Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an external audit?

1. Performed by outside experts

2. Independent evaluation

3. Conducted by project team members

4. Used for complex projects

The correct answer is: Conducted by project team members

The choice referring to being conducted by project team members is not a characteristic of an external audit. An external audit is characterized by its independence from the organization's internal processes and staff. External audits are typically carried out by qualified professionals who do not have a vested interest in the projects or operations of the organization being evaluated, which ensures an unbiased and impartial assessment. This independence is crucial, as it allows for an objective review of practices, processes, and compliance with established standards or regulations. By contrast, if the audit were conducted by project team members, it would lack this objectivity, as those involved may have inherent biases or conflicts of interest regarding the outcomes of the audit. External audits are valuable for providing an independent evaluation that stakeholders can trust, often enhancing credibility and transparency. They are especially pertinent for complex projects where an objective assessment may uncover areas for improvement or compliance issues that internal teams might overlook. Thus, the unique characteristics of external audits are primarily centered around independence and expertise provided by those outside the organization, allowing for a comprehensive review without internal bias.