Certification in Control Self-Assessment Exam

The CCSA exam has the following exam format - 

• Exam Name: Certification in Control Self-Assessment Practice Exam
• Total Questions: 115 multiple-choice questions
• Exam Duration: Two hours and fifty-five minutes (170 minutes) 

Educational Requirement 

Candidates must hold an Associate's degree or higher to be approved into one of The IIA’s certification programs. Common equivalents are a Foundation Degree, Diploma of Higher Education, or Higher National Diploma.

Acceptable Documents

• Copy of your degree or official transcripts (if your name has changed since you earned your degree, you must also include your legal name change document)
• Letter from university confirming degree
• Letter from evaluation services confirming degree level

Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA) is issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors. The Certification in Control Self-Assessment® (CCSA®) credential demonstrates one's understanding of important CSA fundamentals, processes, and related topics such as risk, controls, and business objectives.

CCSA candidates must obtain one year of control-related business experience. The work experience requirements for the CCSA program are:

• ​Master’s Degree (or equivalent) ​12 months - CSA, auditing, quality assurance, risk management, or environmental auditing
• ​Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) ​12 months - CSA, auditing, quality assurance, risk management, or environmental auditing
• ​Associate’s Degree, A-Level Certificate (or equivalent) ​60 months - CSA, auditing, quality assurance, risk management, or environmental auditing
• Candidates may apply to the program and sit for the exam prior to satisfying the professional experience requirement, but will not be certified until all program requirements have been met.

Facilitation Experience/Training

CCSA candidates must obtain at least seven hours of acceptable facilitation experience or at least 14 hours of acceptable facilitation training.

Proof of Identification

Candidates submit proof of identification in the form of a copy of the candidate’s official passport or national identity card. These must indicate current status; expired documents will not be accepted.

Character Reference

CCSA candidates must exhibit high moral and professional character and must submit a Character Reference signed by a CIA, CGAP, CCSA, CFSA, CRMA, or the candidate's supervisor.

The CCSA exam core content covers six domains:

• Domain I: CSA Fundamentals (5-10 percent)
• Domain II: CSA Program Integration (15-25 percent)
• Domain III: Elements of the CSA Process (15-25 percent)
• Domain IV: Business Objectives/Organizational Performance (10-15 percent)
• Domain V: Risk Identification and Assessment (15-20 percent)
• Domain VI: Control Theory and Application (20-25 percent)