How can I join the CIA in India?

A certified internal auditor is a professional who has received their credential from the certifying body of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Internal auditors are responsible for assessing and analyzing organizational risks, managing them, and proactively designing risk mitigation strategies. Usually, businesses hire CIAs as full-time staff members, but some also decide to use external auditors as consultants or contractors. 

Considering the many advantages that the CIA brings to the table for professionals, it is crucial to understand how you can join the CIA and achieve accreditation successfully. 

How to join the CIA in India

To be qualified to take the Certified Internal Auditor Exam, one must first fulfill prerequisites in education and experience. To take the exam and obtain the CIA credential, follow these steps:

1. Educational requirements for CIA certification include-

• Master’s degree or an equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent
• Active Internal Audit Practitioner designation holder

2. Required Professional Experience

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree should have at least years of internal audit experience.
• Candidates who are active Internal Audit practitioner designation holders should have at least 5 years of internal audit experience.
• 5 years of Internal audit experience candidates can apply to sit for the exam.

3. Character Reference 

A character reference must be submitted by an internal auditor who holds current certification, by another certified accountant, or by a supervisor in the workplace. With this reference, the IIA can gain insight into your personality and sense of moral character, as well as your capacity for discretion, honesty, and reliability. The purpose of this reference is to demonstrate to the institute your excellent moral and professional standards. 

4. Getting ready for the exam

Studying and being well-prepared is essential as the CIA exam is divided into many sections that cover various, in-depth topics of conducting internal audits. The range of study options makes it possible to adequately prepare for any timetable or preferred style of learning. The Institute of Internal Auditors offers study guides and a thorough syllabus outlining what will be covered in the test.

5. Taking the exam

After completing all eligibility requirements and studying, register with the Institute of Internal Auditors to schedule the three exam sections. The total time for these sections is six and a half hours. These sections differ in difficulty level depending on how the Institute evaluates your expertise. These levels are proficiency, which denotes comprehension and the actual application of knowledge in the job, and awareness, which denotes knowledge or understanding.

An outline of the test and its elements is provided below:

• Part one: This section has 125 questions and examinations covering the fundamentals of internal auditing. The exam takes two and a half hours.
• Part two: The management of internal audit activities is the main topic of this section, which has 100 questions. The exam time is two hours.
• Part three: This two-hour section consists of one hundred questions centered around financial management, information security, business savvy, and information technology.