To be considered competent, evidence must have which two attributes?

To be considered competent, evidence must have which two attributes?

• A. Reliability and timeliness
• B. Validity and relevance
• C. Brevity and clarity
• D. Authenticity and independence

Answer: (B)

The two essential attributes are validity and relevance. Validity means the evidence actually measures what it is intended to measure and can be trusted to reflect the true condition or assertion being tested. It guards against measurement errors and bias, ensuring the conclusion drawn from the evidence is sound. Relevance means the evidence has a direct bearing on the specific audit objective and the particular assertion under consideration; it helps reduce audit risk by informing the conclusion about the financial statements. Evidence that is reliable but not relevant won’t support the specific assertion being tested, and evidence that is relevant but not valid won’t provide trustworthy, accurate information. The combination of validity and relevance makes evidence capable of supporting a competent audit conclusion.

The two essential attributes are validity and relevance. Validity means the evidence actually measures what it is intended to measure and can be trusted to reflect the true condition or assertion being tested. It guards against measurement errors and bias, ensuring the conclusion drawn from the evidence is sound. Relevance means the evidence has a direct bearing on the specific audit objective and the particular assertion under consideration; it helps reduce audit risk by informing the conclusion about the financial statements.

Evidence that is reliable but not relevant won’t support the specific assertion being tested, and evidence that is relevant but not valid won’t provide trustworthy, accurate information. The combination of validity and relevance makes evidence capable of supporting a competent audit conclusion.