This comprehensive preparatory course is tailored for professionals aiming to pass the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – Essentials of Internal Auditing exam. Spanning 40 hours over two weeks, the course provides an in-depth understanding of internal auditing fundamentals, aligned with the standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It equips learners with essential skills in audit planning, risk assessment, internal controls, communication of findings, and application of globally recognized frameworks like COSO and IPPF. Through a practical and structured approach, participants will be guided toward exam readiness and professional auditing competence.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of internal auditors within organizations.
- Apply the principles of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).
- Understand and evaluate internal control systems using the COSO framework.
- Conduct effective risk assessments and identify key control activities.
- Develop comprehensive audit plans and conduct fieldwork in line with professional standards.
- Write clear and actionable audit reports and communicate recommendations effectively.
- Practice learned skills through simulated audit exercises to prepare for real-world scenarios and the CIA exam.
This course is ideal for:
- Aspiring internal auditors preparing for the CIA Part 1 exam.
- Junior and mid-level audit professionals seeking to strengthen their foundational knowledge.
- Financial controllers, compliance officers, and accountants transitioning into audit roles.
- Risk and assurance professionals looking to formalize their expertise with an international certification.
- Recent graduates in business, finance, or accounting aiming to build a career in auditing.
The course follows a sequential, hands-on learning strategy grounded in key adult learning principles to ensure both engagement and practical application. Expert-led sessions open each section with structured explanations that connect theory to real-world auditing practices. Participants are guided through concept breakdowns, using visual examples to deepen understanding of essential frameworks such as COSO and IPPF. Interactive discussions encourage peer-to-peer exchange, enabling learners to examine audit challenges from multiple organisational perspectives. Applied workshops provide practical exercises in risk analysis, planning, control testing, and report writing, reinforcing core skills. Through case-based learning, participants engage in realistic audit simulations, conducting mock audits and presenting their findings. To enhance retention and readiness, each day concludes with reviews and practice exams that mirror the structure and rigor of the actual CIA exam.
Day 5 of each course is reserved for a Q&A session, which may occur off-site. For 10-day courses, this also applies to day 10
Section 1: Introduction to Internal Auditing
- Understanding the evolving role of internal auditors within governance structures.
- Exploring the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF): core principles, standards, and the code of ethics.
- The value of internal auditing in risk management and performance improvement.
Section 2: Internal Control Frameworks
- Overview and components of the COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework.
- Principles of effective internal control systems: control environment, activities, monitoring, and information flow.
- Evaluating and documenting control systems and identifying deficiencies.
Section 3: Risk and Control Concepts
- Risk assessment techniques used in internal auditing.
- Identifying risk exposures and control gaps.
- Monitoring activities and the role of continuous auditing and control testing.
- Connecting enterprise risk management (ERM) with audit procedures.
Section 4: Audit Planning and Execution
- Steps in developing risk-based audit plans.
- Defining audit objectives, scope, and criteria.
- Fieldwork techniques: data gathering, interviews, testing, and sampling.
- Documenting audit evidence and ensuring audit trail integrity.
Section 5: Reporting and Communication
- Best practices for structuring internal audit reports.
- Communicating findings, conclusions, and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Ensuring clarity, objectivity, and impact in written and oral audit communications.
Section 6: Case Studies and Practical Exercises
- Simulated audit assignments across different industries.
- Peer-reviewed mock audit engagements.
- Applying audit tools, performing control testing, and drafting report summaries.
- Final group project and instructor feedback to consolidate learning outcomes.
Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will be awarded a Holistique Training Certificate of Completion. For those who attend and complete the online training course, a Holistique Training e-Certificate will be provided.
Holistique Training Certificates are accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) and The CPD Certification Service (CPD), and are certified under ISO 9001, ISO 21001, and ISO 29993 standards.
CPD credits for this course are granted by our Certificates and will be reflected on the Holistique Training Certificate of Completion. In accordance with the standards of The CPD Certification Service, one CPD credit is awarded per hour of course attendance. A maximum of 50 CPD credits can be claimed for any single course we currently offer.
- Course Code MG2 - 193
- Course Format Classroom, Online,
- Duration 10 days
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