CIA Course: Full Form, Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope
Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) courses are globally recognised certifications for internal auditors, offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). CIA courses train professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in internal auditing, which focuses on areas such as risk management, internal control processes, and governance. The CIA course is divided into three parts: Essentials of Internal Auditing, Practice of Internal Auditing, and Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing.
Generally, to be eligible for CIA courses, candidates are required to possess at least an associate's degree or higher to be eligible for the CIA certification. The CIA course helps candidates to gain professional knowledge in internal audit. Unlike the MBA, there is no specific entrance exam for this course since the CIA course is a certification programme. The certification module is divided into three parts - Part I, II, and III. The cost of CIA course fees encompasses IIA membership fees, application fees, exam fees, and expenses for study materials or training.
Graduating with the CIA courses enhances career opportunities in the auditing and compliance fields, as it demonstrates a high level of competence and expertise in internal auditing standards. On graduating with CIA courses, candidates can opt for job profiles such as Internal Auditors, Internal Auditing Managers, Auditors, Chief Internal Auditors, etc. The average salary that graduates can earn after Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) ranges between INR 1 LPA and INR 6 LPA.
Relevant Links for CIA Courses:
CIA Course Details: Highlights
The CIA certification equips professionals with the expertise needed to evaluate an organization’s financial and operational activities, ensure compliance, and improve internal control systems.
Ideal for individuals pursuing careers in internal audit, compliance, risk consulting, or governance, the CIA course offers flexibility, global mobility, and strong career advancement potential across public and private sectors.
Below are the key highlights of the CIA course:
| Particulars |
All About CPA Course Details |
|---|---|
| CIA Course Full Form |
CIA Full Form in Commerce is a Certified Internal Auditor |
| CIA in India Course Level |
Certification |
| CIA Course Duration |
6 months – 2 years |
| CIA Course Structure |
3 Parts: |
| Conducting Body |
Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) |
| CIA Course Eligibility |
Bachelor’s degree + relevant work experience (or 5 years work exp. without degree) |
| CIA Course Fees |
Approx. INR 70,000 – INR 90,000 |
| CIA Average Salary |
INR 7 - 10 LPA |
| CIA Job Profiles |
Internal Auditor, Risk Consultant, Compliance Officer, Audit Manager |
| CIA Top Recruiters |
KPMG, EY, Deloitte, PwC, Barclays, Citi, HDFC, TCS, Amazon, and MNCs |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
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- CIA Course Eligibility Criteria
- CIA Exam Pattern
- CIA Course Syllabus
- CIA Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- CIA Courses: FAQs
- Popular CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) Colleges in India
- Popular Private CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) Colleges in India
CIA Course Eligibility Criteria
To earn the CIA designation, candidates must fulfill both entry and exit eligibility requirements. Before an application can be approved, The IIA’s Certification staff must receive and approve all required documentation, including proof of education, character reference, and identification.
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution is required. In some cases, candidates with higher qualifications (e.g., master's degree, professional designations like CA, ICWA) may also be eligible.
- Work Experience: For CIA courses, candidates must also have work experience.
Educational level |
Work Experience |
|---|---|
| Master's degree or equivalent |
12 months of internal audit experience or equivalent |
| Bachelor's degree or equivalent |
24 months of internal audit experience or equivalent |
| Associate degree, three A-level certificates with a grade of C or higher, or equivalent |
60 months of internal audit experience or equivalent |
- Character Reference: Candidates must provide a character reference, typically from a CIA holder, supervisor, or professor.
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
CIA ID Requirements
Following is a table listing the acceptable and unacceptable forms of ID.
| Acceptable Forms of ID | Unacceptable Forms of ID |
|---|---|
| Passport | Work Badge or Employee ID |
| Government-issued driver's license | Insurance card |
| Alien registration card | College or University ID |
| Military ID | Expired Photo ID |
| Government-issued local language ID | ID without photo/name/DOB |
CIA Course Required Skillset
The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) course equips professionals with a robust skill set necessary for effective internal auditing. These skills collectively enable CIAs to perform comprehensive and effective audits, contribute to organizational improvement, and uphold the standards of the internal auditing profession.
The purpose of the CIA exam is to identify candidates who meet the competencies in current internal audit practice. Therefore, candidates must have the following skill sets.
| Skills Required for the CIA Course |
|
|---|---|
| Critical thinking |
Analytical ability |
| Verbal communication |
Research oriented |
Relevant Links for CIA Course:
CIA Exam Pattern
The CIA exam is structured to assess the knowledge and skills of internal auditors. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements, including education and work experience, to sit for the exam. It’s advisable to check the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) website for the most current information regarding exam updates, study materials, and registration.
Here’s an overview of the CIA exam pattern:
| CIA Exam Part | Number of Questions | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 - Essentials of Internal Auditing | 125 questions | 150 minutes |
| Part 2 - Practice of Internal Auditing | 100 questions | 120 minutes |
| Part 3 - Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing | 100 questions | 120 minutes |
Helpful Links for CIA Courses:
How to Schedule a CIA Exam?
