📘 US CPA – Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

Master Auditing Standards, Risk Assessment and Professional Assurance

Auditing and Attestation (AUD) is one of the three compulsory Core sections of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (US CPA) Examination, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

AUD focuses on the principles and practical applications of auditing standards, internal controls, risk assessment, audit evidence, professional ethics and assurance reporting.

The examination evaluates candidates’ ability to plan and perform audit procedures, assess financial reporting risks, evaluate audit evidence and form appropriate conclusions in accordance with applicable professional standards.

AUD is particularly relevant to aspiring accounting professionals interested in external auditing, internal auditing, risk management, regulatory compliance, financial assurance and corporate governance.

📚 US CPA – Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Course Structure & Syllabus

Auditing and Attestation (AUD) is one of the three compulsory Core sections of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (US CPA) Examination, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The subject focuses on auditing standards, professional ethics, risk assessment, internal controls, audit evidence and assurance reporting, developing essential knowledge of auditing practices and professional responsibilities.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Ethics & Professional Responsibilities: AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, auditor independence, professional scepticism, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), PCAOB standards and quality management.
2. Audit Planning & Risk Assessment: Audit engagement planning, understanding business operations, identification of material misstatements, fraud risk assessment, audit materiality and development of audit strategies.
3. Internal Controls & Risk Management: COSO Internal Control Framework, control environment, evaluation of internal controls, identification of control deficiencies and designing appropriate audit responses.
4. Audit Evidence & Sampling: Audit documentation, external confirmations, analytical procedures, inspection, observation, statistical and non-statistical sampling techniques.
5. Substantive Audit Procedures: Testing financial statement balances, verification of assets and liabilities, revenue and expense testing, accounting estimates, related-party transactions and subsequent events.
6. Audit Reporting & Opinions: Evaluation of audit findings, unmodified and modified audit opinions, qualified opinions, adverse opinions, disclaimers and auditor reporting requirements.
7. Attestation & Assurance Engagements: Review engagements, compilation engagements, agreed-upon procedures, examination engagements and other assurance services.

The AUD examination focuses on conceptual understanding, professional judgement, risk evaluation, audit planning and practical application of auditing standards, developing essential competencies in auditing, assurance and regulatory compliance.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

The US CPA examination is administered through individual US state boards of accountancy and participating jurisdictions.

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the jurisdiction selected by the candidate.

General Eligibility Considerations:

• Candidates must satisfy the educational requirements of their selected jurisdiction.
• Requirements may include a recognised bachelor’s degree and specified academic credits.
• Certain jurisdictions require prescribed accounting and business coursework.
• International candidates may need an academic credential evaluation.
• Additional identification, residency or administrative requirements may apply.

Candidates holding qualifications such as B.Com, M.Com, CA, ACCA or other recognised accounting credentials may be eligible, depending on the jurisdiction and evaluation of their educational qualifications.

Eligibility to appear for the US CPA examination and eligibility to obtain a CPA licence are separate requirements.

📝 Examination Pattern

AUD is a computer-based examination conducted at authorised Prometric testing centres.

Important Examination Guidelines:

• The examination consists of two MCQ testlets containing 39 questions each.
• Three additional testlets contain seven task-based simulations.
• MCQs assess auditing knowledge, professional standards and conceptual understanding.
• Task-based simulations assess practical application through realistic auditing scenarios.
• Simulations may involve audit documentation, internal control evaluation, audit evidence and reporting decisions.
• The examination evaluates technical knowledge, analytical ability and professional judgement.

✅ Passing Criteria

To successfully clear AUD, candidates must achieve a minimum scaled score of 75 on a scale of 0–99.

Important Information:

• A score of 75 does not represent 75% correct answers.
• Examination scores are calculated using AICPA’s established scoring methodology.
• MCQs and task-based simulations each contribute 50% to the overall score.
• Candidates receive a Pass or Fail result.
• Candidates who do not pass may retake AUD in accordance with applicable examination regulations.

Passing AUD satisfies the examination requirement for that section, subject to the selected jurisdiction’s credit-validity rules.

🎯 Learning Objectives

Studying Auditing and Attestation develops the ability to:

• Understand professional auditing standards and ethical requirements.
• Apply professional scepticism and judgement.
• Assess risks of material misstatement.
• Evaluate internal control systems.
• Plan and perform audit procedures.
• Obtain and evaluate sufficient appropriate audit evidence.
• Identify misstatements and control deficiencies.
• Form audit conclusions and determine appropriate audit opinions.
• Understand assurance, attestation and review engagements.
• Apply auditing concepts to practical financial reporting scenarios.

🚀 Develop Expertise in Auditing and Assurance

AUD establishes a strong foundation in auditing standards, risk assessment, internal control evaluation, audit evidence and professional assurance reporting.

The subject develops the technical knowledge and analytical abilities required to assess financial information, evaluate internal controls and form independent professional conclusions.

It also reinforces the importance of ethical conduct, professional scepticism and sound judgement in financial reporting and assurance engagements.

Mastering AUD develops the auditing expertise, risk assessment capabilities and professional judgement essential for the US CPA qualification.

💻 Technical Requirements – Actuators Educational Institute (AEI)

To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted learning experience, students enrolling in courses offered by Actuators Educational Institute (AEI) are required to use devices that meet the minimum technical specifications supported by the AEI Learning Application.

📱 Minimum Device & Operating System Requirements

📌 Important Information for Students

• Students must ensure that their devices meet the above minimum technical requirements before enrolling in a course.
• A stable internet connection is recommended for accessing online lectures, study materials and other digital learning resources.
• Devices running older or unsupported operating systems may experience compatibility issues or may not support the application.

Note: These are the official minimum technical requirements for accessing courses through the Actuators Educational Institute (AEI) Learning Application. Students are advised to verify device compatibility before completing their course enrolment.