PrintDiploma in Public Audit
What is the CIPFA Diploma in Public Audit?
The CIPFA DPA is the only professional audit qualification focused on the
distinct skills and practices of auditors in the public sector. It is awarded
by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), the
world’s leading public sector accountancy body. The unique day-release
delivery enables progression from a straightforward understanding of audit
to a higher level of knowledge in one year. The CIPFA DPA is directly relevant
to those new to auditing as well as more experienced auditors looking to formalise
their knowledge.
What is so different about the Diploma?
The CIPFA DPA is primarily focused on the public sector however many of the
skills developed are transferable to the private sector. Face-to-face delivery,
and the high degree of student interaction at the heart of the qualification,
set the CIPFA DPA apart from other contemporary audit training.
It is also the only qualification to cover both internal auditing and external auditing. Its one year duration makes the CIPFA DPA accessible to all those working in audit and those who are new to auditing or undertaking auditing as part of a wider role. Successful completion of the CIPFA DPA will award you with a recognized qualification from CIPFA along with professional recognition in your current and future roles.
Entry requirements
To study for the DPA your qualifications and/or experience should match one
of the following criteria:
- 3 GCSEs (including Maths and English) and 2 A levels
- NVQ/GNVQ level 3 or above
- 3 years experience within a finance function
- 2 years experience within an audit function
- Scottish or other equivalent qualifications will be accepted on a like for like basis
Where can I study for the DPA?
Courses are available, subject to demand, throughout the UK at the following colleges:
- South East – CETC South East (London)
- South West – CETC West of England (Bristol)
- Midlands – CETC Midlands (Birmingham)
- North West – Liverpool John Moores University (Liverpool)
- Scotland – CETC East Scotland (Edinburgh)
- Northern Ireland – CIPFA Northern Ireland (Belfast)
Further information
- Please click on the link to download a copy of the DPA brochure (PDF 331KB)
- Download the DPA syllabus: Word (size: 158KB) | PDF (44KB)
- You may be exempt from certain modules if you hold prior qualifications. Please click on the link to the exemptions table for more details: Word (size: 64KB) | PDF (size: 22KB)
- To discuss your individual circumstances or request a copy of the application form, please contact 020 7543 5678
| DPA Log of work experience |
| DPA Examination Timetable - June 2008 | ||
Examination Subject |
Date of Exam |
Time of Exam |
Financial Accounting Systems |
Weds 11 June 2008 |
10.30 – 13.00 |
Innovation & Assurance |
Weds 11 June 2008 |
14.00 - 16.30 |
Audit in Context |
Thurs 12 June 2008 |
10.30 – 12.00 |
Financial Reporting |
Thurs 12 June 2008 |
14.00 - 16.30 |
| Management Theory & Practice | Fri 13 June 2008 |
13.00 - 15.30 |
| DPA June 2008 Examinations | |
| Exam entry closing date |
Friday 11 April 2008 |
| Assignment submission closing date | Friday 30 May 2008 |
| Results Day | Friday 25 July 2008 |