Internal audit education: exploring professional competence

Abstract

Examines the nature of professional competence, using the field of Internal Audit as an exemplar. Attempts to describe the professionalization process and thus the context in which the concept is normally encountered. Reviews the nature and influence of pressures for change currently affecting the Internal Audit profession. Examines the differing approaches to the definition and interpretation of professional competence, including the consideration of the factors which underpin it and the role therein played by knowledge. Considers current UK and US proposals and developments in Internal Auditor education in the light of conclusions drawn from the preceding sections. Concludes that it is likely that a major influential role will be played by current developments in NVQ methodology and that, at least in the short term, a case study approach to teaching and assessment would be beneficial. It further posits that there will be, in all probability, a major role to be played in the future by formally structured workplace based competence led assessment.