How to Become a Certified Internal Auditor in New York

The Institute of Internal Auditors, or IIA, offers the Certified Internal Auditor, or CIA, designation, which is the globally accepted credential for internal auditors. Internal auditors check for mismanagement and fraud and verify the effectiveness of internal controls within their own organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean salary for accountants and auditors in New York State in 2010 was $85,230. In metropolitan New York City, that annual mean wage increases to $89,220.

Instructions

1. Complete at least a bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university. Find a listing of colleges and universities in New York in Resources.

2. Gain at least 24 months of internal auditing experience in a professional environment. If you hold a master's degree in a field related to auditing, the experience requirement is only 12 months.

3. Get a character reference attesting to your high moral and professional character from your direct supervisor, another CIA, a Certified Government Auditing Professional, Certified Financial Services Auditor or someone with a Certification in Control Self-Assessment.

4. Complete a CIA course. Though this step is not required, completing a course will help you to be successful on your exam. Pace University offers a $2,100 course that is delivered over eight Saturdays in Manhattan. See the Institute of Internal Auditors' New York Chapter website for more information on courses in New York.

5. Apply for CIA certification with the IIA. Go to the IIA website to apply on-line. Include proof of your degree completion, internal auditing experience and your character reference with your application.

6. Sit for your CIA exam. Once your application has been approved, apply with Pearson Vue to sit for your exam. The exam consists of 400 multiple choice questions covering internal audit practices, issues, risks and remedies and is administered over the course of four three-hour sessions.

7. Maintain your certification with continuing education courses. Once you have passed your exam and have gained certification, you must complete at least 80 hours of continuing education courses per year to keep your certification active. Acceptable continuing education includes in-house training programs, college courses, or self-study programs.

References

• Institute of Internal Auditors: Certified Internal Auditor
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Auditors and Accountants
• Institute of Internal Auditors: Certified Internal Auditor Eligibility Requirements
• Institute of Internal Auditors New York Chapter: Pace University Professional Education
• Pearson Vue: IIA Tests

Resources

• University of Texas: New York Colleges and Universities
• Institute of Internal Auditors New York Chapter
• Institute of Internal Auditors: Certification Candidate Management System
• Pearson Vue: IIA Certification Testing
• Pearson Vue: Locate Test Centers