The IPPF is Changing 

Updated on January 9, 2024

What is IPPF?

IPPF refers to the Institute of Internal Auditors' International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF). It organizes authoritative guidance issued by the IIA. The IPPF includes two sets of guidance: mandatory and recommended. The IIA frequently updates the IPPF to ensure that it is aligned with current business trends and practices. The last major update on IPPF was in 2015. 

The new Global Internal Audit Standards were released on January 9, 2024 and will become effective January 9, 2025. The CIA exam will not be affected until May 2025.

How does IPPF Relate to the CIA Exam?

The Certified Internal Auditor exam tests knowledge and implementation of the IPPF in Parts 1 and 2 exams. Attribute standards are tested in Part 1 exam, while Performance standards are tested in Part 2.

Why is the IPPF Changing?

According to the IIA, the IPPF is changing to:

• Simplify the structure of the standards.
• Clarify and align all aspects of the CIA exam.
• Ensure that the Standards and Guidance are practical and address current and emerging topics.
• Communicate the Standards not only to internal auditors, but also to stakeholders and regulators.
• Enhance internal audit performance and quality.

10 Major Changes

One: New Name

The International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing will be renamed "Global Internal Audit Standards^TM”. The new name is much shorter and simpler.

Two: New Structure

The current IPPF includes 7 elements, 6 of these elements will be rearranged into 5 domains as follows:

The 7^th element, which is Practice Guides, will become independent of the standards.

Three: New Sections

In the new standards, each standard will include new sections describing the following:

• Requirements of the standard
• Considerations for implementing: This section will provide common practices for implementing the requirements.
• Considerations for providing evidence of conformance with the requirements: This section will provide recommended methods of demonstrating that the requirements have been implemented.

Four: New Purpose of Internal Auditing

The Mission of Internal Auditing and the Definition of Internal Auditing will be integrated into this new domain. In addition, this new domain will address how internal auditors contribute to serving the public interest within the organization.

Five: A Domain Addressing Ethics and Professionalism

The second domain of the new global internal audit standards will incorporate the following components: the Code of Ethics, standards addressing due professional care, professional skepticism, and continued professional development.

Six: New Governing Domain and Standards

This new domain will clarify the board’s role in governing the internal audit function.

Seven: Quality Assurance and Improvement Program Requirements

This domain will include new clarifications and requirements for the QAIP. Among the new requirements is that at least one reviewer should be a Certified Internal Auditor when conducting an external quality review.

Eight: Public Sector-Specific Guidelines

The new standards will provide additional information to assist internal auditors working in the public sector.

Nine: Standard-Setting Process Changes

The new standard-setting process, along with the new standards and purpose of internal auditing, will take public interest into consideration.

Ten: Expanded Glossary of Terms

The new standards will define commonly used terms to provide clarity.

Timeline for the Changes

When will the CIA exam change to reflect the updated standards?

The IIA announced that the International Internal Audit Standards Board (IIASB) voted to approve the new Global Internal Audit Standards^TM, paving the way for their release in January 2024.

The final Standards will be released in English on January 9, 2024.

The updated CIA exam syllabi will be officially disclosed by May 2024.

The new Standards will become effective January 2025.

The IIA will release a comparison document mapping the changes between the 2017 and 2024 Standards.

The IIA will host a webinar to familiarize internal auditors with the new standards on January 24, 2024.

Will the update apply to all languages instantly?

Translations will be released in the following months. The IIA updates the English version of the CIA exam first and then gradually updates other languages.

The updated syllabi will take effect for the CIA English language exam and Challenge exams starting from May 28, 2025.

For other languages, the updated syllabi will be applied as follows:  Japanese on July 28, 2025; Thai and Korean on August 28, 2025; Portuguese on September 28, 2025; Spanish and French on October 28, 2025; Polish and German on November 28, 2025; Turkish and Russian on December 28, 2025; and Simplified Chinese and Arabic on September 28, 2026.

When will the IAP exam change?

Starting May 28, 2025, the current Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) exam will be replaced by Part 1 of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam, with some modifications to the program. You can find more details here.

Check this page regularly for updates on the changes to the IPPF or suscribe our mailing list for news and updates.