The IIA SA offers two professional training programs, namely:

• Internal Audit Technician (IAT) – This is the first level designation that all
  internal auditors entering the profession should obtain. An IAT should be able
  to perform routine audit tasks, execute audit programmes, prepare work papers
  and draft audit findings.
• Professional Internal Auditor (PIA) - previously known as the General Internal Auditor (GIA) is the next step in the career path and is a supervisory level designation. A PIA should be able to perform some senior and supervisory tasks, and conduct multiple audit duties. These include budgeting, planning, audit program preparation, scheduling, staff monitoring, completion of special projects with little supervision, and preparation of audit reports.

Designations are the official recognition by a professional body of the abilities of its members – 'badges' of competence and integrity.

Professional Training Programs are offered by the IIA SA as part of the learning pathway for Internal Auditors. These ascending designations are stepping stones in the Internal Auditor's career path, which indicate that the individual is equipped to competently perform at a particular level.

Programs are founded on the International Competency Framework for Internal Auditing and the qualifications in which the designation have been founded have been registered with the South African Qualifications Authority. These programs are preferred as precursors to the global Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification.

Professional Training Programs - comparable to "articles' or "training contracts" in other professions - are work-based learning programs, which usually consists of two elements:

• An education component supplementary to the workplace training facilitated by the IIA SA, which consists of several days' focused instruction spread over time to ensure minimum disruption of the normal working hours, and
• An experience component (workplace implementation of principles learned). Candidates are issued a Training Log Book and assigned mentors within their organisations to gather evidence of competence.

The IIA SA appoints qualified assessors, who conduct the final assessment of candidates, to ensure quality and adjudge competency before awarding the relevant designations.

Entrance Requirements

Education and Professional Experience

Candidates should be in possession of a B Degree or equivalent qualification to enter the IAT program. Candidates must have obtained the IAT designation before entering the PIA program. It would also be advantageous to have exposure to Financial Accounting and Business Management.

Membership

The first step in the process is to register as a member of the IIA SA. Membership of the IIA SA is a pre-requisite for any person wishing to take part in the Professional Training Programs. Members agree to abide by the code of ethics, the standards for the professional practice of internal auditing and any terms set by IIA SA for membership and accreditation. Click here to find out more about Membership Registration.

Professional Training Program Registration

The preferred and recommended route to obtain the IIA SA designations is through the successful completion of a Professional Training Program.

Benefits of following a Professional Training Program

The benefits of a professional training program to employers are significant. In addition to having improved skills in the workplace, there are various financial benefits that more than
compensate for the cost per individual learner. In the private sector this includes tax
incentives and recoupment of skills levies.

Benefits for the Employee:

• Through the training modules trainees/learners gain access to the latest practices in the profession.
• The facility to earn while you learn.
• Wider knowledge of internal audit processes and improved skills
• Obtaining a credible designation that makes you stand out from the rest.

Employer Requirements

Organisations participating in the Professional Training Programme will be required to obtain Workplace Provider Accreditation from the IIA SA. This prestigious accreditation will allow organisations to gain access to Seta grants, claim tax rebates and enhance BEE ratings. For more information including the application form, please contact Lemmy@GovernanceAcademy.co.za.

Benefits for the Employer:

• Improved skills and better productivity.
• Improved Management of the IA function at a Senior level
• Develops the core focus of the IA function
• The content of the training logbook facilitates identification of training gaps and opportunities.
• Training is standardised and subject to quality assurance.
• Financial benefits - the private sector tax rebate for signing of, and concluding a Learnership Agreement with trainees (learners), and there may be grants that can be accessed from the relevant SETA.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Once the designation has been awarded, candidates will be required to maintain their knowledge and skills and stay abreast of improvements and current developments in internal audit standards, procedures, and techniques. Individuals who have achieved the designations must demonstrate ongoing professional commitment to the field by satisfying continuing professional development requirements (CPD). Click here to find out more about Professional Development Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process

In cases where an individual has relevant experience equivalent to what would have been obtained via the PTP program, the candidate may apply to be assessed through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.