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
What is the Internal Audit Practitioner?
The Internal Audit Practitioner designation demonstrates internal audit aptitude and foundational knowledge of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. Ideal for university students and beginner or rotational internal auditors, this designation opens a new pathway to the Certified Internal Auditor certification.
Is there an education requirement to enroll in the program?
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 enroll and complete the program.
I have applied to the program. How do I access the included study material?
Information on how to access your Internal Audit Practitioner study material is included in the program approval confirmation email from The IIA. This email includes your customized access code along with information on how to access the interactive exam preparation materials.
Why can't I submit CPEs for my internal audit practitioner designation?
The Internal Audit Practitioner is not a renewable certification. It is designed as a pathway into the Certified Internal Auditor program. As such, the designation will expire three years after it was earned.
Program Overview
- 5 syllabus domains, each dealing with a set of IIA Standards
- 2-hour examination
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Two years to complete the examinations once approved
- Three years to designation validity after passing
- Three years to enroll in the CIA
- One Hundred Self-Study Practice Questions Included with approved application
Other useful links
The optimum way to communicate knowledge, skills, and competencies anywhere in the world.
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.
Get access to your account.