MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

The requirements of eligibility for membership are based on the international requirements (as per international Board approval dated 20 June 1984) but take into account the local conditions. These requirements are promulgated by the Board of Directors to furnish a comprehensive guide to applicants. It is emphasised that no election is allowed to applicants as to the class in which they are admitted. This right is reserved solely to the national committee of the central organisation of the Institute as designated by the Board of Directors.

CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

Provision is made for the following classes of membership:

Fellow (FIIASA) (full voting rights)

In order to be eligible to have Fellow status conferred an applicant must hold one of the following designations:

• CIA
• GIA
• IAT

This class of membership carries entitlement to use the designatory letters FIIASA followed by highest designation e.g. FIIASA, GIA.

In order to retain their designations and remain eligible to be categorised in this membership class, members must adhere to the required Continuing Professional Development requirements

Resignation from membership or expulsion from the Institute will result in the individual forfeiting his/her designation, be it the CIA, GIA or IAT.

Member (MIIASA) (full voting rights)

In order to be eligible to have Member status conferred an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a relevant university degree or equivalent
• Be a practicing internal auditor
• Have at least three years uninterrupted experience in internal auditing
• This class of membership carries entitlement to use the designatory letters MIIASA

Once a member has been admitted to the full member class, they shall be eligible to continue as a full member regardless of any changes in occupation.

Associate member (full voting right)

In order to be eligible to have Associate Member conferred an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a relevant university degree or equivalent  or have at least three years internal auditing or related experience
• Practicing internal audit

Once the necessary experience has been acquired, an Associate member may apply to be upgraded to the class of Full Member.

Affiliate member (no voting rights)

Requires no qualification or experience. This class is reserved for members who:

• Do not meet the qualifications or experience requirements of the previous three classes.
• Are not directly practicing internal auditing, but want to retain affiliation with the IIA SA (e.g. internal auditors who have moved on to other fields and Audit Committee Members).

Student member (no voting rights)

In order to qualify for this membership class, the person must be a full-time student studying internal audit at a recognised academic institution. Student Membership is limited to a maximum of a five-year duration including an internship, served under the auspices of the academic institution, for a maximum of 12 months.  On completion of the degree, the Student member must apply to be upgraded to the appropriate membership class.

Retired Members (no voting rights)

The class of Retired Member shall be open to those who retire from active employment and who are members in good standing of the Institute at the time of their application for this class of membership. They are eligible for reduced subscriptions. Retired Members may elect to continue to be full voting members, provided they pay the full subscriptions required.

Honorary Membership (no voting rights)

This class of membership shall be confined to those persons proposed and approved by the Board of Directors in recognition of outstanding service to the profession or to the Institute of Internal Auditors.