Criteria

CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)

CMA (Certified Management Accountant)

Focus

Specializes in internal auditing, risk management, governance, and control.

Focuses on management accounting, financial management, and strategic decision-making.

Content

Internal auditing standards, risk management, governance, and control.

Financial reporting, planning, performance, control, and decision-making.

Exam Structure

3 parts: Essentials of Internal Auditing, Practice of Internal Auditing, Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing.

2 parts: financial reporting, planning, decision-making, and analysis.

Duration

1–2 years, depending on preparation and exam schedule.

1–1.5 years if passed on the first attempt.

Global Recognition

Recognized worldwide, especially in internal audit departments and roles.

Recognized globally, particularly in the USA, Middle East, and multinational corporations (MNCs).

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in internal auditing or related fields.

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant work experience in management accounting or finance.

Career Path

Internal auditor, risk manager, compliance officer, governance advisor.

Management accountant, financial analyst, corporate finance roles.

Cost

$1,000 to $1,500 (includes exam fees and study materials).

$1,500 to $2,500 (includes exam fees, membership, and study materials).

Targeted Roles

Internal audit, risk assessment, compliance, governance.

Financial planning, budgeting, corporate finance, performance management.

Key Markets

Government, corporate audit departments, and financial institutions globally.

Multinational corporations, financial departments, and management roles globally.