The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is the global professional certification for internal auditors — a designation that signals mastery of the professional practice of internal auditing: delivering independent, objective assurance and advisory work that helps organisations manage risk, strengthen control and improve governance. Recognised by employers, boards and regulators around the world, it is the credential most often expected of senior audit and chief audit executive (CAE) roles.
The exam is set and awarded by The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) — the worldwide professional association for the internal audit profession, established in 1941 and headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida. The IIA publishes the standards and the code of ethics that internal auditors work to, and it administers the CIA programme in more than 170 countries. A CIA therefore stands for the same standard of knowledge and conduct, whether you practise in Nairobi, London or Dubai.
The CIA is written for people who practise — or intend to practise — internal auditing: internal audit staff and management, accountants and auditors moving into the field, and risk, compliance, governance and controls professionals whose work depends on a credible audit function. If you are starting out and want a recognised professional base, or you are an experienced auditor preparing for leadership, the CIA is the target worth aiming for.
