Occupational Summary
An Internal audit practitioner on a Level 4 apprenticeship provides independent, objective assurance and consulting to add value and improve an organisation's operations. Internal audit practitioners (internal auditors) use a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes across the whole organisation, including risk management, compliance and finance functions. They act as the last line of defence, remaining impartial and independent while checking records and procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability. Apprentices become competent in all aspects of internal audit engagements and typically work as part of an audit team under the management of an Internal Audit Professional or Head of Internal Audit in public, private and voluntary sector organisations.
This Level 4 apprenticeship covers 15 KSBs (knowledge, skills and behaviours), has a typical duration of 18 months and a maximum funding band of £9,000. Completion is assessed via professional discussion and assignment.
View official Skills England source text
The role of internal audit departments is to provide an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity to add value and improve an organisation's operations. Internal Audit helps an organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. Internal Audit has an enterprise-wide remit and mandate, which means assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of all areas of an organisation including the risk management, compliance and finance functions. Internal Audit is the last line of defence in an organisation and, as such, must remain impartial and independent in how it works alongside all areas of the organisation. IAPracs will be competent in undertaking all aspects of internal audit engagements. They are typically part of an audit team operating under the management of the Internal Audit Professional (IAProf) or Head of Internal Audit. Internal auditor roles will be found in the public, private and voluntary sectors, where the Internal Audit function is acknowledged as a cornerstone of good corporate governance essential to the success of an organisation, as recognised by the UK Corporate Governance Code (or other sector-relevant codes of practice). The profession is overseen by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (Chartered IIA), which sets out guidance and standards on how the profession should manage itself and deliver internal audit services for organisations. Checking an organisation's records and procedures to make sure they are accurate and reliable.
Important Notice
This apprenticeship closed for new starts from 15 November 2024 as the mandatory qualification (Internal Audit Practitioner) is being withdrawn in its current form by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CIIA). The Chartered IIA have negotiated with Global IIA for the current mandated qualification exam to be available up until November 2026. This will enable apprentices who have already started this apprenticeship to be able to complete their apprenticeship.
What's in the Delivery Pack?
Every section is tailored specifically to the ST0587 standard, using official KSB data, the published assessment plan, and sector-specific context.
KSB Interpretations
Plain-English interpretation of every Knowledge, Skill and Behaviour
EPA Preparation
End-point assessment readiness, gateway checklist and method guidance
Delivery Risks
Occupation-specific risks, mitigations and early warning signs
Delivery Model Options
Model-selection guide comparing day release, block release and front-loaded approaches
On/Off-the-Job Mapping
Which KSBs are best taught by the provider vs developed in the workplace
Initial Assessment & RPL
Starting points, prior learning recognition and programme adaptation
English, Maths & Digital
Where functional skills embed naturally and standalone qualification guidance
Employer Engagement Guide
Employer commitments, progress reviews and workplace engagement guidance
Get the ST0587 Delivery Guide
Unlock all 8 AI-powered sections — KSB interpretations, EPA preparation, delivery risks, employer engagement, and more. Tailored to Internal audit practitioner.
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Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours
Knowledge
4- K1: IAPracs will understand the internal (operational transactions of the organisation/business area being audited) and exte...
- K2: IAPracs will demonstrate an awareness of the characteristics of good corporate governance and risk management, and the r...
- K3: IAPracs will have an understanding of their organisation’s strategy and success measures, and be cognisant of how their ...
- K4: IAPracs will know the different types of controls, management control techniques, and internal control framework charact...
Skills
6- S1: IAPracs will build sustainable relationships based on trust and respect, within their function and with stakeholders, on...
- S2: IAPracs will communicate clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing. IAPracs will adapt their communication sty...
- S3: IAPracs will collaborate effectively with other audit colleagues to gain understanding and insights to inform audits and...
- S4: With guidance, IAPracs will select and use tools/techniques to obtain relevant data/information for specific audit assig...
- S5: IAPracs will manage their time effectively to deliver high quality work within appropriate timelines to deliver their au...
- + 1 more items
Behaviours
5- B1: IAPracs will act with integrity to their profession and the ethical code of conduct of their organisation/auditee, will ...
- B2: IAPracs will add value to the organisation/department they are auditing by proactively sharing issues identified during ...
- B3: IAPracs will take responsibility for their own professional development by seeking out opportunities to learn and grow.
- B4: IAPracs will demonstrate drive and energy to get the job done and an open mindset in all their audit work, able to adapt...
- B5: IAPracs will demonstrate an attitude that includes a questioning mind and being alert to conditions that may indicate po...
End-Point Assessment
Assessment Plan
Type: PDF
Version & Source
- Version
- 1.0
- Approved for delivery. 11/12/2025 - Updated SSA
- Last changed
- 11 Dec 2025
- Earliest start
- 21 Jun 2018
- Approved for delivery
- 22 Jun 2018
- EQA Provider
- Ofqual
- Sector Subject Area
- 15.3 Business management
- Trailblazer
- TB0232
- Last checked
- 11 Mar 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What knowledge, skills and behaviours are in the ST0587 standard?▼
The Internal audit practitioner apprenticeship has 4 knowledge items, 6 skills, and 5 behaviours that apprentices must demonstrate.
How long is the Internal audit practitioner apprenticeship?▼
The typical duration is 18 months, with a maximum funding band of £9,000.
What does a delivery guide for ST0587 include?▼
The KSB Planner delivery guide includes plain-English KSB interpretations, EPA preparation guidance, delivery risk analysis, on/off-the-job mapping, employer engagement strategies, and more — all tailored to ST0587.
Data sourced from Skills England. KSB Planner delivery guides are an interpretation and planning aid based on official published source material — not an official regulator-issued document.