What is the primary reason a chief audit executive should dedicate time and resources to support continuing professional development of internal audit staff?

Question

Options

• ATo ensure that internal audit staff maintains high overall job satisfaction.
• BTo ensure that internal audit staff acquired continuing professional education credits timely.
• CTo ensure that top risks are mitigated to an acceptance level.
• DTo ensure that internal audit staff have the competency to address high-priority risks.

• A
  71% (12)
• B
  6% (1)
• C
  6% (1)
• D
  18% (3)

Explanation

There appears to be an error in the provided answer key. Based on IIA Standards, D is the correct answer, not A.

Why D is correct: The IIA's International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) - specifically Standard 1230 (Continuing Professional Development) - requires that internal auditors enhance their knowledge, skills, and competencies to ensure they can effectively perform their responsibilities. The chief audit executive's primary professional obligation is ensuring the audit function has the competency to address the organization's most significant risks, not to optimize staff satisfaction.

Why each distractor is wrong:

• A (job satisfaction) - While development may improve morale, satisfaction is an HR outcome, not the primary audit-standards-driven rationale. Framing CPD around satisfaction misses the core professional obligation.
• B (CPE credits) - Earning credits is a compliance mechanism, not the underlying purpose. Credits are a means to competency, not the goal itself.
• C (mitigate risks to acceptance level) - Risk mitigation is management's responsibility. Internal audit provides assurance and advisory services; it doesn't own risk mitigation.

Memory tip: Think "CAE → Competency → Coverage of key risks." The CAE invests in staff development so the audit team can actually audit what matters most - high-priority risks. The purpose flows from audit's mission, not HR goals.

If your source material lists A as correct, I'd recommend cross-referencing IIA Standard 1230 directly, as this appears to be an answer key error.

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