Frequently Asked Questions

The ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification for individuals who understand the standards and principles of auditing and the auditing techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating, and reporting to determine quality systems adequacy. The certification validates your expertise in auditing quality systems and is recognized globally across various industries.

Earning your CQA certification demonstrates your commitment to quality and expertise in quality auditing principles and practices. Benefits include enhanced career opportunities, higher earning potential, professional recognition, and increased confidence in your auditing skills. For organizations, having certified auditors enhances quality management systems and provides a competitive advantage.

The ASQ CQA certification is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you need to either retake the exam or earn recertification units (RUs) through professional development activities such as continuing education, publications, presentations, and professional service.

The CQA certification is recognized and valued across numerous industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive, energy, telecommunications, and service organizations. Any industry that values quality systems and auditing processes will recognize the value of the CQA certification.

ASQ requires candidates to have eight years of work experience in one or more of the areas of the CQA Body of Knowledge. A minimum of three years of this experience must be in auditing. Education waivers can substitute for part of the work experience requirement, but not for the required three years of auditing experience.

Education can substitute for part of the work experience requirement as follows:

- Diploma or Certificate = 1 year waiver
- Associate degree = 2 years waiver
- Bachelor's degree = 4 years waiver
- Master's or Doctorate = 5 years waiver

Note that regardless of education, you must still have a minimum of three years of experience in auditing.

No, ASQ membership is not required to take the CQA exam. However, ASQ members receive discounted exam fees, so joining ASQ might be beneficial if you plan to pursue multiple certifications or want to take advantage of other membership benefits.

Yes, you can still participate in our training program to build your knowledge and skills in quality auditing, even if you don't yet meet the experience requirements for the exam. The knowledge gained will be valuable in your current role and will prepare you for the certification once you meet the eligibility requirements.

Our comprehensive training package includes:

- Expert-led instruction covering all aspects of the CQA Body of Knowledge
- Comprehensive course manual and reference materials
- Practice question bank with over 500 questions
- 2 full-length practice exams with detailed solutions
- Hands-on audit exercises and case studies
- 30 days of post-course instructor access for questions
- Study plan template and guidance
- Certificate of completion

We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate working professionals:

- 4-Day Intensive Workshop: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (32 hours)
- 8-Week Evening Course: Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (48 hours)
- 4-Weekend Course: Four consecutive Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (32 hours)

All formats cover the same material, but the extended formats allow for additional practice and discussion.

We offer both in-person and virtual training options for our 4-Day Intensive Workshop and 4-Weekend Course. Our 8-Week Evening Course is available virtually only. The virtual training is conducted live via interactive videoconferencing, allowing for real-time interaction with the instructor and other participants.

Our training program has a 95% first-time pass rate for students who complete the entire program, including all practice exams and exercises. This high success rate is a testament to the quality of our instruction and the comprehensive nature of our training materials.

The CQA exam covers all aspects of the ASQ CQA Body of Knowledge, which includes:

- Auditing Fundamentals (25%)
- Audit Process (40%)
- Auditor Competencies (15%)
- Quality Tools and Techniques (20%)

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions, and you have 5.5 hours to complete it.

The CQA exam is challenging and requires a thorough understanding of auditing principles and practices. However, with proper preparation, including our comprehensive training program, candidates can confidently approach the exam. The exam is open-book, allowing you to bring certain reference materials, but time management is crucial due to the exam's length.

The CQA exam is open-book, which means you can bring:

- ASQ's The Quality Auditor Handbook
- Any other hardcopy, bound reference books
- Dictionaries
- Bound reference materials (e.g., notes in three-ring binders)

Electronic devices, loose papers, and photocopied materials are not allowed. Our training program includes guidance on which reference materials are most useful and how to organize them for quick access during the exam.

The amount of study time needed varies depending on your experience and familiarity with quality auditing principles. Generally, we recommend:

- 80-100 hours of study if you have significant auditing experience
- 120-150 hours of study if you have limited auditing experience

Our training program includes a study plan template to help you schedule your preparation effectively.

Our comprehensive CQA training program costs $595, which includes all study materials, practice exams, and 30 days of post-course support. Group discounts are available for organizations sending three or more participants. Payment plans are also available upon request. Please note that the ASQ exam fee is not included and must be paid separately to ASQ.

Registration is quick and easy. Simply click on the 'Enroll Now' button on our website to visit our secure registration portal. Select your preferred course format and dates, complete the registration form, and process your payment securely online. You will receive confirmation and welcome materials via email.

We are confident in the quality of our training program and offer a pass guarantee: if you complete all aspects of our program, including practice exams and exercises, and do not pass the CQA exam on your first attempt, you can retake our training program at no additional cost. Our refund policy allows for full refunds up to 14 days before the training start date, and 50% refunds up to 7 days before the start date.

No, our training fee does not include the ASQ exam fee. The exam fee is paid directly to ASQ when you register for the exam. Current ASQ exam fees can be found on the ASQ website, with discounts available for ASQ members. Our training program includes guidance on the exam registration process.