Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Practice Exam

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.