Top 11 Staff Auditor Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a staff auditor’s job market success. Having certifications shows potential employers that the auditor has taken the extra step in their education and is committed to maintaining a high level of competency in their profession. They also demonstrate that the auditor is knowledgeable in the specific areas of auditing, such as financial statement audits, internal control audits, and fraud investigations. Additionally, certifications provide assurance to employers that the auditor is up-to-date on current industry standards and best practices. This allows employers to trust that the staff auditor will be able to provide quality audits according to their expectations. Overall, having certifications can give a staff auditor an edge over other candidates when it comes to finding employment opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Staff Auditors and explain how they can contribute to a staff auditor's career by providing them with valuable knowledge and skills.

What are Staff Auditor Certifications?

Staff auditor certification is a professional certification program offered by organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to help auditors gain the skills and knowledge they need to effectively audit financial statements. The certification provides recognition that an auditor has achieved a high level of competency in accordance with AICPA standards.

The staff auditor certification program consists of three parts: the General Knowledge Exam, the Auditing Procedures Exam, and the Professionalism and Ethics Exam. The General Knowledge Exam tests an auditor’s understanding of accounting principles, auditing standards, and other areas related to auditing. The Auditing Procedures Exam focuses on testing an auditor’s ability to plan and perform audits according to established professional standards. The Professionalism and Ethics Exam tests an auditor’s understanding of ethical considerations related to conducting an audit.

By obtaining staff auditor certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to excellence in auditing and provide assurance that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge required for effective audits. This can help increase public confidence in financial reporting by providing assurance that the financial statements have been subject to independent review by qualified professionals. Additionally, it may help employers identify qualified candidates for open positions or promotion opportunities within their organization. Finally, it can also help individuals enhance their career prospects by demonstrating their commitment to quality workmanship at a higher level than non-certified accountants or auditors.

Pro Tip: When selecting a staff auditor for certification, make sure to look for experience in auditing and accounting. Additionally, ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge of relevant standards and regulations, as well as an understanding of risk management principles. Finally, check references to ensure the candidate has a good reputation and is reliable.

Related: What does a Staff Auditor do?

Top 11 Staff Auditor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Staff Auditors today.

1. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the most widely recognized and respected certification for internal auditors. The CIA designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to provide competent internal audit services.

The CIA exam consists of three parts: Part 1 – Essentials of Internal Auditing; Part 2 – Practice of Internal Auditing; and Part 3 – Business Analysis and Information Technology. Each part must be passed in order to obtain the certification.

It typically takes between six months and two years to prepare for the CIA exam, depending on how much time you are able to devote to studying each week. In order to become certified, you must pass all three parts of the exam within five years from when you first register for it.

In order to get started on your journey towards becoming a Certified Internal Auditor, you must first register with The IIA. Registration fees vary based on your country of residence but typically range from $100-$400 USD. Once registered, you will need to purchase study materials such as textbooks or online courses that will help you prepare for the exam. These materials can cost anywhere from $50-$500 USD depending on what type of material you choose.

Once you have passed all three parts of the CIA exam, there is an annual maintenance fee which ranges from $25-$150 USD depending on your country of residence. This fee covers membership in The IIA as well as access to ongoing education opportunities related to internal auditing topics.

2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a certification developed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). CISA is a globally recognized certification for professionals who audit, control, monitor and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems. The CISA certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in the areas of IT auditing, assurance, risk management, security, and control.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the CISA exam. To get certified as a CISA professional, you must pass an exam administered by ISACA. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering five domains: Auditing Information Systems; Governance & Management of IT; Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation; Protection of Information Assets; and Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery.

The cost of obtaining the CISA certification varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it costs $575 USD for members of ISACA and $760 USD for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

3. Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)

Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). CGAP is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in government auditing. It is intended for individuals who are currently working in or aspiring to work in the field of government auditing.

The CGAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as risk assessment, audit planning, internal control systems, financial statement audits, performance audits, and fraud detection. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to become certified as a CGAP, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the CGAP exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least two years of relevant experience in government auditing or related fields. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credits related to government auditing within the past three years prior to applying for the certification.

The cost of taking the CGAP exam varies depending on whether you are an IIA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD; for members, it is $295 USD.

