Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

When lower-tier documents are compared to higher-tier documents, what is this process called?

1. Desk audit

2. Process audit

3. Conformance audit

4. Management audit

The correct answer is: Desk audit

The process of comparing lower-tier documents to higher-tier documents is known as a "desk audit." This method involves reviewing documentation to ensure alignment and consistency between various levels of documentation within an organization, such as policies, procedures, and work instructions. Desk audits primarily focus on the accuracy and completeness of documents, ensuring that the operational or tactical documents support the strategic objectives laid out in higher-tier documents. This type of audit is essential for maintaining quality assurance and ensuring that all documentation is up to date, compliant, and properly integrated into the overall quality management system. The other types of audits mentioned have different focuses. A process audit examines the effectiveness of a specific process against established criteria, a conformance audit assesses whether a system or process meets predetermined standards, and a management audit evaluates the quality and effectiveness of an organization's management policies and procedures. Each of these serves a distinct purpose and does not specifically entail comparing documentation tiers.