CIA vs CPA: Job Functions
CIA: Internal Auditing – Certified Internal Auditors almost exclusively perform internal audits of a company’s financials and internal controls. They can audit information systems, compliance and other key internal protocols. This role requires you to always abide by high ethical standards.
CPA: Public Accounting – Certified Public Accountants must also perform their jobs ethically. They’re responsible for public accounting and financial reporting, such as preparing financial statements, tax preparation, and record keeping—all in accordance with GAAP standards. Only CPAs are allowed to sign and submit financial statements to the IRS.
CIA vs CPA: Certification Requirements
To Become a Certified Internal Auditor
You must:
- Hold a four-year degree from an accredited college or university*
- Have two years of verified audit work experience (a master’s degree can substitute for one year)
- Pass the three-part CIA Exam
- Pay all applicable application and exam fees
- Submit a Character Reference Form signed by a CIA, CGAP, CCSA, CFSA, CRMA, or your work supervisor
- Agree to abide by the IIA’s Code of Ethics
- Provide proof of identification
*You can substitute either five years of work experience coupled with two years of post-secondary schooling, or seven years of verified auditing work.
To Become a Certified Public Accountant
You must:
- Meet the education and experience requirements of the U.S. state in which you are to be licensed. These differ from state to state, but in general you must have at least:
- Earned a four-year degree in accounting, business or related field
- Completed two years of general accounting work
- Pass the four-section CPA Exam
- Pay all applicable application and exam fees
We encourage you to closely investigate the requirements of your state.
Unlike CIAs, who are nationally certified, CPAs must obtain a license for each state in which they work. Some states have additional education and experience requirements.
CIA vs CPA: Passing the Exam
Taking the CIA Exam
The CIA Exam is 100% computer-based and consists of three parts:
- Part 1:Internal Audit Basics
- Part 2:Internal Audit Practice
- Part 3:Internal Audit Knowledge Elements
You can take the exam any time throughout the year at one of the 500+ Pearson VUE centers around the world. Unlike the CPA Exam, the CIA Exam is offered in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese (traditional), English, French, German, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Thai.
Cost: $855 IIA Member / $1,314 Non-IIA Member (Full details on the IIA website)
Taking the CPA Exam
To become a CPA you must pass four exam sections:
- Audit and Attestation (AUD)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
Like the CIA Exam, the CPA Exam is 100% computer based. However, it is only administered via Prometric Testing Centers during four two-month windows throughout the year–and only in English. These are:
- January & February
- April & May
- July & August
- October & November
The exam is not offered in March, June, September or December.
Cost: The cost of the CPA Exam varies by state/jurisdiction, but generally costs between $1,000 and $1,125 for the application fees, registration fee, and exam fees all four sections.
