The Institute of Internal Auditors

What The Institute of Internal Auditors does

The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA), founded in 1941 and headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Florida, is a private, nonprofit international professional association serving over 260,000 members across more than 100 countries through a network of 143 North American chapters and international affiliates. The IIA's core offering is intellectual property rather than commercial technology: it sets and maintains the Global Internal Audit Standards™ (effective January 9, 2025), issues mandatory Topical Requirements covering cybersecurity (effective February 5, 2026), organizational behavior, and third-party governance, and administers the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA®) — described as the only globally recognized internal audit credential — alongside the CRMA® and Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) designations. The organization also operates the Global Audit Committee Center (launched October 2025 in Washington, DC), the Internal Audit Benchmark Hub, Internal Auditor Magazine, and the annual Risk in Focus survey of more than 4,000 chief audit executives across 131 countries.

The IIA monetizes through a diversified portfolio: recurring membership dues (individual, executive, student, and group tiers), one-time certification fees and renewals, instructor-led and on-demand training, executive development programs such as Vision University, annual conferences including the International Conference (Singapore, June 2026) and the ISACA-co-hosted GRC Conference, micro-credentials like the $195 AI-Enabled Coordinated Assurance Certificate, and quality services including the new IIA Quality Certification for internal audit functions. Go-to-market is hybrid: a community-led and event-driven motion sustained by 260,000+ individual members and chapters, combined with a sales-led motion targeting Fortune 500 audit committees via the Global Audit Committee Center and group membership programs. The organization also stewards COSO's Board Chair appointment process and advocates on regulatory matters including SOX modernization and prediction markets oversight, reinforcing its quasi-regulatory role in governance standards. Leadership is anchored by President & CEO Anthony Pugliese and Global Board Chair Stacey L. Schabel (2026-2027 term), with EVPs overseeing affiliate relations, global strategy/membership/brand, and global standards/guidance/certifications.

Name

The Institute of Internal Auditors

Legal name

The Institute of Internal Auditors

Website

https://na.theiia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is a global nonprofit professional association founded in 1941 that sets the Global Internal Audit Standards, administers the CIA certification, and serves over 260,000 internal audit professionals, chief audit executives, audit committee members, and organizations across more than 100 countries through chapters, training, conferences, and topical guidance.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Offices of Certified Public Accountants (541211)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Audit & Assurance Services (BPAHABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Financial Risk, Controls & Audit (Public Sector) (BPAIAEAH), Psychometric Standards, Test Development & Validation Authorities (EDADAFAG), Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting Advisory (GAAP/IFRS) (BPAHABAF)

Keywords

• Internal audit certification
• Professional audit standards
• Audit professional training
• Risk management assurance
• Audit committee governance

Headquarters

HQ city

Lake Mary

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Individual and organizational membership fees provide recurring revenue. Tailored membership packages include access to resources, learning, and certification discounts. Group membership options enable organizations to enroll multiple staff members.
2. Professional Certifications: Fees for certification examinations and credentials including the CIA® (Certified Internal Auditor), CRMA® (Certification in Risk Management Assurance), and the Internal Audit Practitioner designation. Revenue is generated at application, examination, and renewal stages.
3. Training and Education: Revenue from instructor-led training, in-person seminars, online courses, on-demand learning, certificates, and webinars. Programs range from general audit skills to specialized topics such as AI-enabled assurance and executive development (e.g., Vision University).
4. Conferences and Events: Annual International Conference (e.g., Singapore 2026), the Great Audit Minds conference, the ISACA-IIA GRC Conference, and virtual conferences such as RISE generate event-based revenue through registration fees and sponsorships.
5. Publications and Resources: Revenue from the IIA Bookstore, Internal Auditor Magazine, research reports, and the Resource Hub featuring white papers, product guides, and case studies. SmartBrief newsletter and curated news services provide additional content-based revenue.
6. Quality Services: External quality assessments and validation services for internal audit functions, helping validate and strengthen audit activities and enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and practice implementation globally.
7. Licensing and Certification Management System (CCMS): Access to the Certification Management System (CCMS) generates administrative and licensing revenue for certification candidates and certified professionals managing their credentials and continuing professional education (CPE).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is an international professional association that provides globally recognized certifications (CIA, CRMA, IAP), publishes authoritative professional standards including the Global Internal Audit Standards, delivers training and continuing professional education, and operates a worldwide chapter network serving over 260,000 internal audit professionals across 143 North American chapters and international affiliates.

