A hallmark of a quality internal audit function is the ability to keep pace in a dynamic environment. Consistently monitoring the quality of the internal audit function provides audit leaders, the board, and other key stakeholders with the assurance that internal audit is performing at its highest level – providing value throughout an evolving organization. An independent assessment of the value of the internal audit function is delivered through an external quality assessment. All CAEs are required to develop a QAIP that includes both internal and external assessments. Internal assessments will include both ongoing monitoring and periodic self-assessment. External assessments may be either a full external assessment or a self-assessment with independent validation.

This hands-on course explores the updated Quality Assessment Manual (QA Manual) and guides you through planning, performing, and evaluating both external and internal quality assessments. Through interactive case studies and practical application of proven tools—including surveys, interview guides, and assessment programs—you'll learn how to assess conformance with the Standards, identify opportunities for improvement, and determine the best quality assessment option for your internal audit activity. Whether you're preparing for an external assessment or strengthening your QAIP, this course gives you the knowledge and resources to drive continuous improvement.

Course Outline:

Quality Assessment Manual and Process Overview

• Overview of the Global Internal Audit Standards, including standards referencing quality.
• Examine the IIA’s Framework for Quality Assessment to identify how the process can be used on external and internal quality assessments.
• Answer common quality assessment questions using The IIA’s International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) resources.
• Describe the Quality Assessment Manual process flow and its tools.
• Contrast the three types of internal audit quality assessment.
• Quality Conclusion Model
• Maturity Assessment and focus on the Performance of the Internal Audit Function.

   

  Types of Quality Assessments

• Internal Quality Assessments
  • Advantages
  • Limitations
• External Quality Assessments
  • Frequency
  • Full Assessment
  • Validation
  • Selecting External / Internal Assessors

   

  Planning the Quality Assessment

• Plan an external quality assessment by implementing the QA Manual tools.
• Describe key features of planning guides.
• Apply the planning tools to a quality assessment (Internal and External).
• Describe key features of surveys.
• Analyze survey results.

Practical Case Study

Performing the Quality Assessment

• Perform an internal / external quality assessment by implementing the QA Manual tools.
• Describe the key features of interview guides.
• Analyze interview results.
• Describe key features of QA programs.
• Analyze QA program results. Evaluating QA Results
• Evaluate an internal / external quality assessment by implementing the QA Manual tools.
• Apply evaluation criteria on common QA scenarios that require a high-level of professional judgment.
• Determine final ratings (evaluation results).
• Describe key features of the QA evaluation framework and tools.
• Develop value-added solutions for common QA issues and opportunities.

Practical Case Study

Periodic Internal Quality Assessment Approaches

• Develop, or validate, an efficient and effective periodic internal assessment approach for your internal audit activity.
• Discuss implications of periodic internal QA based on IPPF guidance.
• Discuss common periodic assessment challenges and possible solutions.
• Identify the factors needed for an efficient and effective periodic internal QA program.

  Practical Case Study

   

  External Quality Assessment Options

• Determine, or validate, the external quality assurance option that will work best for your internal audit activity.
• Determine the pros and cons and other considerations of the external QA options.
• Describe rationale for selecting the best external QA option.
• Identify opportunities for applying the option selection concepts to your internal audit activity.
• Discuss successful practices used by internal audit activities to get ready for an external assessment.

Who should attend?

Please be advised of the event terms and conditions.

Please note: QA Manual not included in course – to be procured by www.theiia.org
Delegates are also requested to review the content and the levels of the courses presented before booking, to ensure they are attending the right course.