{"id":3276,"date":"2025-01-15T10:07:37","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T15:07:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/?p=3276"},"modified":"2026-09-02T10:23:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T15:23:52","slug":"certified-internal-auditor-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/certified-internal-auditor-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Certified Internal Auditor Requirements: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certified internal auditors make<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gleim.com\/cia-review\/internal-auditor-salary\"> <\/a>an average of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gleim.com\/cia-review\/internal-auditor-salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$26,000<\/a> more than their non-certified counterparts. Earn your CIA designation, and your wallet will thank you!<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But first, you&#8217;ll have to meet a list of requirements.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this guide, I\u2019ll break it all down\u2014everything from entry and exit requirements for CIAs to why earning this credential could be one of the best career moves you ever make.<\/p> <p class=\"custom_key wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list custom_underline\"> <li><strong>Globally Recognized Certification<\/strong>: The CIA is the only internal audit certification recognized worldwide, giving you credibility no matter where you work.<\/li> <li><strong>Flexible Entry Requirements<\/strong>: You can qualify with a degree, work experience, or an Internal Audit Practitioner designation.<\/li> <li><strong>Three-Part Exam<\/strong>: The CIA exam covers internal audit fundamentals, engagements, and functions\u2014you can take the parts in any order.<\/li> <li><strong>Career Benefits<\/strong>: Earning the CIA designation can lead to higher salaries, better job opportunities, and global career mobility.<\/li> <li><strong>Plan Your Budget<\/strong>: Earning the CIA costs around $2,000\u2014covering fees and materials\u2014so budget accordingly.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-the-cia-designation-is-worth-it\"><strong>Why the CIA Designation Is Worth It<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Certified Internal Auditor credential isn\u2019t just a shiny badge for your resume. It\u2019s recognized worldwide as the gold standard in internal auditing. Here\u2019s why people invest time and money into earning it:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Career Growth<\/strong>: Employers know the CIA means you\u2019re serious about your expertise. This can open doors to promotions, raises, and leadership roles.<\/li> <li><strong>Global Recognition<\/strong>: The CIA is the only globally recognized certification for internal auditors. Whether you\u2019re in New York or New Delhi, it holds weight.<\/li> <li><strong>Higher Pay<\/strong>: Certified professionals tend to earn more than their non-certified counterparts, as we&#8217;ve already discussed. Enough said!<\/li> <li><strong>Skill Development<\/strong>: You\u2019ll gain deep knowledge of risk management, internal control, fraud prevention, and more\u2014skills every business needs.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking for a credential that proves you\u2019re the real deal, the CIA is it.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-requirements-to-become-a-cia\"><strong>What Are the Requirements to Become a CIA?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To become a CIA, you must meet specific <strong>entry requirements<\/strong> to apply for the program and <strong>exit requirements<\/strong> to earn your certification. Let\u2019s break these down.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-entry-requirements-can-you-apply\"><strong>Entry Requirements: Can You Apply?<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To apply for the CIA program, you must meet <strong>at least one<\/strong> of these qualifications:<\/p> <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Hold a Bachelor\u2019s Degree or Higher<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Most candidates enter the program with a bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited university.<\/li> <li>You\u2019ll need to submit official transcripts as proof.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Be in Your Final Year of College<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>You can start the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/certified-internal-auditor-exams\/\">CIA exams<\/a> now if you\u2019re in your last year of a bachelor\u2019s degree program. However, you won\u2019t receive the certification until you graduate and meet all requirements.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Have Relevant Work Experience<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>If you don\u2019t have a degree, you can qualify with <strong>five years of relevant work experience<\/strong> in fields like internal auditing, risk management, or compliance. Two of those years must have been within the past three years.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Hold the Internal Audit Practitioner Designation<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>You can jump into the CIA program if you\u2019ve already earned this entry-level certification.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Professional Certification Exemptions<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Are you an ACCA-qualified accountant or a CPA with an active license? You may qualify for exemptions from some requirements.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ol> <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"410\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/01\/Certified-Internal-Auditor-410x1024.png\" alt=\"Steps to become Certified Internal Auditor\" class=\"wp-image-3281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/01\/Certified-Internal-Auditor-410x1024.png 410w, https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/01\/Certified-Internal-Auditor-120x300.png 120w, https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/01\/Certified-Internal-Auditor-60x150.png 60w, https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/01\/Certified-Internal-Auditor.png 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/figure> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-exit-requirements-what-s-next-after-the-exams\"><strong>Exit Requirements: What\u2019s Next After the Exams?<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To officially earn the CIA designation, you\u2019ll need:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Pass All Three Parts of the CIA Exam<\/strong>: More on this in a second!<\/li> <li><strong>Work Experience<\/strong>: <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>If you have a <strong>master\u2019s degree<\/strong>: 1 year of relevant work experience.<\/li> <li>If you have a <strong>bachelor\u2019s degree<\/strong>: 2 years of relevant work experience.<\/li> <li>If you entered with <strong>work experience instead of a degree<\/strong>: 5 years total, including at least 2 recent years.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Work experience can include roles in:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Internal auditing<\/li> <li>Risk management<\/li> <li>Quality assurance<\/li> <li>Compliance<\/li> <li>External auditing<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-cia-exam-like\"><strong>What Is the CIA Exam Like?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You need to pass the CIA exams. But what does that really mean? The CIA exam is where you prove your expertise, from basics and ethics to solving complex real-world scenarios. It\u2019s divided into three parts, each focused on a different area of internal auditing:<\/p> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What Does the CIA Exam Really Test? (And What It Doesn\u2019t)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YqASBPkyhWs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure> <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Part 1: Internal Audit Fundamentals<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Topics: Audit basics, ethics, governance, fraud risks.