About the CIA qualification

The CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) is the primary professional designation offered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (the IIA). 

The Institute was first established in 1941 and is an international professional association with its global headquarters in Florida, USA.

The mission of the IIA is to provide dynamic leadership for the global profession of internal auditing. It is arguably the internal audit profession's global voice and recognized authority with IIA members in 165 countries. 

Members of the IIA work in a variety of roles including internal auditing, risk management, governance, internal control and information technology audit. 

The CIA qualification is awarded by the IIA after a candidate successfully completes the CIA exams and achieves 2 years approved practicing experience. The 2 years experience can include either internal audit experience or equivalent experience. 

Equivalent experience  can include for example external auditing, compliance and internal control work. 

Candidates may sit for the CIA exams before satisfying the CIA experience requirements but must obtain the experience in order to be certified by the CIA.