Certified Internal Auditor: What It Is and Why It Matters in 2025

Internal auditing might not sound like the most exciting career path at first glance, but here's something that caught my attention during my research: according to Becker, Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs) earn between $26,000 to $38,000 more annually than their non-certified colleagues. That's a 37-50% salary premium for a single certification.

Through my work with educational institutions and professional certifications, I've seen firsthand how the right credentials can transform career trajectories. The CIA certification, in particular, has become increasingly vital in 2025's complex business landscape, where organisations face mounting pressure around regulatory compliance, ESG reporting, and cyber risk management.

I've created this comprehensive guide to help you understand what the CIA certification really means, who it's for, and how to earn it. Whether you're a mid-career professional looking to specialise or a recent graduate exploring your options, I'll walk you through the certification requirements, career benefits, and strategic approaches to maximise your investment in this globally recognised credential.

What is a Certified Internal Auditor?

The Certification Explained

A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is the only globally accepted internal audit designation and gold standard qualification for internal audit professionals worldwide.

It's awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), which has been setting the benchmark for internal audit excellence since 1941.

The key thing to understand is that internal auditing is quite different from external auditing. Internal auditors work within organisations to improve how they operate - think of them as the organisation's trusted advisors who help ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Modern CIAs use advanced audit management platforms like AuditBoard, Workiva, and TeamMate+ to streamline their work through automated workflows and real-time reporting. They're increasingly involved in emerging critical areas like ESG compliance, cybersecurity governance, and data analytics.

When you become a CIA, you're qualified to evaluate and enhance three crucial areas of any organisation:

How It Differs From Other Certifications

The CIA stands apart from other professional certifications in some important ways:

• CIA vs CPA (Certified Public Accountant): While CPAs focus on external financial auditing and accounting, CIAs look at the bigger picture of how organisations operate internally
• CIA vs CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor): CISA specialists concentrate specifically on IT systems and cybersecurity, whereas CIAs cover all aspects of organisational operations
• CIA vs ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): ACCA provides broad accounting expertise, but the CIA specifically develops internal audit expertise

Global Recognition and Career Impact

One of the most valuable aspects of the CIA certification is its global recognition. It's respected worldwide and can open doors across different:

• Industries - from banking to healthcare, manufacturing to government
• Countries - the certification is internationally recognised and transferable
• Organisation types - public, private, and non-profit sectors all value CIA credentials

This means that as a CIA, your skills and qualifications will be recognised whether you're working in London, New York, Singapore, or anywhere else in the world. With employment growth projected at 5 percent through 2034, the career outlook is particularly promising.

The certification demonstrates that you have the expertise to help organisations improve their operations, manage risks more effectively, and ensure they're well-governed - skills that are increasingly valuable in today's complex business environment.

CIAs follow the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) set by the IIA, which provides comprehensive standards and guidelines for internal audit work. They can specialise in various areas such as:

• IT auditing
• ESG auditing
• Compliance auditing
• Financial services auditing
• Operational auditing

There are clear career progression paths from entry-level positions through to Chief Audit Executive roles. In major corporations, CIAs typically work in centralised departments reporting to both the Audit Committee and senior management, collaborating closely with risk management, compliance, and IT security teams to ensure comprehensive risk oversight and control. Notably, 24% of internal auditors work in Fortune 500 companies, highlighting the significant role they play in large organizations.

CIA Certification Requirements and Process

Eligibility Pathways

The path to becoming a Certified Internal Auditor is more flexible than many people think.

You don't actually need an accounting background - that's a common myth that puts many qualified professionals off pursuing this valuable certification.

While accounting degrees are common among CIA candidates, successful professionals come from diverse backgrounds including finance, business administration, risk management, and compliance.

Your degree must be from an accredited university recognised by the IIA. If you're studying at a university that participates in the IIA's Internal Audit Education Partnership program, you'll be getting particularly relevant preparation for the certification.

Three-Part Examination Structure

The CIA exam is comprehensive but manageable when you understand its structure. It's designed to test both your theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of internal auditing principles.

Each exam part requires a score of at least 600 out of 750 to pass. All questions are multiple choice, and there's no penalty for wrong answers, so it's always worth attempting every question.

The exam content is being updated for May 2025 to align with the new Global Internal Audit Standards, so you'll be tested on the most current industry practices. The rollout begins with English exams in May 2025, with non-English versions following later.

The IIA provides several official exam prep resources through their Learning Library, including:

• Practice quizzes and mock exams
• Digital flashcards for key concepts
• Comprehensive study guides
• Video tutorials and webinars

They've also partnered with respected providers like Becker and GLEIM, who offer comprehensive exam preparation materials with features like adaptive learning technology and real exam simulations.

Experience Requirements

Your required work experience varies based on your education level:

• Master's degree holders need just 1 year of relevant experience
• Bachelor's degree holders need 2 years
• Those without degrees need 5-7 years, depending on their pathway

Here's the good news - you don't need to complete your experience before taking the exam. You just need to fulfill the experience requirement within three years of being approved for the CIA program.

