Dates : 20-21 January 2026
The training is 2x1/2 day from 13:00 to 16.30
Language : English
CPE Points : 7
Deadline to register : 16 January 2026
Trainer name: Dr. Dominik Förschler
Type of session (Online training/ In-Person Training / Webinar): Online training

Overview 

The IIA’s Internal Auditing Competency Framework is a powerful tool that helps internal auditors and audit leaders assess, develop, and elevate the skills required to deliver high-value assurance and advisory services. Competencies are the backbone of effective auditing, covering knowledge, skills, and behaviours across internal auditing, professional abilities, governance and risk, and operational domains.

This ARC training introduces participants to the structure and practical application of the Competency Framework. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and exercises, attendees will learn how to evaluate their current proficiency, identify development priorities, and leverage the framework to strengthen both individual careers and the collective capability of the audit function.

Aligned with the Global Internal Audit Standards, the training emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development, proficiency progression (from basic to expert levels), and the linkage between competencies and job roles, from staff auditor to chief audit executive. Participants will gain hands-on experience using the IIA’s templates to conduct self-assessments, map competency needs to engagement demands, and design strategies for competency-driven audit excellence.

By the end of the seminar, participants will be equipped with a clear roadmap for embedding the Competency Framework into daily audit practice, training programs, and performance management, ensuring that the internal audit function delivers not only assurance but also insight and foresight to stakeholders.

Who should attend?

Audit professionals, Audit managers

Course description 

1. Introduction to the Competency Framework

• • Why competencies matter in modern internal auditing  

  • Overview of framework structure and domains

2. Framework Components in Practice  

• • Internal Auditing, Professional, Governance & Risk, and Operational Competencies  

  • 28 subcategories explained with real-world audit examples

3. Proficiency Levels & Job Role Alignment 

• • From awareness to expertise: understanding the 4 proficiency levels  

  • Role expectations: staff auditor to CAE

4. Hands-On Exercise: Self-Assessment & Gap Analysis  

• • Using IIA’s templates for individual competency assessment   

  • Mapping personal strengths and areas for development

5. Collective Competency & Audit Function Strategy   

• • How audit management can apply the framework to resource planning   

  • Linking competencies to internal audit strategy and board reporting

6. Applying Competencies to Engagements 

• • Determining engagement-specific competency needs   

  • Building effective audit teams with complementary skills

7. Implementation & Continuous Development   

• • Designing training and development plans based on competency gaps   

  • Using the framework to support promotions and performance evaluations

8. Conclusion and Next Steps   

• • Recap of key learnings  

  • Personal action plan: strengthening competencies for career and team success

Trainer bio

Dr. Dominik Foerschler
Managing Director | Senior Equity Partner
Audit Research Center | ARC-Institute
Chairman of the Digital Transformation Board

Dr. Dominik Foerschler was awarded by Richard Chambers in 2021 as one of the Top 12 influencers as Global Internal Audit Thought Leader.
In over 25 years of professional experience at Deutsche Bank, Canadian Imperial Bank CIBC and BMW in responsible management positions, with international assignments in Toronto, Chicago, New York, Madrid and London, Dominik is today the author of numerous expert books and articles in the field of Internal Audit, GRC and human resources development in renowned professional journals as well as the editor of a book series.
After holding various management positions and working as executive assistant to the President of the University of Frankfurt am Main, Germany and faculty member of the Management Research Center, Dominik now heads the Audit Research Center | ARC Institute as Managing Director. As Chairman of the Digital Transformation Board, he is also responsible for the development of new learning methods such as serious business games training as well as the developed Digital Stress Test as an audit methodology concept, which has become very well-known across Europe.