Skip to Content

Earn your internal audit certification

Become an Internal Audit Practitioner™ (IAP™), a Certified Internal Auditor ® (CIA®), or earn your Certification in Risk Management Assurance ® (CRMA®) to strengthen your knowledge base and distinguish yourself from your peers. Wherever your journey takes you, there is an IIA internal audit certification that can certify your success.

Group of IIA members

Apply, complete, and maintain your internal audit certification

Access The IIA's Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) portal to apply, complete, and maintain your certification.

Internal Audit Practitioner

Internal Audit Practitioner

Earn your IAP designation through the CIA part 1 exam and demonstrate your aptitude and foundational knowledge of The IIA Standards. Ideal for university students, rotational auditors, and new auditors.

Certified Internal Auditor

Certified Internal Auditor

The only globally recognized internal audit certification. Your path to CIA is tailored to your experience — choose from traditional, accelerated, or student pathways.

Certification in Risk Management Assurance

Certification in Risk Management Assurance

Reflects the in-depth organizational knowledge and advanced skillsets that are required to provide effective risk management assurance to audit committees and executive management.

Which internal audit certification is right for you?

Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP)

  • Ideal for students, beginner internal auditors & rotational internal auditors
  • Part 1 of CIA exam
  • Covers internal audit fundamentals
  • 150-minute exam, 125 multiple choice questions
  • Exam available in multiple languages
  • No prerequisite
  • Discounts for members and students
Explore the IAP

Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)

  • The only risk management assurance certification for internal auditors
  • 150-minute exam, 120 questions
  • Covers internal audit roles and responsibilities, risk management governance & risk management assurance
  • CIA designation not required
  • Discounts for members
Explore the CRMA

Review pricing

Earn the CIA through the one-part Challenge Exam

Accounting CIA Challenge Exam

  • Available to qualified CPA and CA holders
  • Application window: April - September
  • 1 multiple-choice exam including content not covered on CPA and CA exams
  • CIA Challenge Exam Study Guide including 1,000 practice questions
Explore the CIA Challenge Exam

Information systems CIA Challenge Exam

  • Available to qualified CISA™ holders
  • Application window: April - September
  • 1 multiple-choice exam including content not covered on CISA™ exam
  • CIA Challenge Exam Study Guide including 1,000 practice questions
Explore the CIA Challenge Exam

Steps to earn your internal audit certification

Submit your application

  1. Gather required documents*.
  2. Create an account or sign into the CCMS.
  3. Select a certification program.
  4. Submit your application and pay for your order.

Take the certification exam

  1. Go to "Manage Program" via the CCMS.
  2. Register for the exam or exam part.
  3. Schedule your exam.

You will not be able to register for the exam until your documents and application are approved.

Get your certification

  1. Complete your experience verification.
  2. Receive your certification.
  3. Access your certificate via the CCMS. A printed copy may be obtained for a fee.
* Required documents You will need a government-issued photo ID, as well as proof of education (CIA and CRMA) or proof of good standing (Challenge Exam) to complete your application.
Need help navigating these steps? Learn more about CCMS.

Books in different languages

Certification Candidate Handbook

The Certification Candidate Handbook provides details on the policies and procedures along your internal audit certification journey.

Get the handbook

Certification candidate handbook

Need to renew your certification?

Review Certification Renewal Requirements

Marking the calendar

The CIA syllabi and exam are changing

The topic areas on each CIA exam syllabus will be updated to:

  • Bring the exams up to date with the current global practice of internal auditing.
  • Create greater alignment between the CIA syllabi and The IIA’s new Global Internal Audit Standards.

The CIA exam is now available through a test center-only delivery model. Online proctoring has been discontinued to preserve the integrity of IIA certification programs and enhance the testing experience for all candidates. 

Prepare for 2025 CIA changes

Review 2025 CIA update details

Certification Registry

The IIA maintains an up-to-date registry of individuals who have earned one of its certifications.

Review Certification Registry

Pricing is applicable in the United States, Canada, and select countries throughout the world. Pricing may differ in countries where exams are administered through agreements with National Institutes.

Applicable taxes may be collected in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Candidates residing in the United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland or South Africa must be IIA members to apply for the CIA, CRMA, IAP, and CIA Challenge Exam.

Certification renewal fees may vary globally and depend on whether you renew your certification(s) directly to The IIA through CCMS or through your National Institute.

CISA™ is a trademark of ISACA.