Product overview

The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) operates as a professional association offering a comprehensive portfolio of certification programs, standards, training, and resources for the global internal audit profession. The core offerings center on the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification—the only globally recognized internal audit credential—alongside the CIA Challenge Exam (accelerated pathway for experienced professionals), CRMA, and IAP certifications. The IIA publishes the Global Internal Audit Standards and topical requirements covering cybersecurity, organizational behavior, and third-party risk. Learning services include instructor-led training, online courses, Vision University executive program, and the AI-Enabled Coordinated Assurance Certificate. Additional offerings include the Global Audit Committee Center, Internal Auditor Magazine, Quality Services, IIA Quality Certification, Benchmark Hub, and annual conferences including the International Conference and RISE virtual event. The organization also manages COSO resources and operates the IIA Resource Hub.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Internal Auditor Magazine: The official magazine of The IIA, providing insights, articles, and research for internal audit professionals.
• Global Internal Audit Standards
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Internal Audit Foundation

Products and services

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) The only globally recognized internal audit certification, demonstrating knowledge, skills, and competencies to perform internal audits in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards. Available through traditional three-part examination.
• CIA Challenge Exam Accelerated one-part examination pathway for internal auditors with seven or more years of experience to earn the CIA designation, coming soon in French and Spanish.
• Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) Professional certification credential demonstrating expertise in evaluating and overseeing organizational risk management frameworks.
• Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) Entry-level certification for individuals entering the internal audit profession, providing an accessible pathway to demonstrate foundational competency.
• Global Internal Audit Standards Comprehensive professional standards governing the worldwide practice of internal auditing, effective January 9, 2025, serving as the authoritative benchmark for evaluating and elevating internal audit function quality.
• Instructor-Led Training In-person seminars and training courses across audit, IT, risk, and ESG topics for all skill levels, delivered across multiple U.S. cities.
• Online Learning Self-paced online courses, on-demand training, and certificate programs accessible through the website for CPE credit.
• Vision University 4-day immersive executive development program in Orlando for CAE leadership, offering 30 CPE credits.
• AI-Enabled Coordinated Assurance Certificate Newly launched certificate program providing hands-on AI training and tools for auditors to leverage artificial intelligence in coordinated assurance programs, priced at $195 per participant.
• Quality Services External quality assessments and validation services for internal audit functions, helping validate and strengthen audit activities and enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and practice implementation globally.
• IIA Quality Certification A prestigious new standard recognizing internal audit functions that demonstrate quality and impact in their practice, providing external validation of audit function excellence.
• Global Audit Committee Center A dedicated hub delivering boardroom-ready insights, resources, and training for audit committee members worldwide, launched in October 2025, with plans to serve approximately 1,500 Fortune 500 audit committee members initially.
• RISE Virtual Conference One-day virtual internal audit conference designed for CAEs and senior leaders covering AI, strategy, and risk, earning 7.2 CPE credits with practical insights for immediate application.
• International Conference Annual flagship conference held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (June 21-24, 2026) with virtual attendance option including live translation and on-demand sessions, serving as the primary demand-generation event for global members.
• Internal Audit Benchmark Hub A data-driven platform enabling internal audit functions to benchmark their performance against peers across key metrics, supporting continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.

