Join us in our excitement by sharing your CIA experiences and the benefits you have gained through the designation. Send comments, stories, and photos to Kristi Coombs at kristi.coombs@theiia.org, and we will feature select stories on The IIA’s website, www.theiia.org.

 

 

 

 

“My CIA designation has opened career opportunities that might not have otherwise existed.  It is a key component of my career path strategy.”
-Rick Wright, CIA, IIA Director of Curriculum Development

“I felt it was imperative to demonstrate my knowledge and appreciation of the internal audit profession and felt that it was best demonstrated through the CIA designation. I was somewhat of a pioneer because I sat for the very first CIA exam in 1974. I am passionate about the internal audit profession, and I think the CIA designation adds tremendous value and credibility.”
-Denny Beran, CIA, CCSA, IIA Senior Vice Chairman of the Board

I began taking the CIA exam when it was paper-based, offered 2 times a year and even had ESSAY questions on Parts I and II. I struggled to complete the exam in the 3 year time slot that was allotted then, but was unsuccessful and had to START ALL OVER!! I passed Part I with essay questions, then the exam was shifted to all multiple choice. It took some time, but I finally achieved success. It has been a valuable investment in my career and I encourage others to continue their pursuit for certification. 
- Glenda Ostrander   

'I chose to study with CIA because it is a truly professional organization with worldwide recognition, ‘and it is open to anyone starting out in auditing. ‘Also i think I am first Chadian who is studying CIA at IIA.

I learnt IIA’s fundamental principles. The fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behaviour are international standards that auditors who are members of IIA professional bodies agree to follow, through implementation of the IIA Code of Ethics. Professing to higher standards of behaviour is something that professionals do. 
- Ali Issaka Hissein

 When the CIA exam was paper-based and scheduled twice a year, The IIA provided the opportunity to schedule an exam at any convenient location. I live in the United States; however, I was scheduled to be in Melbourne Australia during the exam time frame. With some coordination with IIA and IIA local chapter in Melbourne Australia, I was able to sit for Part 1.
Now The IIA made it so easy and convenient to schedule and take the exam, you should  put some commitment and time to attain this goal.
- Jamal Dakkak

I sat for the exam back when it was still paper-based and offered twice each year (May and November). I had already achieved my CPA license and was looking forward to completing the CIA, but I hate taking tests. For me, once I gear up to do a test, I just want to get it over with. When I went to sign in, the proctors were shocked that I was taking all four parts in the same test period! I started to worry then about whether I had made a mistake. Thankfully, my preparation paid off and I passed all four parts on the first testing. The CIA has been very valuable to me in terms of personal growth and development as well as helped to advance my career. I would recommend this certification to anyone looking to advance in internal audit or move into higher management positions.
- Scott Blankenship

 When most of the professionals start thinking about calling it a day, I thought about this certification. It was my 58th birthday when I registered with CIA. I needed endorsement on the enrollment application form by a CIA. So the enrollment become public in the organization. This put me under great stress. The success was not only desired but it became imperative for retaining self respect. What would juniors say if I had failed? The fear of failure propelled me to study very seriously.

Why did I obtain this certification? Someday I have to retire from my hectic accounting job in the Middle East and move over to the USA, where my children live. This certification will ensure that I remain economically independent. CIA certification will let you work at your pace.
- Deepak Kumar Srivastava

I am a Canadian and I have had the chance to work in France from 1994 to 2001. It is out there that I became the first ever CIA in France in 1996. I started afterwards to lead, with one French colleague, CIA coaching sessions!
-Posted by Denis Lefort

 I completed my CIA in 2009. I did it because it is an internationally recognised qualification. In any profession one needs to be confident that the person they are consulting with is knowledgable on the topic they are being consulted on. Like, I would not consult with a medical doctor who is not qualified. That is what the certification means to me. It is to give confidence to whoever I deal with that I have adequate professional knowledge on the topic of internal auditing.
-Posted by Sibongile Motloung