Global Certifications

The Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) certification is the only globally recognised internal audit certification. Becoming a CIA is the optimum way to communicate knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to effectively carry out professional responsibilities for any internal audit, anywhere in the world.

To explore the details of the CIA qualification, please click here to download the CIA brochure. 

To keep you informed about the upcoming changes to the CIA syllabi and exam in 2025 due to the launch of the Global IA Standards in 2024, please click here.

The Certification in Risk Management Assurance® (CRMA®) is the only risk management assurance certification for internal auditors. The CRMA demonstrates their ability to focus on strategic risks, ensure and enhance value to their organisation through risk assurance on core business processes, and educate management and the audit committee on risk and risk management concepts. Note: To pursue this qualification, it is required that you have already obtained your CIA qualification.

To explore the details of the CRMA qualification, please click here to download the brochure.

The Internal Audit Practitioner® programme is a way for new and rotational auditors to quickly demonstrate internal audit aptitude as they endeavor to take the first step on their journey into internal auditing.

To explore the details of the Internal Audit Practitioner qualification, please click here to download the IA brochure.

The CIA Challenge Exam offers you the opportunity to join the ranks of over 195,000 CIAs and growing who have attained this esteemed global certification. As a practicing CPA or CA, you can seize this limited chance to acquire the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) designation through an expedited route known as the CIA Challenge Exam. There are selected approved CPA or CAs eligible to take this expedited pathway, such as: CA ANZ, CPA Australia, and others. This streamlined process enables you to achieve the CIA designation by successfully completing a one-part examination.

The IIA CIA Challenge Exam application window commences on 1 April through September 2024, with testing windows in June, August, November and February.

To initiate the process on 1 April, start by applying through CCMS for preliminary approval. Once approved, you can progress to the next stage and receive comprehensive details on pursuing this qualification.

If you aren't a member of IIA NZ we highly encourage you join this strong network of like-minded internal auditors to support you through the CIA journey prior to applying. To learn more on becoming IIA NZ member, click here. IIA NZ members also receive a discounted rate on the program. 

The CIA Challenge Exam specifically covers content not addressed in your CPA or CA exam, providing a time- and cost-efficient path to certification. To learn more about this please view The IIA Challenge Exam options  and FAQ.

To apply for and undertake the CIA Challenge Exam, please click here.

For exam preparation assistance with the CIA Challenge Exam Preparation Self-Study Course for qualified CPAs and CAs, Global IIA offers an on-demand self-study course. To learn more about the course, click here.

The Certification Candidate Handbook provides certification information for The IIA’s Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®), Certification in Risk Management Assurance® (CRMA®), and Internal Audit Practitioner® programmes. 

Click here to download the Certification Candidate Handbook.

Verify You’re Certified. The IIA’s new Certification Registry allows interested parties, like perspective employers, to verify your credentials. Opt in today and prove your credibility in the field of internal audit.

IIA Certification Q&A Session

The IIA presents Internal Auditor Certification Q&A Sessions throughout the year. Engage with The IIA team in a 30-minute Zoom session where a certification expert will offer insights into eligibility criteria, navigate you through the Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS), and address any questions you may have regarding IIA certifications. Visit the IIA NZ events calendar to register and participate in a session.

IIA CIA Retired Practice Questions

Designed for individuals enrolled in the CIA traditional program and CIA Challenge candidates, this option is available at an additional cost.

Test Center-Only Exam Delivery 

Online Proctored Testing: The IIA has adopted online testing to enable candidates to take the CIA®, CRMA®, and CIA® Challenge exams using their own computer in their home or office. All parts of the CIA exam are available in 16 languages; the CRMA exam is available in English only. The CRMA® exam is only offered at a testing centre. Note the below change to this which will come into effect as of 28 May 2025.

All candidates must read and agree to all terms and conditions for online testing before scheduling their examination. Online testing is not available in all markets.

IIA Global Important Update: Transition to Test Center-Only Exam Delivery (20 March 2025)

The IIA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of exam integrity, security, and fairness. Online proctored exams were introduced in 2021 as a precautionary solution during the COVID-19 global pandemic. To enhance your testing experience and ensure consistent conditions for all candidates globally, we are transitioning back to a test center-only delivery model, effective 28 May 2025. As part of this transition, the last day to register for online proctored exams will be 1 May 2025.

Reasons for the Transition: Security Concerns: Ensuring the integrity of the exam process is paramount. Recent analyses have highlighted vulnerabilities in the online proctoring system that could potentially compromise exam integrity and fairness.

Technical Challenges: Despite rigorous system testing and continuous improvements, technical issues such as connectivity disruptions and system malfunctions have persisted, impacting the smooth delivery of exams.

Candidate Experience: Feedback from candidates has indicated that the online proctoring environment can be stressful and distracting, affecting their performance and overall exam experience.

For further assistance, please open a new case under the Help tab within your CCMS account.

Certification Status: The importance of annual certification renewal

To stay abreast of evolving trends and the dynamic risk landscape, it is imperative for IIA certification holders to consistently enhance their knowledge, skills, and competencies through ongoing professional development. Certification holders renew their certifications annually, showcasing their dedication to keeping their knowledge up-to-date and their skills refined by earning and affirming continuing professional education (CPE) credit hours throughout the year. The IIA's steadfast commitment to continuous education plays a pivotal role in upholding the internal audit profession's reputation for providing objective and ethical assurance and insight. This commitment serves to benefit all certification holders, their employers, and stakeholders alike.

Effective 1 September 2023 the new Certification Renewal Policy (previously CPE policy) came into effect. Annual Certification Renewal opens 1 October each year. Log in to the Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) to begin your renewal.

The renewal deadline is 31 December each year. Should you fail to renew your Active certification, it will enter a Grace status, and as a result, you are no longer approved to represent yourself as a certified individual. Individuals remaining in Grace for 2 years will enter a Revoked status and must reapply and retest if they wish to become certified again.