GAGAS requires appropriate internal quality control systems be in place and an external peer review at least once every how many years?

• A. 2 years
• B. 4 years
• C. 5 years
• D. 3 years

Answer: (D)

External peer review must occur at least every three years to provide independent validation of a unit’s internal quality control system and its adherence to GAGAS. The internal quality control framework establishes the policies and procedures to maintain audit quality, while the external peer review offers an objective check on how well those controls are designed and operating and whether audit work complies with the standards. Establishing a three-year minimum cadence ensures ongoing, regular oversight without being impractically frequent, while longer intervals would reduce the external assurance of quality.