What is CIA: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Jul 24, 2025 03:23 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

CIA full form is Certified Internal Auditor. CIA is a certification which is recognised globally and is pursued by those who are aiming to become internal auditors. Internal auditors are company employees only who takes care of its financial position.

One becomes a CIA after passing CIA exams which are divided in Level 1, 2 and 3. If we talk about eligibility generally, candidates should have a UG degree and relevant professional experience for around 5 years without degree. Fees can range around INR 70,000 lakh to INR 90,000 lakh which includes fees for exam, coaching and also extra study tools/resources. 

After passing exam, one can become Internal Auditor, Risk Consultant, Compliance Officer, etc. Candidates can work in KPMG, EY, Deloitte, PwC, etc.

CIA Course Details

Candidates can see detailed information about CIA below - 

Particulars

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:
• Part 1: Essentials of Internal Auditing
• Part 2: Practice of Internal Auditing
• Part 3: Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing

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: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

 

Q:   What is the CIA course all about?
A:

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.

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A:

If you combine Math with Commerce in Class 12 you get a lot of advantages for your academic and professional future. You will have a strong base for higher studies in Economics, Business Management and Finance where you will need excellent mathematical proficiency. Also it prepares you for competitive MBA exams.

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Table of contents
  • CIA Eligibility & Admission
  • CIA Exam Pattern
  • CIA Course Syllabus
  • CIA Career Scope
  • CIA Courses: FAQs
  • Popular CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) Colleges in India
View More

CIA Eligibility & Admission

Candidates should know that eligibility can be different according to the courses. This is why they should check it. Failure to fulfill the eligibility can lead to cancellation of candidature.

Candidates can see the general outline of the eligibility below:

Courses

Work Exp.

PG degree

12 months of internal audit experience or equivalent

UG degree

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: You must provide a character reference, typically from a CIA holder, supervisor, or professor.

 

CIA ID Requirements

Students can check out the table below for the 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 Certification Admission Process

Candidates can check a general overview below -

  • Check the Eligibility and if you are fulfilling it
  • Apply Online with the IIA
  • Submit the Required Documents
  • Get Approval
  • Register & Schedule the Exam
  • Pass All Exam Parts
  • Complete Work Experience
  • Receive the CIA Designation

Relevant Links for CIA Course:

Cost & Management Accounting course

Management Accounting Certification in India

 

Q:   When admission process started for CIA course and what is fee for it. Where to apply.
A:

You need to fill the form available online on google for CIA course, they are available throughout the year, firstly you have to create a CCMS profile, then you have to apply to the CIA programme, after that to have to upload the requisite documents, then register for the CIA exam, take the scheduled exam, after the result if you have cleared it you will become a CIA fees for it is rs 5928.56 for application, they will charge other then it for the exams, it was divided into three parts P1 - rs 14407.77, P2 - 11926. 05, P3 - 11926.05. You can find the CIA portal online and apply there.

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Q:   Is normal work experience as accountatn for more than 5 years, conderable for CIA certification?
A:
On average, it takes six to seven years to meet the combination of education and experience requirements to become a Certified Internal Auditor. It's possible to overlap your three-year eligibility period and pass the CIA exam before completing your experience requirement. Candidates have three years to complete the requirements of the CIA certification programme.
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CIA Exam Pattern

The CIA exam is done in an online mode which has MCQ type questions. It consists of 3 parts: Essentials of Internal Auditing, Practice of Internal Auditing and also Business Knowledge.

Candidates can see the exam pattern below - 

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:

Commerce courses

BCom Honours

 

How to Schedule a CIA Exam?

Candidates can see the steps below - 

  • Create an IIA Global Account
  • Submit Your CIA Application
  • Pay the Exam Fees
  • Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
  • Schedule with Pearson VUE
  • Prepare for Exam
  • Take the Exam

 

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
01 Nov ' 25 - 15 Dec ' 25

CGCUET 2026 Registration

ONGOING
16 Oct ' 25 - 15 Dec ' 25

CSEET 2026 Registration- January Session

ONGOING
01 Dec ' 25 - 31 Jan ' 26

ICSI CS Executive June 2026 Registration- Single Module

ONGOING
16 Dec ' 25 - 15 Feb ' 26

CSEET 2026 Registration- June Session

22 Dec ' 25 - 29 Dec ' 25

ICSI CS Executive December 2025 Exam

05 Jan ' 26

CA Final Exam Jan 2026 Group I Paper 1

06 Jan ' 26

CA Inter Jan 2026 Group I Paper 1

DatesPast Exam Dates
09 Dec ' 25

Christ University Entrance Test CUET 2026: Last date of Application (Non-ET)

01 Dec ' 25

Christ University Entrance Test CUET 2026 (ET Session 1)

17 Nov ' 25 - 19 Nov ' 25

CA Final Exam Registration Jan 2026 (with late fee)

Q:   What are CIA exams in India?
A:

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 PartNumber of QuestionsExam Duration
Part 1 - Essentials of Internal Auditing125 questions150 minutes
Part 2 - Practice of Internal Auditing100 questions120 minutes
Part 3 - Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing100 questions120 minutes
Q:   What are the skillset required for CIA Course?
A:

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 thinkingAnalytical ability
Verbal communication

Research oriented

 

CIA Course Syllabus

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 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: The fees is taken from the other sources and can be different. And to avail for '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

Note: The fees is taken from the other sources and can be different.