To schedule a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam, follow these steps:
- Create an IIA Global Account: Go to the official website and create an account. This is necessary for applying for the exam.
- Submit Your CIA Application: Log into your IIA account and fill out the application form for the CIA certification. You will also need to pay the application fee and submit the required documentation (proof of education, experience, and a character reference).
- Pay the Exam Fees: Once your application is approved, you’ll need to pay for the exam parts you plan to take. The CIA exam consists of three parts, and you can choose to pay for all parts at once or each part separately.
- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT): After paying the fees, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from the IIA, allowing you to schedule your exam.
- Schedule the Exam with Pearson VUE: Visit the Pearson VUE website (the official testing partner for the CIA exam). Create an account if you don't have one. Select your exam part (Part 1, 2, or 3). Choose a testing center near you or opt for online testing if available. Pick a suitable date and time for your exam. Confirm the appointment and keep track of your exam details.
- Prepare for the Exam: Before the scheduled exam date, make sure you are well-prepared by studying the relevant materials for the CIA exam parts.
- Take the Exam: On the day of the exam, arrive at the test center or be ready for online testing with your ID and required documents.
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 16 Jun ' 25 - 15 Oct ' 25 | CSEET 2025 Registration- November Session ONGOING |
| 18 Jun ' 25 | IPU CET 2025 (Lateral Entry for BSc Graduates Code 129) Verification of Documents and Allocation of Seats - 2nd Counselling |
| 05 Jul ' 25 - 18 Jul ' 25 | CA Final September 2025 registration |
| 05 Jul ' 25 - 18 Jul ' 25 | CA Inter exam September 2025 registration |
| Jul ' 25 - Aug ' 25 | KALSEE 2025 Exam Dates TENTATIVE |
| Jul ' 25 | KALSEE 2025 Application Form End Date TENTATIVE |
| 19 Jul ' 25 - 21 Jul ' 25 | CA Final September 2025 registration with late fee |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 04 Jun ' 25 | IPU CET 2025 Counselling Bio Technology (Code - 130) - Verification of Documents and Allotment of Seats-1st Round Counselling |
| 04 Jun ' 25 | IPU CET 2025 (Lateral Entry for BSc Graduates Code 129) Verification of Documents and Allocation of Seats - 1st Counselling |
| 11 May ' 25 | IPU CET 2025 Exam Date for BTech (Lateral Entry for BSc graduates) - Code 129 |
This is a well-respected certification from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in the USA, and you can take the exams right here in India at authorized centers. The certification involves passing three exams, all done on a computer at Pearson VUE centers in various cities across the country.
Below is an overview of the CIA exam pattern:
| CIA Exam Part | Number of Questions | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 - Essentials of Internal Auditing | 125 questions | 150 minutes |
| Part 2 - Practice of Internal Auditing | 100 questions | 120 minutes |
| Part 3 - Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing | 100 questions | 120 minutes |
CIA Course Syllabus
CIA course syllabus is different for each part of the exam. The syllabus serves as a guide to help candidates identify the content based on which they will be tested in the exam. The CIA course syllabus for each part is given below:
| CIA Course Part I | |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Internal Auditing (15%) | Independence and Objectivity (15%) |
| Proficiency and Due Professional Care (18%) | Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (7%) |
| Fraud Risks (10%) | - |
| CIA Course Part II | |
| Managing the Internal Audit Activity (20%) | Planning the Engagement (20%) |
| Performing the Engagement (40%) | Communicating Engagement Results and Monitoring Progress (20%) |
| CIA Course Part III | |
| Business Acumen (35%) | Information Security (25%) |
| Information Technology (20%) | Financial Management (20%) |
CIA Course Fees
The fees for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) course vary based on your membership status with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
The CIA course fees structure for all the levels is given in the table below:
| CIA Course Fees | IIA Member | IIA Non-Member | Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $115 | $230 | $65 |
| CIA Exam Fee - Part 1 | $280 | $395 | $230 |
| CIA Exam Fee - Part 2 | $230 | $345 | $180 |
| CIA Exam Fee - Part 3 | $230 | $345 | $180 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary. Also, to avail of the 'Student' fees, candidates must have been enrolled for UG (at least 12 semesters) and PG (at least 9 hours) courses.
CIA Course Fees - Other Fees
The CIA course fee structure for other things is given in the table below:
| CIA Course Fees | IIA Member | IIA Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Extension Fee | $100 | $100 |
| Exam Rescheduling/Cancellation Fee | $75 | $75 |
| One-time, 12-month certification program eligibility extension | $275 | $275 |
| CPE Reporting | NA (for North American members) | $120 |
| Reinstatement Fee | $100 | $250 |
Popular Specializations
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CIA syllabus is divided in 3 parts, for the first part, called "Foundations of Internal Auditing," you'll need to understand the basics of internal auditing, making sure auditors are independent and objective, doing your work professionally and carefully, having a system to check and improve the quality of audits, and knowing about fraud risks.
