualifying and active internal audit practitioner designation
Candidates must also accept the other conditions set by The IIA, including:
- Exam confidentiality
- Meeting the Standards of Ethics and Professionalism
- Meeting the continuing professional education (CPE) requirements
Pass the CIA Exam
After joining The IIA’s CIA program, the next step is to pass the CIA Exam. Passing this three-part exam verifies that you have the essential knowledge and skills to effectively perform internal audits in alignment with global international audit standards.
Take the next step: Everything about the CIA Auditor Exam
Gain experience
The IIA requires relevant experience, which can be earned in any of the following areas: internal audit, quality assurance, risk management, audit and assessment, compliance, external audit, and internal control. However, The IIA sets their experience requirement by the candidate’s level of education.
- Master’s degree or higher: One year of professional experience
- Bachelor’s degree: Two years of professional experience
- Active internal audit practitioner designation or less: Five years of professional experience
Take the next step: Learn more about the CIA certification requirements
The CIA Exam
The CIA Exam is a three-part exam designed to test candidates on the essential concepts internal auditors need to know. All three sections are composed of multiple-choice questions and are divided into the following topics:
- Part 1: Internal Audit Fundamentals
- Part 2: Internal Audit Practice
- Part 3: Internal Audit Knowledge Elements
Once you join the CIA certification program, you have three years to pass all parts of the exam and fulfill your experience requirement.
Passing the CIA Exam
CIA Exam pass rates range between 41 and 50 percent. While this may seem daunting, you can pass with the right preparation! Follow these steps to set yourself up for success:
- Understand the exam format: Familiarize yourself with the structure and content of each exam part.
- Create a study plan: Allocate sufficient time for each topic and stick to your schedule.
- Use quality study materials: Invest in a reputable exam review and practice exams.
Take the next step: 3 Steps to pass the CIA Exam
Benefits of earning your CIA certification
Earning your CIA certification requires you to invest your time, hard work, and even money, so is it worth it?
Increased income
The base salary for internal auditors is just over $66,0001 per year while Certified Internal Auditors earn, on average $98,0002. While several factors affect salary, including years of experience, job title, and location, there’s no doubt that earning this certification can increase your earning potential.
Career opportunities
Having your CIA certification can open the door to more career opportunities, including advancement into senior and leadership roles. According to a recent survey by The IIA3, 94 percent of audit leaders say the CIA adds value to internal audit work and 70 percent of chief audit executives say they prefer to hire Certified Internal Auditors over non-certified candidates.
Prestige
Holding a CIA certification shows that you have demonstrated expertise and proven knowledge of complex topics and essential competencies related to internal auditing. This gives you built-in credibility that others can rely on and helps you stand out from your peers.
Careers for Certified Internal Auditors
Internal auditors provide independent, objective evaluations of financial and operational to ensure a company remains compliant with laws and regulations, mitigates risks, and meets organizational goals. Whether you’re just starting your career as an entry-level auditor or you’re experienced in your field, becoming a Certified Internal Auditor can open the door for lead and management roles, including:
- Lead internal auditor
- Audit manager
- Internal audit director
- Risk manager
- Compliance lead
- Senior internal auditor
- Senior IT auditor
- Chief audit executive
Take the next step: Learn more about internal auditor careers
Choosing the right credential
If you’re debating between getting your CPA license or your CIA certification, it’s important to realize that they are both valuable, and they serve different purposes.
CPA license
Having a CPA license is necessary to practice public accounting, including certifying external audits and financial statements and representing clients before the IRS. Because you have to prove advanced knowledge and expertise in competencies related to accounting, tax, and audit, it’s also advantageous to have even when working in private sectors.
CIA certification
A CIA certification focuses on internal auditing, risk management, and governance. It’s globally recognized and ideal if you want to focus your career solely on internal auditing. There’s not a wrong option, and many people will earn both as this can lead to more career opportunities overall.
Maintaining your CIA certification
Once you become a Certified Internal Auditor, you will need to renew your certification with The IIA each year, between October 1 and December 31. To renew, you must also complete 40 hours of CPE annually, including two hours of ethics CPE. Becker has partnered with the IIA to offer curated CPE courses to better serve Certified Internal Auditors and help you meet your requirements.
Take the next step: Learn about the CIA CPE requirements
Earn your CIA certification with Becker
Becker can help you on your path to becoming a Certified Internal Auditor! We’ve partnered with The IIA to provide the new CIA Exam Review. Available in March 2025, Becker—The IIA CIA Exam Review will offer comprehensive resources and materials that align with the CIA Exam syllabus and are taught by Becker’s expert instructors so you can feel confident you’re on the path to passing the exam!
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