 

Popular Specializations

Q:   What is the syllabus for CIA course?
A:

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

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 Jobs

Candidates can see the job options that they can choose from after completing the course below - 

CIA Jobs

Average Salary

Internal Auditors

INR 2.8 LPA - INR 14.6 LPA

Internal Auditing Managers

INR 4 LPA - INR 34 LPA

Auditors

INR 2.2 LPA - INR 11.4 LPA

Chief Internal Auditors

INR 15 LPA - INR 1 Crore

Quality Assurance Managers

INR 6 LPA - INR 36 LPA

Auditing Managers

INR 3 LPA - INR 30 LPA

Note: This salary is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

CIA Recruiters

Candidates can see the list of recruiters below - 

CIA Top Recruiters

Tata Motors

ABC Consultants

EY (Ernst & Young)

JP Morgan Chase & Co (JPMCC)

DMart

HCL Technologies

WELLS FARGO

PwC

Master Card

Deloitte

BirlaNu

HP

KPMG

Groww

TATA

 

How to Become a CIA?

To become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), follow these steps:

  • Meet the Eligibility Requirements
  • Apply for the CIA Program
  • Pass the CIA Exam
  • Maintain Your Certification
  • Join Professional Networks
Q:   Is only CIA course enough for getting a good salary in India?
A:
It is unlikely that taking only a CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) course would guarantee a good salary in India. While the CIA certification can be valuable for those seeking a career in internal auditing, it is not the only factor that employers consider when making hiring decisions or determining salaries. Other important factors that can affect your earning potential in India include your education, work experience, skills, industry, location, and the demand for your specific role in the job market. Additionally, networking and building professional relationships can also be key to finding job opportunities and negotiating salaries. Therefore, while obtaining a CIA certification may be beneficial for a career in internal auditing, it is important to consider other factors that can impact your salary and overall career success in India.
Q:   Can I get a placement after completing CIA from ICA institution?
A:
Yes, you can get placement after completing the Certified Industrial Accountant CIA course. The ICA Edu Skills Institute facilitates proper industry-based training and provides help throughout the placement process. After you have attained the required skills, you will be sent for OJT (on the job training), which is just like an internship. Based on your performance, you will get a job opportunity after the training period is over. Testimonies of successful candidates are available on their official website, and you may get placed in companies like Godrej. You just have to perform well in training and excel in job interviews.

CIA Courses: FAQs

Candidates can refer below for FAQs regarding CIA courses.

Q:   Is there any institute give assurance 100% success on CIA certification course.
A:
It is highly unlikely that any reputable institute would offer a 100% success guarantee on a CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) certification course. The CIA certification is a professional designation that requires passing a rigorous exam that tests knowledge, skills, and competencies related to internal auditing. The exam is designed to be challenging, and success is not guaranteed. While some training institutes may advertise a high pass rate, it's important to keep in mind that individual success on the exam ultimately depends on factors such as individual study habits, experience, and aptitude. Additionally, many reputable training providers will offer resources and support to help students prepare for the exam, but they will not guarantee a passing score. Therefore, it's important to choose a reputable training provider with a track record of success and to approach the CIA certification exam with a serious commitment to study and preparation.
Q:   Is it worth to pursue a CIA + SAP from distance learning in India and why?
A:
Hi, CIA+SAP from distance learning is just as good or bad as pursuing any other practical course in India. You lack to learn the practical aspect of the course. CIA is very specific to internal auditing. As for career growth, it's good to have if you are focused on internal auditing jobs, but pales in comparison to the broader CMA and is nowhere near what a CPA license will do for your career. CIA is globally recognized. So, you have the international market open for you which simply means a fair share of opportunities. Internal auditors pay varies according to their post. CIA comes into play in speeding your promotion. In many companies they expect you to be a CIA holder for top level positions. And, CIA+SAP is definitely a good option for a long lasting and fulfilling career. As an IT fresher, ABAP (Technical module) is the best bet. Do not waste your time any further thinking about the other module (HANA, FICO), as they are not recommended for IT freshers. I am sure you must have worked somewhere in the last two years. If you have some functional domain experience, you could look at a SAP functional module. All the best.

Popular CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) Colleges in India. Learn more about these CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2 Courses
87.73 K
4.5

#1 Outlook

3 Courses
432 - 540
8.4 LPA

#3 India Today

54 K - 11.07 L
4.8 - 6.14 LPA

#11 Outlook

3 Courses
432 - 540
4.62 - 7.9 LPA

#7 India Today

2 Courses
55.95 K - 86.01 K
9.24 - 9.5 LPA

#2 Outlook

3 Courses
30.71 K - 66.13 K
5.45 - 6.05 LPA

#6 Outlook

Popular Private CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) Colleges in India

2.6 L - 13.2 L
3.6

#47 Outlook

Accounting & Commerce Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
12.1 L
8.64 LPA

Accounting & Commerce Applications open till Dec 30, 2025. Apply Now

2.6 L - 5.1 L
4.0

Accounting & Commerce Applications open. Apply Now

3 L - 8.72 L
4.0

#46 The Week

Accounting & Commerce Applications open. Apply Now

2.7 L
4 LPA
20 K - 45 K

Accounting & Commerce Applications open. Apply Now

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