While not legally required to hold specific certifications to work as an internal auditor, most employers expect at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. While certifications like the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) are not mandatory for all roles, they significantly increase competitiveness and may be required for senior positions.
While internal auditors do not need specific certifications to work professionally, employers may seek candidates with credentials. These certifications may include the general certified internal auditing (CIA) credential or the more advanced certification in risk management assurance (CRMA).
Requirements to Become a Certified Internal Auditor
To become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), one must meet the following requirements: Education – Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher, possess an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation, or have five years of internal audit experience.
To be eligible, you must have one of the following: A degree in any subject. Five years' experience in internal audit, risk or compliance.
Internal auditor requirements
Most employers require internal auditors to earn at least a bachelor's degree. The degree focus can be in accounting, finance or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with a master's degree in accounting or business administration with a concentration in accounting.
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.
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).
Internal Employees: As per Rule 13, Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, Companies can appoint a qualified employee with relevant experience to serve as the internal auditor. Statutory Auditor: A statutory auditor cannot be an internal auditor as per Section 144(b) of the Corporations Act 2013.
Is CIA harder than CFA? No, the CIA is considered easier compared to the CFA course because it addresses some of the significantly challenging financial topics.
Auditors require education, training and recognition as indicated for chartered professional accountants, chartered accountants (CPA, CA), chartered professional accountants, certified general accountants (CPA, CGA) or chartered professional accountants, certified management accountants (CPA, CMA) and some experience ...
Based on Career Goals
(1) Such class or classes of companies as may be prescribed shall be required to appoint an internal auditor, who shall either be a chartered accountant or a cost accountant , or such other professional as may be decided by the Board to conduct internal audit of the functions and activities of the company.
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.
You start with a salary of $82,500 annually in an entry-level position. The most experienced internal auditors make up to $109,067 per year.
Internal auditors often face challenging situations when dealing with difficult clients or complex audit projects. To ensure they remain professional and balanced, they can use various tools and strategies to manage their stress and protect their mental health.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $120,000 and as low as $33,500, the majority of Entry Level Internal Auditor salaries currently range between $59,500 (25th percentile) to $90,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $108,000 annually across the United States.
While AI can automate many routine tasks, its primary benefit is enhancing what auditors do—enabling deeper, broader, and more frequent analyses. Rather than replacing auditors, AI should be seen as a tool that allows auditors to do more valuable, strategic work.
Types of Internal audits include compliance audits, operational audits, financial audits, and an information technology audits.
Job Stability: Internal auditors are essential to organisations of all sizes and industries, from small businesses to multinational corporations, ensuring a steady demand for qualified professionals.
Absolutely not. Many accounting roles don't require CPA certification. In fact, our Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting are designed as non-licensure programs. That means they provide the essential accounting knowledge and skills needed for a variety of accounting careers.
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.
The Benefits of Becoming a CIA
It displays your dedication to the field and your proficiency in internal audit. Higher Salary: When compared to their non-certified colleagues, Certified Internal Auditors generally earn greater salaries.