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The Institute of Internal Auditors was founded in 1941 by a small group of dedicated internal auditors who wanted an organization that would promote the role of the internal auditor and provide educational activities and standards for the professional practice of internal auditing. By 1999, the Institute had grown to include over 70,000 members representing more than one hundred countries around the world.

In 1944 the Institute began publishing its journal, Internal Auditor. This award-winning journal continues to present in-depth information on auditing practices and techniques and features articles written by experts from all over the world. In 1947 the Statement of Responsibilities of Internal Auditing was issued and became the foundation for development of internal auditing standards. The official motto "Progress Through Sharing" was adopted in 1955 and continues to guide the Institute's contributions to the profession. Institute members approved the Code of Ethics in 1968. Institute members, in 1972, adopted a Common Body of Knowledge, which identified the content for the examination offered for the first time in 1973. The examination is a requirement for attainment of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation. The IIA Research Foundation, founded in 1976, sponsors research on trends and issues in internal auditing. The Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing were approved in 1978. Awareness of the importance of university preparation for internal auditing motivated a pilot program in internal auditing at Louisiana State University. The success of this initial program effort led to establishment of similar programs in other colleges and universities. By 1999 more than 35 colleges and universities throughout the globe were participants in the Endorsed Internal Audit Program.

Noteworthy developments in the 1980s included the introduction of the Institute's first computer software product, audit Masterplan; establishment of the Quality Assurance Review Service; mandatory continuing professional development for CIAs; and the granting of consultative status to the Institute by the United Nations. The 1990s have seen professional certifications exceed 25,000; development of the Global Auditing Information Network that compiles and disseminates benchmarking information; and creation of two internet web sites—www.theiia.org and www.itaudit.org. The 1990s have also seen the introduction of specialty groups, services, and products to support unique membership needs. These include the Control Self Assessment Center, Certification in Control Self Assessment, Certified Governmental Auditor Program, Board of Environmental Auditors Certification, and the Chief Audit Executive Program.

In 1999 the Institute's Board of Directors approved a new Professional Practices Framework that will be the basis for development of comprehensive new standards for internal auditing. The board also approved a new definition that defines internal auditing as an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. The internal audit function helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

The Institute of Internal Auditors' mission is to be the primary international association, organized on a global basis, dedicated to the promotion and development of the practice of internal auditing. The Institute is organized as a nonprofit association governed by a volunteer board elected by the membership. National Institutes are located around the world and usually support individual chapters on a local basis. Volunteer committees at the international, regional, district, and local levels support the local chapters, national institutes, and the international board.

The Institute offers a variety of membership options and certification programs, establishes internal auditing standards and other guidance, provides training through conferences and seminars, produces educational products which include videos, study aids, textbooks, and software, generates research publications, and promotes academic relations. The Institute publishes several periodicals, offers an employment referral service, generates benchmarking information, provides quality assurance and consulting services, maintains an electronic information resource center, and maintains partnerships with other professional organizations to monitor and report on issues affecting the profession. More information about the Institute of Internal Auditors is available at www.theiia.org, or by writing to the Institute at 249 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701.