Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

What should an auditor do if the auditee provides evidence of a prior corrective action that is unaddressed?

1. Close out the audit

2. Discuss it with the audit team

3. Document the finding for future audits

4. Suggest necessary additional training

The correct answer is: Document the finding for future audits

The most appropriate course of action when an auditor encounters evidence of a prior corrective action that is unaddressed is to document the finding for future audits. Documenting such findings creates a record that can be analyzed in future audits to assess whether issues have been resolved or if they continue to pose a problem. This process enhances the overall effectiveness of the auditing system by providing insights into recurring issues and helping to improve the quality management system over time. By noting the finding, the auditor ensures that it is visible within the audit trail, thereby facilitating follow-up in subsequent audits. This is essential for fostering continuous improvement and accountability within the organization’s quality management practices. The documentation serves as an important reference point that can guide future audits and discussions regarding corrective actions and compliance.