Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a professional certification for professionals in the field of Information Technology. The CITP credential recognizes technical expertise across a wide range of business-technology practice areas.

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The credential is given to CPAs^[1] only, however, professionals of varied qualifications may apply depending on the organization offering the certification. Professionals applying for this certification are expected to be able to assess risk, uncover fraud and perform audits within a business. Most firms that offer this certification require an unrevoked and valid CPA license.

In some firms, CITP is offered only to those that have completed a formal exam, which includes the five CITP Body of Knowledge areas:^[2]

• Risk Assessment
• Fraud Considerations
• Internal Controls & Information Technology General Controls
• Evaluate, Test and Report
• Information Management and Business Intelligence

These main topic areas have a larger field of information behind them; those applying for a qualification need a comprehensive understanding of these disciplines.

In addition, certain certifications and advanced degrees also apply. To be awarded the CITP credential, a CPA must qualify for 100 total points on the application. On the CITP Credential Application you will be asked to sign a Declaration and Intent to comply with all the requirements for CITP recertification. A percentage of CITP applications will be randomly selected for further review each year, and if selected, the applicant agrees to provide detailed documentation (including specifics of Business Experience and Lifelong Learning) to support the assertions of the application.

Those applying to for a CITP require a breadth of knowledge in the fields listed above. Each main topic has a number of specific outcomes, similar to those found in an educational syllabus. The following data comes from The American Institute of CPAs,^[3] an issuer of the CITP certification. The five fields listed above are split into seven, to simplify the understandability of the information.

To be awarded the CITP Credential, a CPA must accumulate 100 total points. Total points will be earned based on business experience, lifelong learning, and, if required, the results of an examination.

Business Experience Requirement

• To be awarded the CITP credential, the candidate must earn a minimum of 25 points for business experience within the five-year period preceding the date of application.
• The maximum number of business experience points that can be earned over the preceding five-year period is 60.
• 40 hours of IT-related business experience equals approximately 1 point.

The final number of points earned in this category will vary depending on the hours of experience and the scope of that experience. Eligible business experience must address the seven practice areas that currently comprise the CITP Body of Knowledge. Academics may count their time lecturing and teaching towards the business experience requirement.

Life Long Learning (LLL) To be awarded the CITP credential, you must also earn a minimum of 25 points in lifelong learning within the five-year period preceding the date of application. The maximum number of lifelong learning points allowed over a five-year period is 60.

The objectives of the lifelong learning requirement are twofold, to:

• Maintain your competency by requiring timely updates of existing technology knowledge and skills
• Provide a mechanism for monitoring the maintenance of your competency

The following types of lifelong learning activities are eligible for points:

• Continuing Professional Education
• Approved courses from an accredited university or college
• Other continuing education courses
• Trade association conferences
• Non-traditional learning methods self-directed reading
• Presenting
• Authoring
• Other credentials designations and certifications, advanced degrees, and committee service

The credential is administered by the AICPA through the National Accreditation Commission via a volunteer committee and dedicated AICPA staff. The committee was formed in 2003 and initially chaired, through 2005, by MICHAEL DICKSON, CPA.CITP. He was succeeded by the current chair, Gregory LaFollette, CPA, CITP. ^[6] The committee consists of six members each serving staggered three-year terms.