Can I be an auditor without a degree?

Asked by: Trinity Fahey  |  Last update: October 17, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (57 votes)

Yes, it is possible to become an auditor without a degree, particularly in internal auditing, by leveraging relevant experience, professional certifications, and strong analytical skills. While a bachelor’s degree is standard for many roles, you can enter the field with a high school diploma, associate degree, or by transitioning from related areas like IT, finance, or operations.

What qualifications do I need to be an auditor?

To be an external auditor, you'll need to be a qualified chartered accountant and a member of one of the following professional bodies:

  • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
  • Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
  • The Association of International Accountants (AIA)

Can I be an auditor without a CPA?

While CPAs often work in auditing, it's not a requirement for many internal auditing positions.

Can anyone be an auditor?

You can work on an audit without being a CPA. Many firms outsource and/or hire interns to do parts of the audit. These guys don't always have a CPA. The audit report needs to be signed by a CPA (or CPA firm, which should require that partners are CPAs).

How do I break into auditing?

Start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. This provides a solid foundation in the principles of accounting and auditing. Seek opportunities for internships or entry-level positions in accounting or auditing to gain practical experience and get a feel for the industry.

How to become a Chartered Accountant without a degree or work experience

22 related questions found

Do auditors make a lot of money?

Yes, auditors generally make good money, with U.S. median salaries around $80,000-$100,000+ depending on experience, specialization (like IT or financial auditing), certifications (CPA, CIA), location (major cities pay more), and firm size, with potential for high earnings, especially in senior roles, although it requires dedication, potentially long hours, and continuous professional development for maximum income.

Who cannot become an auditor?

If the person to be appointed or his partner holds even a single share (or other securities) of a company, he is not eligible to be appointed as an auditor. However, if a relative of such person holds securities of face value not exceeding Rs.

Who earns more, an auditor or an accountant?

Auditors typically earn more money than accountants because employers tend to pay for their services at higher rates.

Is the CIA test hard to pass?

The pass rates hover between 40-50% meaning on average, more candidates fail the exam than pass. Since a career as a CIA requires a sophisticated and technical skill set, this exam is intentionally difficult. Don't let that discourage you! If you do fail any portion of the test, not all hope is lost.

How much does the CIA exam cost?

The CIA exam costs about $740-1,515 depending on your IIA membership status. The CIA exam is offered around the world via Pearson VUE testing centers. A CIA exam review course can help you earn a passing score. Candidates have a maximum of three years to pass the exam and meet all exit requirements.

What is harder, accounting or audit?

Perhaps once you've taken some courses, you'll know which accounting field you want to pursue. Certainly right out of college, an audit job would pay more than a staff accountant job at a company (but, longer hours). I think that audit is more difficult than being a staff accountant in industry. I have done both.

Can a non-CA be an auditor?

(1) A person shall be eligible for appointment as an auditor of a company only if he is a chartered accountant in practice. (2) Where a firm is appointed as an auditor of a company, only the partners who are Chartered Accountants in practice shall be authorised by the firm to act and sign on behalf of the firm.

Is an auditor a high paying job?

Yes, auditors generally make good money, with U.S. median salaries around $80,000-$100,000+ depending on experience, specialization (like IT or financial auditing), certifications (CPA, CIA), location (major cities pay more), and firm size, with potential for high earnings, especially in senior roles, although it requires dedication, potentially long hours, and continuous professional development for maximum income.

What is the 2 year rule for audit?

The 2-year rule for audit is quite simple. If a company meets two or more of the above criteria for two years in a row, then it must have a statutory audit. Conversely, a firm that currently has to be audited can't qualify for an audit exemption until it fails to meet at least two over the criteria over two years.

How do I become an auditor without a degree?

Become an auditor without a degree by gaining relevant work experience in accounting or finance, earning certifications like the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and developing strong analytical and organizational skills.

Why do auditors get paid so much?

Top-paid auditors typically serve in the finance and insurance industries or take on management roles. Those auditors with skills in risk management, financial analysis and financial reporting can expect to earn higher-than-average pay, according to Payscale.

Can an auditor call themselves an accountant?

Anyone can call themselves an Accountant, even though they may have no qualifications or experience, although most accountant and auditor posts will require applicants to be either ACCA, ACA, AIA,CIMA, CIFPA, CPA, IIA, ICAS, ICAEW or CCAB registered.

Do auditors have high IQ?

The average audit partner in our sample has, on a scale from 1 to 9, an IQ score of 6.82, which is higher than the average IQ of the rest of the population, which is 5.0.

Do I need my CPA to be an auditor?

Accountants and auditors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field to enter the occupation. Completing certification in a specific field of accounting, such as becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), may improve job prospects.

What skills do auditors need?

Here is a list of skills auditors can use to perform their financial investigations:

  • Communication. Communication skills can help auditors convey their industry knowledge to business leaders and shareholders. ...
  • Critical thinking. ...
  • Initiative. ...
  • Empathy. ...
  • Analytical skills. ...
  • Business acumen. ...
  • Collaboration. ...
  • Technology skills.

What are the 4 C's of auditing?

A successful internal audit function relies on four fundamental pillars, often referred to as the “4 C's”: Competence, Confidentiality, Communication, and Collaboration. These principles guide auditors in delivering meaningful and impactful results. Let's explore each of these elements in detail.

Which audit type is most common?

1) Correspondence Audit

The first of the four types of tax audits are correspondence audits are the most common type of IRS audits. In fact, they comprise roughly 75% of all IRS audits.