Program Eligibility Requirements

Education
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college-level institution. Work experience will not substitute for an appropriate degree. A copy of the candidate's diploma, transcripts, or other written proof of completion of a degree program must accompany the candidate's application.

The IIA will accept student candidates into the CIA program who are: (1) enrolled as a senior in an undergraduate program or as a graduate student; (2) full-time students as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled (a minimum of 12 semester hours or its equivalent is required for undergraduate students and nine semester hours for graduate students); and (3) register for and take the CIA exam while enrolled in school.

(In certain countries where higher educational degrees differs based upon cultural or societal factors, The IIA may accept internationally recognized professional designations as equivalent to a bachelor's degree. Additionally, in certain circumstances educational performance may be considered when a nondegree candidate has completed more than 90 percent of the academic requirements needed for a degree (in the United States, approximately 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours of degree credits at an accredited college-level institution). Candidates who do not possess a bachelor's degree and who meet these circumstances should submit their educational and/or professional information with their registration forms requesting review and approval. The information submitted should be sufficiently detailed to determine equivalency.)

Character Reference
CIA candidates must exhibit high moral and professional character and submit a character reference form completed by a CIA, their supervisor, manager, or educator with their registration.

Professional Experience
CIA candidates must complete 24 months of internal auditing experience or its equivalent. Equivalent experience means experience in audit/assessment disciplines, including external auditing, quality assurance, compliance, and internal control. A master's degree or work experience in related business professions (such as accounting, law, or finance) can be substituted for one year of experience. Candidates may sit for the CIA exam prior to satisfying the professional experience requirement, but they will not be certified until the experience requirement has been met. Click here for verification form.

Code of Ethics
CIAs and CIA candidates must agree to abide by the Code of Ethics established by The IIA.

Continuing Professional Education
Upon certification, CIAs are required to maintain their knowledge and skills and to stay abreast of improvements and current developments in internal auditing standards, procedures, and techniques. Practicing CIAs must complete and report 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every two years.