Despite the current economic downturn demand for high quality, timely assurance and responsible corporate governance and an underlying demand for qualified internal audit professionals continues to grow. This year the IIA will launch two new initiatives designed to help a greater number of experienced internal auditing professionals achieve its industry leading diploma qualification.

The IIA’s strategy to increase the number of high quality professionals practicing internal audit and to provide them with training, qualifications and support will take a significant step forward in 2009. Two new IIA initiatives will acknowledge the high level competence of experienced professionals who have not yet gained internal audit qualifications.  

The first initiative is a system of accreditation of prior learning (APL).  It gives formal recognition to competencies gained in a practical environment rather than through academic study. Now, candidates with high levels of professional competency submit a portfolio of evidence which, if it meets the Institute’s strict criteria, acts as a substitute for a written examination. 

The other initiative is for those who hold a CCAB qualification and want to gain the Diploma in Internal Audit Practice. A new single paper conversion will allow qualified accountants with three years’ experience in internal audit a fast-track route to achieving the diploma and PIIA designation.  Candidates should register before April for November 2009 exam paper. 

Diversifying the ways in which it is possible to attain an IIA qualification will ensure that those who have worked to acquire knowledge, skills and an understanding of internal audit, whether through training or in the work place, have the opportunity to gain professional qualifications.

Gillian Bagwell, head of audit and risk management at security company G4S, said:

“I worked hard to achieve my MIIA. However, senior members of the profession who have worked equally hard achieving related professional qualifications and who have demonstrated their abilities as internal auditors in senior positions over many years in the job are equally good ambassadors of best practice.”

For more information, download the flyers available via the hyperlinks in the text above or contact studentsupport@iia.org.uk

Members can view the article on new routes to the qualification in the member’s only area of the website or in the February 2009 edition of the Internal Auditing Magazine.