Auditing
Licensing
Published: 5 February 2018
Last updated: 18 March 2019
Registered and state authorised auditors must be authorised by The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (Finanstilsynet). Requirements to become a registered or state authorised auditor in Norway are set forth in the Act on Auditing and Auditors chapter 3.
Registered and state authorised auditors must have completed the education described in the Act on Auditors and Auditing, and have the equivalent of three years relevant work experience. In addition auditors must be of good repute, capable of fulfilling their obligations as they come due, and be of legal age and capacity.
Registered and state authorised auditors who perform statutory audits and other attestation services required by public authorities must hold a NOK 5,000,000 security and comply with continuing education requirements.
Auditors, who are authorised within the EEA to perform statutory audits, can be mutually recognized as Norwegian registered or state authorised auditors, cf. the Act on Auditing and Auditors section 3-6.
Approval of auditors who are authorised in another EEA member state
To become a registered or state authorised auditor in Norway the applicant must document the following:
- A diploma as an auditor form another EEA member state, as defined in Directive 89/48/EEC article 3 first section letter a), or
Documentation as defined in directive 89/48/EEC article 3 first section letter b) - Certificate of good conduct, not older than three months, and a copy of last years tax assessment or tax return. Applicants must also fill out an application form. The application form is available on Finanstilsynet’s internet site.
- In order to asses whether an aptitude test is required the following has to be documented:
- confirmed copy of certificate for completed higher education
- relevant professional experience
- documentation of post-experience courses
Aptitude test
In accordance with the Regulation on Audit and Auditors section 1-4 Finanstilsynet may demand that an applicant with qualifications from another EEA member state complete an aptitude test if:
- The applicants educational qualifications and training he has received differ substantially from requirements specified in the auditors act section 3-2, or
- Auditing in Norway covers substantially different matters than those covered by auditing in the other EEA member states.
Before Finanstilsynet demands an aptitude test Finanstilsynet shall examine whether or not the applicants training experience covers the substantial difference in education.
For an applicant who seeks approval as a statsautorisert revisor, the aptitude test consists of an exam in skatterett (taxation law) and rettslære (jurisprudence) at the same level which is required for Norwegian applicants. Applicants must achieve the grade C or better to qualify. The grade requirement applies to both Norwegian and foreign applicants.
The exam is to be conducted at Norges Handelshøyskole or Handelshøyskolen BI. The applicant must contact the desired educational establishment, and pay a fee. The fee may vary between the schools.
For applicants who seek approval as a registrert revisor, the aptitude test consist of an exam in skatterett (taxation law) and rettslære (jurisprudence) at the same level which is required for Norwegian applicants. Applicants must achieve the grade C or better to qualify. The grade requirement applies to both Norwegian and foreign applicants.
The exam is conducted at several different schools in Norway. The applicant must contact the desired educational establishment, and pay a fee. The fee may vary between different schools.
Schools that offer the aptitude test for registered auditors: