Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

In most organizations, who is primarily responsible for planning and executing quality system audits?

1. Quality systems engineering function

2. Audit program management function

3. Financial audits department

4. Planning and scheduling department

The correct answer is: Audit program management function

The responsibility for planning and executing quality system audits typically falls on the audit program management function. This function is specifically designed to oversee the auditing process, ensuring that audits are planned effectively and executed according to established guidelines and standards. The audit program management team is tasked with developing audit schedules, defining audit criteria, and ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated for effective audits. This allows them to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the quality management system within the organization. The other options do not hold primary responsibility for this function. The quality systems engineering function focuses more on designing and improving quality systems rather than the audit execution itself. The financial audits department primarily deals with financial compliance and assurance rather than quality systems. Meanwhile, the planning and scheduling department may assist in coordinating schedules or resources, but they do not have the overarching responsibility for the quality audit processes. Thus, the audit program management function is the most fitting answer as it encapsulates the essential roles involved in the comprehensive management of quality system audits.