The Common Body of Knowledge 2006  is the largest and most comprehensive global study ever conducted about the internal auditing profession. A Global Summary of the Common Body of Knowledge 2006 provides an all-encompassing look at the study's findings which provide a basis for understanding, guiding, and shaping:

• Compliance to and adequacy of The International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
• The current status of the internal audit activity within organizations.
•  The actual activities and types of audits that are being performed.
• Tools and techniques used by internal auditors.
• Skills and knowledge possessed by internal auditors.

A Global Summary of the Common Body of Knowledge 2006 presents a rich database of knowledge that will be exploited over the next few years to shape the internal auditing profession. Internal auditing organizations can use this knowledge to compare their organisations with what the study found. Chief audit executives can use these comparisons to guide their organisations into the future. Practitioners can use the data collected to guide their careers and professional development.