How to Take the CIA Exam

Take the CIA exam to become a certified internal auditor.

The Certified Internal Auditor Examination is designed to measure the competence and knowledge of persons wishing to become a certified internal auditor. The examination tests candidates' knowledge of the subject areas that would affect the practice of auditing. The Institute of Internal Auditors is responsible for all aspects of the test. It provides candidates with preparation resources and grades the exam.

Instructions

1. Read the Institute of Internal Auditors Certifications Handbook, available for download from the Institute of Internal Auditors website (see Resources).

2. Decide which certification you need. The Certified Internal Auditor Certification is the only one of its kind accepted globally for internal auditing. This certification requires a four-part exam in the areas of governance, risk and control, conducting the internal audit engagement and business management skills. Three specialty certifications are available in the areas of control self-assessment, government auditing and financial services.

3. Find out if you are eligible for the various certification based on your education and experience. The exam candidate must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college-level institution. He must provide a character reference signed by someone in the profession or by the candidate's supervisor. The candidate must also have a minimum of 24 months' internal auditing work experience or its equivalent to apply for certification and take the exam.

4. Use practice exams to further hone your skills in the areas to be tested. Practice exams are available for download from the Institute of Internal Auditors website (see Resources) or other testing services' websites.

5. Prepare for the exam by taking advantage of educational resources provided to you by the Institute of Internal Auditors. Exam manuals and software are available through the Institute of Internal Auditors' online bookstore (see Resources).

6. Register for the exam using the Institute of Internal Auditors' online Certification Candidate Management System (see Resources). Testing is available at 500 locations worldwide and is given year-round.

References

• Exam Matrix: The CIA Examination
• The Institute of Internal Auditors: Six Steps to Earning a Certification in Internal Auditing

Resources

• Certification: Download the IIA Certifications Handbooks
• The Institute of Internal Auditors: New to IIA Certification?
• The Institute of Internal Auditors: Exam Preparation Resources
• The Institute of Internal Audtiors: Bookstore
• The Institute of Internal Audtiors: IIA Certification Candidate Management System Login