This presentation gives a thorough overview of the certified quality auditor (CQA) exam offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The overview covers content of the exam, hints for passing the exam, tips for exam preparation, and a resource for exam preparation.

1. The Certified Quality Auditor
Exam Given by American Society
for Quality
© Quality Minds, Inc. June 2009

2. Professional Development Paths
Using ASQ Certifications
CQA CQM
CCT CMI CQT CQE SSGB SSBB
CRE
CQIA
Typical Starting Points:
1. CQT
CQPA
2. CQE
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3. CQA

3. Subjects Covered on Exam by
Approximate Number of Questions
Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
Approximate Number of Questions on the
70
60
50
40
Exam
30
20
10
0
Auditing Audit Process Auditor Audit Program and Quality Tools and
Fundamentals Competencies Business Techniques
Applications
Sections of Exam
The exam is five hours long and 150 multiple choice questions. There is approximately two minutes per
question.
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4. What Makes or Breaks a Certified
Quality Auditor
• The CQA exam is unique in that it contains case
studies which are “SAT” type questions. Each
case study is a story followed by multiple choice
questions
– Fifteen to twenty percent of the exam involves case
studies.
– Each case study will include a brief scenario outlining
critical details about an audit situation.
– In addition, each case study will be supported by
related audit documents
• It is important to practice this type question in
preparation for the exam.
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5. Preparing for the Exam
• Over the years, in my opinion, these seem to be key factors for exam success:
– Textbook
• Quality Council of Indiana: The book is well written and designed for test preparation. I have never
heard anyone say it was not appropriate for the exam.
– Study time
• Develop a routine for studying-I suggest studying every day at a certain time, whatever works best for
you.
– Working problems
• “Practice makes perfect”
• Don’t get behind on the homework
• Work extra problems specially case studies
– Equipment
• Bring no more than one other reference material-I suggest the Juran Handbook
• Have a good statistical calculator-see next slide
• Plenty of # 2 pencils
• Plenty of scratch paper for working problems
– Practice Auditing
• Be an internal auditor for your organization
• When you conduct an audit, make sure you cover the sections in the CQA body of knowledge
• Try to conduct the three audit types: System, Process, and Product
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6. Calculator
• You will need a statistical calculator for the
exam. You can get a good one for less
than $50 at most retailers.
• Here are the critical keys you will need to
use. We will cover these during the class:
∑+ X σ x σ n−1 x
nPr nCr n!
x
e 6

7. Calculators
Calculator Where to Buy Retail Price (per the
website)
CASIO FX 200 Staples $8.95
Solar (see next
slide)
TI-30X II5 Walmart $14.58
TI-36X Walmart $22.44
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8. Example of Calculator
x
e
σ x σx n−1 X
nPr, nCr
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9. Exam Taking Strategy
• There are three types of problems on the
exam
– Easy: Work these first
– Moderately difficult: Work these second
– Difficult: Work these last
• Avoid panic!
– Work easy problems first
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10. Contact Us
• For on site or online preparation training for the CQA
exam, contact Stephen Deas:
– sd@qualitymindsinc.com
– (843) 814 3864
• To register for online training, go to:
– www.cpionlinecourses.com
– The CQA course is designed to be 7 weeks and costs $150
– You pay online and receive a link to videos covering each
subject. Each video is a Powerpoint presentation with narration
from Stephen Deas
– Stephen is President of Quality Minds, Inc, a process
improvement and human capital development firm located in
Charleston, South Carolina.
– Stephen was certified as a Quality Engineer in 1991 and as a Six
Sigma Black Belt in 2003.
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