Changes to the IAP

Some important and exciting changes are coming to the IAP certification program.

These changes are designed to enhance the value and recognition of the IAP certification and create a true student pathway to the CIA.

Key Changes to the IAP Certification Program - Effective 28 May 2025

Permanent Certification: The IAP certification will now become a permanent certification.

Restoration of Expired IAP Certifications: All previously expired IAP certifications will be restored to an active status.

Annual Certification Renewal: Beginning in 2026, all IAP holders will need to renew their certification annually to keep it active. Their annual requirement will be 20 hours of CPE.

IAP Exam Change: Effective 28 May 2025, the IAP exam will become CIA Part 1 in ALL languages. Then, at the same time your language transitions to the new CIA syllabus, the IAP exam will also transition to the new CIA Part 1 syllabus.

Pathway to CIA: IAP holders will receive a waiver for CIA Part 1, should they choose to apply to the CIA program.?

If the IAP was awarded on or before 27 May 2025, Candidates must apply to the CIA program?by 31 May 2026?to receive the waiver for CIA Part 1. Effective 1 June 2026, you will no longer be eligible for the CIA Part 1 waiver and will need to take CIA Part 1.

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If your IAP is awarded after 27 May 2025, Candidates will maintain a waiver for CIA Part 1 for 4 years from the date their IAP was awarded. If an IAP designation was awarded more than four years ago, they will no longer be eligible for the CIA Part 1 waiver and will need to take CIA Part 1.

IIA Global will be communicating these updates to in-process and expired IAP candidates later this month. For additional information, including FAQs and candidate scenarios, visit www.theiia.org/IAP2025. For further clarification, please contact [email protected].

Our thoughts

This is an opportunity to have another layer of certification while at the same time pursuing the CIA certification.