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UPDATED CIA LEARNING SYSTEM PROVIDES MORE IN-DEPTH REVIEW

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam review program, The IIA tasked a team of CIA-certified industry experts — many of whom have been rated as the best instructors by certification candidates — with developing The IIA’s CIA Learning System. The CIA Learning System launched in 2008 as an interactive print and Web-based program designed to provide complete and flexible training to CIA candidates worldwide. In July, The IIA expanded the Learning System’s content to provide more in-depth review as well as updated topics to align with the international professional practices.

“The IIA developed and updated its CIA Learning System in response to member and volunteer requests for a high-quality, comprehensive exam preparation resource,” says Marci LaRouech, The IIA’s partnership account manager. “The recent update of The IIA’s CIA Learning System also included the launch of a French version, which allows The IIA to offer the program to more of its membership.”

Obtaining the CIA designation gives internal auditors the opportunity to test and measure their skills and can help distinguish them from their peers, improve their marketability, and prepare them for career challenges, as well as potentially open doors to higher-paying jobs. According to the National Organization for Competency Assurance — a member-based organization for the field of certification — having a certification can lead to higher wages in the form of bonuses, education assistance, or higher salary.

The IIA’s CIA designation is the only globally accepted certification for internal auditors and is the standard by which auditors demonstrate their competency and professionalism in internal auditing. Before auditors can reap the benefits of a CIA designation, however, they first have to obtain it, which requires preparing for — and passing — the four-part exam:

  • Part 1 — The Internal Audit Activity’s Role in Governance, Risk, and Control.

  • Part 2 — Conducting the Internal Audit Engagement.

  •  Part 3 — Business Analysis and Information Technology.

  • Part 4 — Business Management Skills.

Designed to meet the varying needs and learning styles of busy internal audit professionals, The IIA’s CIA Learning System offers interactive print and Web-based study materials including: Web-based practice questions to test comprehension and retention of concepts, a practice exam to familiarize candidates with using the computer-based CIA exam software, and access to My CIA Review Plan — an online tool to help CIA candidates set a customized and realistic study plan.

CIA candidates can choose to use the self-study program or attend instructor-led courses, both in-person and online,as well as participate in CIA refresher seminars. IIA members receive a discount on the program no matter which learning option they choose.

“I have taken a number of courses and sought several designations throughout my career,” says Jo Orton, CA, CIA, CFE, CPA, CICA, manager at Investigative and Forensic Services. “The IIA’s CIA Learning System is one of the clearest, best organized, and comprehensive study systems I have used.”

More information and a demonstration is available on The IIA’s CIA Learning System website, www.learncia.com. Candidates interested in attending a local, instructor-led course should contact their local IIA chapter.