Courtesy: Internal auditor training on ISO 15015189
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an organization which advocates, provides educational conferences, and develops standards, guidance, and certifications for the internal audit profession.
History
Established in 1941, the IIA today serves more than 200,000 members from more than 170 countries and territories. IIA’s global headquarters are in Lake Mary, FL, United States. Anthony Pugliese is the President and CEO. Pugliese succeeded Richard Chambers, in 2021. Previously, Pugliese was President and CEO of CalCPA.
Professional certification
The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is the primary professional designation offered by The IIA. The CIA designation is a globally recognized certification for internal auditors and is a standard by which individuals may demonstrate their competency and professionalism in the internal audit field. In order to become a certified internal auditor, candidates must possess a four-year degree from an accredited institution as well as pass all three parts of the CIA exam.
Earning the CIA certification is intended to demonstrate a professional knowledge of the internal audit profession. CIAs are required to take continuing education courses.
Internal Auditors who take and pass the CIA Part One exam can earn the designation of Internal Audit Practitioner. In 2019, the IIA announced it would be changing the Internal Audit Practitioner program. The program changes include a new exam and waiving of the educational requirement for active Internal Audit Practitioner designation holders applying for the CIA program. The changes go into effect in 2020.
Other certifications
In 2019, the IIA announced plans to change its Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) program. The CRMA changes go into effect in October 2020, and will include a new exam and updated prerequisites and experience requirements.
- Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
- Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL)
- Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP)
- Certification in Control Self Assessment (CCSA)
- Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), for Government performance auditing and Government Auditors
- Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)
As of December 31, 2018, the CCSA, CFSA, and CGAP are no longer accepting new applications, and the three designations will be re-positioned into assessment-based certifications in the future.
Professional standards
The IIA has two levels of professional guidance: (1) Mandatory Guidance (including the Standards) and (2) Strongly Recommended Guidance. The two levels of guidance constitute the IIA’s International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).
Mandatory guidance
The definition of internal auditing and the code of ethics and the Standards are mandatory for IIA members and internal audit organizations claiming to complete audits to IIA technical standards around the world. The guidelines and recommendations are recorded in what is referred to as the “Red Book.”
- The definition: Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.
- The four principles of the IIA’s Code of Ethics are integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and competency.
- The international standards for the professional practice of internal auditing