GRC Certification Comparison 2026
CIA vs CRMA
Generalist certification or risk assurance specialization? Compare CIA and CRMA to find the path that best fits your profile.
CIA — Choose if…
- You are new to internal audit or want the foundational certification
- You are targeting an internal auditor role in any domain
- You want the most globally recognized IIA certification
- You are preparing for a CAE or audit director position
CRMA — Choose if…
- You already hold a CIA and want to specialize in risk
- You work with risk committees or in ERM
- You want a quick certification to complement your CIA
- You are targeting a risk officer or ERM-focused CAE role
Criterion
CIA
CRMA
Issuing body
IIA
IIA
Domain
Generalist internal audit
Risk Management Assurance
Prerequisites
Degree + 24 months audit
CIA recommended
Structure
3 independent parts
1 exam of 150 questions
Study time
200–350 hours
80–120 hours
Pass rate
~42% on 1st attempt
~60–65% on 1st attempt
Exam cost
~$1,000–1,200 USD total
~$495–675 USD
Ideal profile
Any internal auditor
Already CIA-certified
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CIA and CRMA?
The CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) is the generalist internal audit certification covering the 3 parts of the IIA framework. The CRMA (Certification in Risk Management Assurance) is an IIA specialization for internal auditors who want to validate their expertise in risk management assurance.
Do you need the CIA before the CRMA?
The CIA is not required for the CRMA, but it is strongly recommended. The CRMA is designed for experienced internal auditors, ideally already CIA-certified. It complements the CIA rather than replacing it.
CIA or CRMA: which is harder?
The CIA is significantly harder: it has 3 parts with a ~42% pass rate. The CRMA is a single 150-question exam with a ~60–65% pass rate, accessible to someone who already has a solid grasp of internal audit.
Can you hold both CIA and CRMA?
Yes, and it is the ideal combination for a senior internal auditor wanting to position themselves as a risk management expert. The CIA proves mastery of internal audit; the CRMA proves risk specialization.