I'm an auditor living and working in Iran—a country filled with talented professionals. Like many of my colleagues, I have dedicated countless hours to my work and training, passing local auditing exams with flying colors. Despite this, a significant hurdle remains: obtaining the globally recognized Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification. The absence of Persian (Farsi/Tajik) as an exam language stands as a formidable barrier.

Currently, the CIA exam is available in over 20 languages, yet Persian, a language spoken by approximately 120 million people globally, is not on the list. This exam is a key stepping stone for auditors seeking to broaden their horizons and compete on a global scale. Our community of Persian-speaking auditors faces not only international sanctions but also an unnecessary language barrier that restricts our professional growth and advancement.

The addition of Persian would open new doors to an entire population of dedicated auditors and accounting professionals in Iran and other Persian-speaking areas. It's not just about convenience—it's about equity and accessibility. In a globalized economy, language should not be a barrier to achieving professional credentials.

Moreover, the global audit community would benefit from the inclusion of Persian, as it enriches the diversity of thought and experience. A more inclusive CIA exam promotes diversity and knowledge sharing, reflecting the cultural richness of the profession worldwide.

According to a 2021 report from the Statistical Centre of Iran, over 2 million individuals are engaged in financial and accounting sectors in Iran alone—that's a substantial potential pool eager for the CIA certification. Adding Persian would not only support these professionals but also strengthen the integrity and reach of the certification on an international level.

We ask the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to offer the CIA exam in Persian (Farsi/Tajik) script, just as Chinese is offered in Simplified and Traditional.

Join me in calling on the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to include Persian as an exam language for the CIA certification. Let's make it possible for Iranian auditors and those from the Persian-speaking diaspora to pursue this invaluable credential without the burden of language obstacles.

Please sign and share this petition to make a lasting change for the global auditing community.