All 19 ISA Standards questions
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What is ISA 320 about? What does ISA 570 cover? What is the difference between reasonable assurance and limited assurance engagements? What does ISA 260 and ISA 265 require regarding communication? What does ISA 700 (and 701) cover in reporting? How do ISAs relate to national auditing standards like US GAAS or PCAOB standards? What is the role of ISQM 1 (formerly ISQC 1) in audit quality? How do the ISAs require documentation of the audit (ISA 230)? What is the auditor's responsibility under ISA 720 for other information?
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What is professional skepticism and why do ISAs emphasize it?

Intermediate

Answer

Professional skepticism is an attitude of a questioning mind, alertness to conditions indicating possible misstatement, and critical assessment of evidence—not accepting management's assertions at face value. ISAs (200, 240) require it throughout because it helps auditors detect fraud and error and avoid over-reliance on management, underpinning audit quality.
Real-world example Applying skepticism, the auditor corroborates management's optimistic revenue explanation with third-party evidence rather than accepting it.

Common follow-ups: How does skepticism relate to fraud detection? | What behaviors show a lack of skepticism?

Fraud & Error Responsibilities Audit Evidence & Procedures ISA Standards
All 19 ISA Standards questions