A computer audit specialist needs both audit and technical skills. This type of auditor investigates the current state of information technologies in the workplace and looks for gaps in security controls or compliance risks pertaining to industry specific laws and regulations. If you're interested in pursuing a position as a computer audit specialist, look into training programs that cover topics such as information security controls and methods for assessing risk.

ISACA

ISACA is a nonprofit international organization that provides IT security training and certification, with options covering in-seat and online coursework. The certified information systems auditor, or CISA, is one of ISACA's programs. The CISA spans five modules covering the process of auditing, IT governance and the protection of IT assets for auditors. ISACA training gives audit specialists knowledge of auditing standards that can help them control risk by performing assessments, determining control requirements and effectively presenting audit reports to management teams.

SANS

The SANS Institute provides another training option for security professionals. SANS course number SEC440 covers planning, implementing and auditing to provide audit specialists with the skills needed to implement and audit IT computer systems in the workplace. The course focuses on 20 security controls for auditors including security configurations for IT hardware and software, vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Auditors will see secure configurations for computer hardware and software for laptops, workstations and mobile devices as part of the courses.

IAA

The Institute of Internal Auditors is an international organization that provides training to audit specialists from introductory to certification levels. Topics such as management tools, best practices in internal auditing, problem solving and report writing are covered in courses available both on-site and through instructor led e-learning over the Internet. Other topic areas available include IT risk, controls and business continuity planning. Auditors can also pursue self study courses offered through IAA.

Global Knowledge

Global Knowledge provides training in a variety of IT areas of study, including the certified information systems auditor. The CISA course can be taken as a self paced study program or on-site at a Global Knowledge training location. Students attending will learn how to plan and conduct an audit and how to protect IT assets. The course also covers methods for effectively communicating issues and risks resulting from an audit, along with post implementation audit review techniques and audit monitoring and management methods.