NoreaPCF

A Framework for Professional IT Auditing

The NOREA Professional Competency Framework (PCF) is a structured set of guidelines and best practices that supports IT auditors in effectively assessing and managing IT risks. Developed by NOREA, the Dutch professional association for IT auditors, the framework provides a clear competency structure to ensure high-quality IT audits across various sectors.

The NOREA PCF forms the foundation for IT audit professionals and supports the evaluation of information security, risk management, compliance, and IT governance.
By aligning IT auditing practices with this framework, organizations can increase transparency, strengthen control mechanisms, and enhance IT governance in an increasingly complex digital environment.

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Structure of the NOREA Professional Competency Framework (NOREA PCF)

The NOREA PCF defines the key competency areas for IT auditors to assess, implement, and improve IT governance, risk management, and compliance. It ensures high-quality IT audits in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Risk Assessment & Management – Identify and mitigate IT risks, vulnerabilities, and threats.
  • IT Governance & Compliance – Ensure compliance with frameworks such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and NIST CSF.
  • Security & Control Implementation – Evaluate and advise on security measures such as access management and encryption.
  • Audit & Assurance Processes – Develop IT audit plans and assess cybersecurity maturity.
  • Incident Response & Recovery – Evaluate response plans and disaster recovery strategies to strengthen resilience.

The NOREA PCF is applicable across all sectors and supports professionals in strengthening IT security, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Zero Trust Security & NOREA PCF in IT Auditing

With the growing number of cyber threats, Zero Trust Security follows the principle of “Never trust, always verify”, applying strict access control, continuous monitoring, and risk-based policies, in alignment with the NOREA PCF.

Core Principles

Verify every access request
Limit access to essential data
Monitor threats in real time

Connection with the NOREA PCF

Risk Management – Identify access risks
Compliance – Implement MFA and encryption
Security – Strengthen segmentation and identity controls
Auditing – Automate compliance checks
Incident Response – Improve detection and recovery

Why Zero Trust

Reduces insider threats
Ensures compliance with ISO 27001, GDPR, and NIST CSF
Improves real-time security and governance
Enhances security in cloud and remote work environments

What is the NOREA Professional Competency Framework (NOREA PCF)

The NOREA Professional Competency Framework (PCF) is a structured set of guidelines and best practices that supports IT auditors in assessing and improving IT governance, risk management, and compliance. Developed by NOREA, the Dutch professional association for IT auditors, the framework provides a clear and flexible approach for conducting high-quality IT audits across various industries.

The NOREA PCF is built around core competency areas such as risk assessment, security measures, compliance audits, and IT governance. These areas help IT auditors identify vulnerabilities, implement best practices, and enhance audit processes.

The framework is continuously updated to stay aligned with emerging technologies, evolving cyber threats, and changing regulatory requirements, making it an essential tool for IT audit professionals.

The Importance of the NOREA PCF

The NOREA Professional Competency Framework (NOREA PCF) supports IT auditors in the systematic assessment of IT risks, the strengthening of cybersecurity measures, and the improvement of regulatory compliance.

By adopting the NOREA PCF, organizations can develop a structured and flexible approach to IT governance, risk management, and audit processes. This enables them to be better prepared for challenges such as data breaches, system vulnerabilities, and compliance issues.

NOREA PCF in Practice

The NOREA Professional Competency Framework (NOREA PCF) is flexible and scalable, making it suitable for IT auditors and organizations of all sizes.
Smaller companies can start with basic IT audits and security measures, while larger enterprises can fully integrate the framework into their governance, risk management, and compliance strategies.

NOREA provides guidelines, assessment tools, and industry-specific best practices to help organizations evaluate IT governance and regulatory compliance.

The Future of the NOREA PCF

As technology and regulations continue to evolve, the NOREA PCF is continuously updated to address new risks in IT auditing, cybersecurity, and data privacy, including:

  • Cloud security and compliance auditing

  • Artificial intelligence and algorithmic accountability

  • Risk management in the supply chain and with third parties

  • Regulatory frameworks such as DORA, GDPR, and ISO 27001

Future updates will focus on refined IT risk assessments, enhanced auditing techniques, and alignment with the latest security and compliance trends.

By implementing the NOREA PCF, organizations and IT auditors gain access to the most advanced audit strategies and best practices, ensuring a robust and future-proof approach to IT risk and compliance challenges in a rapidly changing digital world.

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