Digital Innovation and Transformation

IT Auditing

This course on IT Auditing provides professionals with essential skills to evaluate and improve IT systems' integrity, security, and compliance. Participants will learn to conduct audits, assess risks, and implement controls to ensure effective governance in information technology environments.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

IT auditing is crucial for organisations to ensure that their information systems are secure, compliant, and efficient. Professionals face challenges such as identifying vulnerabilities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing IT risks effectively. This course addresses these issues by equipping participants with the tools and techniques necessary to conduct thorough IT audits, assess the effectiveness of controls, and provide actionable insights to stakeholders. Participants will learn to analyse complex IT environments, evaluate risks, and develop strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities, all of which are vital for maintaining the integrity of IT operations and protecting organisational assets.

Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world auditing scenarios, enabling them to develop critical skills such as risk assessment, control evaluation, and compliance analysis. By practising these capabilities, attendees will be able to make informed decisions and recommendations that enhance their organisation's IT governance and security posture. The course also emphasises the importance of clear communication of audit findings to stakeholders, ensuring that recommendations are understood and actionable. This comprehensive approach prepares participants to contribute effectively to their organisations' risk management and compliance efforts, ultimately fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of theoretical instruction and practical application through case studies, group discussions, and hands-on workshops. Participants will work on real-life scenarios that require them to apply auditing frameworks and tools, such as COBIT and ISO 27001. Outputs will include audit reports, risk assessments, and compliance checklists, which will serve as evidence of their learning and practical capabilities. Each day focuses on building specific skills through interactive exercises, ensuring that participants not only understand the concepts but can also apply them effectively in their roles as IT auditors. This approach fosters collaboration and peer learning, enhancing the overall educational experience.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse IT governance frameworks to determine their effectiveness in risk management.
Evaluate IT controls to assess their adequacy and compliance with standards.
Conduct a risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities in IT systems.
Design an IT audit plan that addresses key organisational risks and compliance requirements.
Prioritise audit findings based on their impact on business operations.
Construct a comprehensive audit report that outlines findings and recommendations.
Justify the selection of specific audit tools and techniques for various IT environments.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

IT auditors responsible for evaluating and improving IT systems.
Compliance officers ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
IT managers overseeing risk management and governance.
Internal auditors focusing on IT-related processes and controls.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Conducting effective IT audits using established frameworks.
Assessing and mitigating IT risks in organisational contexts.
Implementing controls to ensure compliance with regulations.
Communicating audit findings and recommendations clearly.
Utilising audit tools and techniques for various IT environments.
Collaborating with stakeholders to enhance IT governance.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Foundations of IT Auditing

Applied activity: Participants will review a fictional organisation's IT governance framework, identifying gaps in compliance and risk management. They will discuss potential improvements and prepare to present their findings to the group, focusing on actionable recommendations and prioritisation of issues.

Output: A summary report highlighting identified gaps, initial recommendations, and a presentation outline.

09:00–09:54Introduction to IT auditing concepts and frameworks, including COBIT and ISO 27001.
09:54–10:48Understanding the role of IT auditors in organisations and their responsibilities.
10:48–11:00Overview of regulatory requirements and compliance standards relevant to IT.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Overview of regulatory requirements and compliance standards relevant to IT. (continued)
12:12–13:06Key principles of risk management in IT, including risk identification and assessment.
13:06–14:00Introduction to audit methodologies and tools, focusing on practical applications.

Day 2Risk Assessment in IT Environments

Applied activity: Participants will conduct a risk assessment on a fictional IT system, identifying vulnerabilities and proposing mitigation strategies. They will work in groups to analyse the risks and prepare a presentation summarising their findings and recommendations for risk management.

Output: A risk assessment report detailing findings, proposed actions, and a risk mitigation plan.

09:00–09:54Identifying and categorising IT risks, including technical, operational, and compliance risks.
09:54–10:48Conducting risk assessments using qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate risk exposure.
10:48–11:00Evaluating the impact and likelihood of identified risks on business objectives and operations.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Evaluating the impact and likelihood of identified risks on business objectives and operations. (continued)
12:12–13:06Prioritising risks based on organisational objectives and developing a risk matrix.
13:06–14:00Developing risk mitigation strategies that align with business goals and compliance requirements.

Day 3Evaluating IT Controls

Applied activity: Participants will evaluate the effectiveness of controls in a fictional IT environment, using a checklist to identify gaps and prepare a report on their findings. They will collaborate in pairs to discuss their recommendations and present them to the class for feedback.

Output: An evaluation report detailing control effectiveness, identified deficiencies, and recommendations for improvement.

09:00–09:54Types of IT controls: preventive, detective, and corrective, and their roles in risk management.
09:54–10:48Assessing the effectiveness of IT controls through testing and evaluation methods.
10:48–11:00Mapping controls to compliance requirements and organisational policies.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Mapping controls to compliance requirements and organisational policies. (continued)
12:12–13:06Conducting control testing and evaluation to identify deficiencies and areas for improvement.
13:06–14:00Reporting on control deficiencies and providing actionable recommendations for remediation.

Day 4Developing an IT Audit Plan

Applied activity: Participants will design an IT audit plan for a fictional organisation based on identified risks and compliance needs. They will work in groups to develop their plans and present them to the class, receiving feedback on their approach and methodology.

Output: A comprehensive IT audit plan including objectives, scope, methodologies, and a timeline.

09:00–09:54Components of an effective IT audit plan, including scope, objectives, and methodologies.
09:54–10:48Aligning audit objectives with business goals and risk assessments.
10:48–11:00Selecting audit areas based on risk assessments and organisational priorities.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Selecting audit areas based on risk assessments and organisational priorities. (continued)
12:12–13:06Developing audit procedures and methodologies tailored to specific IT environments.
13:06–14:00Creating a timeline and resource allocation for audits, including team roles and responsibilities.

Day 5Conducting and Reporting IT Audits

Applied activity: Participants will conduct a mock IT audit based on their audit plan, analyse findings, and prepare a final report. They will present their reports to the group, simulating a stakeholder meeting where they will defend their conclusions and recommendations.

Output: A final audit report summarising findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations for stakeholders.

09:00–09:54Executing the audit plan and collecting evidence through interviews, observations, and documentation review.
09:54–10:48Analysing audit findings and drawing conclusions based on collected data and evidence.
10:48–11:00Communicating results to stakeholders effectively, focusing on clarity and actionable insights.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Communicating results to stakeholders effectively, focusing on clarity and actionable insights. (continued)
12:12–13:06Developing actionable recommendations based on audit findings to improve IT governance and controls.
13:06–14:00Finalising and presenting the audit report, ensuring it meets professional standards.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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