Certified Public Sector Auditor

Get Certified and Transform Your Career
 
CPSA

Description

The CPSA (Certified Public Sector Auditor) certification is a high-level international program developed by GECB GROUP LLC, designed to train, structure, and certify the skills of professionals working in public sector auditing.

Unlike generalist approaches often modeled after the private sector, the CPSA is built exclusively on standards and frameworks specific to the public sector, particularly the ISSAI (International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions) published by INTOSAI, globally recognized as the authoritative reference for supreme audit institutions and public sector auditors.

This program is structured around six core modules, covering the critical domains of public sector auditing: ethics, competence, performance auditing, compliance auditing, public debt auditing, public procurement auditing, as well as the foundational principles of public financial auditing.

The CPSA goes beyond mere knowledge transfer—it aims to ensure operational and strategic mastery of public audit best practices through rigorous pedagogy, a field-oriented approach, and full alignment with international standards.

Through this certification, GECB is committed to promoting the professionalization of public sector audit practices, empowering candidates with relevant, hands-on competencies tailored to the challenges of the public sector. Candidates must learn to audit with rigor, independence, transparency, and accountability, while enhancing their credibility among internal and external stakeholders.

The CPSA certification is an essential step for any public sector auditor, controller, or inspector seeking to strengthen their professional legitimacy, improve audit quality, and align with globally recognized standards.

Why Choose the CPSA ?

Unlike many certifications based on private sector practices, the CPSA is fully tailored to address the unique demands, frameworks, and realities of public sector auditing. Each module is aligned with ISSAI standards endorsed by INTOSAI, ensuring full compliance with globally accepted norms.

The CPSA requires the mastery  of the most authoritative public audit frameworks (ISSAI, INTOSAI guides, etc.), delivering a structured, consistent, and practical approach that enhances the quality, credibility, and impact of audit assignments.

Being CPSA-certified means demonstrating a high level of expertise in public auditing, enhancing your institutional credibility, and opening up career advancement opportunities within public sector bodies, national audit institutions, ministries, donor-funded projects, and international organizations.

The program includes practical tools, public sector-specific examples, and case studies, ensuring immediate application of skills in real-world scenarios. It is ideal for current auditors as well as aspiring inspectors, controllers, or evaluators seeking a structured path into public audit.

What You Will Learn

By completing the CPSA (Certified Public Sector Auditor) training, you will gain a deep, structured, and hands-on understanding of how to conduct effective public sector audits in full compliance with ISSAI standards and international best practices.

Master the Fundamentals of Public Audit

• Understand how public sector auditing differs from private sector practices • Apply ethical principles and auditor competencies outlined in ISSAI-130 and ISSAI-150.

Conduct High-Value Performance Audits

• Evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of public programs • Design and execute performance audits using ISSAI-300 and ISSAI-3000 standards.

Lead Rigorous Compliance Audits

• Verify adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and procedures • Use ISSAI-400 and ISSAI-4000 frameworks to ensure compliance and integrity

Audit Public Debt and Commitments

Understand public debt-related risks and government obligations • Apply best practices from GUID-5250 for debt audit assignments

Review Public Procurement Processes

• Detect risks, fraud, and irregularities in public procurement procedures • Use GUID-5280 to carry out effective procurement audits

Apply the Basics of Public Financial Auditing

• Grasp the core principles of financial audit in the public sector • Lay the foundation for more advanced certification programs

Why Get Certified ?

The CPSA (Certified Public Sector Auditor) certification is more than a credential—it’s a powerful mark of competence, integrity, and professionalism in the demanding field of public sector auditing.

Unlock New Career Opportunities

The certification opens doors to positions in supreme audit institutions (SAIs), ministries, donor-funded projects, and international development organizations where certified public auditors are in high demand.

Enhance Your Professional Credibility

CPSA certification validates your mastery of international public audit standards and your ability to carry out audits aligned with globally accepted frameworks.

Join a Global Network of Excellence

As a CPSA-certified auditor, you become part of a global community of professionals committed to transparency, public performance, and good governance, with ongoing learning and collaboration opportunities.

Improve Audit Quality and Impact

With stronger structuring and command of trusted frameworks, you’ll be equipped to deliver credible, relevant, and high-impact audits that meet the expectations of oversight bodies and stakeholders.

Eligibility Criteria

The CPSA certification is intended for public sector professionals involved in auditing, control, inspection, or program evaluation. It is also open to individuals looking to structure their audit practice according to internationally recognized public audit standards.

