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Become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Since 1974, there has only been one internal audit designation that has garnered global recognition, career advancement, and professional credibility – the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) certification. Join more than 200,000 CIAs from 170 countries who have achieved this highly respected global certification. Your path to CIA is tailored to your experience — choose from traditional, accelerated or student pathways.

Certified Internal Auditor

The CIA is the only globally recognized internal audit certification

Becoming a CIA is the optimum way to communicate knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively carry out professional responsibilities for any internal audit, anywhere in the world. With 50 years of setting the gold standard, earning the CIA credential is investing in gold.

Starting a race

Get started on your CIA

Find out if you meet the CIA eligibility requirements and review pricing.

Using CCMS

Apply & manage your CIA

Access The IIA's Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) to apply for and manage your CIA.

Studying for exam

Prepare for your CIA exam

The IIA is here to support your CIA journey with the resources and tools you need.

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Renew & manage your CIA designation

Stay up to date with internal audit improvements and best practices.

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

Do you meet the CIA eligibility requirements?

You have three years from the date you are accepted into the CIA program to complete the eligibility requirements.

To find out if you meet the CIA eligibility requirements, select your level of education below.

Which CIA path is right for you?

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
Learn more about 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
Learn more about CIA Challenge Exam

How much does the CIA cost?

CIA application

  • $120 USD (Member)
  • $240 USD (Non-member)
Apply Today

Members save $120 USD

CIA part 1 exam

  • $310 USD (Member)
  • $445 USD (Non-member)

Members save $135 USD

CIA part 2 exam

  • $280 USD (Member)
  • $415 USD (Non-member)

Members save $135 USD

CIA part 3 exam

  • $280 USD (Member)
  • $415 USD (Non-member)

Members save $135 USD

Earn the CIA through a one-part exam

Accounting CIA Challenge Exam package

Includes application fee, registration fee, and study guide including practice questions

  • $1,255 USD (Member)
  • $1,625 USD (Non-member)
Get Started

Members save $370 USD

Information systems CIA Challenge package

Includes application fee, registration fee, and study guide including practice questions

  • $1,255 USD (Member)
  • $1,625 USD (Non-member)
Get Started

Members save $370 USD

Important To receive your discount, log in and verify your IIA membership is active before completing a purchase. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Outside North America, contact your National Institute to obtain membership and verify pricing/applicable taxes.

Books in different languages

What languages are the CIA exam offered in?

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam is offered in a variety of languages.

  • Arabic
  • Simplified Chinese*
  • Traditional Chinese
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Thai
  • Turkish

Review 2025 language release schedule

*Simplified Chinese is only available in Mainland China.

Get certified

Submit your application

  1. Gather required documents (proof of education, government-issued photo ID).
  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.
  4. Review sample questions.

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.
Need help navigating these steps? Learn more about CCMS.

CIA renewal and already certified resources

Review renewal requirements, access the certification registry and other resources designed for those already certified.

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.

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