How can a 100% confidence level in an audit be obtained?

Achieving a 100% confidence level in an audit means that every single item in the population has been examined, ensuring comprehensive coverage without any omissions. By auditing 100% of the population, an auditor can definitively determine the accuracy and integrity of the entire dataset without any reliance on sampling. This method eliminates the uncertainty that comes with sampling, where results could potentially vary depending on which subset of the population is chosen for the audit.

In contrast, auditing a majority of the population or conducting interviews with key personnel does not guarantee that all relevant data has been assessed, leading to potential gaps in information. Auditing a sample size of 30%, while it may offer insights into the population, inherently carries a margin of error and does not reach the same level of assurance as examining the whole population. Thus, for 100% confidence, it is essential to conduct an audit that encompasses every element within the specified population.