Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

Which type of audit would typically look for adherence to regulatory requirements?

1. Conformance audit

2. Management audit

3. Performance audit

4. Compliance audit

The correct answer is: Compliance audit

The type of audit that specifically focuses on adherence to regulatory requirements is a compliance audit. This audit evaluates whether a company or organization is following external laws, regulations, and guidelines relevant to its operations. It aims to ensure that entities are operating within the legal framework established by regulatory bodies. A compliance audit typically investigates processes, practices, and financial records to validate that they meet specified legal standards, thereby protecting the organization from legal penalties and ensuring accountability. In contrast, a conformance audit generally assesses whether processes are in alignment with established standards, such as ISO, rather than focusing on legal compliance. A management audit evaluates the effectiveness of an organization's management, reviewing policies and internal controls but not directly assessing compliance with external laws. Performance audits examine the efficiency and effectiveness of a program or organization, typically focusing on outcomes rather than adherence to regulations.