10-27-2004, 02:10 AM
Dear Fahad,
I am able to let you know about one certification better, that is CIA.
I passed certified Internal Auditor in november 2002.
CIA exam consists of four parts (papers). Every paper consists of 125 MCQs and a 75% accuracy is required to pass. Exam is conducted twice a year, once in May and once in November. You may visit www.theiia.org for pdf brochure and registration forms. Review material for exam preparation is available in lahore (maybe in other cities also), written by Irvin N. Gleim. This material provides good knowledge base and exam pracitce.
About value in Pakistan...
I am also ACCA affiliate. I face this question many times regarding ACCA and/or CIA. My opinion is that if we grasp the real knowledge instead of just passing exam, it enables us to add value to the organisation. I assure you that you can get extra value from your employer if you add value to the his business. If you don't get the certification and just read a comprehensive book on Internal Auditing (ie Sawyer's Internal Auditing), you may be better to apply your knowledge better then those who have just 'passed' certifications like these.
Second thing about value is that instead of having a bunch of certifications one should have a specific career objective. If you wish to be Financial Analyst, go for CFA, internal auditing, go for CIA, Banking, M.S Banking or DAIBP, IT audit, CISA, management accountancy, CIMA CMA or ACMA, and so on...
I hope this exhaustive answer could satisfy one area of you question.
INA
I am able to let you know about one certification better, that is CIA.
I passed certified Internal Auditor in november 2002.
CIA exam consists of four parts (papers). Every paper consists of 125 MCQs and a 75% accuracy is required to pass. Exam is conducted twice a year, once in May and once in November. You may visit www.theiia.org for pdf brochure and registration forms. Review material for exam preparation is available in lahore (maybe in other cities also), written by Irvin N. Gleim. This material provides good knowledge base and exam pracitce.
About value in Pakistan...
I am also ACCA affiliate. I face this question many times regarding ACCA and/or CIA. My opinion is that if we grasp the real knowledge instead of just passing exam, it enables us to add value to the organisation. I assure you that you can get extra value from your employer if you add value to the his business. If you don't get the certification and just read a comprehensive book on Internal Auditing (ie Sawyer's Internal Auditing), you may be better to apply your knowledge better then those who have just 'passed' certifications like these.
Second thing about value is that instead of having a bunch of certifications one should have a specific career objective. If you wish to be Financial Analyst, go for CFA, internal auditing, go for CIA, Banking, M.S Banking or DAIBP, IT audit, CISA, management accountancy, CIMA CMA or ACMA, and so on...
I hope this exhaustive answer could satisfy one area of you question.
INA