Certified Internal Auditor
From Wikicpa
Established in 1941, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an international professional association of more than 117,000 members with global headquarters in Altamonte Springs, Fla., United States.
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IIA Mission
The stated mission of The Institute of Internal Auditors is to provide dynamic leadership for the global profession of internal auditing. This includes:
Advocating and promoting the value that internal audit professionals add to their organizations;
Providing comprehensive professional educational and development opportunities; standards and other professional practice guidance; and certification programs;
Researching, disseminating, and promoting to practitioners and stakeholders knowledge concerning internal auditing and its appropriate role in control, risk management, and governance;
Educating practitioners and other relevant audiences on best practices in internal auditing;
Bringing together internal auditors from all countries to share information and experiences.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
The CIA is the primary professional designation offered by The IIA. The Certified Internal Auditor designation is the only globally accepted certification for internal auditors and remains the standard by which individuals demonstrate their competency and professionalism in the internal auditing field. In order to earn the CIA, one must possess a college degree or equivalent education from a foreign country(work experience cannot be substituted for the degree.), have a professional reference, and complete 24 months in the internal audit profession.
A CIA is one who has demonstrated a professional knowledge of the internal audit profession. CIA's are required to take continuing education courses.
Notice that the CIA is a globally recognized certificate. Unlike the Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant the CIA is a global designation. As such, the issuing body, The IIA establishes Standards for the entire interal audit profession. These standards are expected to be obeyed globally unless a specific country has laws or requirements making it impossible.
Other Certificates Offered by the IIA
Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA)
Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)
Professional Standards
The IIA has three levels of Professional Standards:
Standards and Code of Ethics
The first level is covered in the IIA's Code of Ethics and The International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards). These guidelines are mandatory guidelines for the internal audit profession around the world. The Standards are recorded in what is referred to as the "Red Book."
Practice Advisories
Practice Advisories are not mandatory guidelines, but are strongly recommended. They help define and explain the Standards.
Development and Practice Aids
Includes of a variety of materials that are developed and/or endorsed by The IIA, including research studies, books, seminars, conferences, and other products and services related to the professional practice of internal auditing.
Global Technology Audit Guide
Additionally, the IIA has recently started issuing "GTAGs." GTAGs are preliminary guidelines on the use of technology in the Internal Audit Profession. Todate there have only been a few GTAG's issued.
