IRCA recertification is improving
Acting CEO Vincent Desmond explains improvements to the IRCA recertification process.
Dear IRCA members,
We have changed the recertification requirements for IRCA Certificated Auditors
as follows:
• The continuing professional development (CPD) system has changed from
hours-based to needs-based
• The period for recertification has changed from three years to five years.
Through recertification you confirm your competence and professionalism to employers, audit clients and fellow auditors, and distinguish yourself from those who do not take this professional approach.
Employers value your IRCA Auditor Certification because of your initial qualification but also because of your commitments to behaving in line with a professional code of conduct, to maintaining competence through experience, and to developing your knowledge and skills through CPD. Therefore, we have updated the CPD part of the recertification process and ask you to use the plan, do, check, act cycle as the tool to ensure your CPD plans are relevant to your context.
The CQI is here to help you understand the major trends and changes in our environment and support you in planning and tailoring your CPD.
As a result, you will need to understand your context, taking into account future changes in your operating environment, your career plans, employer requirements and performance feedback, and we require you to translate these into actionable CPD plans. As part of this process you are required to consistently reflect on your activities to guarantee you continuously improve.
The amount and the type of CPD will depend on your context. For example, if you are in a sector which is subject to considerable change in terms of regulation, technology or operational approaches, you will need to commit time to keeping up to date with these issues.
Recertification is more vital than ever at a time when the standards and management system landscape is changing fundamentally, with:
• The integration of all stakeholder requirements within the management system
• The focus on leadership commitment and risk mitigation
• The trend from systems towards behaviour
• The future impact of big data and technology on the audit profession.
The CQI is here to help you understand the major trends and changes in our environment and support you in planning and tailoring your CPD.
This is an opportunity for you to invest in your future career and ensure you are one step ahead of these changes, cementing yourself as an asset to any organisation.
Vincent Desmond,
Acting CEO at the CQI