CIA Certification Guide 2026: Requirements, Cost, Exam & How to Become a Certified Internal Auditor
CIA Certification is the Certified Internal Auditor credential awarded by The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) to professionals who demonstrate competence in internal audit fundamentals, engagement work, and audit-function management. The traditional route requires passing three computer-based exam parts and meeting education/experience requirements. In 2026, Part 1 has 125 questions in 150 minutes; Parts 2 and 3 each have 100 questions in 120 minutes. Candidates must also satisfy ethics, identification, and experience-verification requirements before certification within the program window. What Is CIA Certification? The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional internal audit credential administered by The Institute of Internal Auditors . The IIA describes the CIA as the only globally recognized certification specifically for internal auditors and reports more than 220,000 CIAs across 170 countries . The credential validates the ability to understand and app...