The Internal Control Institute
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Entry Credential

Earn the credential hiring managers recognize

When your title says internal control, employers want proof. CICS is that proof: a rigorous certification of competence that verifies your understanding of the Internal Control Common Body of Knowledge. It's the entry credential of the ICI ladder, and the place your credentialed career starts.

  • You work in internal control, risk, or compliance and want your competence formally verified.
  • You're preparing for a risk or compliance role and need a credential employers recognize.
  • You plan to lead the internal control function and want to start the credential ladder with CICS.
  • You've built years of hands-on experience and want a recognized credential behind it.
CICS — Certified Internal Control Specialist at The Internal Control Institute
What you get

What you receive when you pass

Official CICS certificate

A formal certificate from The Internal Control Institute documenting that you hold the Certified Internal Control Specialist credential.

Credly digital badge

A verifiable digital badge issued through Credly, ready to share on LinkedIn, in your email signature, and on your website.

ICI member directory listing

A listing in the ICI member directory documenting that you hold the CICS credential.

How it works

How certification works

Pay the certification fee online

Begin the CICS process with secure online payment of the certification fee.

Submit your application

Download the Excel application, complete it, sign the Code of Conduct Affirmation, and submit it by email.

Take the online exam

Once your application is approved, you have 12 months to complete the online exam. Pass it and your credential is issued.

What changes when you hold CICS

Internal control runs on trust, and trust runs on verification. CICS gives hiring managers and audit committees independent confirmation of your understanding of the Internal Control Common Body of Knowledge. Your recommendations carry more weight when a recognized credential stands behind them. And the ladder continues. CICS is the foundation, and as your scope grows, the senior CICP credential builds on it.

Questions

Frequently asked

Am I eligible for CICS?
You qualify with 3 years of internal control work experience plus a bachelor's or master's degree in an acceptable field, or with 5 years of internal control work experience. If you're unsure whether your background fits, contact the Institute before you apply.
How long do I have to take the exam?
You have 12 months to complete the online exam once your application is approved.
How do I keep my CICS active?
Active CICS holders maintain 120 CPE hours per 3-year cycle, with at least 40 hours each year. Full details are on the certification renewal page.
Is CICS the right place to start?
Yes. CICS is the entry credential of the ICI ladder. The senior CICP credential builds on it for practitioners with longer experience.

Put a recognized credential behind your work

Pay the certification fee online, submit your application, and complete the online exam within 12 months of approval.

Pay the fee and begin