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Best internal auditor certifications
Internal auditor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an internal auditor to employers. However, not all internal auditor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an internal auditor are Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Below is a list of the best internal auditor certifications. Obtaining an internal auditor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
16 best certifications for internal auditors
| Rank | Internal auditor certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) | IIA |
| 2 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 3 | Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) | ISACA |
| 4 | Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) | Association o... |
| 5 | Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) | IIA |
| 6 | Certificate in International Auditing (Cert IA) | ACCA |
| 7 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
| 8 | International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA) | ACAT |
| 9 | Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) | CGMA |
| 10 | Certified Forensic Accountant (CrFA) | ACFEI, Cr.FA |
| 11 | Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP) | IPMA-HR |
| 12 | Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) | ASQ |
| 13 | Certified Community Bank Auditor (CCBA) | ICBA |
| 14 | Lead Auditor | Earth Tech |
| 15 | Certified Bank Auditor (CBA) | BAI |
| 16 | Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI |
16 best internal auditor certifications
1. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) 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.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
3. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA designation is a globally recognized certification for IS audit control, assurance and security professionals. Being CISA-certified showcases your audit experience, skills and knowledge, and demonstrates you are capable to manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance and institute controls within the enterprise.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
4. Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA)
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a global body for professional accountants with 219,000 members and 517,000 students in 179 countries. It was granted a Royal Charter in 1974 which commits it to acting in and upholding the public interest. ACCA works through a network of 110 offices and centres and 7,571 Approved Employers worldwide, and 328 approved learning providers who provide high standards of learning and development. In addition to IFAC membership, ACCA is represented on key regional forums including the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), Accountancy Europe, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC), the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), and is a member of CCAB in the UK and Ireland. It undertakes wide-ranging capacity building work globally and has an extensive network of partnerships with other professional accountancy organizations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
5. Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
The CRMA is designed for internal auditors and risk management professionals with responsibility for and experience in providing risk assurance, governance processes, quality assurance, or control self-assessment (CSA). It demonstrates an individual's ability to evaluate the dynamic components that comprise an organization's governance and enterprise risk management program and provide advice and assurance around these issues.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
6. Certificate in International Auditing (Cert IA)
The certificate offers an introduction to the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), covering the principles and application of ISAs through online tuition and objective assessment. This ACCA qualification is structured in an accessible and user-friendly way that underlines key information and provides useful summaries. It provides topic-by-topic exploration of specific ISAs. There are many exercises, multiple-choice questions and sample answers for you to test your knowledge with as you progress through the course. The course is also updated every year to make sure it stays relevant, and includes a topic by topic explanation of the specific ISAs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
7. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
9. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
The CGMA letters are worth having after your name. They stand for Chartered Global Management Accountant and they show employers that you mean business. The CGMA designation is the most widely held management accounting designation in the world. It boldly announces your commercial skills, strategic vision and transformational mindset. Employers, colleagues and stakeholders alike will recognize that you’ve got entrepreneurial and leadership acumen. That you’re in a pivotal position to analyze information, advise strategy and drive business success. And they’ll know all this just by looking at those four letters after your name.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
10. Certified Forensic Accountant (CrFA)
Forensic accountants are professionals who use a unique blend of education and experience to apply accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to uncover truth, form legal opinions, and assist in investigations. Forensic accountants may be involved in both litigation support (providing assistance on a given case, primarily related to the calculation or estimation of economic damages and related issues) and investigative accounting (looking into illegal activities).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
11. Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP)
IPMA-HR strives to encourage excellence in public sector human resources, promote continuous learning and develop the next generation of leaders. To that end, IPMA-HR offers two internationally recognized certification programs to the public HR community: the IPMA-CP and the IPMA-CS.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
12. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
The Certified Quality Auditor is a professional who understands the standards and principles of auditing and the auditing techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting to determine a quality system's adequacy and deficiencies. The Certified Quality Auditor analyzes all elements of a quality system and judges its degree of adherence to the criteria of industrial management and quality evaluation and control systems.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. Certified Community Bank Auditor (CCBA)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
14. Lead Auditor
Designed to provide auditors with the environmental knowlege they will need to assess significant environmental aspects, operational controls and overall environmental performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
15. Certified Bank Auditor (CBA)
The purpose of the Certified Bank Auditor (CBA) Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Program is to promote professional development and to provide a means for recognizing CBAs to keep current with industry changes or furthering their own development in banking, technology, auditing, or other disciplines that contribute to a CBA's growth and development. This program is designed to ensure that the skills, knowledge and expertise originally required to become a CBA, are maintained on a continuing basis.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
16. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for an internal auditor?
The best internal auditor certification is Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this internal auditor certification:
- To become a certified Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for internal auditors?
The most in-demand internal auditor certification is Certified Internal Auditor based on all active job postings. Having this internal auditor certification will give you access to more internal auditor jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an internal auditor career and salary?
The Certified Internal Auditor certification will help you to secure an senior internal auditor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An senior internal auditor's average salary is $80,707 whereas internal auditors make an average salary of $63,013.
The most common combination of internal auditor certifications include: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Online courses for internal auditors to earn certifications
1. Introduction to Sarbanes Oxley (SOX)
This course is an overview of the proper processes, controls and tests for adequate internal control...
2. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 3 - Full Study Course
Full study course and instructor support for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 3...
3. Internal Controls - Design, Implementation and Monitoring
Become a compliance specialist, maintain strong internal controls for SOX or FCPA, prepare for internal & external audit...
4. ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Internal Auditor...
5. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 2 - Full Study Course
Full study course and instructor support for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 2...
6. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 1 - Full Study Course
Full study course and instructor support for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 1...
7. ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 Internal Auditor
Integrated Management System ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 Internal Auditor...
8. Become an External Auditor - External Audit Process Level 1
External Audit Process : Financial Statement Accounting : Business Valuation Methods : Certified Public Accountant (CPA)...
9. Lead Auditor Tools for a Professional Internal Audit
Be a Pro Internal Auditor. This is the only course with 1-on-1 online meeting with the instructor & e-mail support...
10. Internal Audit: a Guide for Management
Internal Audit, Risk Management, Compliance, Governance, Internal Controls, CIA, Audit Report, Audit Charter, IIA...
11. ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor Course
How to Implement & Audit an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor/ Auditor course...
12. Bank Reconciliations & Cash Internal Controls
Mastering Internal Controls and Cash Management: Safeguarding Business Assets and Ensuring Financial Accuracy...
13. ISO 19011:2018. Management system auditor training
Build a succesful career in management system auditing by mastering ISO 19011...
14. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) ITGC Audit Concepts and Coordination
IT Compliance Training...
15. Audit - Financial Statement
Master the Art of Auditing Financial Statements: In-Depth Analysis, Techniques, and Real-World Case Studies...
16. ISO 9001:2015 Quality management system auditor
Upgrade your career by learning how to implement and audit a quality management system according to ISO 9001...
17. Certified Quality Auditor Training
Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Exam Preparation Course - Confidently pass the exam in the first attempt...
18. International Project Management - Master Class
Take your project management skills to the next level and learn how to manage international projects...
19. Introduction to Compliance Risk Management CRM
Compliance risk management CRM for Compliance, Risk Management, Internal Audit and IS Security Professionals...
20. Internal Auditing Part I
Learn how to conduct an audit from start to end. This course can be used as a guide to audit almost any process...