CITP: The distinctive mark of the premiere IT professional

The situation

Business profitability increasingly rests on the extent to which an entity can effectively develop, manage and implement information technology solutions. CPAs' technology know-how combined with their broad-based business expertise make them ideally suited to meet the increasing IT needs of employers and clients. CPAs offer a wide range of IT services, including managing the control, security, and implementation of IT systems; assessing a company's internal IT requirements and competencies; and auditing an existing or new IT system.

To effectively meet the marketplace's demand for IT services, CPAs are confronted with two major challenges: ensuring that they are technically proficient to provide IT support and obtaining recognition as highly qualified, leading-edge IT advisers. The new Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) credential offered by the AICPA can help CPAs meet both these challenges.

The CITP credential is available to CPAs involved in IT strategic planning, implementation, management and business strategies. The centerpiece of the new IT accreditation is a "point system" that is designed to allow for flexibility of entry into the program by both newer and seasoned CPA IT professionals. The point system is based upon business experience, lifelong learning and, if necessary, an examination. There are minimum requirements for both business experience and lifelong learning, with an examination required for those who do not achieve sufficient points in these areas. A CPA must earn a total of 100 points to be designated a CITP.

Importance

The CITP credential distinguishes CPAs who are proficient in IT. It enhances the CPA's credibility as the premier provider of IT services among employers and clients.

CPAs members who obtain the credential have access to numerous resources that can assist them in expanding IT competencies, marketing their services and networking with other IT professionals. CITP designees receive a complimentary membership in the AICPA IT Section, which provides a means for them to stay up to date on relevant IT issues, trends, and developments. They also have access to the CITP Information Center, a newly created Web site for CITP designees, which contains products and services of special interest. Included among these services are press releases and newsletters that can assist them in marketing IT services to current and potential clients.

Committee involved

The CITP credential is the first specialty credential developed under the auspices of the AICPA's National Accreditation Commission. It was proposed and is administered by the AICPA's Information Technology Committee. The AICPA professional supporting this initiative is Nancy Cohen (ncohen@aicpa.org).

Core issues

Typically, technical IT departments and many technical consultants do not have an understanding of core business processes and the broad-based business skills necessary to address technology within the context of a business's overall operations. The CITP, on the other hand, is a broad-based credential that serves as the "bridge" between business and technology, leveraging the CPA's strategic and general business skills.
Obtaining the CITP credential will contribute to the enhancement of the quality of IT services provided by AICPA members.
The credential will create economic benefits for AICPA members in the form of greater fees for CPAs in public practice and enhanced career progress for CPAs employed in business and industry, education, government, and other areas.
Technology is one of the core service areas identified as part of the CPA Vision. Obtaining the CITP credential is a means through which CPAs can achieve the Vision and better meet the current and future needs of a changing marketplace.

CITP Information Center

Visit the Information Center at http://citp.aicpa.org to obtain the CITP Handbook and to access the CITP Assessment Tool — the application form that must be completed online.

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