To enroll, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Be an internal auditor, controller, inspector, evaluator, or reviewer within a public institution (e.g., ministry, local government, donor-funded project, etc.)
  • Professional Experience: At least 1 year of work experience in a role related to auditing, control, inspection, evaluation, or the management of public programs (e.g., donor-funded projects, local governments, public institutions, etc.).
  • Academic Qualification: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the following fields: → Public finance, management, auditing, law, economics, accounting, public administration, or a related discipline.

Program Overview

The program is structured around 6 core modules, each covering a strategic domain of public sector auditing. Every module is aligned with ISSAI standards and INTOSAI guidance, ensuring a solid, progressive, and applicable learning experience.

Module 1 – Fundamentals of Public Sector Auditing

Standards covered: ISSAI-130 (Code of Ethics), ISSAI-150 (Auditor Competence). Goal: Understand the ethical principles and competencies required of public sector auditors, with a focus on independence, professional skill, and accountability.

Module 2 – Performance Auditing in the Public Sector

Standards covered: ISSAI-300, ISSAI-3000. Goal: Learn how to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of public programs using a results-based approach.

Module 3 – Compliance Auditing in the Public Sector

Standards covered: ISSAI-400, ISSAI-4000 Goal: Ensure adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, ensuring legality and regularity of public actions.

Module 4 – Public Debt and Commitment Auditing

Standard covered: GUID-5250 Goal: Identify risks related to public debt, assess debt management policies, and audit short-, medium-, and long-term commitments.

Module 5 – Public Procurement Auditing

Standard covered: GUID-5280 Goal: Audit public procurement processes, detect irregularities, assess compliance, and promote transparency in public spending.

Module 6 – Basic Principles of Public Financial Auditing

Standard covered: ISSAI-200 Goal: Build foundational knowledge in public sector financial audits in preparation for the next GECB certification specifically focused on financial auditing in the public sector: CGFA (Certified Government Finance Auditor).

Go Further with the CGFA

The CPSA is your strategic entry point into a high-impact career in public sector auditing. But, for certified professionals seeking to deepen their expertise — especially in the complex field of public financial auditingGECB offers an advanced-level certification: the CGFA (Certified Government Finance Auditor).

This certification is designed to help public auditors:

  • master the specific standards for financial audits within government entities;
  • audit financial statements from public administrations, ministries, local authorities, or donor-funded projects;
  • understand public accounting frameworks, fiscal transparency requirements, and reporting standards;
  • strengthen their role as guardians of public financial accountability.

The CPSA lays the groundwork, but advancing to the CGFA means choosing to become a strategic player in public financial governance.

Certification Toolkit

299 USD

Everything you need to master public sector auditing and pass the CPSA certification

  • Recommended Reading: GECB does not provide a proprietary manual for CPSA. Instead, we strongly recommend that all candidates download and thoroughly study the official ISSAI standards and INTOSAI guidance documents, which form the core of the CPSA program. These materials are freely available from the ISSAI.org or INTOSAI.org websites.
  • CPSA MCQ Practice Bank: Get unlimited access to our exclusive CPSA Question Bank—more than 2,000 professional-grade multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to assess and reinforce your understanding of each CPSA module.
  • Self-Paced Learning Tools: Study at your own pace with progress tracking and regular updates—accessible anytime, anywhere on the GECB learning platform.
  • Final Online Certification Exam: Take your proctored CPSA certification exam from the comfort of your home or office via our secure proctored platform, available 24/7.
  • Instant Results & Digital Certificate: Upon passing the exam, receive an authentic, verifiable digital certificate, instantly shareable on LinkedIn, your CV, and with employers.
  • 3-Year Certification Validity: Your CPSA certification is valid for three (3) years, with unlimited renewal options based on continuing education and professional growth.

 

What They Say About the CPSA

CPSA Certification Exam

The CPSA exam is conducted online and remotely proctored.

Use a laptop equipped with a webcam and a reliable internet connection

Take your exam from anywhere by selecting a convenient date within the official GECB exam windows.

Get your results instantly upon completion.

Receive your premium digital certificate and share your achievement immediately.

Verify the authenticity of your certification anytime online.

Enjoy certified status for 3 years with no additional renewal fees.

Format

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Languages available

English, French, Spanish

Number of questions

100

Exam duration

120 minutes

Passing score

70%
Last modified: Tuesday, 22 July 2025, 7:04 AM