There are many reasons to earn an official IIA certification designation. Whether it's the hallmark designation of internal audit — the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) designation — or one of our four specialty industry certifications, obtaining a certification is professionalism defined.
Earning your certification is like having a key to the vast world of opportunities the profession of internal auditing offers placed in the palm of your hand. It can open doors you did not even know existed, as the three or four letters that now follow your name will make one powerful statement about the expertise you bring to the table. Ultimately, becoming certified will:
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Help you earn credibility and respect in your field.
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Open more opportunities for advancement.
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Increase your earning potential by as much as 40%.*
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Prove your willingness to invest in your own development.
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Demonstrate your commitment to your profession.
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Improve your internal audit skills and knowledge.
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Build confidence in your knowledge of the profession.
*According to The IIA’s 2012 Internal Audit Compensation Study (Study), the median salary of auditors who hold their CIA designation is as much as 40 percent higher than peers without the credential.
The CIA is the only globally accepted designation for internal auditors and the standard by which individuals demonstrate their professionalism in internal auditing. Moreover, earning the CIA designation is more than just proof of what you know and what you’ve achieved — it’s the best way for auditing professionals to communicate to the world that they are prepared to meet today’s challenges.
Earning the CIA designation is a valuable accomplishment and a professional advantage for auditors at all stages of their careers, including chief audit executives, audit managers, audit staff, and risk management staff, as well as students enrolled in an accounting or other business or financial degree program.
The CCSA is a recognized professional designation for CSA practitioners at any CSA experience level who are responsible for driving organizational change. Understanding key concepts like risk and control models enables CSA practitioners from all backgrounds to master the techniques that are vital to helping companies achieve their objectives. Just as important, earning the CCSA is a great way to help you achieve your objectives as you seek to move forward in your career.
The CFSA is a valued specialty certification for audit professionals working in banking institutions, thrift/savings and loan organizations, credit unions, insurance companies, security and commodity services, holding and investment companies, credit agencies, financial services regulatory agencies, and other financial services organizations. If your goal is to continue to grow as a financial services audit professional and demonstrate the breadth of your financial services knowledge, the CFSA designation is for you.
The CGAP certification program is designed especially for auditors working in the public sector at all levels – federal/national, state/provincial, local, quasi-governmental, or crown authority — and is an excellent professional credential that prepares you for the many challenges you face in this demanding arena.
The CRMA is a mark of professional distinction for internal audit practitioners. Earning the CRMA will assist you in demonstrating your ability to provide assurance on core business processes in risk management and governance, educate management and the audit committee on risk and risk management concepts, focus on strategic organizational risks, and add value for your organization.