American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Practice Exam

What do members violate if they make inadvertent errors during their duties?

1. Integrity principle

2. Due Care principle

3. Professional skepticism

4. Public Interest principle

The correct answer is: Integrity principle

The principle that members may violate when they make inadvertent errors during their duties is the Due Care principle. This principle emphasizes the need for a professional to perform their services with competence and diligence, ensuring that they apply the necessary skill and care expected in their profession. Even unintentional mistakes reflect a failure to meet the standards of due care, as it suggests that the individual did not engage in thorough planning, sufficient understanding, or careful execution of their tasks. While integrity, professional skepticism, and public interest are also essential ethical standards, the Due Care principle specifically addresses the level of performance expected from professionals to prevent errors. Integrity focuses on the honesty and fairness of actions, professional skepticism refers to maintaining a questioning mind during audit processes, and public interest emphasizes serving the interests of the public and clients. However, the core focus in the context of inadvertent errors lies within the expectation of care and competence dictated by the Due Care principle.