Auditing professionals, like all those in the finance and accounting industry, can advance their careers by earning audit certifications that expand and back their expertise. Learn about the top certifications for auditors to discover which one (or ones) is best for you.
Summary
Learn the significance and advantages of obtaining audit certifications, and six prominent certifications for auditors: the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Understand each certification’s primary focus and the general steps for earning each credential.
Why earn audit certifications?
To earn any certification, you must invest time, dedication, and money; but the benefits that you can only enjoy by being credentialed make the sacrifice well worth it.
A few of the biggest advantages of auditor certifications include:
- More career advancement opportunities
- More competitive resume
- Advanced skills and knowledge
- Higher reputation and trust with employers, colleagues, and clients
- Higher earning potential
- Advancement into a specific career specialization
What are the top certifications for auditors?
#1 Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®)
For those pursuing a career in internal auditing, no certification is more valuable than the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credential. The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) manages and administers the certification and is also the organization responsible for establishing the Global Internal Audit StandardsTM.
As a global credential, the CIA certification opens career opportunities worldwide. The designation certifies your expertise in taking on internal audit responsibilities with knowledge, precision, and ethical standards aligned with the industry’s latest best practices.
How do I become a CIA?
The three basic steps to becoming a Certified Internal Auditor are:
- Join the CIA program through The IIA
- Pass both Parts of the CIA Exam
- Meet education and experience requirements
#2 Internal Audit PractitionerTM (IAPTM)
Also governed by The IIA, the Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) certification is a stepping-stone to becoming a CIA, built for students and early professionals who want to prove aptitude in internal auditing, but may not yet meet the requirements to become a fully certified CIA.
Being an IAP demonstrates your foundational knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards and proves your command of basic internal audit functions. Likewise, as the IAP Exam is simply the CIA Exam Part 1, becoming an IAP streamlines your path to CIA certification.
How do I become an IAP?
There are no prerequisites to becoming an IAP. You must simply:
- Apply with your government-issued ID through The IIA’s Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS).
- Pass the IAP Exam (CIA Exam Part 1).
#3 Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
While not a specific audit certification, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is essential for career growth as an auditor in public accounting, as the most comprehensive and esteemed credential for public accountants in the US (and around the world). As a CPA, you demonstrate expertise in general accounting, tax, and audit areas, and you have the legal authorization to work at full capacity in any of these arenas.
CPAs can perform tasks that an accountant can’t; specifically for auditors, you need a CPA license to:
- Conduct audits of public companies
- Complete SOC audits
- Audit financial statements for SEC reporting
How do I become a CPA?
There are there three key steps in how to become a CPA:
- Meet education requirements
- Pass all four sections of the CPA Exam
- Meet experience requirements
While all candidates must pass the same standardized CPA Exam, each state board of accountancy establishes its own specific requirements regarding education and experience. In some states, you must also meet requirements like state residency and/or an ethics exam. Make sure to check your state CPA requirements to plan for success and avoid roadblocks on your path to licensure.
#4 Certification in Risk Management Assurance® (CRMA®)
The CRMA certification, another of the audit certifications managed by The IIA, provides the skillsets and expertise required to offer risk management assurance to audit committees and executive management.
Often built upon the foundation of a career in auditing, becoming a CRMA helps you advance a specialization within risk management evaluation services.
How do I become a CRMA?
The IIA defines the process to become a CRMA, starting with enrollment in the CRMA program. You may apply based on a combination of education and experience.
- If you have no higher education degree or credential, you must present five years of internal audit experience, two of which must be within the past three years. You must pass the CRMA Exam within two years of entering the program.
- If you are an active IAP, you can apply for the CRMA program immediately. After passing the CRMA Exam within two years of entering the program, you must show proof of 5 years of internal audit experience before becoming certified.
- If you have earned a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for the CRMA program immediately. After passing the CRMA Exam within two years of entering the program, you must show proof of 2 years of internal audit experience before becoming certified.
- If you have earned a master’s degree, you can apply for the CRMA program immediately. After passing the CRMA Exam within two years of entering the program, you must show proof of 1 year of internal audit experience before becoming certified.
#5 Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®)
For professionals who aim to specialize in IT monitoring and business data system assessment, one important certification for auditors is the CISA credential. As a CISA, you demonstrate a focus on applying a risk-based approach to audit engagements and expertise in the organizational impact of innovations like AI and blockchain.
How do I become a CISA?
To become a CISA, you must pass the certification exam and, within five years, demonstrate completion of the experience requirements (based on your level of education and other active credentials). You must also adhere to the Code of Professional Ethics, Continuing Professional Education Policy, and Information Systems Auditing Standards.
#6 Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
All auditors must demonstrate exemplary analysis and research skillsets. But if you’re especially prone to investigative work, the CFE auditor credential will help advance your career in preventing, detecting, and examining financial fraud.
How do I become a CFE?
To become a CFE, you must apply through the governing body, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). You must pass the CFE Exam and meet character, academic, and experience requirements, which all attribute points to your eligibility. Qualification to sit for the CFE Exam requires 40 or more eligibility points. To earn the CFE credential after passing the exam, you must have at least two years of fraud-related experience and 50 points.
Earn audit certifications with Becker
Becker has been the most trusted CPA Exam Review for nearly 70 years, helping candidates achieve their public accounting audit credential to advance their careers.
But for those pursuing a career in internal auditing, we also offer CIA Exam Review and IAP Exam Review in partnership with The IIA team who wrote the exams, helping ensure that you’re ready to succeed both on the exam and in your career as an internal auditor. Learn more about these certifications for auditors to determine if internal auditing is the right career path for you, and how you can plan your path to credentialling and beyond.
Download Becker’s FREE CIA Exam Guide to get step-by-step guidance on the career of an internal auditor, how to prepare for and pass the exam, and more!