Assurance (ASS)

Module aim

To ensure that candidates understand the assurance process and fundamental principles of ethics, and are able to contribute to the assessment of internal controls and gathering of evidence on an assurance engagement.

On completion of this module, candidates will be able to:

• explain the concept of assurance, why assurance is required and the reasons for assurance engagements being carried out by appropriately qualified professionals;
• explain the nature of internal controls and why they are important, document an organisation’s internal controls and identify weaknesses in internal control systems;
• select sufficient and appropriate methods of obtaining assurance evidence and recognise when conclusions can be drawn from evidence obtained or where issues need to be referred to a senior colleague; and
• understand the importance of ethical behaviour to a professional and explain issues relating to integrity, objectivity, conflicts of interest, conflicts of loyalty, confidentiality and independence.

​Method of assessment

The Assurance module is assessed by a 1.5 hour computer-based exam. The exam consists of 50 questions worth two marks each, covering the areas of the syllabus in accordance with the weightings set out in the specification grid. The questions are presented in the form of multiple choice, multi-part multiple choice, or multiple response.

The pass mark of this module is 55%.

Links to other ACA papers

No prior knowledge is required for ASS module.

ASS provides the basics to progress to AA and the Advanced level.