Internal audit certification renewal

The importance of annual certification renewal

To keep pace with developing trends and the ever-changing risk landscape, it is essential for IIA certification holders to regularly enhance their knowledge, skills, and competencies through continuing professional development.

Certification holders renew their certifications annually and demonstrate their commitment to keeping their knowledge current and their skills sharp by earning and attesting to continuing professional education (CPE) credit hours throughout the year.

The IIA’s commitment to continued education helps to uphold the internal audit profession’s reputation for providing assurance and insight in an objective and ethical manner which serves to benefit all certification holders, their employers, and stakeholders alike.

Certification renewal requirements

Annual Certification Renewal opens 1 October each year.

Log in to the Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) to begin your renewal.

The renewal deadline is 31 December each year.

Should you fail to renew your Active certification, it will enter a Grace status, and as a result, you are no longer approved to represent yourself as a certified individual.

Individuals remaining in Grace for 2 years will enter a Revoked status and must submit a recertification application and take the corresponding exam if they wish to become certified again.

As an IIA certified or qualified professional, you are responsible for ensuring that your certification is renewed annually.

You must log in to CCMS to complete your certification renewal.

Get more information on certification renewal steps for Active and Grace status certification holders.

Looking for Ethics CPE credits?

Certification renewal policy

Recertification update

CIA certifications in a revoked status can now be returned to an active status.

Individuals wishing to restore their CIA will need to complete a recertification application and take only the CIA Part 1 exam.

Certification status

Active certification status

Holder is currently active and may display their certification after their name and use the benefits of holding the IIA designation.

Grace certification status (2 year period)

Holder did not report required CPE hours and moved to Grace status.

Previous holder may not display their certification after their name nor use the benefits of holding the IIA designation.

Individual must report required CPE to move their designation into Active status.

Revoked certification status

Holder did not report required CPE after 3 year period and the designation was revoked.

Previous holder may not display their certification after their name nor use the benefits of holding the IIA designation.

Individual is required to recertify. (Submit a recertification application and pass the required examination, including paying all fees.)

What are some benefits of certifications and continuing professional education? 

Earning any of The IIA’s certifications demonstrates to peers and employers that you have a strong foundation of professional competencies. Certifications can provide a boost in opportunities regarding job offers, salaries, and promotions. 

Your IIA certifications are much more than their exams. The profession of internal auditing is constantly evolving; through continuing professional development, your certifications demonstrate that your professional competencies are current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in a rapidly changing risk landscape. 

Earning and reporting CPE credit hours signifies your investment in continuous learning. 

Continuing professional education ensures that your IIA certifications stay as valuable as the day you earned them.

Complimentary reporting for North America IIA members

Members of The IIA in North America and the Caribbean benefit from free certification renewal reporting. Learn more about IIA membership benefits.

Global rules/requirements

• Certification renewal fees vary globally, based upon membership status, if you renew directly to The IIA through CCMS, or through your local affiliate.
• Check with your National Institute regarding pricing and the reporting process.
• Visit the pricing page of our website for the most current pricing information.
• IIA-certified professionals who fail to renew their certification by the deadline will automatically be placed in Grace status and may not use their designation nor be listed in the registry.
• Individuals remaining in Grace for 2 years will enter a Revoked status and must reapply and retest if they wish to become certified again.

Annual CPE audit activities

• The Annual CPE Audit notifications are sent via email immediately following the completion of your renewal.
• If selected for an audit, individuals must provide evidence of CPE activities completed for the renewal cycle that meet the criteria described in the Annual Certification Renewal Policy. (If you self-claim CPEs, be sure to keep detailed records.)
• If you are chosen for an audit, you will be given a six-month grace period to complete your audit.
• The deadline and requirements for returning supporting documentation will be included in the email.

* CPE reporting fees vary globally based upon membership status. Individuals from National Institutes should contact their local representatives for their CPE reporting process.