FAQ’s

The Institute for Internal Controls is a professional certification association providing certification, research and training in the area of internal controls. It was established in 2003, with headquarters in Southern New Jersey, outside of Philadelphia. IIC is a major resource in the development of new tools and techniques for the audit, review, evaluation, design and implementation of internal controls.

The creation of our organization was due to the fact that we felt that many of the other organizations have not met the needs of the auditing profession in addressing internal controls. Much of their reaction seems to be to offer courses as a revenue source. Our mission is limited to internal controls and education. We will be sponsoring research in all areas of internal controls, as well as developing training programs, audit programs, and new auditing techniques that will address our member’s needs. All products other than training (which will be fairly inexpensive when compared to others) will be free to members.

Since our mission is specific to internal controls, we do not feel we are in competition with these organizations. Our small size allows us to better address the needs of the membership. Membership presently is limited to those holding the certification of CICA. Associate membership will be granted to those candidates not eligible for grandfathering and registered for certification through the Curriculum Program. We will not use advertising on our website or at our conferences to sell more business. We are following the mission of true educational and research organizations. Much of what we do is performed voluntarily by our members, who possess the advocacy for teaching and learning.

Qualifications for becoming a CICA are included in the application for certification. Furthermore, all members must be of high moral character and agree to follow the code of ethics and professional standards of The Institute for Internal Controls.

Internal control related experience means that you have worked full-time in a position that contributes to the audit, review/evaluation, design, implementation or education of internal controls. Fields related to internal controls include: Accounting and Auditing, Consulting, Systems Design, Process Controls, Loss Prevention, Ethics and Law. If you are unsure if your experience qualifies, please submit a detailed outline of your duties with your application for review.

Membership in The Institute for Internal Controls is individual rather than organizational, therefore, once granted it travels with you. Also, since your membership is personal it is not transferable to someone else within your organization should you leave your company.

Associate membership is limited in individuals who do not qualify for CICA certification under the grandfathering clause and who are interested in completing the academic curriculum for certification. To join the institute as an associate member you must complete the application and fax or mail in the completed application and application fee. What are the continuing education requirements to maintain my CICA/CSS designation? Effective January 1, 2005, 40 hours of CPE credits are required to maintain your CICA/CCS designation each biennial period (every two years). All of these hours must be in internal controls areas of study as outlined in the Body of Knowledge (see academic curriculum for certification). Details of the CPE requirements are available at the Certifications link on our website.

No, you will not be permitted to roll-over CPE credit hours.

The Institute for Internal Controls does not require formal reporting of specific CPE credit hours. However, you will be required to certify that you are in compliance with CPE requirements upon renewal of your CICA membership with the institute. In addition, you may be asked to provide proof of CPE if you are selected for an audit or if you are involved in a disciplinary proceeding.

Yes. we will accept CPE credit from other organizations as long as the courses meet the following requirements: class must meet in a formal setting, have an instructor, a written course outline, attendance that is required and recorded, and finally a certificate of completion must be issued. The institute readily accepts credit earned from formal classes, postgraduate college courses not being applied towards a degree, correspondence and self-study courses, authoring an article or instructing a class, and attending local chapter meetings. For additional information, see the Certifications link on our website.