Why take the CIA?
Going through the CIA exams helped me consolidate my knowledge of audit in general and I gained new knowledge in areas such as financial report controls and business process improvement.
It really helped me gain a broader view of internal audit governance, approach, methodology and internal control.
Elena R. Nistor-Lustermans
Internal Audit Manager IT
Post Office
Certified Internal Auditor
Become a certified professional internal auditor
Certified Internal Auditor is the global benchmark for professional career internal auditors, allowing you to perform any audit anywhere in the world. When you study the CIA, you’ll learn about internal audit theory and the core frameworks, including the International Standards, and how to plan and perform an internal audit engagement. You will also be introduced to the concepts of internal control, risk, governance and technology.
Becoming a CIA will:
- Demonstrate your proficiency and professionalism
- Distinguish you from your peers
- Develop your knowledge of best practices in the industry
- Lay a foundation for continued improvement and advancement
You must be a member to take the CIA in the UK or Ireland.
CIA Challenge Exam
The CIA Challenge Exam is a fast-track route for qualified accountants to complete the highly respected Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification. This route is available only to members of qualified accounting bodies and covers all areas of the CIA certification (Parts 1, 2 and 3). It therefore includes content not currently covered by your local accounting exam. The CIA Challenge Exam is delivered by IIA Global.
Candidates doing the CIA Challenge Exam are required to sit one exam to earn the CIA designation.
In preparation for the exam, candidates are invited to book a CIA Challenge Exam masterclass with us, presented online and available across the world.
Register for the CIA Challenge Exam
Register for the CIA today
Already a member? Register here or Join today as a student member
Why become certified?
View our video case studies for these CIAs
Eligibility
Providing proof of education is required for all CIA candidates. If you have lost your school certificates you will need to organise replacements. To be approved, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Hold an Internal Audit Practitioner designation achieved within the last three years
- Have at least five years' internal audit experience
If you are a year or less away from meeting the eligibility requirements you can join us as Student member now and begin your studies via our tuition programme. You can then register for the CIA once you become eligible.
What you need to do to pass the CIA
You need to pass three exams and meet the experience requirements to become a CIA. To pass an exam you need to achieve a mark of at least 80% (600 of 750 marks). Exams can be taken year-round at over 100 Pearson Vue centres in the UK and Ireland. Alternatively, you can sit your exam online.
View the exam syllabus | Read more about the exams
Studying for the CIA
All CIA students are given access to the CIA Learning system. Developed by IIA Global to support their CIA syllabus, the CIA Learning system is a comprehensive online system giving you access to all the reading materials supported by interactive tools. The flexible approach means you can study at your own pace, and when you revise for the exams, book one of our CIA Masterclasses to give you the best chance of passing the exam.
Read more about our study support | View fees and tuition costs
How long does it take?
You must complete the CIA in three years and, in general, students spend around nine months on each of the parts. Most students complete the CIA in 12–18 months. The maximum time allowed is three years – that includes the time that needs to elapse for you meet the experience requirement.
Studying requires a time commitment of around 80 hours each for Parts 1 and 2, and around 100 hours for Part 3.
Maintaining the CIA designation
Membership of the Chartered IIA must be maintained in order to use the CIA designation, and CIAs are required to maintain their knowledge and skills through continuing professional education (CPE).
Exemptions
There are no exemptions available for the CIA. You will be required to sit all three exams regardless of your prior qualifications or experience.
Register for the CIA today
Questions? Call 020 7498 0101 or email studentsupport@iia.org.uk
