Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

If an auditee objects to any part of an audit plan, to whom should they first express their objections?

1. Lead auditor

2. Audit team members

3. Audit program manager

4. Client

The correct answer is: Lead auditor

When an auditee has objections to any part of an audit plan, the appropriate course of action is to first express those objections to the lead auditor. The lead auditor is responsible for overseeing the audit process, including the audit plan, and serves as the primary point of contact. This role includes addressing any concerns or objections raised by the auditee, facilitating discussions, and potentially making adjustments to the audit plan as necessary. Engaging with the lead auditor initially ensures that the objections are documented and addressed by the person most knowledgeable about the audit's purpose, scope, and methodology. The lead auditor can then determine the best way to resolve the concerns, either through clarification, negotiation, or making amendments to the audit plan. While audit team members may have insight into specific elements of the plan, they may not have the authority or comprehensive understanding to address objections effectively. The audit program manager typically oversees multiple audits and may not be directly involved in the day-to-day audit execution. Similarly, while the client may have relevant input, addressing objections directly with the lead auditor is the most structured approach in the context of audit processes.