APSCA Newsletter – December 2019
December 31, 2019
The AGM and Stakeholder Event offered an opportunity to reflect on the year’s achievements. During 2019 a total of 1,848 CSCA examinations were administered including Parts I – III. 1,671 auditors successfully completed Part I, while 119 completed Part II and 58 Part III.
Following the release of the refined Member Firm application process, eight new Provisional Member Firms joined APSCA in 2019 while three fulfilled requirements to obtain full membership status. Auditor membership increased 30% during the year with total Member Auditors reaching 4,145.
As a means to preserve growing integrity, 2019 saw the introduction of our Disciplinary Board with a mandate to reinforce member accountability. As APSCA grows, the Board will continue to address allegations of misconduct and impose sanctions where necessary.
Accepting both the opportunities and challenges ahead, APSCA continues to strengthen industry credibility – working today in preparation for tomorrow.
APSCA Annual General Meeting & Stakeholder Event
APSCA’s 2019 Annual General Meeting & Stakeholder Event was held in Shenzhen on 11 December with over 130 in attendance. The event reflected on achievements across the three (3) pillars of Validation, Governance and Processes and Systems.
The highlight of the day was the recognition of 41 Member Auditors who form the first group to achieve Certified Social Compliance Auditor (CSCA) status. While all 41 CSCAs could not be present, we were pleased to congratulate fourteen (14) in person at the AGM & Stakeholder Event
Above: First CSCAs announced at the 2019 Stakeholder Event (CSCAs in Attendance).
In addition, APSCA announced Full Member Firms including Accordia, SGS and ARCHE Advisors.
Above Left to Right: Rona Starr (APSCA), Richard Ingrao (Accordia), Effie Marinos (SGS), and Greg Gardner (ARCHE Advisors), Avedis Seferian (Executive Board Chair).
Above Left: Panel Discussion – APSCA’s Impact: Benefits, Challenges and Future Opportunities. Above Right: Scarlet Wang (CSCA Auditor) participated in the panel, remarking with respect to the CSCA Examinations “Don’t be scared of the exam but take it seriously. Read the Auditor Handbook carefully”.
Above: Stakeholder Event attendees.
For more photographs and highlights, visit our AGM and Stakeholder Event Page.
Press Release available here
The 2019 Annual Report can be downloaded here
Announcing Pathway 3 – Competency Framework Update
APSCA’s latest version of the Competency Framework (available here) now includes a third pathway in which Member Auditors can qualify for Registered Level Auditor (RA) status.
Please refer to our Competency Framework for a detailed outline of required qualifications to be considered eligible for RA status through Pathway 3.
Reminder – Now on the Website – Use of APSCA Number (Member Auditor Guide)
To help inform and support our Members with the proper use of Member Auditor’s APSCA Number, this guide addresses key uses of an Auditor’s membership number as noted under APSCA’s Code and Standards of Professional Conduct and Competency Framework. Learn more here.
Website Accessibility
We have become aware the APSCA website is no longer accessible in China. While we continue to work on a solution, please contact us director@theapsca.org if you require any information or access to forms and documents. An update will be provided in January 2020.
CSCA Exam Part I
A total of 1,671 CSCA Part I exams have been completed to date with the pass rate remaining at 81%. Since examinations commenced, approximately 13% of scheduled exams have not been completed. Of these uncompleted exams, some 56% were due to participant forfeiture (failure to present for exam) and 39% due to IT issues.
CSCA Exam Part II
A total of 119 CSCA Part II exams have been completed with a pass rate of 66%. Since examinations commenced, approximately 7% of scheduled exams have not been completed due to participant forfeiture (failure to present for exam) and or IT issues
CSCA Exam Part III
We are pleased to announce completion of the initial round of the CSCA Part III examinations delivered our first Certified Social Compliance Auditors (CSCA) during November. This significant achievement was celebrated at the recent AGM & Stakeholder Event.
For all CSCA Exams (Part I – III) auditors are encouraged to consult with their Member Firm to confirm eligibility to sit for each exam. Please ensure you follow the guidance in the Auditor Handbook to notify APSCA prior to enrolling for the exam.
CSCA Exams Part I – II available in four Languages from 2 January 2020 (English, Spanish, Simplified & Traditional Chinese).
APSCA Auditor Enrollments
During December, the total number of enrolled auditors reaching 4,145 reflecting 30% year on year growth.
Membership Application Process
APSCA’s Audit Firm Membership Application process was formally released last November. Details can be found on our website. All applications should be sent to applications@theapsca.org.
Reminder: ALL members who joined APSCA between 2015 – 2018 MUST reapply before June 2020.
Happy Holidays!
On behalf of everyone at APSCA, we extend our very best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and hope 2020 will be a fabulous year for all!
-The APSCA Team
Reminder
As we enter the holiday season 23 December through to 5 January, our APSCA Team will be running with limited staff, so responses to messages may be delayed. We appreciate your understanding.
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