The second part, "Practice of Internal Auditing," focuses on how to actually do an audit. This includes managing the whole internal audit process, planning each specific audit, doing the audit work itself, and then sharing the results and keeping track of any improvements needed.
The third part of the CIA exam, "Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing," tests your broader understanding of the business world. This section focuses on four main areas: having a good grasp of general business principles (which makes up 35% of this part), understanding how to keep information safe (25%), knowing about information technology (20%), and being familiar with how finances are managed (also 20%). So, this part checks if you have the wider business knowledge needed to be an effective internal auditor.
CIA Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
CIA course graduates are now in high demand because they contribute to key business functions including corporate governance, risk management, internal control, fraud detection and prevention, operations etc. Candidates who graduated from the CIA course can become internal auditors, internal auditing managers, auditors, chief internal auditors, quality assurance managers, internal audit directors and auditing managers.
CIA Salary in India
CIAs are equipped to provide objective evaluations of an organization's operations, helping to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with regulations. CIA course enhances career opportunities, credibility, and earning potential in the field of internal auditing.
The average salary as per the CIA job posts is given below.
CIA Jobs |
Description |
Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Auditors |
Internal auditors evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes within an organization. |
INR 4 LPA |
| Internal Auditing Managers |
Internal auditing managers oversee the internal audit function, ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of auditing processes. |
INR 11 LPA |
| Auditors |
Auditors examine financial records, operations, and systems to ensure accuracy, compliance with regulations, and efficiency in organizational processes. |
INR 4 LPA |
| Chief Internal Auditors |
Chief Internal Auditors lead the internal audit department, overseeing the evaluation of risk management, control, and governance processes. |
INR 30 LPA |
| Quality Assurance Managers |
Quality assurance managers oversee the development and implementation of quality control processes, ensuring that products and services meet established standards and regulations. |
INR 9 LPA |
| Auditing Managers |
Auditing managers oversee the auditing processes within an organization, ensuring the accuracy and compliance of financial records and operational procedures. |
INR 9 LPA |
Note: This average salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
CIA Top Recruiters
Top recruiters for CIA course graduates typically include a mix of multinational corporations, financial institutions, consulting firms, and government agencies. Some of the leading employers known for hiring CIA are:
| CIA Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
| Tata Motors |
EY (Ernst & Young) |
| JP Morgan Chase & Co (JPMCC) |
HCL Technologies |
| WELLS FARGO |
Master Card |
| Deloitte |
HP |
| KPMG |
TATA |
Suggested Read for CIA Course:
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
How to Become a CIA?
To become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), follow these steps:
- Meet the Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must tick off all the requirements that were discussed in the Eligibility Criteria section above.
- Apply for the CIA Program: Register through the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). You will submit your education and work experience details and pay an application fee.
- Pass the CIA Exam: The CIA exam consists of three parts: Part 1, 2 and 3. Each part focuses on different aspects of internal auditing, and the exam is computer-based. You can take the parts separately.
- Maintain Your Certification: After becoming a CIA, you must meet continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, which involve completing a certain number of hours in professional development activities to stay current in the field.
- Join Professional Networks: It's beneficial to join the IIA and other internal auditing professional organizations to stay updated on trends and networking opportunities.
CIA Courses: FAQs
Candidates can refer below for FAQs regarding CIA courses.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
Candidates can pursue CIA US programme at IPFC Academy to learn Internal Audits. To be eligible to apply for the programme, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
| Course Name | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| CIA USA | Graduate with minimum two years of working experience/ Postgraduate with minimum one year of working experience (Relevant experience can be in the field of Internal Audit, Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Audit/Assessment/Disciplines, Compliance, External Audit or Internal Control) |
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
CIA syllabus is divided in 3 parts, for the first part, called "Foundations of Internal Auditing," you'll need to understand the basics of internal auditing, making sure auditors are independent and objective, doing your work professionally and carefully, having a system to check and improve the qua
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
This is a well-respected certification from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in the USA, and you can take the exams right here in India at authorized centers. The certification involves passing three exams, all done on a computer at Pearson VUE centers in various cities across the country.
Be
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) certifies professionals as Certified Internal Auditors (CIA). The CIA designation is the world's most generally recognised internal audit credential. The CIA designation is a great asset for professionals interested in working in internal auditing.
CIA course
V
Contributor-Level 7
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The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) certifies professionals as Certified Internal Auditors (CIA). The CIA designation is the world's most generally recognised internal audit credential. The CIA designation is a great asset for professionals interested in working in internal auditing.
CIA course demonstrates that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge and abilities to be an effective internal auditor. The CIA accreditation may also result in more work prospects and higher pay.