Government Auditor Level I Certificate Program (Self-Paced)
IDAUDT1.CP.2024SP

Self-paced 116 CPE certificate program for government auditors

Master basic auditing skills for government professionals. Satisfy your CPE requirements and build the expertise to conduct effective audits.

$6,399 Live Support Start anytime

This program includes

  • Project-based training from experts
  • 203 training videos
  • Answers from real instructors
  • Additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class
  • Proprietary workbooks included
  • Retake for free within 1 year
  • Verified digital certificate of completion
  • Learn at an accredited institution

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take the Government Auditor Level I Certificate.

Advance your auditing career with our comprehensive Government Auditing Certificate Program. Designed for professionals in state, local, or federal government roles, this program equips you with essential skills in audit planning, execution, and reporting. Whether you're an evaluator, inspector, or analyst, you'll gain expertise in fraud detection, performance auditing, and documentation techniques—no accounting or finance degree required. Progress from foundational courses to leadership training, all while aligning with your Individual Development Plan (IDP).

Read more

Courses & Videos in This Certificate Program

Download Syllabus PDF

Unit 1 30 Hours

Basic Governmental Auditing Course (Self-Paced)

This course is designed for new performance auditors to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the government audit environment. Participants will learn about auditing standards, evidence collection, and effective communication of audit findings through hands-on exercises and expert instruction.

  • Overview of Government Auditing Standards and their application.
  • Phases of an audit, including planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
  • Identifying and collecting qualitative and quantitative audit evidence.
  • Conducting interviews to gather facts and opinions.
  • Preparing audit documentation that meets professional standards.
  • Developing audit findings with actionable recommendations.
  • Communicating audit results effectively to various audiences.
  • Identifying areas for future training and career development in auditing.
Lesson 1: Auditing Profession and Standards
Lesson 2: Mandating Accountability & Performance
Lesson 3: Audit Findings
Lesson 4: Planning Performance Audits
Lesson 5: Collecting Data
Lesson 6: Interviewing
Lesson 7: Communicating Results (The Reporting Phase)
Lesson 8: Developing Auditing Skills

Unit 2 12 Hours

Federal Appropriations Law for Auditors Course (Self-Paced)

Learn the principles of federal appropriations law, focusing on compliance, internal controls, and detecting Antideficiency violations. This course equips auditors with the knowledge to review fund usage and apply Comptroller General decisions effectively.

  • Examine the auditor’s role in reviewing compliance with appropriations law.
  • Assess the propriety of administrative decisions and internal controls.
  • Detect and address Antideficiency violations.
  • Apply Comptroller General decisions to audit scenarios.
  • Test the legal obligations and payment of funds.
  • Understand the availability of appropriations in terms of purpose, time, and amount.
Lesson 1: Introduction: Legislation, FAR, Processes, and Legal Framework
Lesson 2: Federal Audits and Application of the FAR
Lesson 3: Federal Appropriations and Federal Budget
Lesson 4: Federal Obligations and Expenditures
Lesson 5: Federal Obligations
Lesson 6: Availability of Appropriations, Antideficiency and Other Miscellaneous Acts
Lesson 7: Continuing Resolutions, Government Shutdown, Accountability

Unit 3 12 Hours

Audit Evidence and Documentation Course (Self-Paced)

Master the principles of gathering and documenting sufficient, appropriate evidence to support performance audit objectives. This course covers evidence types, collection methods, and documentation practices to ensure reliability and compliance.

  • Understanding Government Auditing Standards for evidence and documentation.
  • Identifying and applying tests, types, and sources of evidence.
  • Collecting and documenting evidence using structured data collection instruments.
  • Safeguarding, indexing, and cross-referencing audit documentation.
  • Planning audits to obtain sufficient evidence aligned with audit objectives.

Unit 4 12 Hours

Developing and Presenting Audit Findings Course (Self-Paced)

Learn to compile and sequence audit data into clear, objective-driven findings that answer audit objectives. This course provides hands-on practice in developing findings for various audit types and presenting them convincingly.

  • Understanding the role of audit objectives in finding development.
  • Developing findings for compliance, process, accomplishment, and impact audits.
  • Outlining and summarizing audit results in response to objectives.
  • Presenting findings with clear conclusions and actionable recommendations.
  • Applying Government Auditing Standards in finding development.

Unit 5 12 Hours

Analysis Techniques for Auditors Course (Self-Paced)

Master a variety of analytical tools and techniques to evaluate audit data and identify solutions for effective findings and recommendations. This course includes hands-on exercises using Microsoft Excel or calculators to practice real-world applications.

  • Understanding and applying various analysis techniques like run charts, control charts, and histograms.
  • Using cause-and-effect diagrams and scatter diagrams to identify performance issues.
  • Analyzing data to assess risks, compliance, and performance problems.
  • Selecting the appropriate analysis technique for specific audit scenarios.
  • Interpreting results to develop actionable findings and recommendations.

Unit 6 12 Hours

Detection and Prevention of Fraud Course (Self-Paced)

Gain a comprehensive understanding of fraud detection and prevention, including legal frameworks, audit responsibilities, and effective techniques. This course equips participants with the skills to identify fraud indicators, design audit procedures, and collaborate with investigators.

  • Define fraud and understand its five elements.
  • Explore classic fraud schemes and their indicators.
  • Learn auditor responsibilities in fraud prevention and detection.
  • Understand criminal statutes and federal rules of evidence for prosecuting fraud.
  • Design audit procedures to detect fraud effectively.
  • Collaborate with investigators and manage investigative referrals.
  • Practice fraud detection methods through case exercises.
A group of adult learners sits in a classroom, smiling and engaged in a government training session.
A government training instructor in a suit gestures while teaching in front of a whiteboard covered with notes and diagrams.
A person in professional attire holds a Graduate School USA folder, symbolizing participation in government training programs.

Group Training

Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.

Complete this form and we’ll get back to you within 1 business hour.

The Fact Is – We’ve Been Government’s Training Partner Since 1921

400+ Courses & Certificates 125+ Federal Agencies Served 200+ Subject-Matter Experts