Contact Us : 800.874.5346        International: +1 352.375.0772
Contact Us : 800.874.5346        International: +1 352.375.0772

Top 5 Reasons to Become a Certified Internal Auditor

If you’re working in auditing and looking to advance your career, the best step you can take is to become a Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®). By investing in yourself and earning a professional certification like the CIA, you can begin reaping the career benefits quickly. Keep reading to learn the top five reasons to become a CIA.

1. Higher salary

On average, CIAs earn around $32,000 more than non-certified internal auditors according to Payscale Opens in new window.

Your salary will naturally increase over time as you gain more years of experience throughout your career. However, earning the CIA is a faster way to get a salary boost, and most candidates can pass all three parts of the CIA exam within a year.

2. Job opportunities and stability

Internal auditors have more opportunities for career advancement once they earn the CIA. Companies and industries across the globe believe the CIA adds value to their employees and their organizations. Hiring managers search for “CIA” on internal audit role applications because they know CIAs are experienced and committed auditors. If two applicants have similar qualifications, the CIA is more likely to get the role. 

Job titles for CIAs include:

  • Auditing specialist
  • Internal controls auditor
  • Risk manager
  • Compliance auditor
  • Financial analyst
  • Chief Audit Executive (CAE)

3. Knowledge and skills

Becoming a CIA isn’t easy, but studying for the exam expands the scope of your internal audit knowledge and deepens your understanding of the profession. Additionally, while maintaining your CIA certification status requires you to complete continuing professional education, this will also continuously expand your expertise, keeping you an expert in your field.

4. Credibility and respect

The letters “CIA” behind your name send a clear signal to peers and business associates. Passing the CIA exam proves you’re an audit expert and can be trusted with significant responsibility.

Certified Internal Auditors are part of an elite group of professionals. When you earn the CIA, you earn a reputation for excellence on a global scale. Want to live abroad? The value of your CIA credential is recognized and respected internationally.

5. More achievable than you may think

There are no “easy” accounting certifications. But many professionals find the CIA exam requirements to be more flexible than others. Why? You don’t need to commit as much time.

CIAs have to meet fewer work and education requirements than candidates preparing for other accounting certification exams, like the CPA. Plus, taking the CIA exam is also less of a time commitment: the CPA Exam consists of 4 sections for a total of 14 hours, while the CIA only has 3 parts for a total of 6.5 hours.

The CIA exam pass rate is around 40-50% and you have three years to pass all three parts. Plus, if you’re eligible, you can expedite the process by taking the CIA Challenge exam.

Ready to get started?

We created the world’s first CIA review materials in 1980, and we’ve been helping people pass the CIA exam ever since. Our CIA review course comes with everything you need to succeed, including our expert-led video lectures, award-winning customer service team, and Access Until You Pass® guarantee. Trust our 45 years of CIA exam prep expertise to help you reach your career goals.