Certified Internal Auditor credential artwork

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Validates knowledge of internal audit fundamentals, ethics, engagement planning and performance, and managing the internal audit function.

Summary

CIA is The Institute of Internal Auditors' credential for internal auditors, aligned to the Global Internal Audit Standards. It is assessed through three exams on internal audit fundamentals, engagements and running the audit function, and it appears in job postings for audit roles.

Good fit if

  • You work in internal audit, risk or compliance
  • You have or can build qualifying internal audit experience
  • Job postings you target list CIA for audit roles

Look elsewhere if

  • You want IT audit specifically: CISA
  • You focus on investigating fraud: CFE
  • You are moving into FP&A or corporate finance: CMA

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

Entry requirements and certification requirements

Degree or IAP to enter the program

Required

Apply with proof of education and a government-issued photo ID.

DegreeBachelor's or master's degree, or the equivalent
No degreeEarn the Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) by passing the Part 1 exam; an active IAP waives CIA Part 1
US CPAAn active US CPA license replaces the education proof

1 to 5 years of internal audit experience

Required

Internal audit, quality assurance, risk management, compliance, external audit and internal control work all count.

Master's degree1 year
Bachelor's degree2 years
IAP route5 years, with 2 in the last 3 years

You can take the exams before you finish the experience. Complete all requirements within three years of approval into the program; a one-time 12-month extension costs $275. Active CPA, CA and CISA holders can instead pass the 150-question Challenge Exam.

Cost

USD · Non-member pricing
$240
$445
$415
$415
IIA members pay $120 for the application and $310, $280 and $280 for the parts, $990 in total; US membership is $290 a year. The Challenge Exam route costs $380 plus $1,245 for non-members, or $150 plus $845 for members. Rescheduling costs $75.

What holders say

An edge early in your career, less so later

Passing the exams early in your career is a genuine differentiator for entry-level internal audit roles. By around 10 years in, most peers hold a CIA, so it stops setting you apart.

r/InternalAuditReddit: CIA questions for aspiring IA

CPA carries more weight outside internal audit

Commenters call CPA the more broadly respected credential across accounting and business. CIA is the sensible choice if you plan to stay in internal audit, and many CPAs add it later.

r/InternalAuditReddit: do I need my CIA or CPA

Renewal

CIA is renewed every year by December 31.

Validity
1 year
Continuing education
40 hours a year
2 in ethics; 20 if non-practicing
Renewal fee
$120 non-member / $30 member USD

Report your CPE and confirm your conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards between October 1 and December 31. If you miss the deadline, your CIA moves to grace status and you cannot use the designation until you report.

IIA CPE requirements ↗

Alternatives

Certified Information Systems Auditor credential artwork
CISA$810 required · Advanced

Better fit if your work is IT audit rather than general internal audit; CISA holders can also use it to qualify for the CIA Challenge Exam.

Certified Fraud Examiner credential artwork
CFE$699 required · Intermediate

For auditors who specialize in investigating fraud rather than general assurance work.

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control credential artwork
CRISC$810 required · Advanced

For internal auditors moving toward IT and enterprise risk management rather than audit execution.

ASQ Certified Quality Auditor credential artwork
CQA$550 required · Advanced

For auditors focused on quality management systems rather than financial or operational internal audit.

FAQ

What are the CIA requirements?

Proof of a degree (or an active IAP), three passed exam parts, and 1 year of internal audit experience with a master's degree, 2 years with a bachelor's or 5 years on the IAP route. You can take the exams before finishing the experience.

How much does the CIA exam cost?

Non-members pay $240 to apply and $445, $415 and $415 for the three parts, $1,515 in total. IIA members pay $990 in total, and US membership is $290 a year.

What is the CIA Challenge Exam?

A single 150-question, 180-minute exam for active CPA, CA and CISA holders that replaces the three parts. It costs $380 plus $1,245 for non-members.

Can I take the CIA exam remotely?

No. The IIA ended online testing in May 2025, so all parts are taken at Pearson VUE test centres.

Last updated October 2026