Training & Development 
Certification CFSA Eligibility
Certification CFSA Eligibility
Eligibility: CFSA
The CFSA is a respected certification for auditors in the financial services industry, and certain eligibility requirements must be met in order to take the exam. The education and character reference requirements must be met before a candidate will be allowed to take the CFSA exam. The professional experience requirement may be met before or after taking the CFSA exam, but must be completed and submitted before a candidate can become certified and use the CFSA designation.
EDUCATION
CFSA candidates must have an Honours degree or equivalent. A minimum of a three-year academic qualification with an accredited organization plus three years of general business experience may be substituted for an Honours degree in the CFSA program. Candidates must submit a copy of their degree or transcripts with their registration form unless they have previously submitted it with their membership application.
CHARACTER REFERENCE
CFSA candidates must exhibit high moral and professional character and must submit a character reference form with their exam application form unless they have previously submitted it with their membership application.
CODE OF ETHICS
CFSAs and CFSA candidates are expected to display exemplary professional behavior and judgment and must agree to abide by the Code of Ethics established by The IIA.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CFSA candidates are required to complete a minimum of three years of auditing experience in a financial services environment prior to receiving the CFSA certification. Verification of this work experience may be submitted with the application or at a later time.
MEMBERSHIP
Please note that any person wishing to take part in the CFSA examination program will have to be a fully paid-up member of IIA SA. To join as a member contact the Membership Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
Based on previously met requirements, individuals who hold the CIA, CGAP, or CCSA designations are assumed to have met the education and character requirements of the CFSA program. These individuals will only be required to submit proof of professional experience in the financial services field to meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the CFSA exam.
EDUCATION
CFSA candidates must have an Honours degree or equivalent. A minimum of a three-year academic qualification with an accredited organization plus three years of general business experience may be substituted for an Honours degree in the CFSA program. Candidates must submit a copy of their degree or transcripts with their registration form unless they have previously submitted it with their membership application.
CHARACTER REFERENCE
CFSA candidates must exhibit high moral and professional character and must submit a character reference form with their exam application form unless they have previously submitted it with their membership application.
CODE OF ETHICS
CFSAs and CFSA candidates are expected to display exemplary professional behavior and judgment and must agree to abide by the Code of Ethics established by The IIA.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CFSA candidates are required to complete a minimum of three years of auditing experience in a financial services environment prior to receiving the CFSA certification. Verification of this work experience may be submitted with the application or at a later time.
MEMBERSHIP
Please note that any person wishing to take part in the CFSA examination program will have to be a fully paid-up member of IIA SA. To join as a member contact the Membership Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
Based on previously met requirements, individuals who hold the CIA, CGAP, or CCSA designations are assumed to have met the education and character requirements of the CFSA program. These individuals will only be required to submit proof of professional experience in the financial services field to meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the CFSA exam.