What does a compliance test evaluate primarily in an IS audit?

In an IS audit, a compliance test primarily evaluates the adherence to established management policies and regulatory requirements. This type of assessment is designed to verify whether the controls and processes in place align with the predefined standards set by the organization or governing body. By focusing on compliance, the audit ensures that the organization is operating within the legal framework and following its own internal guidelines, which is crucial for risk management and maintaining organizational integrity.

Compliance tests may check for various aspects, such as whether the necessary policies have been documented, communicated, and implemented effectively across the organization. They often review how well the organization complies with industry standards and regulations, which can include data protection laws, financial regulations, and other compliance requirements relevant to the business sector.

Other options may touch on important aspects of an organization's operation, such as control operations or data integrity; however, they do not directly address the primary aim of compliance tests in the context of an IS audit. Compliance tests specifically narrow their focus on whether established policies are followed, making this the most appropriate and accurate choice in the context of such audits.