Because standards and policies are both mandatory, they have identical purposes.

### Why this is right Both are mandatory, but their roles differ. A policy is a formalized statement for an area or task, while a standard gives mandatory rules or actions that support and direct formal policies. ### The concept A document's mandatory status alone does not determine its function. The assessor should also ask what the document contributes. A policy establishes the formal requirement; a standard gives it supporting direction. A procedure explains steps, and a guideline provides non-mandatory recommendations. ### Watch out The shared word **mandatory** can make policies and standards seem interchangeable. It describes their authority, not their purpose. ### Terms - **Standard**: A mandatory rule or action that supports and directs policy. - **Policy**: A formal, mandatory statement for a specific area or task. ### Remember Two documents can both be mandatory and still serve different functions.