Creative and Critical Thinking for Auditors Course (Self-Paced)

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook 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 instructions, take Creative and Critical Thinking for Auditors.

Creative and critical thinking skills are among the most important that auditors must develop to add value by perceiving what others do not in identifying root causes of problems and new possible solutions in a rapidly changing world. Students are encouraged to think out of the box and use critical thinking to break away from pre-conceived notions and the comfort zone of intuitive thinking to consider different perspectives and alternatives. This course includes brain training exercises and tools to think more abstractly, look beyond the obvious, challenge the status quo, and use process techniques for generating new ideas and making discoveries in practical audit applications.

Full Tuition

$1,049
Due before the class starts

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution

Learning Experience Highlights

Training from government‑experienced instructors

Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DoD

Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.

The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

Three professionals sit in black chairs with laptops and notebooks, engaged in conversation against a red wall.

Real-world solutions

Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.

125+ departments & agencies served

Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.

100% Online. Start Anytime

24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!

Shareable on

Sample credential for completion of Creative and Critical Thinking for Auditors Course (Self-Paced)

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.

Creative and Critical Thinking for Auditors Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Describe and discuss the basic concepts of creative thinking.
Eliminate roadblocks and barriers to the use of creative thinking in auditing.
Distinguish between creative and critical thinking and explain their complementary roles in problem-solving.
Describe two key stages in applying creative and critical thinking to identify the causes and solutions to problems with performance.
Use creative thinking principles and tools to boost your output of innovative ideas and identify the real causes of, and best solutions to, organizational problems.
Apply critical thinking principles and tools to organize, evaluate, and prioritize ideas generated by creative thinking.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Creative Thinking

Understand the importance of creative thinking in audit problem-solving
Identify and overcome common roadblocks to creativity
Recognize the impact of culture and groupthink on creativity
Explore techniques to generate new ideas and challenge assumptions

Module 2: Creative and Critical Thinking for Problem Solving

Distinguish between creative and critical thinking in audits
Define problems using audit-related performance gaps
Apply structured steps for identifying, analyzing, and solving audit problems
Align critical and creative thinking throughout the audit lifecycle

Module 3: Applying “Creative” Thinking Tools

Use tools like SWOT analysis, brainwriting, force field analysis, and PESTLE
Practice brainstorming, wall writing, and idea quotas for problem exploration
Generate and document innovative audit solutions through group techniques

Module 4: Applying “Critical” Thinking Tools

Organize, evaluate, and prioritize creative ideas for audit recommendations
Use fishbone and spiderweb diagrams to map causes and organize thoughts
Apply nominal group technique and weighted multivoting for solution ranking

Module 5: Making the Critical Case for Creative Recommendations

Present audit recommendations using structured, evidence-based formats
Prepare and deliver a persuasive oral audit presentation to management
Tailor findings and solutions to stakeholder expectations and organizational culture

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

Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$1,049.00	Total You Pay