Greater efficiency through AI-enabled tooling
Where traditional EQA preparation takes weeks or sometimes months, we significantly compress the timeline through the use of AI-enabled tooling. Our GIAS Assessment app automates the scoring, generates AI-driven gap analyses, distributes questionnaires, collects responses and guides the assessment through clear explanations and in-depth analysis. Your team works in a structured manner towards the formal assessment — in one or multiple phases. No spreadsheets and documents being emailed back and forth. Everything integrated in a single app.
What is an EQA?
An External Quality Assessment (EQA) is a mandatory, independent assessment of your internal audit function (IAF) against the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS 2025). The assessment evaluates whether your internal audit function is in conformance with the international standards for quality, independence and professional competence.
The IIA Standards require that an EQA be performed by an externally accredited validator at least once every five years. For listed companies and semi-public institutions, this requirement is also embedded in the Corporate Governance Code.
How does an assessment engagement with Audirium work?
Depending on your starting position, we jointly select the most appropriate approach. The assessment type — SAIV or Full EQA — can be determined using the selection guide below.
Suitable for audit functions that already demonstrably perform well and are in conformance with the GIAS.
- Intake & preparation — Audirium works with you to define the scope, maps the evidence and conducts interviews and questionnaires via the GIAS Assessment platform. This gives the assessor an immediate, complete and structured picture.
- Assessment — Audirium independently assesses the extent to which the audit function conforms to the Global Internal Audit Standards and genuinely adds value, per standard, principle and domain.
- Report — The IIA-accredited assessor prepares the report. Any gaps are clearly explained.
Suitable for audit functions that wish to strengthen first or gain greater assurance before the formal assessment takes place.
- Baseline & gap analysis — We systematically map the audit function against all 52 GIAS standards, so you immediately see where improvement opportunities lie.
- Improvement phase — The tooling translates the gaps into a concrete improvement plan that you supplement with actions, owners and deadlines. The action management system in GIAS Assessment monitors progress, ensuring you are demonstrably ready for the assessment.
- Assessment — The formal assessment builds on the baseline. Areas already found to be in conformance need not be reassessed. The assessor only assesses the changes.
- Report — The IIA-accredited assessor prepares the report. Any remaining gaps are clearly explained.
You retain access to the detailed results via the portal and can even grant others access to those results. The action management system is optionally available for tracking the progress of any improvements. Annual self-assessments (QAIP) can build on the results through the tool, enabling you to document and follow up on the mandatory annual self-assessments as well. Optionally, the Topical Requirements can also be assessed via the platform.
GIAS Assessment for SAIV and Full EQA
The platform support differs per assessment form:
Your team performs the assessment itself. The reviewer workflow enables the external assessor to validate directly within the platform — no documents going back and forth by email, but a shared workspace with tracking and tracing.
- Higher learning value — your team gains deep familiarity with the GIAS standards
- Lower costs — the assessor validates and signs off, rather than performing the assessment
- Shorter lead time and less external coordination
- Self-evaluation per requirement, reviewer workflow, management reporting and Excel exports
- Less external authority — self-assessment with external validation carries less weight with some stakeholders
- Requires sufficient internal capacity to undertake the assessment seriously
The assessor works within the platform. Your team provides evidence, the assessor performs the scoring and evaluation. Questionnaires are sent and collected within the platform.
- Fully independent judgement — the assessor draws conclusions without reliance on your own evaluation
- Greater weight with oversight bodies — carries more authority with Audit Committees, Supervisory Boards and external regulators
- Less burden on the team — you provide input, the assessor does the work
- Broad benchmark perspective — comparison with other organisations
- Higher costs — the assessor performs more work independently
- Less learning value for the team — you receive a judgement, but build less internal expertise
Which approach suits us? — take the selection guide
Has your audit function previously undergone an EQA or SAIV?
What matters most to you?
How would you like to start?