Which practice best supports effectiveness of a compliance program?

CISA By islever Editorial Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Short answer

A Regularly assessing and tracking compliance audit findings drives remediation and demonstrates the compliance program's effectiveness.

Question

Which of the following BEST supports the effectiveness of a compliance program?

Assessing and tracking all compliance audit findings Correct Answer
Implementing a governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tool to track compliance to regulations
Monitoring which compliance regulations apply to the organization
Implementing an awareness plan regarding compliance regulation requirements

Key Takeaways

The exam tests whether you can distinguish measurable program outcomes from compliance enablers, and the trap is to select a GRC tool because it automates tracking.

The CISA-aligned best support for compliance program effectiveness is assessing and tracking compliance audit findings, not simply deploying a GRC tool. This page explains why option A is correct, compares each alternative, and reviews the community debate.

Common mistake: Selecting B, implementing a GRC tool, because it appears to 'track compliance'; however, a tool only records information unless the audit findings are actively assessed and remediated.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Assessing and tracking all compliance audit findings creates the closed-loop evidence needed to prove a compliance program actually works. When an organization reviews audit findings, it identifies gaps between practice and regulations, assigns remediation, and verifies closure — exactly the type of measurable activity that supports effectiveness. Under ISACA’s audit perspective, objective audit results carry more weight than process artifacts, making option A the strongest indicator of program effectiveness.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option B, a GRC tool, is the main distractor: it helps store and display compliance data, but implementing a system does not by itself make the program effective — people and processes must act on what the tool reports. Option C only confirms which regulations apply; that is an initial scoping step, not evidence that compliance is achieved. Option D, an awareness plan, supports employee knowledge and culture, but education without follow-up measurement and remediation cannot demonstrate effectiveness.

Community Comment Notes

Commenters such as KAP2HURUF supported option A because assessing audit findings is a “proactive approach” to identifying, documenting, and addressing gaps in compliance posture. Hermfrancis called the question controversial, pointing out that “For IS auditor, A For Management, B” while others agreed that tracking findings is a key process for remediation. The community consensus in this thread favors A, even while recognizing why management stakeholders might prefer tool-based tracking.

Exam Strategy

When CISA asks “BEST supports” a program, ask what produces measurable evidence of continuous improvement rather than what merely enables compliance work. Track audit findings and remediation outcomes, and avoid selecting a GRC tool solely because it automates compliance tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is implementing a GRC tool not the best answer for compliance program effectiveness?

A GRC tool only stores and tracks data; effectiveness comes from assessing audit findings and acting on remediation, which the tool alone does not guarantee.

Does monitoring which regulations apply support compliance? Why is it wrong?

Monitoring applicable regulations is only scoping; it does not prove that the organization actually follows them. Audit finding assessment closes that gap.

More CISA FAQ →

Community Votes

100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 3 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 3

hermfrancis 👍 4

For IS auditor, A For Management, B.... Another controversial and irresponsible question for ISACA
KAP2HURUF 👍 1 Answered A

The effectiveness of a compliance program is best supported by actively assessing and tracking all compliance audit findings. This is because it involves a proactive approach to identifying, documenting, and addressing gaps or issues in the organization's compliance posture. By doing so, the organization can ensure that it is not only aware of its compliance status but is also taking steps to remediate any deficiencies. This ongoing process of assessment and remediation demonstrates a commitment to compliance and continuous improvement, which are key indicators of an effective compliance program.
Swallows 👍 1 Answered A

Evaluating and tracking audit findings is a key process for identifying issues and taking necessary remedial action, allowing organizations to understand their regulatory compliance status and drive continuous improvement.

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