Internal auditors certification

The Institute of internal auditors (IIA) has no strict requirement for certification in this profession, however its standards require technical competence and training that can be demonstrated by various certifications, depending upon expertise and professional experience. The IIA also sponsors several additional certifications beyond Certification of Internal Auditor (CIA) such as:

CSFSA – Certified Financial Services Auditor
CCSA- Certification in Control Self Assessment
CGAP-Certified Government Auditing Professionals

Additional related certifications but supported by other independent professional organizations include:

CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
CFE – Certified Fraud Examiner

Effective internal audit functions require the personnel in the function to obtain and then maintain at least one certification, including but not limited to the CPA, CA, CIA, CISA and CFE. All certifications require annual continuous practice education training. Skill sets, experience and industry familiarity are important in order to exhibit competence, identify and address risks appropriately and perform in a manner that provides value to the organization.

Strong professionals in this field gather together different skills, ranging from specialized industry and technical knowledge to seasoned business acumen that includes advanced degrees in business administration, finance and law. It is common for professionals in this field possess professional designations from other disciplines beyond accounting. After all, internal audit functions examine all aspects of a business entity which is a key challenge in today’s complex business climate.

Therefore, while not required or mandated specifically, it is considered best practice for members of this profession to possess and maintain professional certifications applicable to their focus and responsibilities. Internal auditors profession standards