Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) Practice Exam

What should be the next step for the lead auditor after effective corrective actions have been taken by the auditee?

1. Schedule a follow-up audit

2. Request client permission to close the report

3. Close out all findings in the report

4. Evaluate the adequacy of the responses

The correct answer is: Evaluate the adequacy of the responses

The next step for the lead auditor after effective corrective actions have been taken by the auditee is to evaluate the adequacy of the responses. This step is crucial because it ensures that the corrective actions implemented by the auditee not only address the identified issues, but are also appropriate and effective in preventing recurrence. The lead auditor must verify that the actions taken are suitable and actually resolve the problems instead of just being superficial fixes. This process often involves reviewing evidence, such as documentation of the corrective actions, conducting interviews, or even observing the changes made in practice. By thoroughly evaluating the adequacy of the responses, the lead auditor confirms that the auditee has genuinely corrected the issues and has the capability to maintain compliance moving forward. This helps assure ongoing conformity with standards and prevents potential future non-conformities. Other steps, like scheduling a follow-up audit or closing out findings, are usually done after determining that the actions are adequate and successful. Thus, the evaluation is a critical and logical precursor to those next steps.