Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

The Auditing and Attestation (AUD) section of the CPA Exam evaluates a candidate's understanding of the entire audit process, from engagement acceptance and risk assessment to forming conclusions and issuing audit reports. It covers key areas such as ethics and independence under the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, evaluating internal controls, identifying risks of material misstatement, gathering sufficient and appropriate audit evidence through substantive procedures and tests of controls, and reporting under both GAAS (for private companies) and PCAOB standards (for public companies). The section also includes attestation engagements, reviews, and compilations governed by SSAE and SSARS standards, making it one of the most comprehensive sections of the CPA Exam.