What Is a CIA® & Why Is Certification Required?
Becoming a Certified Internal Auditor can expand your career opportunities, boost your income potential, and enhance your credibility in the accounting field. Earning your CIA certification is a challenging process, but the benefits are well worth it. Read on to learn why certification is recommended.
What Is CIA Certification?
The Certified Internal Auditor®, or CIA designation, is a professional credential bestowed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). For more than 40 years, it has been recognized globally as the “gold standard” in the internal auditing field.
Advantages of CIA Certification
There are many advantages to becoming a Certified Internal Auditor(CIA) but above all, earning your CIA certification will open up a variety of opportunities for you within internal auditing.
Earning your CIA certification will:
- Improve your internal auditing skills and knowledge.
- Earn greater credibility and respect in your field.
- Increase your earning potential by as much as 43%.
- Demonstrate your commitment to your profession.
The CIA designation is a valuable professional addition for auditors in any stage of their careers—including chief audit executives, audit managers, audit staff, and risk management staff—as well as students enrolled in an accounting or other business or financial degree program.
The CIA Exam
To earn CIA certification, you must complete the three-part CIA exam, meet the IIA’s eligibility and education requirements and pay all applicable CIA program and exam fees.
The three exam parts are:
Part 1: Essentials of Internal Auditing
Part 2: Practice of Internal Auditing
Part 3: Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing
Similar to other accounting designations such as the CPA and CMA, the CIA exam is 100% computerized. Candidates must take the exam in one of the 900+ Pearson VUE centers around the world. Learn more about CIA exam dates and registration.
The CIA exam is offered in 16 languages, including: Arabic, Chinese (traditional), English, French, German, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Thai.