Become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Since 1974, there has only been one internal audit designation that has garnered global recognition, career advancement, and professional credibility – the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) certification. Join more than 200,000 CIAs from 170 countries who have achieved this highly respected global certification. Your path to CIA is tailored to your experience — choose from traditional, accelerated or student pathways.
The CIA is the only globally recognized internal audit certification
Becoming a CIA is the optimum way to communicate knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively carry out professional responsibilities for any internal audit services, anywhere in the world. With 50 years of setting the gold standard, earning the CIA credential is investing in gold.
Apply & manage your CIA
Access The IIA's Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) to apply for and manage your CIA.
Prepare for your CIA exam
The IIA is here to support your CIA journey with the resources and tools you need.
Renew & manage your CIA designation
Stay up to date with internal audit improvements and best practices.
The CIA syllabi and exam have changed
The topic areas on each CIA exam syllabus have been updated to:
- Bring the exams up to date with the current global practice of internal auditing.
- Create greater alignment between the CIA syllabi and The IIA’s new Global Internal Audit Standards.
The CIA exam is now available through a test center-only delivery model. Online proctoring has been discontinued to preserve the integrity of IIA certification programs and enhance the testing experience for all candidates.
Prepare for 2025 CIA changes
- Review language release schedule.
- Review candidate scenarios.
How much does the CIA cost?
Earn the CIA through a one-part exam
In what languages is the CIA exam offered?
The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam is offered in a variety of languages.
- Arabic
- Simplified Chinese*
- Traditional Chinese
- English
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Korean
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Thai
- Turkish
Review 2025 language release schedule
*Simplified Chinese is only available in Mainland China.
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Unless you have an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation, you must provide proof of education as an entry requirement into the CIA program.
Proof of education may consist of:
- Copy of your degree or official transcripts (If your name has changed since you earned your degree, you must also include your legal name change document.)
- Letter from university confirming degree
- Letter from evaluation services confirming degree level
Your level of education will determine the amount of experience required to complete the program.
For more details, review the CIA eligibility requirements.
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Once you have submitted your application in CCMS with payment, your application will be reviewed. Once your application is approved, you will receive notification via email. After you are approved into your program, you will be able to register for your exam(s). Once you have completed your program (by passing your exam(s) and completing any additional program requirements) your designation will be displayed on your account within 7-14 business days.
Upon certification, you will be able to print a digital certificate or order a physical certificate in the CCMS.
For a step-by-step guide, please review The IIA Certification Candidate Handbook.
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The supporting requirement exemptions were granted by the Professional Certifications Board (PCB) because the experience and education requirements for ACCA members and education requirements for U.S. CPAs meet and/or exceed these requirements for the CIA program.
Certification/license: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Qualified Members
Supporting requirements waived: Education and Work ExperienceCertification/license: U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Active License Holders
Supporting requirements waived: EducationBy completing the appropriate fields indicated on the CIA application, candidates can be considered for these exemptions.
CIA applications submitted by ACCA qualified members and U.S. CPA active license holders will be placed into a pending status while certification administrators verify memberships and licenses are active.
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You have three years to complete the requirements of the CIA program.
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Exam registrations are valid for 180 days, or until your certification program expiration date, whichever is sooner.
If you do not sit for your exam during the exam registration period, your registration will be forfeited.
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Study materials are not included with the CIA application or registration.
However, you may review the CIA syllabus and exam preparation resources to become familiar with the weighted percentages of questions you can expect to find on the CIA exam.
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An active CPA or CA holder from one of the approved qualified accounting bodies or an active CISA™ holder could be eligible to participate in an accelerated pathway to earn the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
The CIA Challenge Exam includes content from all three CIA exams and was designed to be completed in one sitting.
Learn more about the CIA Challenge Exam.
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Yes. You must apply for the IAP in CCMS under your existing profile. Once your application is approved, your IAP designation will be processed.
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Download the CIA brochure.
CIA frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Pricing is applicable in the United States, Canada, and select countries throughout the world. Pricing may differ in countries where exams are administered through agreements with National Institutes.
Applicable taxes may be collected in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Candidates residing in the United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland or South Africa must be IIA members to apply for the CIA, CRMA, IAP, and CIA Challenge Exam.
CISA™ is a trademark of ISACA.
ACCA® is a registered trademark of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Chartered Accountants Ireland® is a registered trademark of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
CPA Australia® is a registered trademark of CPA Australia, Ltd.
CPA Ireland® is a registered trademark of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
ICAG® is a registered trademark of Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana.
ICAI™ is a trademark of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
ICPAK® is a registered trademark of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
ICPAU™ is a trademark of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda.
NBA™ is a trademark of Koninklijke Nederlandse Beroepsorganisatie van Accountants.
ROAC™ is a trademark of Registro Oficial de Auditores de Cuentas.
SOCPA™ is a trademark of Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants.
State of Israel Ministry of Justice- Board of Accountants® is a registered trademark.
CA ANZ® is a registered trademark of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
CPA Canada® is a registered trademark of Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.
HKICPA® is a registered trademark of Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
ICAEW® is a registered trademark of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
ICAS® is a registered trademark of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.
ISCA® is a registered trademark of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.
MICPA™ is a trademark of Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
PICPA™ is a trademark of Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
SAICA™ is a trademark of South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.