Frequently asked questions
I am an IT specialist who wants to move in to IT audit - will this new Certificate be suitable for me?
The proposed Certificate is designed for people who already work in internal auditing or IT auditing and who want to develop their skills in IT audit. If you are an IT specialist interested in moving in to IT audit we would recommend that you take the IIA Diploma in Internal Audit Practice so that you can learn about the essentials of internal auditing. After you have completed the IIA Diploma you wold be eligible to study for the Certificate in IA Auditing.
Why will it only be available to IIA Diploma or IIA Advanced Diploma holders?
Our research has clearly indicated that IT auditors need a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of internal auditing, in order to be effective in their role. This new Certificate therefore is aimed at those people who have already developed those core internal auditing skills and need more specialist training in IT to be successful in IT auditing.
How does ITAC fit in to the IIA's portfolio of qualification?
Our core professional qualifications are the IIA Diploma in Internal Audit Practice and the IIA Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing and Management. They are designed for practicing internal auditors and audit managers, matching the core competencies required for these professional roles.
In addition the IIA Certificate in Internal Audit and Business Risk provides a certified training programme for new or inexperienced internal auditors. It is a quick programme for people who plan to be in internal auditing for a short time and who need a thorough grounding in al the practical competencies for operating effectively in their role.
The proposed new IIA Certificate in IT Auditing is also a certified training programme, designed for qualified members interested in developing an additional specialism. Once the syllabus and assessment are finalised the IIA will seek Open University accreditation in line with the credits already given to the Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
Why is the new programme called a Certificate?
The content of the new programme will be post-graduate level, the same level as the IIA Diploma and IIA Advanced Diploma qualifications. But as there is just one study module and a work-based project there is a much smaller amount of study required which is why we are calling it a Certificate. This title is also consistent with the National Qualifications Framework.
Why are you proposing to use multiple choice questions?
Multiple choice testing is an efficient and effective way to assess a wide range of knowledge, skills, attitudes and abilities. When done well, it allows broad and deep coverage of content in an convenient, familiar and relatively quick way.
It is a flexible assessment format that can be updated promptly in response to changes in IT and the practice of IT auditing. It also allows for the possibility of electronic assessment in the future and for multiple test dates to be offered over the course of a year.
I have a Certificate in Computer Auditing Theory. Does this entitle me to ITAC?
No, this Certificate used to be awarded to students who had completed their QiCA exams but had not completed their logbook. To achieve the new Certificate you will need to either complete your logbook by 31/12/09 or complete the new work-based research project. Please see the transition arrangements table for further details.
I've heard that the IIA is introducing mandatory CPD for all members in April 2006. Would this programme count as my CPD?
When is the IIA planning to launch the new Certificate?
We hope to launch the Certificate in IT Auditing in autumn 2008. At this point the content, structure etc will be completed and we will present our tuition programme. We expect that the first exam will be offered in 2009.
How much will it cost to take the Certificate?
Detailed costs will be published when the Certificate is launched, which we expect to be in autumn 2008.