<\/li> <li>125 questions | 2.5 hours.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Part 2: Internal Audit Engagement<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Topics: Planning, conducting audits, communication.<\/li> <li>100 questions | 2 hours.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Part 3: Internal Audit Function<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Topics: Audit strategy, operations, quality assurance.<\/li> <li>100 questions | 2 hours.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ol> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each exam part is multiple-choice and timed, so practice is key!<\/p> <div class=\"kit-inline-form\"><style>.kit-inline-form .formkit-form{margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;}<\/style><script async data-uid=\"42b4b1fa63\" src=\"https:\/\/jedge-crushempire-com.kit.com\/42b4b1fa63\/index.js\"><\/script><\/div> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-does-it-cost\"><strong>How Much Does It Cost?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earning the CIA designation is an investment, but one that often pays off in career growth. Here\u2019s the breakdown:<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-application-fees\"><strong>Application Fees<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Students<\/strong>: $65<\/li> <li><strong>IIA Members<\/strong>: $120<\/li> <li><strong>Non-Members<\/strong>: $240<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-exam-fees\"><strong>Exam Fees<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Part 1<\/strong>: <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Students:<\/strong> $245<\/li> <li><strong>Members:<\/strong> $310<\/li> <li><strong>Non-Members:<\/strong> $445<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Parts 2 &amp; 3 (each)<\/strong>: <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Students:<\/strong> $215<\/li> <li><strong>Members:<\/strong> $280<\/li> <li><strong>Non-Members:<\/strong> $415<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-prep-course-costs\"><strong>Prep Course Costs<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Though prep courses aren&#8217;t a requirement, they&#8217;re a necessity for most candidates to pass. Prep providers like Surgent, Gleim, and PRC offer packages between <strong>$499 and $1,249<\/strong>.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-total-costs\"><strong>Total Costs<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How much should you budget for your CIA journey?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It depends on whether you&#8217;re a student, member, or non-member, but generally speaking, you should budget about <strong>$2,000<\/strong> for your exam fees and prep course costs.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s a pro tip: Some employers cover these fees as part of professional development programs, so it\u2019s worth checking with your company.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-next-steps\"><strong>Your Next Steps<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to start your journey? Here\u2019s a simple plan:<\/p> <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Check Your Eligibility<\/strong>: Do you meet the entry requirements? Gather your documents now.<\/li> <li><strong>Plan Your Timeline<\/strong>: Decide when to take each exam part and schedule study time. Also, consider your education and experience requirements in your overall timeline.<\/li> <li><strong>Leverage Resources<\/strong>: If you\u2019re an IIA member, you get discounts and access to top study materials. Also, check with your employer (if applicable) about payment options.<\/li> <li><strong>Create a Budget and Save: <\/strong>With around $2,000 to plan for, the sooner you can start saving, the better!<\/li> <li><strong>Choose Your Prep Course:<\/strong> Some of my favorites are Surgent, Gleim, and PRC. Pay attention to access periods and incorporate them into your schedule.<\/li> <li><strong>Start with Part 1<\/strong>: It\u2019s the most manageable for many candidates and builds confidence for the rest. You don&#8217;t have to take the exams in order, but it&#8217;s generally the best way to go.<\/li> <\/ol> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fulfilling the CIA requirements and passing all three exams takes time and effort, but ultimately, I bet you&#8217;d agree that the rewards are well worth it. After all, a little bit of stress and dedication for an additional $26,000 per year seems like a great trade to me!<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re looking to advance in your current role or open doors to new opportunities, earning the CIA is one of the best decisions you can make for your future.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So what are you waiting for? Take the first step today\u2014you\u2019ve got this!<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736858949312\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What qualifications do I need to become an internal auditor?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You need a bachelor\u2019s degree, five years of relevant experience, or the Internal Audit Practitioner designation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736858955722\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How hard is the CIA exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It\u2019s rigorous, with three parts that test audit fundamentals, engagement planning, and operations. Most find Part 3 the toughest. Passing them is mandatory for earning the CIA certification.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736858961873\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How much do certified internal auditors make?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">CIAs earn an average of $80,000\u2013$100,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and industry. Increased financial management skills and business knowledge can increase this number.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736858970256\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can you be an internal auditor without a degree?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but according to the IIA&#8217;s professional certification board, you\u2019ll need five years of relevant work experience, including two within the last three years.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736858977836\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How much do certified internal auditors make?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Salaries vary, but CIAs earn $26,000 more on average compared to non-certified internal auditors.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Certified internal auditors make an average of $26,000 more than their non-certified counterparts. Earn your CIA designation, and your wallet will thank you! But first, you&#8217;ll have to meet a list of requirements. In this guide, I\u2019ll break it all down\u2014everything from entry and exit requirements for CIAs to why earning this credential could be [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":3280,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3276","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/01\/certified-internal-auditor-requirements-768x427.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.6 (Yoast SEO v28.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Certified Internal Auditor Requirements for 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the Certified Internal Auditor requirements and how to qualify for this globally recognized certification to boost your internal auditing career.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/certified-internal-auditor-requirements\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Certified Internal Auditor Requirements: What You Need to Know\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover the Certified Internal Auditor requirements and how to qualify for this globally recognized certification to boost your internal auditing career.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/certified-internal-auditor-requirements\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Charlotte Observer - Careers &amp; 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