Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

What is defined as a noted item of objective evidence found during an audit?

1. A noted item of objective evidence found during an audit

2. An accepted level of audit findings defined as "major" and "minor"

3. An auditor's initial notice of a potential nonconformance

4. The lead auditor's perception of a potential problem

The correct answer is: A noted item of objective evidence found during an audit

A noted item of objective evidence found during an audit is referred to as a 'finding'. This term encompasses any piece of verifiable information gathered during the audit process, which can confirm compliance or identify deficiencies. Such objective evidence is critical for auditors as it supports their conclusions regarding the effectiveness of a quality management system or other audited processes. Recognizing objective evidence as a finding is fundamental for auditors, as these findings form the basis for audit reports and potential corrective actions. This definition emphasizes the importance of objective evidence in establishing a transparent and factual basis for auditor assessments and conclusions about the quality system being evaluated. It is a core concept in the field of auditing, underscoring the goal of providing a factual account of performance against required standards or criteria. The other choices, while relevant to the auditing process, do not encapsulate the precise meaning of the term 'finding' as used in audit terminology.