Certified Internal Auditor

Has anyone recently completed the certification for an internal auditor? What suggestions do you have for studying and what other certifications do you recommend? I am currently a staff internal auditor and would like to advance. Not necessarily in banking but maybe other industries.

I sat for the exam a couple of years ago and used the Gleim publications - 4 manuals and 4 disks (probably have CDs now). I really liked their system. Lots of good material to read/review and the disks were invaluable for practice tests. Your amount of prep time will depend on your current skill/knowledge levels. I would strongly recommend setting up a 6-month study schedule. I did a five-month schedule – one month for a general overview, one month for each section, last month did a one-week review of each section. There is a LOT of information to get down. Anything less than 3 months would not be advisable. Also, set aside 1-3 hours a day to study. Treat it like it really is - a major, 14-hour exam.

As for other certifications, it would really depend on where your interests lie. There are many different designations/certifications. CBA (certified bank auditor), CISA (certified information systems auditor), CFE (certified fraud examiner), CPA (especially if you want to go big four), CCSA, CGAP, CFSA, and many more. If you know where you want to go, tailor your certifications to that. Sometimes, we don't have as much control over what industry we work in. In that case, the CIA is still a great core certification. When you get into a different industry than you originally planned, you can look into additional certifications that can add to your value. Think of it as getting a medical degree and later specializing in one or more areas.

Just my 2 bits. . . and good luck!

MFC - I have proctored the CIA examination for about 8 years now. It is always interesting for me to hear comments from candidates at the end of the exam. One interesting challenge for candidates who have jobs as internal auditors is their struggle between real world and book world. The exam questions are geared toward the "book" answer but candidates struggle at times trying to apply real life answers. My suggestion is to ensure you approach the test from the "book" perspective. FYI, the CISA is a very popular and in demand designation. You will want to get hands on experience doing technical audits.

Best wishes.

I would echo the previous posts. Start with the CIA, then consider the CISA. They are the most recognized international certifications for internal audit and IT audit, respectively. They will also serve you well across industries. From there, focus on more industry specific training and / or certifications.

One hint with the CISA, learn the technical terminology backwards and forwards! If you don't have hands-on technical experience, you're at a disadvantage. It's hard to make an educated guess on the test when you don't know the complex jargon.

I'm a CIA & have proctored the same. I agree that Gleim would provide not only excellent study material, but reference material for years to come. I have the CBA and CRP too, but the Certified Internal Auditor is the best known.

You should look at the IIA's website www.theiia.com. There are chapters in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and many times they will provide review courses just prior to the exam.

Good Luck!

The Dallas IIA Chapter is also sponsoring a CIA review course that will be taught by one of the best known internal audit educators in the country...Dr. Glenn Sumners from Louisiana State University. The course is Feb 27-Mar 1. www.dallasiia.org

mfc - I completed the CIA exam three years ago. I used the Gleim practice exam disks. I only took three parts (didn't have to take the audit environment section), but I felt the study program was excellent. I took the IT section first, and the audit theory/practice sections together on a second sitting. No problems at all. Also, the disks were very affordable - maybe $100 - $150 for the set?

If you qualify and have not done so already (or even if you don't qualify but would be willing to take some additional classes) I would certainly recommend sitting for your CPA. If you are looking to expand career opportunities, it will carry much more weight with employers. Good luck.

I am CIA, CISA and trying to finish the ACI Treasury Dealing Certificate. I am currently an Audit Manager for a major bank. Without certifications, I don't think that I would get that far within my career. However, a bet of advice for you Passing the exam and achieving the certification is just the beginning and now the really hard work of honing our craft begins. Professionalism is not a fixed point in space or time - it is a way of life. Those of us that truly believe that we are professionals will attest to the fact that knowledge gathering, networking with our peers, experiences and plain old hard work are the fundamental ingredients to maintaining our competence and capabilities" Think about what he said, the certification will get you an interview, your skills and hard work will get you a Job. Good luck.

I ditto the previous comments. I used Gleim. I have my CIA (since 2000). It is a difficult test, with alot of material. Three suggestions that helped me.
(1) Look at the 4 parts of the exam and the topics/material covered. Try to critically analyze where you may have any weaknesses. Hit those topics in depth and first. There is way too much material to cover each topic in the same amount of detail.
(2) A study group may be helpful, if you have others in your company, or area pursuing this certification.
(3) Read as much as possible in the audit field; like trade magazines, newsletters.......you never know; I was able to answer 1-3 questions based on material I had read a few weeks prior. Current events awareness may count for something.
Good Luck!

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The Dallas IIA Chapter is also sponsoring a CIA review course that will be taught by one of the best known internal audit educators in the country...Dr. Glenn Sumners from Louisiana State University. The course is Feb 27-Mar 1. www.dallasiia.org

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I had the priviledge of attending local training (Utah) where Glenn Sumners was presenting. Definitely worth the price of admission! Ranked right up there with Andy's presentation at a local conference here two years back.