Qualifying experience isn't limited to traditional internal audit roles. The IIA recognises experience in several related fields:

• External audit
• Quality assurance
• Risk management
• Compliance
• Internal control

You'll need to document your experience through the IIA's Experience Verification Form, typically supported by HR letters or supervisor endorsements.

Ongoing Maintenance

Becoming a CIA isn't the end of the journey - it's really just the beginning.

To maintain your certification, you'll need to complete 40 hours of CPE each year. Two of those hours must focus on ethics training - this isn't just a box-ticking exercise, it's about maintaining the highest professional standards in the industry.

The IIA's CCMS helps you track and manage your CPE credits, alerting you to upcoming deadlines. Accepted CPE activities include:

• Professional seminars and conferences
• Online webinars and virtual training
• University courses
• In-house training programs
• Published articles or research papers
• Professional volunteering activities

If you miss your CPE requirements, your certification becomes inactive. You'll need to catch up on any missed CPE hours and potentially pay reinstatement fees to get back to active status.

Think of it this way - the initial certification proves you know your stuff, but the ongoing requirements ensure you stay at the top of your game as the profession evolves.

Career Impact and Market Value in 2025

Internal auditor demand is projected to grow 6% and the impact of becoming a Certified Internal Auditor has never been more significant, especially as we move deeper into 2025 with evolving business landscapes and regulatory requirements.

Current Market Demand Drivers

The demand for CIAs is surging, and it's not just about traditional financial auditing anymore. Tightening regulatory requirements worldwide are driving the growing need for CIA-certified professionals.

ESG reporting has become a major focus, with organisations scrambling to meet increasingly strict environmental and social governance requirements. The EU's CSRD and SEC's climate disclosure rules now require internal audit teams to provide "limited assurance" over non-financial disclosures, making CIA expertise essential for data integrity validation.

Cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern, pushing businesses to strengthen their internal controls. They need qualified professionals who understand both the technical and operational aspects of risk management. CIAs are increasingly embedded in dedicated cybersecurity audit teams, participating in third-party risk reviews and incident response exercises while providing independent assurance on cybersecurity posture.

Financial and Professional Benefits

The financial rewards of CIA certification are substantial - professionals with this qualification command an average premium of £38,000 on their annual salary compared to non-certified peers.

But the benefits extend far beyond just the salary bump. Here's what you can expect:

• Career Acceleration: CIA certification often fast-tracks professionals into senior roles in governance and risk management
• Professional Recognition: The certification signals expertise and commitment to the field, opening doors to leadership positions
• Job Security: As regulatory requirements increase, certified professionals become increasingly valuable to organisations
• Global Opportunities: The certification is internationally recognised, allowing for career mobility across borders
• Strategic Advisory Role: CIAs now provide critical insights during mergers, acquisitions, and major capital investments, shaping organisational strategy through risk and compliance expertise
• Technology Integration: Modern CIAs utilise advanced tools like ACL/HighBond for data analytics, and RPA platforms for automated testing, making them valuable in digital transformation initiatives

Industry Applications and High-Demand Sectors

CIA skills are in demand across Fortune 500 firms, startups, government agencies, and nonprofits, with different sectors actively seeking CIA expertise for specific challenges, with varying growth potential and focus areas:

The role has evolved significantly - modern CIAs are now expected to be strategic advisors who can handle everything from cybersecurity assessments to ESG compliance reviews.

You're not just checking boxes anymore - you're helping shape organisational strategy and ensuring business resilience in an increasingly complex world. CIAs are leading transformational projects, from implementing ESG data architecture to automating controls and advising boards on strategic risk and scenario planning.

Many organisations now require CIA certification for senior internal audit positions, making it a crucial stepping stone for career advancement in the field. The certification opens paths to roles like Head of Internal Audit, Chief Audit Executive, and even lateral moves into positions like Risk Manager, Compliance Officer, or Chief Risk Officer.

Who Should Consider CIA Certification

The Certified Internal Auditor certification is a significant career investment - but it's not for everyone. With employment growth projected at 5% through 2034, it's worth carefully considering if this path aligns with your goals.

Let's work out if it's the right path for you.

Ideal Candidate Profiles

You'll find the CIA most valuable if you're already working in or transitioning to internal audit, risk management, or compliance.

The certification is particularly valuable for professionals transitioning from public accounting (especially audit or assurance services), corporate accounting, finance, data analysis, operations, and risk management departments. External auditors, financial analysts, compliance officers, and risk management specialists often find the CIA certification especially beneficial as their experience with internal controls, financial systems, and risk frameworks directly aligns with internal audit responsibilities.

Here's a quick way to check if you fit the ideal profile:

The certification is particularly valuable if you work in quality assurance, risk management, compliance, or internal control roles - these backgrounds provide excellent foundations for the CIA journey. With cybersecurity and IT audits comprising nearly 20% of audit plans, professionals with procurement, regulatory, ethics, or IT experience can also leverage the CIA to pivot toward specialised areas like supply chain, compliance, or IT governance roles.

Career Goals Assessment

The CIA is a serious commitment, so it's worth checking if it aligns with your career aspirations.

