The Institute of Internal Auditors or IIA offers several international certifications to help the specialists leverage their skills in auditing, risk management, and gain internal audit leadership. This vendor is internationally recognized for offering designations that help individuals leverage their skills and become recognized on the market.

IIA Certification Program Details

The specialists who want to obtain IIA certifications can choose between the following certificates:

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation that validates the candidates’ skills in internal auditing;
• Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) which validates the professionals’ skills in managing strategic risks and help them learn how to improve their organization’s processes with the help of risk assurance;
• Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL) that consolidates the applicants’ skills in audit leadership and helps candidates gain the necessary skills to influence the organization’s performance and offers a documented opinion & advocates for change and innovation;
• Internal Audit Practitioner certification, which is suitable for those candidates who want to begin the journey of developing advanced skills in internal auditing.

IIA Certification Overview

The candidates who obtain the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification are globally recognized as specialists who have solid skills in internal auditing. All in all, this designation demonstrates that the accredited professionals know how to use and implement the IIA’s International Professional Practices Framework and are able to showcase that they know how to use the related features. Also, this validation helps the individuals expand their knowledge of internal auditing and be able to develop solid audit engagement according to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. This certificate is also suitable for those individuals who want to get a good understanding of how to govern an organization and can use the proper techniques and tools for evaluating as well as identifying the controls and risks. Finally, the individuals who get certified gain the necessary abilities to develop internal auditing strategies for different domains.

The Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) is suitable for internal auditors who want to know more about basic business processes regarding risk management as well as governance. Besides, with such a qualification, the aspiring candidates will get equipped with the relevant knowledge of how to educate the audit committee and management by imbuing them with the concepts of risk and risk management. Then, one will get exposed to the terms relating to quality assurance, self-assessment control, and risks for organizations so that you’ll be able to add value to the company you’re working for. Pay attention, however, that it’s mandatory that you first hold the CIA certificate to be eligible to pursue this one.

The Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL) certificate can be obtained by those applicants who aspire to become professional Audit Executives. In particular, this designation helps them grow and change their career in internal auditing. Thanks to this certification, the candidates will stay updated with the latest internal audit trends and become able to lead a performing auditing team. Therefore, they will learn how to deliver value by permanently communicating with the stakeholders and addressing their needs. So, as they consolidate their skills for obtaining this validation, the candidates will be able to take down the risks and meet the expectations of a permanently evolving industry.

Exam Details for Obtaining IIA Designations

In all, the certification exam for obtaining the CIA endorsement is split into three parts. The first part is dedicated to Essentials to Internal Auditing. It includes 125 questions which the applicants will need to answer in 150 minutes. This exam, in particular, focuses on introducing the candidates in the world of internal auditing. Also, it includes questions dedicated to independence and objectivity. Another topic included in the test blueprint focuses on proficiency and due professional care as well as quality assurance and improvement programs. Finally, the official test includes inquiries for governance, risk management, and control together with fraud risks. The second exam part for the IIA CIA certification focuses on the Practice of Internal Auditing. It includes 100 questions which should be answered in 120 minutes. In a nutshell, it includes topics dedicated to managing the internal audit activity and how to plan the engagement. The candidates will also need to demonstrate their skills in performing the engagement and properly communicating the engagement results and monitor the progress. At last, the final part of the test is dedicated to Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. This test includes 100 questions and it has an allowed time of 2 hours. The topics elaborated here focus on gaining business acumen, managing information security and technology, as well as learning about financial management.

Regarding the CRMA test, it’s been noted that the vendor recently updated the CRMA certification program to reflect the recent changes within the risk management assurance domain. These changes include a new exam, related experience, and prerequisites. Currently, the vendor is looking for active CIA certification holders to take part in the CRMA Beta Test, which can be done at a reduced test fee. So, if you want to support IIA and get some perks at the same time, participate in this offer from May 1 to June 30.

Finally, the QIAL evaluation is delivered according to Program Pathway 1 & Program Pathway 2. In particular, Program Pathway 1 means that new & aspiring leaders have to complete the following requirements to ace the QIAL exam: case study 1, case study 2, case study 3, presentation, and panel interview. On the other hand, Program Pathway 2 is dedicated to seasoned leaders as well as instructors and requires them to only submit a Portfolio of Professional Experience (PPE) in addition to making a presentation and going through the panel interview.

Career Opportunities for IIA Certified Professionals 

Gaining the IIA certification helps the candidates to consolidate their careers and become eligible for well-paid jobs. Thus, the IIA certified individuals can apply to the following positions:

• Internal Auditor;
• Risk Manager;
• Internal Audit Manager.

According to the information provided by Payscale.com, an Internal Auditor can obtain an average salary of $60k in one year. On the other hand, a Risk Manager is eligible for obtaining an average annual payment of approximately $88k. Finally, the Internal Audit Manager can obtain a remuneration of approximately $102k per annum.

Certification Prospects

After obtaining the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation, candidates can move forward in their career and apply for more difficult to obtain certificates. For example, the following step that the candidates can take is obtaining the Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) or the Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL). Therefore, the professionals who get these certifications become eligible for better-paid positions and can consolidate their position in multinational organizations.

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