A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a CIA After 12th?

By IIC Lakshya

29 Nov 2025

Others

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a CIA After 12th?

Are you looking for a certification that will give you global recognition and respect, along with wider career opportunities and high income? Pursuing the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) course can be a good way to become an auditor. Read below to learn more about how to become a CIA after completing standard 12th.

What is the Full Form of the CIA?

The full form of the CIA is Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and is a globally recognised certification. The Institute of Internal Auditors in the United States grants this prestigious professional certification. Aspirants pursuing this course will develop a deeper expertise in risk management, business process analysis, internal control systems, governance, ethics and compliance.

Steps to Become a CIA

To become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) after 12th grade, students will have a wider variety of job opportunities in their future. There are a series of steps to becoming a CIA that students need to follow.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

The first step is to check the eligibility for applying for the CIA course and certification. Students must follow the two significant requirements for getting a CIA certification.

Educational Requirements - all applicants must complete a diploma or bachelor's course or programme at an accredited institution or university.

Work Experience - all CIA aspirants must have 2 years of Internal auditing experience or something equivalent.

Step 2: Know and Understand the CIA Syllabus

There are three levels of the CIA exam, which you can read about in the CIA course & syllabus in detail. In part 1, students learn about the foundational knowledge in the form of Internal Audit Fundamentals.

In part 2, students learn a more engaged approach to the Internal Audit on an individual level and for companies. Aspirants can develop a deeper understanding of the various aspects of internal and external audit, compliance, and risk management. In Part 3, students learn at the Internal Audit Function level.

Students develop skills in this level concerning a deeper evaluation of auditing. They learn about fraud risk management and detection. Furthermore, identification of organisational risks, evaluation and prioritisation of them is taught at this level.

Step 3: Plan your Preparation

If you are a graduate student, you can easily complete the CIA certification course in 6 to 9 months. All students should have a preparation schedule which accommodates the CIA curriculum, the exam schedules, current updates and syllabus changes.

The first two months should be spent on developing a foundational knowledge of the financial discipline. It helps students develop confidence in their course and easily follow the course. The next few months should be spent on developing knowledge for the CIA application.

The last few months have been about understanding the functions of being a CIA professional. It is one of the most significant parts of the exam, which is challenging. Students must contribute dedication and determination to this part of the course.

Step 4: Registration and Application

The fourth step is when registering for the CIA course. Students can directly apply to the global website of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and fill out the registration form for the CIA course.

Students then need to submit documents like ID proof, graduation certificate or any other educational qualification certification, work experience and character reference. After that, students can schedule the exams either online or through Pearson VUE Exam centres.

Step 5: Training and Coaching

Students can either do self-study or gain professional support from experienced CIA-certified professionals or institutes that guide students effectively to crack the exam. The students also develop financial management skills for entrepreneurial success. If a student wants to get scheduled training and coaching support, the following steps are a detailed guide:

They can solve mock tests and solve doubts
Students can go through study resources and materials which are aligned effectively with the IIA requirements
Students will receive guidance on professional cases and ethics based on their learning
A lot of aspirants receive placement support in MNCs and audit firms

Step 6: Gain Practical Experience

Another significant aspect that CIA aspirants must establish to become a legal auditor practitioner is to gain two years of relevant experience of work concerning risk management, internal controls, and auditing. Based on the various steps, you now know how to become an auditor.

Students can either work in Corporate Internal audit teams, Audit firms, banks or risk advisory departments. They can also gain skills from working with various financial institutions, which they can integrate with their knowledge.

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, if you are wondering about how to become a CIA after 12th, this article guides you effectively. After exploring the steps which will guide you through the CIA certification apply to various career paths with higher opportunities and income.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Become a CIA After 12th

What is the CIA course duration?

The CIA course duration is of 12 months, so if students are dedicated, they can complete the course within the span of a year.

Who cannot be an internal auditor?

According to Section 144(b) of the Corporations Act 2013, a statutory auditor cannot be an internal auditor.

What are the 4 types of audit?

The four types of audit that students must learn are Internal audit, financial audit, complaint audit, and performance audit.

What skills are needed for an internal auditor?

Skills needed to become an internal auditor are adaptability, ethical integrity, time management, communication and relationship management. Students also need to have insights, development skills and attention to detail.