International Certificate in Corruption Investigation

A hybrid course combining self-paced online learning and in-person training, covering the professional investigation and case management of allegations of corruption

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The CIPFA International Certificate in Corruption Investigation (ICCI) is delivered in-house, at your location, making it ideal for training several individuals or whole teams. It can also be run as an open course at our head office in London, or in other locations, based on demand.

For further information, please contact us: counterfraudtraining@cipfa.org

About this course

CIPFA's International Certificate in Corruption Investigation (ICCI) focuses on the professional investigation and case management of corruption allegations to a forensic standard, meeting the exacting requirements of a court of law. It follows corruption typologies drawn from the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

The UN estimates that, every year, $2.6 trillion in illicit money travels around the globe thanks to corruption — equivalent to 5% of the global gross domestic product. Combatting corruption is a key element in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG16 in particular acknowledges the importance of anti-corruption as an institutional principle, and aims to substantially reduce corruption in all its forms.

CIPFA is proud to be at the forefront of tackling corruption and acquisitive crime, both in the UK and internationally. We have forged associations and alliances with a number of anti-corruption agencies across the globe.

Utilising innovative online content, which participants can work through at their own pace and at their convenience, the course is supported by face-to-face practical skills training, peer networking, discussion and formal assessments.

Who is the course aimed at?

This CIPFA accredited programme is aimed at corruption investigators either in or outside law enforcement, as well as investigation managers, auditors, inspectors, sub-inspectors and anti-bribery and corruption compliance officers.

Programme outline

The course guides you through the process of conducting corruption investigations, from the point of initial notification of a possible incident, the intermediate steps of strategy, planning and case management, through to giving evidence in legal proceedings.  

Focusing on recognised good practice, identifying, gathering and managing investigative material (digital and hardcopy format) and the effective interviewing of witnesses and suspected offenders are all covered in detail. Other topics explored include the conceptual frameworks within which corruption investigations can be conducted, the use of appropriate technology, cross-jurisdictional recovery of corruptly obtained assets, and the application of ethics and best practice standards throughout the entire process.

Structure

This accredited programme is completed in four stages (all materials and assessments delivered in English):

1. E-learning: Participants first complete 15 self-paced e-learning modules, delivered via CIPFA's digital learning platform. This is supported by a technical manual which provides detailed learning on each topic, as well offering as a practical reference source for investigators conducting corruption investigations in their day-today work.

2. Online exam: On completion of the e-learning, participants will sit an online multiple-choice exam.

3. Face-to-face training: Our expert trainers will deliver classroom based, face-to-face practitioner training over the course of five consecutive days. These sessions place the technical content in a practical context, using an immersive corruption investigation scenario to hone hands-on skills. The scenario is based on a simulated case taking participants from an anonymous whistleblowing notification through formally reporting investigation findings, by way of a forensic investigation report. As the scenario unfolds and becomes more complex, participants are tasked with problem-solving and decision-making, intelligence and financial analysis and evidence gathering — as they would be during a real corruption investigation.

4. Final assessment: At the conclusion of the training, participants are required to complete a written assessment in the form of a draft forensic investigation findings report, based on the training scenario.

Assessment

The programme is assessed via:

  • an online, multiple-choice exam based on the technical manual and e-learning modules
  • a written assignment on completion of the practical skills training

The pass mark for both the exam and assignment is 60%. One free re-sit is permitted for each assessment.

Accreditation

On successful completion of the learning and assessment, participants will be awarded CIPFA’s International Certificate in Corruption Investigation (ICCI) and will be eligible to apply for affiliate membership of CIPFA.

Affiliate membership provides ICCI award holders with professional standing in the field of corruption investigation. Members gain access to an international community of anti-corruption specialists and practitioners to connect and network with, as well as support in keeping up-to-date with ongoing developments, including future CPD training.

Duration

On average, the programme will take 250 hours to complete. This includes all the necessary self-directed study time, completing the e-learning modules, studying the technical manual, the practitioner skills face-to-face training and completing the two assessments.

All CIPFA training counts towards your continuing professional development (CPD). If you are a CIPFA Chartered Member, you are required to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of relevant CPD activity each year as part of maintaining your professional competence and to develop skills and knowledge. 

counterfraudtraining@cipfa.org