CRMA vs. CIA: Which IIA Certification Should You Pursue First?
Deciding between the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and the Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)? Here is a strategic guide to mapping your audit and risk certification journey.
For professionals navigating the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) landscape, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) offers two premier certifications: the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and the Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA).
A common question we hear from candidates is: "Which one should I pursue first?"
The short answer: You must pursue the CIA first. In fact, the IIA recently updated the CRMA program requirements, making the CIA designation an active prerequisite for earning the CRMA. Let's break down why this is the case and how you should structure your career path.
The Foundation: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) The CIA is the only globally recognized certification for internal auditors. It is a comprehensive, three-part exam that covers the entire spectrum of the profession: - Part 1: Essentials of Internal Auditing (Independence, Objectivity, Governance). - Part 2: Practice of Internal Auditing (Managing the audit function, planning, execution). - Part 3: Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing (IT, Financial Management, Strategic Leadership).
Why it comes first: The CIA builds your core competency. It teaches you how to audit. You cannot effectively provide assurance on complex enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks if you do not understand the fundamental mechanics of internal controls, evidence gathering, and independent reporting.
The Specialization: Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) Once you have secured your CIA, the CRMA is the logical next step for leaders looking to elevate their strategic value. The CRMA is a one-part exam focused entirely on risk management at the enterprise level.
- Providing assurance on core business processes in risk management and governance.
- Educating management and the Audit Committee on risk and risk management concepts.
- Focusing on strategic organizational risks rather than operational control failures.
The CRMA mindset: A CIA might audit a specific payroll control to ensure it works. A CRMA will evaluate the organization's entire ERM framework (like COSO ERM or ISO 31000) to ensure the Board's risk appetite is accurately cascaded down to the HR and Finance departments.
The Recommended Certification Roadmap
- 1Focus 100% on CIA Exam Prep: Knock out Parts 1, 2, and 3. Use comprehensive question banks and master the Global Internal Audit Standards.
- 2Gain Practical Experience: Spend 1-2 years leading audits. Experience the friction of dealing with auditees and reporting to the Audit Committee.
- 3Pivot to CRMA Exam Prep: Use your solid foundation to tackle the CRMA. Because you already hold the CIA, you will find that the governance and control concepts overlap significantly, making the CRMA much more approachable.
By obtaining both, you signal to employers that you are not just a compliance checker (CIA), but a strategic risk advisor (CRMA) capable of guiding the organization through complex, uncertain business environments.