Become an Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP)
Earn your Internal Audit Practitioner™ (IAP™) designation through the CIA part 1 exam and demonstrate your aptitude and foundational knowledge of The IIA Standards.
The IAP syllabi and exam have changed
Candidates pursuing the IAP designation will become certified by taking the CIA Part 1 exam.
The IAP is now a permanent designation with 20 hours of annual CPE required beginning in 2026.
The IAP exam is now available through a test center-only delivery model. Online proctoring has been discontinued to preserve the integrity of IIA certification programs and enhance the testing experience for all candidates.
Need IAP exam study materials?
The new IAP Exam Review offered through The IIA and Becker is now available.
What is changing?
- The topic areas on the IAP exam syllabus will be updated to:
- Bring the Internal Audit Practitioner program up to date with current global practices.
- Provide more in-depth coverage of internal audit fundamentals.
- Achieve greater alignment among The IIA’s core certifications.
- Create a student pathway to the Certified Internal Auditor designation.
- The IAP is being made a permanent designation with 20 hours of annual CPE required.
- Additional languages are being added to support global accessibility efforts.
Prepare for 2025 IAP changes
- Review language release schedule. (English & French available)
- Review candidate scenarios.
Who should pursue Internal Audit Practitioner designation?
Enter the profession with the fundamental knowledge needed to begin contributing immediately.
Make a statement about your knowledge and aptitude as you progress through the CIA program.
Demonstrates your knowledge and aptitude of The IIA Standards.
Establish a common foundation of skills and knowledge related to internal audit best practices.
IAP FAQS
Automatic updates that have been completed
- Reactivation of Expired IAPs: All previously expired IAP designations have been automatically reactivated and made permanent. Certification renewal requirements begin in 2026.
- Permanent Status for Active IAPs: All currently active IAPs have now been granted permanent status. Certification renewal requirements begin in 2026.
New opportunities to claim the IAP
- [NO EXAM REQUIRED] 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.
- [NO EXAM REQUIRED] 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.
- [NO EXAM REQUIRED] 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.
CIA Part 1 Waiver
- From now through 1 June 2026, any IAP holder can apply to the CIA program and receive a waiver for CIA Part 1. This is only applicable for candidates who will take all 3 parts of the CIA exam. Individuals with a revoked CIA still need to complete CIA Part 1 to reinstate their CIA certification. Effective 1 June 2026, additional restrictions will apply for the CIA Part 1 waiver.
Other useful links
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Updated to reflect the in-depth organizational knowledge and advanced skill sets that are required to provide effective risk management assurance
IIA certificate holders are required to self-certify as to the completion of the required continuing education hours.
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