Registered Company Auditor (RCA) registration + CPD (RG 260)
RCAs must maintain ASIC registration + 120 hours CPD over 3 years.
Who must comply
Individuals registered (or applying to be registered) as company auditors under s 1280, and authorised audit companies under s 1299B, whose directors must all be RCAs and whose shares and voting control must sit with individuals who are RCAs.
What triggers it
Applying for, or holding, registration as a company auditor or authorised audit company in order to conduct audits under the Corporations Act (including audits under ss 307, 308 and 309).
When due
Annual statement (Form 912A for RCAs, Form 912B for AACs) lodged within one month of each anniversary of registration, with extensions only in exceptional circumstances. Registration conditions (CPD, quality assurance, PI insurance) apply continuously; ASIC must be notified of changes in details and of ceasing to practise (Form 905).
Evidence required
Form 903 application with qualification letters or transcripts, competency logbook or practical experience record (Document A) and supervisor declaration (Document B), capability report and declarations (Documents C and D); CPD records for auditing and quality assurance; quality assurance procedures under ASA 220; PI insurance certificate (minimum $2 million for post-June 2016 RCAs); annual statements and lodgement receipts.
Max penalty
ASIC may refuse registration, impose conditions on registration and take enforcement action where significant non-compliance is identified in its audit inspection and surveillance programs. Breach of the standard registration conditions in Pro Forma 215 puts the registration itself at risk
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
Summary
Auditors who wish to audit companies and other entities under the Corporations Act 2001 apply to ASIC for registration as a registered company auditor (RCA), or as an authorised audit company (AAC). ASIC registers an individual under s 1280 only if satisfied of three things: prescribed qualifications (an accounting degree with at least 3 years of accounting, including auditing, and 2 years of commercial law, plus a prescribed auditing course) or equivalent qualifications; skills, shown either by an approved auditing competency standard or by at least 3,000 hours of auditing under an RCA's direction in the 5 years before applying, including 750 hours supervising company audits; and that the applicant is capable, fit and proper. ASIC Regulatory Guide 180 explains the process. Registration carries standard conditions in Pro Forma 215, including documented continuing professional development, quality assurance procedures under ASA 220 and professional indemnity insurance of at least $2 million for RCAs registered on or after 30 June 2016. An updated auditing competency standard took effect on 1 October 2026 (ASIC Corporations (Approval of Auditing Competency Standard) Instrument 2026/733). RCAs and AACs must lodge an annual statement with ASIC.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Topics
Related
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Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Registered Company Auditor (RCA) registration + CPD (RG 260)?
- Individuals registered (or applying to be registered) as company auditors under s 1280, and authorised audit companies under s 1299B, whose directors must all be RCAs and whose shares and voting control must sit with individuals who are RCAs.
- What triggers Registered Company Auditor (RCA) registration + CPD (RG 260)?
- Applying for, or holding, registration as a company auditor or authorised audit company in order to conduct audits under the Corporations Act (including audits under ss 307, 308 and 309).
- When is Registered Company Auditor (RCA) registration + CPD (RG 260) due?
- Annual statement (Form 912A for RCAs, Form 912B for AACs) lodged within one month of each anniversary of registration, with extensions only in exceptional circumstances. Registration conditions (CPD, quality assurance, PI insurance) apply continuously; ASIC must be notified of changes in details and of ceasing to practise (Form 905).
- What is the maximum penalty for Registered Company Auditor (RCA) registration + CPD (RG 260)?
- ASIC may refuse registration, impose conditions on registration and take enforcement action where significant non-compliance is identified in its audit inspection and surveillance programs. Breach of the standard registration conditions in Pro Forma 215 puts the registration itself at risk
- What evidence is required for Registered Company Auditor (RCA) registration + CPD (RG 260)?
- Form 903 application with qualification letters or transcripts, competency logbook or practical experience record (Document A) and supervisor declaration (Document B), capability report and declarations (Documents C and D); CPD records for auditing and quality assurance; quality assurance procedures under ASA 220; PI insurance certificate (minimum $2 million for post-June 2016 RCAs); annual statements and lodgement receipts.
Source: https://www.asic.gov.au/for-finance-professionals/company-auditors. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.