Quantifiable outcome

• 73% of over 4,000 chief audit executives identified cybersecurity as the No. 1 global risk for the fifth consecutive year (IIA 2026 Risk in Focus survey)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• COSOflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026The IIA is managing the application process for COSO's next Board Chair position, with the selected candidate to begin a three-year term on January 1, 2027. Current COSO Chair Lucia Wind will step down December 31, 2026. The incoming Chair will guide COSO's strategic priorities including framework modernization and global outreach expansion amid evolving governance, technology, and risk oversight landscapes. This positions The IIA as the administrative steward for one of the most important governance standard-setting bodies in the world.
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026ICAN has been formally admitted to The IIA's Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Challenge Exam Pathway effective March 1, 2026, making it the first Nigerian professional accounting body to receive this recognition. Eligible ICAN members gain an accelerated examination route to earn the globally recognized CIA designation, with certification carrying identical status to the traditional three-part examination pathway. This landmark achievement validates Nigerian professional education standards and is expected to enhance internal audit capacity, corporate governance, and global competitiveness of Nigerian professionals.
• Ernst & Young LLP (EY)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2026EY and The IIA conducted a joint survey on ESG programs in financial institutions, finding that while most organizations have ESG programs and reporting, many are not yet involving their internal audit function meaningfully. The survey informs The IIA's guidance on embedding internal audit in ESG risk assessment, control review, and disclosure accuracy processes. This research partnership advances shared goals of improving governance and risk management practices.
• ISACAflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2026The IIA co-hosts the annual Governance, Risk, and Control (GRC) Conference with ISACA, held in San Diego (August 17-19, 2026). The conference covers topics in digital trust, cybersecurity, audit, governance, risk, and privacy. This co-hosted event represents a major annual collaboration between the two leading professional bodies in governance and technology assurance, combining their respective memberships and expertise.
• ProtivitiflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerProtiviti, a global consulting firm, partners with The IIA to host the Audit Innovator Awards at The IIA's Great Audit Minds conference. The annual award recognizes internal audit leaders for innovation in strategy, technology, and people development. The 2025 winners included Morgan Stanley, BNY, Inter-American Development Bank, Microsoft, and DTCC. The awards highlight how leading organizations leverage emerging technologies including GenAI and intelligent automation to modernize internal audit functions.
• Internal Audit FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Internal Audit Foundation is a subsidiary entity of The IIA that funds and produces research and thought leadership for the internal audit profession, including the Mindset Shift: Towards Innovation study. It operates as an affiliated research arm supporting The IIA's mission to advance the profession.
• Chapters and Affiliates NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe IIA's network of 143 North American chapters and international affiliates serves as the primary local distribution and community building channel. Chapters provide local CPE events, networking, mentorship, and serve as ambassadors for IIA membership, certifications, and resources at the regional level.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ISACA: Global professional association for IT governance, risk, cybersecurity, and audit professionals (CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC). Closest direct peer to The IIA — co-hosts the GRC Conference with The IIA and serves a substantially overlapping IT audit and assurance audience.
• American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): U.S. national professional association for CPAs offering the CPA credential, certifications (CISA, CGMA), and member learning. Directly comparable professional-body model targeting the broader accounting/assurance profession, with overlapping enterprise membership and continuing-education offerings.
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA): Global accountancy body offering the ACCA qualification with 250,000+ members and students worldwide. Comparable in scale, global chapter model, and recurring-membership revenue structure; competes for the same internal audit and assurance talent pool internationally.
• Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (Chartered IIA, UK): The UK and national Chapter body for internal auditors, awarding the Chartered Internal Auditor designation and Diploma in Internal Audit Practice. Operates as a regional counterpart to The IIA, with strong overlap in curriculum, standards adoption, and member base in the UK and Ireland.
• Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): Global association for management accountants (CMA, CSCA certifications, 140,000+ members) with chapters worldwide. Comparable membership-association model serving the broader accounting profession, with adjacent — but not overlapping — mandate to internal audit.

Emerging players

• OCEG (Open Compliance & Ethics Group): Global nonprofit GRC (governance, risk, compliance) community offering the GRC Professional (GRCP) and GRC Auditor (GRCA) certifications. Emerging player with partial overlap to IIA's risk and assurance remit, increasingly positioning as a complementary credential for integrated GRC professionals.
• Institute of Risk Management (IRM): UK-headquartered professional body for risk managers offering the Internationally Qualified Risk Manager (IQRM) and CertIFR credentials. Adjacent peer serving the broader risk profession that increasingly overlaps with internal audit functions, particularly on enterprise risk.

Broad incumbents

• Protiviti: Global consulting firm specializing in internal audit, risk, and technology consulting. Hosts the Audit Innovator Awards at IIA's Great Audit Minds conference; competes with IIA's training and Quality Services via its own audit academies and thought-leadership content.
• Ernst & Young (EY): Big Four professional services firm with a global internal audit, risk, and ESG practice. Co-research partner with The IIA on ESG-in-financial-institutions; competes for the same enterprise audit budgets and increasingly for internal audit training and certification spend.

Others

• International Federation of Accountants (IFAC): Global umbrella organization for the accountancy profession (180+ member bodies). Not a direct competitor but a peer-ecosystem body whose member organizations influence IIA's standards adoption and whose MOUs and policy positions materially shape the IIA's operating environment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/theiia
• Facebookfacebook.com/theinstituteofinternalauditors
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-institute-of-internal-auditors-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Institute of Internal Auditors