What is the criteria for Internal Auditor?

The CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) is a worldwide accepted credential in the internal auditing field. The qualification is appropriate for persons who want to work in internal auditing, risk management, or compliance. Professionals with a CIA certification have become vital in today’s changing business landscape, as threats have infiltrated deep into systems and networks. Certified internal auditors push an organization to success by applying their comprehensive knowledge of continuous process improvement.

However, to obtain the credential, a candidate must meet the standard criteria laid down by IIA (The Institute of Internal Auditors).

Criteria for Internal Auditors

• Educational Qualifications: To be eligible for the certified internal auditor credential, a candidate must have-
  • Master’s degree or an equivalent
  • Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent
  • Active Internal Audit Practitioner designation holder

• Professional Experience
  • Candidates with a master’s degree should have at least 1 year of internal audit 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.

• Understanding the Exam Pattern: The CIA exam is fully computer-based, with three portions of MCQs. It comprises three sections-
• Part: 1. Internal Audit Basics (125 questions, 2.5 hours): The CIA exam Part 1 is closely aligned with The IIA’s International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), which has six domains that cover the foundation of internal auditing, independence, and objectivity, proficiency and due professional care, quality assurance, and improvement programs, governance, risk management and control, and fraud risk.
• Part 2: Internal Audit Practice (100 questions/2.0 hours): Part 2 of the CIA test covers four domains: managing internal audit activity, arranging the engagement, carrying out the engagement, and communicating engagement outcomes and progress. 
• Part 3: Internal Audit Knowledge Elements (100 questions; 2.0 hours): Part 3 of the CIA exam consists of four domains: business acumen, information security, information technology, and financial management. 

• Character Reference: Candidates must exhibit high moral and professional character and must be recommended by a current CIA, CGAP, CCSA, CFSA, or CRMA designation holder or a supervisor or academic advisor who can attest to their character and professionalism.
• Adherence to the IIA’s Code of Ethics: Candidates must abide by the IIA’s Code of Ethics, which outlines the principles and standards of conduct expected of Certified Internal Auditors, including integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and competency.
• Passing the CIA Exam: Candidates who wish to obtain the CIA credential, must pass three exams administered by the IIA. The exams cover various aspects of internal auditing, including the essentials of internal auditing, the practice of internal auditing, and business knowledge for internal auditing.

Join Netrika’s instructor-led CIA course to increase your chances of obtaining the credential

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Netrika has a team of seasoned staff with two decades of experience and elite certifications who have gone above and beyond to provide career-defining theoretical and practical skills to assist candidates thrive and rise to the top of their professional positions. 

Our CIA certification courses provide real-world insights targeted to the changing landscape of internal auditing. The certified internal auditor training keeps you up to date on the newest industry developments, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the CIA exam and can successfully achieve the certification.