Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Practice Exam

What is the primary goal of evaluation compared to an audit?

1. Evaluation focuses on accountability

2. Audit offers maximum transparency

3. Evaluation provides maximum transparency

4. Audit evaluates team performance

The correct answer is: Evaluation provides maximum transparency

The primary goal of evaluation is to assess the effectiveness and impact of a program or project in relation to its goals. Evaluation goes beyond merely checking compliance or generating transparency, as it seeks to provide insights into the quality and success of the initiatives being assessed. This focus primarily centers on understanding outcomes, lessons learned, and areas for improvement, which can enhance accountability. While transparency is certainly an important aspect of an evaluation, the distinction lies in the broader context of its purpose. Evaluations aim to produce actionable insights that support decision-making and improve future initiatives, rather than solely offering a snapshot of compliance. The other options, while they might touch on certain aspects of evaluations and audits, do not encapsulate the primary goal of evaluations as effectively as highlighting the importance of insights and improvement opportunities does.