CIA Program Requirements
When you enroll in the CIA program, you accept the conditions of the program, which include:
Program Requirements
There are two sets of requirements to become a CIA.
Entry |
Certification |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Path | Entry requirements | Exams | Experience |
| Master’s degree or equivalent / higher | Proof of education and valid photo ID | All 3 CIA parts | 1 year of relevant experience |
| Bachelor’s degree or equivalent | Proof of education and valid photo ID | All 3 CIA parts | 2 years of relevant experience |
| Experience route (no qualifying degree) | 5 years of relevant experience and valid photo ID | All 3 CIA parts | 5 years completed before entry; no additional experience |
| Active Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) | Active IAP designation and valid photo ID | CIA Parts 2 and 3 (Part 1 waived) | 5 years of relevant experience without a qualifying degree; at least 2 within the last 3 years. Degree-based reductions may apply. |
Experience-only pathway: Candidates without a qualifying degree may enter with five years of qualifying internal audit or equivalent experience already completed; all three CIA exam parts are required.
Active IAP pathway: An active Internal Audit Practitioner designation provides entry to the CIA program and a waiver for Part 1. Without a qualifying degree, five years of relevant experience are required, including two years within the past three years. Candidates must meet all requirements within three years of program acceptance.
Entry Requirements
1. Education
You need to fulfill only one of these entry routes:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent).
- An active Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) designation.
- Five years of internal audit experience (or equivalent).
Students: Start through IAP, then apply for CIA. You must meet all certification requirements to earn the designation.
CPA, CA or CISA holders: Eligible active credential holders may qualify for the separate CIA Challenge Exam route.
Acceptable proof of education: Where required, provide one of the following:
- A copy of your degree or official transcripts.
- A university letter confirming your degree.
- An academic evaluation service letter confirming your degree level.
If your name has changed since earning your degree, also provide a legal name-change document.
International Applicants
If your degree or transcript is not in English, confirm translation and notarization requirements with The IIA or your local institute before submitting. Keep a copy of the original document.
2. Proof of identification
Provide valid, unexpired government-issued identification, such as a passport or an accepted national identity card. Your details must match your CCMS profile.
International Applicants
A passport with English details is a practical choice. Some local-language ID cards are accepted for testing in the issuing country. Confirm any translation requirements with The IIA.
Requirements to Become Certified
- Pass the required CIA examinations within the three-year program eligibility period. The standard route requires all three parts; active IAP holders receive a Part 1 waiver.
- Meet and verify the relevant professional experience requirement for your entry route: one year for a master’s degree, two years for a bachelor’s degree, or five years completed before entry through the experience route.
Relevant experience includes internal auditing and other experience accepted by The IIA. Challenge Exam requirements differ.
Requirement Exemptions
Active full ACCA members: No proof of education or professional experience is required for the traditional three-part CIA program. A current letter of good standing is required.
Active US CPA license holders: May qualify for an education requirement exemption for the traditional CIA program, subject to The IIA’s approval. Experience requirements still apply unless a separate exemption is confirmed. Eligible holders may also apply through the CIA Challenge Exam pathway.
Other CPA/CA and CISA holders: Eligible active credential holders may qualify for a separate CIA Challenge Exam pathway. Challenge Exam eligibility and documentation are determined by The IIA; these credentials do not automatically waive all traditional CIA requirements.
Confidentiality
Do not disclose or discuss exam questions or other exam content with anyone except The IIA’s Certification Department. Sharing exam content breaches the exam nondisclosure agreement and can lead to disciplinary action.
Ethics and Professionalism
CIA holders and candidates must follow The IIA’s applicable ethical requirements, incorporated in Domain II: Ethics and Professionalism of the Global Internal Audit Standards.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
After certification, maintain your knowledge and skills through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and complete the annual renewal process. Practicing CIAs generally must earn 40 CPE hours annually; nonpracticing CIAs generally must earn 20 CPE hours annually. Both categories must include at least 2 hours of ethics training each year. Attest to meeting the applicable requirements, retain supporting records, and provide evidence if requested by The IIA.
IIA Membership
IIA membership is generally optional for CIA certification, although it is required for candidates residing in certain jurisdictions, including the UK, Republic of Ireland, and South Africa. Confirm local rules before applying. Membership benefits may include:
- Discounts on CIA application and exam fees, plus renewal savings where available.
- Access to audit resources, references and IIA publications.
Check local institute rules. Activate membership before paying to receive member pricing.
Receive Your CIA Certificate
Once you have fulfilled all certification requirements and The IIA has verified them, you will receive an email confirming your certification status. Access your digital certificate through CCMS. You may order a printed certificate for a fee. Check your certificate name and update your shipping address before ordering.
Important Notes on the CIA Program
- CIA Program Completion Period: Complete all certification requirements within three (3) years of acceptance. You may purchase a one-time 12-month extension through CCMS before eligibility expires. If the program expires, you may reapply, but previously passed exams must be retaken under applicable requirements.
- CIA Challenge Exam Pathways: Eligible active CPA, CA and CISA credential holders may qualify for CIA Challenge Exam pathways. The experience-based CIA Challenge Exam pilot closed to new applications on September 30, 2026. The Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) pathway is another option.
- Exam Delivery Method: CIA exams are administered at authorized Pearson VUE test centers. Online or remote proctoring is not available.
