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Assurance Guidance and Standards

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Analyze how professional ethics, independence rules, and regulatory oversight shape auditor responsibilities.

  • Compare U.S. and international audit standards and explain how they apply across public, private, and internal audit engagements.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

March 2026

Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the CPA Licensure Prep: Advanced Auditing and Attestation Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to identify and apply the core regulatory and professional standards that govern modern auditing and assurance engagements. You’ll evaluate auditor responsibilities under the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, understand independence and integrity requirements, and distinguish between standards issued by the PCAOB, IAASB, and the Institute of Internal Auditors.

This course explores the regulatory framework that shapes audit practice in both U.S. and international contexts. You’ll examine the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the role of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the structure of International Standards on Auditing, and the evolution of internal audit standards under the IIA framework. What makes this course unique is its integrated, cross-framework approach. Rather than studying standards in isolation, you’ll compare how they interact across public company audits, private engagements, internal audit functions, and multinational contexts. By the end, you’ll have a clear, structured understanding of how audit oversight bodies and professional standards collectively safeguard financial reporting integrity in global capital markets.

In this module, you'll be introduced to the AICPA Code of Conduct and learn how it applies to accountants in the profession. You'll explore key rules such as the integrity rules, the objectivity rules, and the independence rules. By the end of this module, you'll have a more clear understanding about how the AICPA Code of Professional conduct assists the accounting profession by setting high standards for those providing services to clients.

What's included

5 videos4 readings2 assignments

5 videosTotal 31 minutes
  • Instructor Introduction and Course Overview4 minutes
  • AICPA Code of Professional Conduct7 minutes
  • Integrity and Objectivity Rules7 minutes
  • Independence Requirements6 minutes
  • Other Key Requirements8 minutes
4 readingsTotal 60 minutes
  • Course Outline 5 minutes
  • Integrity and Objectivity30 minutes
  • Auditor Independence20 minutes
  • Review: Module Key Concepts5 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 30 minutes
  • Practice Assessment: AICPA Code of Conduct10 minutes
  • Graded Assessment: Module 120 minutes

In this module, you'll explore three of the more significant sets of standards that CPAs comply with when working on assurance and attestation engagements. You'll learn about the Statements on Auditing Standards, the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements, and the Statements on Quality Management Standards. By the end of this module, you'll become familiar with the key standards CPAs find themselves complying with when performing various engagements.

What's included

3 videos2 readings1 assignment

3 videosTotal 21 minutes
  • Statements on Auditing Standards7 minutes
  • Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE)8 minutes
  • Statements on Quality Management Standards (SQMS)7 minutes
2 readingsTotal 70 minutes
  • SAS Basics40 minutes
  • SSAE Basics30 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 20 minutes
  • Practice Assessment: Module 220 minutes

In this module, you'll explore the key standards that apply to other engagements beyond the scope of the AICPA's nonissuers including issuers, internal audit engagements, and international engagements. You'll learn about how those standards impact the work CPAs and internal auditors perform on clients. By the end of this module, you'll have more clarity on other applicable standards accountants may face that are relevant to the services being provided.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 33 minutes
  • SOX and the PCAOB9 minutes
  • PCAOB Standards for Public Auditors8 minutes
  • Internal Audit Standards8 minutes
  • International Audit Standards8 minutes
2 readingsTotal 50 minutes
  • The PCAOB and Public Audits30 minutes
  • Internal Audits20 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 20 minutes
  • Practice Assessment: Module 320 minutes

This final module brings everything together. You’ll review key concepts from the course and apply what you’ve learned to real-world business situations. By stepping back and looking across the different sets of applicable standards, you’ll strengthen your ability to assess and perform various engagements appropriately —skills that are essential for accountants and business professionals alike.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 3 minutes
  • Course Wrap-Up3 minutes
2 readingsTotal 6 minutes
  • Review: Course Concepts5 minutes
  • Congratulations and What's Next1 minute
1 assignmentTotal 40 minutes
  • Graded Assessment: Course40 minutes

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Instructor

University of California, Santa Barbara
12 Courses2,791 learners

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Frequently asked questions

This course is part of a CPA Licensure Preparation series and is designed to support learning and exam readiness. Completing this course does not by itself qualify you for CPA licensure or guarantee eligibility to sit for the CPA Exam. CPA licensure requirements vary by state and are determined by individual state boards of accountancy. Learners should consult their state board to confirm education and exam requirements.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Financial aid available,