The 3-Year
Recertification Cycle
ACI certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your credentials, you must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and renew before your expiry date.
The Recertification Timeline
From certification to renewal — here is what happens during your 3-year cycle.
Your ACI certification is issued with a 3-year validity period. Your digital Card ID, certificate PDF, and public register listing go live. Your CPD tracking begins immediately.
Complete eligible CPD activities throughout your certification period. Log each activity in your ACI portal. There is no annual minimum — but we recommend spreading CPD evenly across the cycle.
Complete the mandatory ACI Ethics Module (free, online, self-paced). This satisfies 3 of your required CPD credits and must be completed once per 3-year cycle.
Ninety days before your expiry date, you will receive an email notification. Log in to the ACI portal to review your CPD log and initiate the renewal process.
Once your CPD is verified and renewal fee is paid, your certification is renewed for another 3 years. Your Card ID and public register listing are updated automatically.
Credits Required by Grade
The number of CPD credits required depends on your auditor grade. Higher grades carry greater responsibility and require more development.
Provisional Auditors and Associate Auditors. Includes 3 mandatory ethics credits. Remaining 12 credits from eligible CPD activities.
Auditors and Lead Auditors. Includes 3 mandatory ethics credits. Remaining 17 credits from eligible CPD activities.
Principals and Fellows of ACI. Includes 3 mandatory ethics credits. Remaining 22 credits from eligible CPD activities.
How to Renew Your Certification
Complete these four steps within the 90-day renewal window before your expiry date.
Log in to the ACI portal and review your CPD record. Ensure all activities have been logged and that you meet the minimum credit requirement for your grade.
If you have not yet completed the ACI Ethics Module for this cycle, do so before submitting your renewal. It is available free in the ACI Learning Hub.
Click "Renew Certification" in your ACI portal. Confirm your details, upload any supporting evidence if required, and accept the Code of Ethics declaration.
Process the renewal fee payment online. Corporate members may have their employer pay on their behalf. Once payment is confirmed, your certification is renewed immediately.
What Happens If Your Certification Lapses?
If you do not renew your certification before the expiry date, your status changes to "Lapsed" on the ACI public register. A lapsed certification means you are no longer recognised as a currently certified ACI auditor and may not use ACI credentials or Card ID in professional practice.
ACI provides a grace period and reinstatement pathway to help certificate holders return to active status. However, the longer your certification remains lapsed, the more requirements you must fulfil to reinstate.
We strongly recommend setting calendar reminders and enabling email notifications in your ACI portal to avoid any lapse in your professional standing.
Lapse Consequences by Duration
Review the full CPD requirements for your grade and start logging activities today.