Become an Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP)

The Internal Audit Practitioner designation demonstrates internal audit aptitude and foundational knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards.

Ideal for university students and beginner or rotational internal auditors, this designation opens a new pathway to the Certified Internal Auditor certification.

The refreshed program utilizes CIA Part 1 as the assessment.

This creates a clear pathway into the CIA program and means candidates only must complete Parts 2 and 3 should they decide to pursue a CIA certification.

The Internal Audit Practitioner designation demonstrates that the holder possesses internal audit aptitude and foundational knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards.

It is also now a permanent credential, meaning that you will still hold a valuable internal audit certification should you decide not to pursue your CIA.

This program is ideal for:

• University students
• Beginner internal auditors
• Rotational internal auditors
• Managers of internal audit activities
• Non-degree holding professionals

The eligibility requirements for Internal Audit Practitioner are as follows:

• Government-issued ID
• Application

The Internal Audit Practitioner application only requires you to upload proof of ID through CCMS to be approved into the program.

Education and experience are not required to enroll and complete the program.

IIA membership is required in United Kingdom and Ireland, South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho.

Contact the National Institutes in those countries for more information.

While IIA membership is not required in other counties, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the member benefits including exam fee discounts, networking opportunities, and more.

Complete the Internal Audit Practitioner application including proof of identification through The IIA’s Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS).

Once your application for the Internal Audit Practitioner is approved, log into CCMS to register for and schedule your exam.

Updated IAP Syllabus - effective 28 May 2025

• 2019 Syllabus
• 2025 Syllabus

Visit certification pricing for application and registration fees.

You will have two years to finish the Internal Audit Practitioner program from the date you are approved into the program.

Effective May 28, 2025: the IAP no longer expires and is instead a permanent certification.

IAP holders will need to earn 20 hours of CPE each year and complete an annual certification renewal beginning in 2026.

The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions.

Candidates will have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.

The IIA does not provide printed certificates, instead, you will receive a PDF that you may download and print.

In some countries or territories, you will also receive a digital badge that represents your achievement.

Candidates will be able to display their recognition through social badging. Social badging allows holders of IIA qualifications to digitally display their credentials on social and professional networking sites at no cost to the candidate.

The IIA Certification Registry is an up-to-date record of individuals who have earned an IIA certification and maintain it by reporting continuing professional education (CPE) to keep their credential active.

All IIA active certification holders who choose to voluntarily opt in will be included in the registry.

The IIA Certification Registry allows you to provide evidence of your accomplishments and provides an opportunity for employers and recruiters to verify your IIA designations.

You should opt into the certification registry to certify your credibility.

Once you have submitted your application in CCMS with payment, your application will be reviewed. Once your application is approved, you will receive notification via email. After you are approved into your program, you will be able to register for your exam(s). Once you have completed your program (by passing your exam(s) and completing any additional program requirements) your designation will be displayed on your account within 7-14 business days.

Upon certification, you will be able to print a digital certificate or order a physical certificate in the CCMS.

For a step-by-step guide, please review The IIA Certification Candidate Handbook.

Yes. You must apply for the IAP in CCMS under your existing profile. Once your application is approved, your IAP designation will be processed.

Yes, with an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation you can apply for the CIA program.

You could even receive a waiver for CIA part 1, meaning you will only need to complete parts 2 and 3.

• If your IAP was awarded after 27 May 2025, you will have four years to enroll in the CIA program and maintain the waiver for CIA part 1.
• If your IAP was awarded on or before 27 May 2025, you will have until 31 May 2026 to enroll in the CIA program and maintain the waiver for CIA part 1.

To maintain an Active status for your IAP designation, you will need to complete the Annual Certification Renewal requirements beginning in 2026.

If your IAP was awarded on or before 27 May 2025, you will have until 31 May 2026 to enroll in the CIA program and maintain the waiver for CIA Part 1.

Previously awarded Internal Audit Practitioner designations that expired will be restored to Active status.

To maintain the permanent Internal Audit Practitioner designation, you must comply with The IIA’s Annual Certification Renewal Policy.

Beginning in 2026, all individuals holding an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation must renew annually and attest that they have earned 20 hours of continuing professional education (CPE).