If you need help studying for the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Test Eligibility
Before you can register to take the CQA test, you’ll need to have at least 8 years of on-the-job experience in one or more areas covered by the CQA body of knowledge (the topics covered on the exam).
If you meet this requirement, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 165 multiple-choice questions total, but only 150 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 15 unscored questions on the CQA exam are called “pretest” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are pretest. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 5 hours and 18 minutes. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Don’t worry—you won’t have to do calculations in your head! You’ll have access to a basic scientific calculator during the exam.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the Certified Quality Auditor exam.
1. Auditing Fundamentals
28 scored questions
- Roles and responsibilities of audit participants
- Professional conduct and consequences for auditors
- Types of quality audits
- Purpose and scope of audits
- Criteria to audit against
2. Audit Process
44 scored questions
- Audit preparation and planning
- Audit performance
- Audit reporting
- Audit follow-up and closure
3. Auditor Competencies
24 scored questions
- Conflict resolution
- Communication and presentation techniques
- Interviewing techniques
- Auditor characteristics
- On-site audit resource management
- Team dynamics
4. Audit Program Management and Business Applications
30 questions
- Audit program management
- Business and financial impact
5. Quality Tools and Techniques
24 scored questions
- Sampling methods
- Change control and configuration management
- Verification and validation
- Risk management tools
- Basic quality and problem-solving tools
- Process improvement techniques
- Basic statistics
- Process variation
How to Register
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on ASQ’s website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).
When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the testing fee, which is $533. If you’re an ASQ member, you only have to pay $333.
Certified Quality Auditor Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 100 and 750.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test during the next available testing window.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay a $333 retesting fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the CQA exam?
The exam contains 165 questions.
What is the time limit for the CQA exam?
The exam is timed at 5 hours and 18 minutes.
What is the passing score for the CQA exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 550 to pass.
How much does the CQA exam cost?
The testing fee is $533.