CIA — Certified Internal Auditor (IIA)
The leading global credential for internal auditors.
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 →Information is a guide and may change; always confirm details and requirements on the body's official site. Resources are independent third parties not affiliated with Fileminder.