CIA — Certified Internal Auditor (IIA)
The leading global credential for internal auditors.
Comparing options? Read ACCA vs CPA vs CMA vs CFA →Quick answer
- Best for
- The leading global credential for internal auditors.
- Not ideal for
- If you want external audit or financial reporting rather than internal audit.
- Main roles
- Internal audit, risk, controls, governance and compliance.
- CPD
- Practising CIAs complete 40 CPE hours a year.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Who it's for
Those in, or moving into, internal audit, risk and controls.
Structure
Three parts: Essentials of Internal Auditing; Practice; and Business Knowledge — plus a degree and experience.
Time & cost
Often around 1–2 years.
Careers
Internal audit, risk, controls, governance and compliance.
The skills you'll build
Many of these serve more than one path.
Best free resources for this path
Curated and vetted, with how to start.
The Institute of Internal Auditors' free guidance, standards and webinars for internal auditors.
How to start: Browse theiia.org resources; some need free registration.
Free practice questions and short trials for CPA, CMA, CIA and EA from the big review providers.
How to start: Open their 'free' / 'free trial' pages; download the practice questions.
Free, CPE-eligible webcasts on tax, audit, accounting and regulation from the Big 4.
How to start: Search '<firm> webcasts / Dbriefs' and register free per session.
Free, self-paced Excel and Power BI training — essential analyst skills for any finance path.
How to start: Free with a Microsoft account; the optional PL-300 exam is paid.
Thousands of university finance/accounting courses you can audit free; financial aid for certificates.
How to start: Free account; click 'Audit', or apply for financial aid for a certificate.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Practising CIAs complete 40 CPE hours a year.
Get these hours for free →Disclaimer
Links to third-party resources are provided for convenience and learning only. Fileminder does not control third-party content, prices, certificates, CPD/CPE eligibility, availability or accuracy. Always check the provider's own page before relying on a course, certificate, CPD unit or learning outcome. Last reviewed: June 2026.