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). CPAs are licensed by their respective state boards of accountancy to provide a range of accounting services including tax preparation, audit and assurance services, financial statement preparation, and management consulting.

To become a CPA, you must meet certain education, experience, and examination requirements. Generally speaking, you must complete at least 150 semester hours of college-level coursework from an accredited institution with a concentration in accounting or related field; pass the Uniform CPA Examination; and obtain one year of relevant work experience. Depending on your state’s requirements, this may include passing an ethics exam as well.

The cost of becoming a CPA varies depending on the state in which you’re seeking licensure. Most states require applicants to pay an application fee ranging from $50-$200 as well as fees for any exams taken. The cost of the Uniform CPA Exam itself is approximately $800-$1,000 depending on your state’s requirements.

In terms of time commitment, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become a CPA depending on your individual circumstances. It typically takes four to six months to prepare for and pass the Uniform CPA Exam; however this timeline can be longer if you need additional coursework or if you fail any sections of the exam. After passing the exam, it can take up to two years for some states to process your application and grant licensure.

5. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in detecting, investigating and preventing fraud. The CFE credential is internationally recognized and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the fight against fraud.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CFE Exam, depending on an individual's background and experience. To become a CFE, candidates must pass a four-hour exam that covers topics such as fraud prevention, detection, investigation and law. Candidates must also have at least two years of professional experience related to fraud examination or financial crime investigation in order to be eligible for the certification.

The cost of becoming a CFE varies depending on your country of residence and membership status with ACFE. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD for non-members and $300 USD for members to take the exam. The cost of membership itself is approximately $200 USD per year.

6. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of financial management expertise.

To become a CGMA, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements. You must have an undergraduate degree in accounting or finance from an accredited college or university, as well as two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. You must also pass the CGMA exam administered by AICPA/CIMA.

The CGMA exam consists of four sections: Financial Reporting, Strategy & Performance Management, Risk & Controls, and Business Analysis & Valuation. It takes approximately 12 weeks to complete the exam preparation process, including studying for the exam itself.

The cost to take the CGMA exam is $500 for AICPA/CIMA members and $750 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with maintaining your certification status such as annual dues and continuing education credits.

7. Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)

Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is designed to provide financial services auditors with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform independent audits of financial institutions. The CFSA program is based on the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), which provides guidance for internal audit activities in the financial services industry.

It typically takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the CFSA program, depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to studying and preparing for the exams. To get certified, you must pass two exams: one covering general principles of auditing and another that focuses specifically on financial services. You can find more information about both exams here: https://na.theiia.org/certification/cfsa-exam-requirements/.

The cost of obtaining the CFSA designation depends on your membership status with IIA. For non-members, it costs $1,050 USD for each exam plus a $150 USD registration fee. For members, it costs $850 USD per exam plus a $50 USD registration fee. Additionally, there are study materials available from IIA that may be purchased separately if desired.

8. Certified in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA)

Certified in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA) is an internationally recognized certification program offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is designed to equip internal auditors and other professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct effective control self-assessments. The CCSA certification is a valuable asset that can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field of control self-assessment.

The CCSA certification requires completion of a two-day course, which covers topics such as the fundamentals of control self-assessment, risk assessment, process improvement, audit planning, and reporting. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam in order to be certified. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and case studies.

To obtain the CCSA certification, individuals must apply for it through the IIA website. The application fee is $295 USD for members of IIA and $395 USD for non-members. It typically takes 4–6 weeks from application submission to receive results from the exam.

9. Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)

A Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of financial institution regulatory compliance. The CRCM certification is administered by the Institute of Certified Bankers, a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association.

The CRCM certification requires passing an exam that tests knowledge and understanding of banking regulations, including anti-money laundering laws, consumer protection laws, and other related topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. It is offered twice a year at testing centers throughout the United States.

To qualify for the CRCM certification, candidates must have at least two years of relevant experience in regulatory compliance or risk management, or hold a bachelor’s degree in business or finance from an accredited college or university. Candidates must also complete an online application form and submit a fee before taking the exam.

The cost for the CRCM certification is $595 USD for members of the American Bankers Association and $695 USD for non-members.

10. Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA/CA, CPA/CGA, CPA/CMA)

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA/CA, CPA/CGA, CPA/CMA) is a professional designation granted by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA). It is the highest level of accounting certification available in Canada and is recognized by employers around the world. CPAs are highly trained professionals who provide assurance services, tax advice, financial planning and consulting services to individuals, businesses and organizations.

It typically takes between three to five years to become a CPA. The process includes completing an undergraduate degree in accounting or business administration from an accredited university program, followed by a two-year professional accounting program at an accredited college or university. Once you have completed your education requirements, you must pass the Common Final Examination (CFE), which is administered by the CICA. After passing the CFE, you will be eligible for membership in one of the three provincial bodies: Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario), Certified Management Accountants of Canada (CMA Canada) or Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada).

The cost of becoming a CPA depends on where you live and what type of program you choose to pursue. In general, tuition fees range from $2,000-$15,000 per year depending on your province or territory and whether you choose to pursue a full-time or part-time program. In addition to tuition fees there are also registration fees for each provincial body as well as examination fees for the Common Final Examination.

In addition to tuition costs there may be other costs associated with becoming a CPA such as books and supplies, travel expenses for attending classes and conferences as well as exam preparation materials.

11. Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA).

Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The CRMA program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of risk management principles, processes, and practices. It is intended for internal auditors, risk managers, and other professionals who work in the areas of risk management assurance.

The CRMA program consists of two parts: an online self-study component and an in-person examination. The self-study component requires approximately 40 hours of study time, while the exam takes approximately four hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as risk assessment, internal control systems, compliance with laws and regulations, enterprise risk management, and fraud prevention.

To become certified in CRMA, you must first complete the self-study component of the program. Once you have completed this part of the program, you can register for the exam through IIA's website. You will need to pay a fee for registration; this fee varies depending on your country or region. After registering for the exam, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for it and where to take it.

Once you have passed the exam with a score of at least 70%, you will be awarded your CRMA certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date that you pass the exam; after this time period has elapsed, you must retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

The total cost of obtaining your CRMA certification depends on which country or region you are located in; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD (including registration fees).

Do You Really Need a Staff Auditor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the career path you wish to pursue. A staff auditor certificate is a professional certification for those who wish to work in the auditing field, typically at an accounting firm or other financial institution. It demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively audit financial statements, internal controls, and other documents.

For those who are just starting out in their auditing career, a staff auditor certificate may be beneficial as it will provide them with a greater level of credibility when applying for jobs. It can also help you stand out among your peers by demonstrating your commitment to the profession. Additionally, having a staff auditor certificate can open up opportunities to advance your career by obtaining higher-level positions such as senior auditor or chief accountant.

On the other hand, if you already have experience and strong credentials in the field of auditing, then a staff auditor certificate may not be necessary. In this case, employers may be more interested in seeing what kind of work experience you have and how well you understand accounting principles and regulations.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a staff auditor certificate depends on your individual goals and objectives. If you want to demonstrate your commitment to the field of auditing and gain credibility with prospective employers, then obtaining a staff auditor certificate could be a good option for you.

Related: Staff Auditor Resume Examples

FAQs About Staff Auditor Certifications

1. What is a Staff Auditor Certification?

Answer: A staff auditor certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in auditing practices and procedures. It is typically earned through passing a professional exam administered by a recognized certifying organization.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a staff auditor?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the certifying body, the level of certification sought, and the individual's prior experience and education. Generally speaking, individuals can expect to spend at least 6 months preparing for the exam and completing any necessary coursework or training.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a staff auditor?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a staff auditor include increased job security, higher salary potential, enhanced professional credibility, greater job satisfaction, and improved career prospects. Additionally, many organizations offer bonuses or other incentives to those with staff auditor certifications.

4. How much does it cost to become a staff auditor?

Answer: The cost of becoming a staff auditor varies depending on the certifying body and level of certification sought. Generally speaking, individuals can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for their certification exam and any associated materials or coursework required for preparation or completion of the exam.

5. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my staff auditor certification?

Answer: Yes - most certifying bodies require regular continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification status. This may include attending seminars or workshops related to auditing procedures or participating in online courses focused on topics such as risk management or internal controls.