Techniques for effective testing Mar'26

Upon completion you will be able to:

• appreciate the role of testing within the context of the internal audit process
• design tests focused on achieving test objectives and meeting assurance requirements
• select and apply sampling techniques that will help to ensure test objectives are achieved
• appreciate the different ways in which a range of Computer Assisted Audit Tools and Techniques (CAATTs) can be used to support testing activities
• conduct tests and document test results in a manner that will help to ensure accuracy, efficiency, integrity and confidentiality
• interpret test results and develop conclusions that are supportable with appropriate evidence
• present test results to management in a manner that will contribute to obtaining agreement on any actions that may be required
• understand how to develop and preserve relationships whilst maintaining high ethical standards.

Test objectives

• the role of testing within the context of the internal audit process
• defining test objectives
• levels and types of assurance.

Designing and conducting tests

• types of test - linked to assurance
• tools and techniques used in testing
• efficient documentation. 

Sampling

• sampling methods and techniques
• deciding sample sizes.

Computer Assisted Audit Tools and Techniques (CAATTs)

• different types of CAATTs and their uses
• how to use CAATTs effectively.

Drawing conclusions

• extracting meaningful information from test results
• understanding and using evidence
• presenting test results to management.

Human factors

• obtaining agreement
• managing relationships
• maintaining ethical standards.

• Performance (Engagement fieldwork)