Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP)

The first step toward success.

To support students as well as new and rotational auditors on their journey into internal auditing, The IIA is pleased to announce the revised education and employment requirements of the Internal Audit Practitioner program. The Internal Audit Practitioner designation is a great way to demonstrate internal audit aptitude. Active Internal Audit Practitioners opens a new pathway to the Certified Internal Auditor^®️ (CIA^®️) designation, the only globally recognized certification for internal audit practitioners around the world.

Who Should Pursue Internal Audit Practitioner Designation?

University Students - Graduating with the Internal Audit Practitioner designation reflects your commitment to entering the profession with the fundamental knowledge needed to begin contributing immediately.

Beginner Internal Auditors - Obtaining this designation allows you to make a statement about your knowledge and aptitude as you progress through the CIA program.

Rotational Internal Auditors - This designation is ideal for rotational auditors as it quickly demonstrates your knowledge and aptitude of The IIA Standards.

Managers of Internal Audit Activities - This designation helps demonstrate that your internal auditors are well-versed in internal audit basics and establishes a common foundation of skills and knowledge related to internal audit best practices.

Program Overview

The Internal Audit Practitioner designation demonstrates internal audit aptitude and foundational knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards for the International Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. Ideal for beginner or rotational internal auditors, this designation opens a new pathway to other IIA certifications such as CIA and CRMA.

The Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) certification program is designed to enhance the value and create a clear pathway for practitioners to the Certified Internal Auditor^® (CIA^®) designation. This is designed to demonstrate your internal audit aptitude and foundational knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards.

Important updates to the Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) designation, designed to better recognize and support internal audit professionals.

Useful Information:

1. Reactivation of Expired IAPs: All previously expired IAP designations have been automatically reactivated and made permanent.
2. Permanent Status for Active IAPs: The IAP certification is now a permanent certification and all currently active IAPs have been granted permanent status.
3. Annual Certification Renewal: All IAP holders are required to renew their certification annually to keep it active. The annual CPE requirement is 20 hours of CPE. Effective 2026.

Action Required – New Opportunities to Claim the IAP [NO EXAM REQUIRED]

4. Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs): If you have ever earned your CIA, you are now eligible to claim the IAP designation. Please submit an IAP application in CCMS.
5. Challenge Exam Candidates: If you passed the CIA Challenge Exam, you may claim the IAP by 1) submitting an IAP application in CCMS and 2) opening a new case under the Help tab to complete the process.
6. CIA Part 1 Passers: If you have ever passed Part 1 of the CIA exam, even if you did not complete the full certification, you are now eligible to claim the IAP. Please submit an IAP application in CCMS.

The Internal Audit Practitioner application only requires you to upload proof of ID and complete the digital character reference through CCMS to be approved into the program. Education and experience are not required to enrol and complete the program.

In brief, the eligibility requirements for Internal Audit Practitioner are as follows:

• Government-issued ID
• Application
• Character reference

How much does it cost?

See the exam fee below

Please take note of the timelines given for you to sit and pass the IAP exams.

IAP Exam: The IAP exam is the same as CIA Part 1 syllabus.

How to register:

1. Sign in to your account on the IIA Global website here.
2. Complete the Internal Audit Practitioner application including proof of identification through The IIA’s Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS)
3. On the righthand side of your CCMS home page, you will see a list of certifications you can apply for. Select IAP.
4. Follow the steps to register and pay for your IAP order. Payment can be made with a credit or debit card.
5. You can navigate the CCMS for more information. See Video tutorials on this.

Please feel free to get in touch with us in case of any further enquiries

We wish you all the best in your IAP journey.