You're likely a good fit if you identify with these goals:

• Building a long-term career in internal audit or risk management
• Seeking senior positions in organisational governance
• Planning to work internationally (the CIA is globally recognised)
• Working in organisations where professional certification is valued or required for advancement
• Interested in roles focusing on enterprise risk management and control evaluation
• Aiming for leadership positions such as Senior Internal Auditor, Audit Manager, or Chief Audit Executive
• Planning to work in regulated industries like banking, insurance, or healthcare where CIA certification is often mandated for leadership tracks

Time and Investment Reality Check

Before committing to the CIA, consider these practical factors that will impact your journey:

• Exam preparation typically takes 6-12 months per part (there are three parts)
• You'll need to maintain the certification through ongoing professional education (40 CPE hours annually)
• Financial investment includes exam fees, study materials, and annual membership fees
• Most successful candidates study 10-15 hours weekly while working full-time
• You'll need to develop proficiency in key technical tools including:
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP and Oracle
  • Data analytics tools such as ACL, IDEA, Tableau, and Power BI
  • Audit management software like TeamMate and AuditBoard
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis

The CIA might not be your best option if:

• You're planning a short-term stint in audit
• Your career goals lie in external audit or specialised accounting (consider the CPA instead)
• You work in sectors where internal auditing isn't relevant
• You can't commit to the ongoing education requirements

Remember, success in the CIA programme requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities - these are the same skills you'll need throughout your internal audit career. With 40% of audit teams now using AI technologies, these technical and analytical capabilities are more important than ever.

The investment in becoming a CIA is substantial, but for the right candidate, it's a powerful way to advance your career in internal audit and risk management. Those who earn the CIA certification typically see faster promotion timelines (often accelerated by 1-2 years compared to non-certified peers) and command salary premiums ranging from 15% to 40% depending on experience and role.

Maximising CIA Value Through Strategic Certification Planning

The CIA certification is your foundation for a powerful career in internal audit, but the real magic happens when you build on it strategically.

Complementary Certification Combinations

The internal audit landscape is becoming increasingly complex, which is exactly why combining your CIA with other certifications can give you a serious edge.

The salary impact of these combinations is significant - CIA certified professionals earn up to 51% more than their non-certified colleagues, and adding complementary certifications can push that premium even higher.

Organisational Support and Career Integration

Your CIA journey doesn't have to be a solo mission - most organisations now understand the immense value certified internal auditors bring to the table.

Here's what forward-thinking companies typically offer:

• Direct financial assistance for exam fees and study materials
• Structured mentoring programmes pairing you with experienced CIAs
• Protected study time and access to training resources
• Clear career progression paths that value CIA certification
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Networking events with other certified professionals

Big 4 firms and Fortune 500 companies often provide comprehensive support packages, including fully funded CIA training, in-house exam prep classes, and fast-track rotational programs that expose you to audit, risk consulting, and data analytics functions. These programs typically include regular access to external trainers, workshops, and cross-department project experience.

The key is to have an open conversation with your employer about your certification goals and how they align with the organisation's needs. Many companies will create a personalised development plan that maps out your certification journey alongside your career progression.

Future-Proofing Your CIA Investment

The internal audit field is transforming rapidly, and your CIA certification needs to evolve with it. Digital transformation is fundamentally reshaping how we conduct audits - artificial intelligence and data analytics are no longer optional skills but essential tools in the modern auditor's toolkit.

Today's CIAs are expected to be proficient in:

• TeamMate+ for audit management
• AuditBoard for risk assessment
• IDEA Data Analysis for fraud detection
• Advanced analytics tools for compliance monitoring

To maintain your competitive edge:

• Stay active in professional networks and industry forums
• Pursue continuous learning in emerging technologies and methodologies
• Keep up with regulatory changes in your sector
• Build expertise in data analysis and digital audit tools
• Join specialised CIA forums like ACUARP for sector-specific insights
• Participate in IIA Learning Management System for on-demand courses and CPE credits
• Engage with peer networks on professional platforms for real-time discussion and career advice

The IIA and ISACA regularly host joint webinars and conferences focused on cutting-edge topics like auditing AI systems, blockchain risks, and cybersecurity. Many CIAs are now using AI tools for continuous risk monitoring, RPA for routine audit sampling, and blockchain auditing tools for verifying transactions in financial services.

Remember that your CIA certification isn't just a credential - it's your passport to a dynamic career that's becoming increasingly critical in our digital, risk-focused business world.

The most successful CIAs are those who view their certification as a starting point rather than a destination, consistently building on this foundation to deliver more value to their organisations.

Internal Audit Certification: Your Gateway to Professional Excellence

Throughout my research into the CIA certification, I've been impressed by how this qualification continues to evolve with the changing business landscape, particularly with the upcoming 2025 syllabus updates.

What stands out most is not just the £38,000 salary premium, but how the certification opens doors across diverse sectors - from banking to healthcare and technology.

Whether you're starting your career or looking to specialise, the CIA certification offers a structured path to professional growth. While it requires significant commitment, the global recognition and career opportunities make it a valuable investment in your future.

• Yaz