GRCA GRC Auditor Certification Exam Questions and Answers

A written report by an assurance professional is most likely to be the most objective source of evidence. Assurance professionals are trained to conduct evaluations impartially, following standardized methodologies and best practices. Their reports are based on documented evidence and systematic analysis, ensuring a high level of objectivity and reliability compared to vocalized statements or reports by process owners, who may have biases or conflicts of interest.References:

IIA Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing

ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems

Risk is defined as a measure of the desirable effect of uncertainty on objectives. According to the ISO 31000 standard, risk is "the effect of uncertainty on objectives" which can be either positive (opportunity) or negative (threat). This definition encompasses the uncertainty that can impact the achievement of goals and objectives. It highlights that risk is not just about potential losses but also about potential gains that come from taking risks.References:

ISO 31000:2018 - Risk management – Guidelines

NIST SP 800-30 Rev. 1 - Guide for Conducting Risk Assessments

Being "effective" is best defined as a combination of design effectiveness and operating effectiveness. Design effectiveness refers to how well a control or process is structured to achieve its intended outcomes, while operating effectiveness assesses how well the control or process is functioning in practice. Together, these dimensions ensure that controls are not only well-designed but also effectively implemented and operational.References:

COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework

ISO 31000:2018 - Risk management – Guidelines

Compliance is most associated with a "measure of how well we are meeting obligations." Compliance involves adhering to laws, regulations, policies, and standards that apply to an organization. It ensures that the organization is fulfilling its legal, regulatory, and ethical obligations, thereby avoiding penalties, legal issues, and reputational damage. Compliance programs include policies, procedures, training, monitoring, and audits to ensure that all obligations are consistently met.References:

ISO 19600:2014 - Compliance management systems - Guidelines

NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2 - Risk Management Framework for Information Systems and Organizations

Proactive controls are those measures implemented to prevent undesirable events before they occur. Promoting controls are designed to encourage desired behaviors and outcomes, such as compliance with policies and procedures. Preventive controls are aimed at stopping undesirable events or actions before they happen, such as implementing security measures to prevent unauthorized access. Both types of controls are essential for effective risk management and ensuring the security and integrity of an organization's processes and systems.References:

COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework

ISO/IEC 27002:2013 - Information technology - Security techniques - Code of practice for information security controls

Reasonable assurance is considered a high level of assurance. It indicates that the assurance provider has conducted a thorough and rigorous evaluation, although it does not guarantee absolute certainty. Reasonable assurance is commonly used in auditing and risk management contexts to provide stakeholders with confidence that the organization is operating effectively and complying with relevant standards and regulations.References:

ISO 31000:2018 - Risk management – Guidelines

AICPA Auditing Standards

When writing a complete recommendation, it is important to include specific suggestions or mandatory requirements to comply with in order to fix the problem. This ensures that the recommendation is actionable and provides clear guidance on what needs to be done to address the issue. General comments may not provide enough detail or direction for effective implementation. Clear, detailed recommendations help organizations understand the necessary steps to mitigate risks and improve controls.References:

ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems

COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework

Including the personnel who perform the work being assessed in the planning process is important because they possess valuable insights and knowledge about the processes and controls in place. Their involvement helps to ensure that the assessment is accurately scoped and relevant parameters are set. They can provide context and clarify operational details, contributing to a more effective and targeted assessment. Moreover, their engagement can foster a cooperativeenvironment and facilitate smoother assessment execution.References:

ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems

COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework

The level of assurance required for an assessment can vary depending on the purpose, scope, and objectives of the assessment. It is crucial to define the desired level of assurance (low, medium, or high) before beginning the assessment to ensure that the approach, methodology, and resources allocated are appropriate. This helps in setting clear expectations and aligning the assessment process with the organization's risk tolerance and regulatory requirements.References:

ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems

COSO Enterprise Risk Management – Integrating with Strategy and Performance

Governance is defined as "externally directing, controlling and evaluating an entity, process, or resource". It involves establishing policies, and continuous monitoring of their proper implementation, by the members of the governing body of an organization. It ensures that the entity is operating effectively and in alignment with its objectives and regulatory requirements. Governance encompasses a wide range of activities, including strategic planning, decision-making, and oversight, all aimed at achieving the entity's goals while managing risk and ensuring compliance.References:

ISO 38500:2015 - Information technology - Governance of IT for the organization

OECD Principles of Corporate Governance