Certificate in Fundamentals of Internal Audit

The Certificate in Fundamentals of Internal Audit course is an internal audit training programme designed to develop a thorough understanding of the modern internal auditor's role and how to deliver effective audits. It provides essential knowledge on professional standards, risk-based auditing, and communication skills to improve business operations. This course is ideal for those new to internal audit, returning auditors, and professionals seeking to enhance their internal audit training.

In the Certificate in Fundamentals of Internal Audit course, you will learn the core concepts and themes central to internal auditing, the application of professional internal audit standards, and a risk-based approach to plan, perform, and report on audits. The course covers the interpersonal, analytical, and technical skills needed for effective internal audit engagements, enhancing your ability to provide assurance that supports organisational success. More details are available in the course brochure.

The course uses the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) as the primary methodology, integrating the Global Institute of Internal Audit Competencies. It emphasises a risk-based auditing approach, professionalism, leadership, and effective communication, reinforced through practical exercises, role plays, and case studies. This structure ensures comprehensive learning and real-world application.

This internal audit course covers a broad range of topic modules including the role and responsibilities of internal audit, professionalism, internal audit methodologies such as risk-based and compliance-based approaches, understanding and testing controls, engagement planning, reporting, and monitoring progress of audit recommendations. Practical exercises like root cause analysis and report drafting are included to enhance skills.

The course is designed for new internal auditors, those with up to 24 months of experience, individuals returning to internal audit after a break, and staff seconded into internal audit from other departments. It is also suitable for managers and directors who want a risk-based understanding of their functions and professionals providing assurance in areas such as compliance, security, and quality assurance.

There are no prerequisites for enrolling in this internal auditor course. To earn the Informa Connect Academy Certificate of Completion, participants must attend all sessions and successfully complete pre-course and post-course assessments, as well as actively participate during the training. Those who do not meet these criteria will receive a Certificate of Attendance indicating their level of participation.

The training for internal auditors is delivered over four days, available as both in-person and virtual live online sessions. Virtual participants must maintain active engagement with cameras on and stable internet to meet attendance requirements necessary for earning continuing professional education (CPE) credits. Full course duration details are available in the course brochure.

Course fees include comprehensive documentation, including audit templates, best practice charters, client survey templates, and report templates to support practical application. In-person learners receive hard copies, while virtual learners get soft copies, alongside refreshments for in-person attendees.

This internal audit course supports professional development by aligning with the Global Institute of Internal Audit Competencies and delivering NASBA-accredited content. Participants enhance skills in performance, professionalism, leadership, and communication, preparing them to meet evolving industry standards and contribute effectively to organisational goals.

Yes - we offer early bird discounts for the Certificate in Fundamentals of Internal Audit, so the earlier you register, the better the rate you’ll secure. Organisations sending multiple participants can also benefit from group booking discounts, making it easier and more cost-effective to train full teams or departments together.

If you’re interested in group bookings or want to check available discounts, contact us at meenquiries@informa.com.

We also provide in-house and fully customised training solutions, where the programme can be tailored to your organisation’s specific goals, strategy needs, or internal capability requirements. For customised or in-company training, reach our Corporate Training Solutions team at cts@informa.com

Informa Connect Academy is a global provider of certified professional training, offering expert-led courses in leadership, finance, HR, strategy, and more. As part of the FTSE 100-listed Informa Group, we deliver 1,000+ courses annually across in-person, live online, and digital formats, helping professionals and organisations upskill with confidence.

Informa Connect Academy delivers training across 15+ key sectors, including:

• Finance & Risk

• Human Resources

• Project Management

• Energy & Sustainability

• Maritime & Transport

• Technology & Innovation

• Leadership & Strategy

• Law, Procurement & Supply Chain

Each course is industry-relevant and globally certified, helping professionals upskill with practical tools for career growth.

Explore programmes by sector in our course catalogue or calendar.

Informa Connect Academy offers 1,000+ certified training programmes across in-person, live online, and on-demand formats. Courses cover leadership, finance, HR, strategy, operations, and more with CPD-accredited and university-backed options. Whether you're seeking flexible online learning or immersive classroom sessions in cities like Dubai, London, or Singapore, there’s a format to suit every schedule and career stage.

Our courses are led by senior certified trainers and former C-suite leaders with 15–30+ years of real-world experience. Faculty members are experts in their field, often working across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. You’ll find bios and credentials for each trainer on the brochure, so you know exactly who’s leading your session before enrolling.

Yes, this course is certified by NASBA. Most Informa Connect Academy courses are CPD-accredited or delivered in partnership with globally recognised organisations, including CIPD, PMI, NASBA, EFQM, WorldatWork, and DMI.

These accreditations ensure that our programmes meet international training standards and support your professional development goals.

You can view the full list of accreditation and academic partners on our website.

Internal audit provides independent assurance and advisory support to help organisations improve their operations and achieve their objectives. Modern internal auditors take a risk-based approach to evaluate how well risks are identified, managed, and controlled across business processes. Their work goes beyond simple compliance checks - they assess internal controls, review governance and risk management practices, analyse root causes of issues, and provide practical recommendations for improvement. Internal auditors also communicate findings to management, monitor the implementation of agreed actions, and work in partnership with business teams to strengthen overall performance and accountability.

Effective internal auditors require a blend of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. From a technical perspective, they need to understand risk management, internal controls, audit methodologies, and professional standards. Strong analytical abilities are essential for evaluating evidence, identifying root causes, and assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of processes. Just as important are communication and interpersonal skills - auditors must be good listeners, conduct effective interviews and meetings, present findings clearly, and build constructive relationships with stakeholders. Teamwork, professional judgement, ethical behaviour, and the ability to adapt to different audit approaches are also key competencies for success in internal audit.

Risk-based internal auditing is an approach that focuses audit efforts on the areas of greatest risk to an organisation’s objectives. Instead of reviewing everything equally, internal auditors identify, assess, and prioritise risks, then evaluate how effectively those risks are being managed through controls and governance processes. This approach ensures that audit resources are directed where they add the most value. It involves understanding risk management frameworks, assessing the maturity of the organisation’s risk processes, and determining where internal audit should concentrate its work to provide meaningful assurance and insight.

The internal audit charter is a formal document that defines the purpose, authority, and responsibilities of the internal audit function within an organisation. It clarifies the role of internal audit, establishes its organisational independence, and sets out what internal auditors are allowed and expected to do. The charter typically outlines the scope of internal audit work, reporting lines, and the relationship between internal audit and other parts of the organisation. It serves as a key reference point to ensure internal audit operates with the appropriate authority and in line with professional standards.

An internal audit engagement follows a structured process. It begins with planning, which includes background research, risk assessment, defining objectives, and agreeing on the scope and terms of reference. This is followed by fieldwork, where auditors gather and analyse evidence through testing, interviews, observations, and document reviews. The next stage is evaluation and reporting, where findings are assessed, conclusions are formed, and a report is drafted and agreed with management. Finally, internal audit monitors the implementation of agreed recommendations through follow-up activities to ensure improvements are made and risks are addressed.

An internal audit report communicates the results of the audit clearly and professionally. It typically includes background information, audit objectives, and the scope of the engagement, followed by the audit opinion and detailed findings. Findings are often structured using elements such as the condition, criteria, cause, consequence, and conclusion. The report also contains practical recommendations for improvement and a management action plan that identifies who is responsible for implementing each action and by when. Supporting information and additional detail may be included in appendices, and the report is reviewed, approved, and distributed to relevant stakeholders.