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Diploma in Public Audit

The Diploma in Public Audit (DPA) qualification was introduced by CIPFA in 2003 and is the only internal audit qualification dedicated to those working in audit in the public sector.

Developed by CETC in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, the first course started at CETC in September 2003. Successful completion of the qualification will allow DPA graduates the use of the designatory letters DPA (CIPFA)

The DPA is a wholly taught one-year programme, comprising six modules and assessed by a mixture of examinations and assignments. The course doesn•t assume any prior knowledge of either auditing or financial systems and takes an incremental approach to student development which is reflected in its two-level structure as seen in the table below

Level Aims Modules
Level 1 This level concentrates on providing a comprehensive introduction to the key competencies, both knowledge and skill based, required by any practicing auditor.
  • Audit in Context (AIC)
  • Core Audit Skills (CAS)
  • Financial Accounting
    Systems (FAS)
Level 2 Level 2 draws on the knowledge and understanding gained at Level 1 and develops further competencies expected of a more capable and experienced auditor, with an increasing focus on audit management skills.
  • Financial Reporting (FR)
  • Innovation and Assurance (IAA)
  • Managing the Audit Cycle (MAC)

Benefits of the DPA

There are many benefits in studying for the DPA including:

  • Access to trainers with a wide range of audit experience
  • Provision of comprehensive learning materials
  • Opportunity to form professional and social networks which can be invaluable to future personal development
  • Learning of practical audit skills
  • CIPFA Affiliate membership

Entry Requirements

Students can be accepted to study based on either your prior experience or previous academic or vocational qualifications. Access can be gained specifically through one of the following routes:

- Possession of any of a wide range of business studies or accounting qualifications OR
- Possession of 3 GCSEs plus 2 A Levels (which must include English and Maths at either level) OR
- Possession of an NVQ/GNVQ at minimum level 3, (1) OR
- Three years experience within a Finance function (2) OR
- Two years experience within an Audit function (2)

(1) Scottish or other equivalent qualifications will be accepted on a ‘like for like’ basis.
(2) Experience to be confirmed in writing by appropriate line manager.

Find out more about CETC courses and the DPA: