IIA Certificate in Internal Audit and Business Risk

The IIA Certificate in Internal Audit and Business Risk is the ideal programme for people who are new to internal audit as well as those who are seconded to the function and need to build a firm foundation of practical skills with which to become more effective in their job.

The IIA Certificate offers a mixture of theory and practical skills and provides authoritative guidance on best practice set in the context of today's business environment. It is designed to bring students up to speed in the areas of corporate governance, risk management and internal audit. It takes a skills based approach to learning how to deliver an audit and how to communicate effectively with clients.

Successful IIA Certificate students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a recognised level of proficiency in internal auditing
  • Apply their knowledge and skills in practical, day-to-day situations
  • Refresh and update their knowledge in the context of recent changes
  • Improve their service to management and add value to their organisation.

What are the features and contents of the qualification?
The IIA Certificate comprises two theory modules, two skills modules, a personal development portfolio and an assignment. The theory modules are:

  • Corporate Governance and Risk Management
  • Internal Auditing - Tools and Techniques

The skills modules are:

  • Effective Delivery of an Audit
  • Communication and Client-Auditor Relations.

The personal development portfolio records the learning from the four modules, and how the student has transferred this to the workplace. The 3,500-word written assignment requires students to undertake research and demonstrate their analysis and communication skills.

What is the level of the qualification?
The IIA Certificate is the first level in the IIA's qualifications portfolio. It covers the essential knowledge and skills that all internal auditors need to have in the core areas of corporate governance, internal audit and communication.

How long will it take to complete?
Students can complete the IIA Certificate from six months up to a maximum of two years. As a guideline, it should take about 190 hours to complete the Certificate, plus the time to complete a personal development portfolio. This includes reading the workbooks, attending four, two-day workshops, and completing the assignment.

Will it give me a designation?
Yes. Students who complete this qualification are entitled to use the designation IACert.

What are the entry requirements?
There are no entry requirements for the IIA Certificate programme.

What happens after I complete the Certificate?
Successful students are entitled to use the designatory letters IACert.

After completing the IIA Certificate, we encourage students to continue their professional education and improve their career prospects by taking the IIA Diploma in Internal Audit Practice, a one- to three-year qualification leading to the designation 'PIIA'. The Certificate programme provides exemption from tuition for the Corporate Governance and Risk Management and Internal Auditing modules of the IIA Diploma, although students will need to pass the exams for these modules. Students are also exempt from the two skills modules.

Will I be eligible for any exemptions?
No exemptions are available for any of the IIA Certificate modules.

How will I be assessed?
The IIA Certificate is awarded to individuals who complete the four modules - by attending four, two-day workshops - and successfully complete the personal development portfolio and the assignment.

Where do I go for tuition?
Tuition is only available through the Institute. There is a two-day workshop for each of the four modules.

When should I apply to enroll on the qualification?
The workshops run throughout the year. Students can enroll on the IIA Certificate at any time.

Do I have to become an IIA member?
Yes, you must become a student member of the Institute before enrolling on an IIA qualification. For information about member benefits, see the membership section.

How much will it cost to complete the IIA Certificate?
The total cost will depend on how long it takes you to complete the qualification. Membership fees can be found in the membership section and for details of tuition fees see the qualification costs document.

Where do I go for more information?
If you have any further questions, email the student support coordinator or telephone 020 7819 1907.