Earning the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is a smart move for ambitious internal audit professionals. It’s a mark of distinction that showcases your deep understanding of internal audit best practices and methodologies. If you’re looking to propel your career forward, the CIA certification is a strategic step to consider!
This blog will guide you through what it takes to become a CIA, including the requirements and associated costs. Here’s a breakdown:
Becoming a CIA: The Key Ingredients
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the governing body for the CIA designation, outlines four main requirements:
- Education: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree (or higher), or be on track to complete your degree through an accredited program.
- Experience: At least 5 years of work experience are essential or academic or certification exemptions. The below table summarizes waevers:
Certification Exemptions
| ACTIVE CERTIFICATION | CAN WAEVE |
| CPA | Education requirement |
| ACCA | Education and Experience requirement |
Academic Exemptions
| EDUCATION LEVEL | YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED |
| Master’s Degree (or equivalent) | 12 Months – internal auditing experience or its equivalent |
| Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) | 24 Months – internal auditing experience or its equivalent |
| Associate’s Degree, three A-level certificates, grade C or higher (or equivalent) | 60 Months – internal auditing experience or its equivalent |
Relevant work in external audit, internal controls, compliance, or quality assurance can also be considered by the IIA.
- Exams: You’ll need to conquer all three parts of the CIA exam, scoring 600 or higher. The exam covers a comprehensive range of internal auditing topics.
- Ethics: Upholding the IIA’s Code of Ethics is a core requirement. You’ll have three years to complete all the steps.
The Investment in Your CIA Journey
Here’s a breakdown of the main costs involved:
- Application Fee: The IIA charges a one-time application fee to enter the program.
- Exam Fees: There are separate fees for each of the three CIA exams.
| EXAM FEES | Member | Non-Member | Student |
| Application Fee | US $120 | US $240 | US $65 |
| CIA Part 1 Exam | US $310 | US $445 | US $245 |
| CIA Part 2 Exam | US $280 | US $415 | US $215 |
| CIA Part 3 Exam | US $280 | US $415 | US $215 |
- Study Materials: From textbooks to online courses and practice exams, numerous resources are available to help you ace the exams. Costs will vary depending on the format you choose.
- Membership (Optional): While not mandatory, becoming an IIA member offers perks like exam fee discounts and access to valuable professional development resources.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in pursuing the CIA certification, here are some steps you can take:
- Review the IIA’s CIA program requirements in detail.
- Assess your eligibility based on education and experience. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION WITH MORGAN HERE
- Explore different study materials and choose a preparation plan that suits your learning style and budget. BROWSE MORGAN PACKAGES HERE
- Consider the benefits of becoming an IIA member.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about pursuing your CIA certification and take a significant step forward in your internal auditing career.
