How to Get CQA Certification: The Complete 2023 Guide

Interested in becoming a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)? Earning the CQA certification demonstrates your expertise in quality auditing and can boost your career opportunities significantly.

But how exactly do you get CQA certified? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the entire CQA certification process step-by-step.

We’ll cover

• What is CQA certification?
• CQA exam eligibility requirements
• How to study for the CQA exam
• Details on the CQA exam format
• Passing scores and policies
• CQA exam fees
• How to apply for CQA certification
• Maintaining your CQA credential

I’ll also provide helpful study tips and resources based on my own experience earning CQA certification last year. Let’s get started!

What is CQA Certification?

CQA stands for Certified Quality Auditor. It’s a certification issued by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) that demonstrates competence in quality auditing and the auditing process.

Here are some key facts about CQA certification:

• Focuses on internal and external quality auditing, quality assurance, and regulatory standards
• Requires passing a comprehensive 4-hour exam
• Credential is valid for 3 years and renewable through recertification
• Globally recognized certification for quality auditors
• Applicable across all industries; over 150,000 people hold CQA certification

CQA is ideal for professionals like quality managers, inspectors, business analysts, and auditors looking to advance their quality careers. It provides in-demand skills and knowledge to effectively lead audits and improve quality systems.

CQA Exam Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the CQA exam, you must meet experience and education requirements:

Work Experience:

• At least 2 years of work experience in one of the following:

1. Leading quality audits or assurance activities

2. Monitoring or improving quality systems

3. Teaching quality assurance or related subjects

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Substitution Options:

• 1 year work experience = 1 year of education
• ASQ certification = 1 year of experience

For example, if you have 5 years of applicable work experience but no degree, you meet the requirements.

These ensure candidates have the proper background knowledge to pass the exam and apply the concepts. I had 4 years of experience conducting quality audits when I sat for the exam.

How to Study for the CQA Exam

Passing the CQA exam requires thoughtful preparation and study. Here are some tips:

• Review the CQA exam blueprint – This outlines the main domains tested and their weights to focus your studies. Key areas are Auditing Fundamentals, Audit Process & Implementation, and Quality Tools/Techniques.

• Study ASQ’s BoK – This Body of Knowledge provides detailed topics you need to know for the exam. Read through this multiple times until you are familiar with each.

• Take practice exams – Simulate the real test by taking practice exams. Review your scores to identify weak areas.

• Read books and materials – Supplement with print and online resources on quality auditing for a deeper understanding.

• Form a study group – Interacting with peers helps sharpen knowledge and troubleshoot difficult concepts.

• Attend exam prep workshops – In-person or virtual workshops provide structure and expert instruction.

• Take study notes – Outline and summarize key takeaways, charts, formulas, and definitions.

I spent 3 months studying for the CQA exam for 2-3 hours daily. Give yourself ample time to prepare and don’t rush it!

Details on the CQA Exam Format

Here’s what to expect on exam day:

• Length: 4 hours, 3 minutes – includes instructions and post-exam survey

• Format: Multiple choice questions and graded on a scale from 100-1000 points

• # of Questions: 160 questions total

• Question Types: 3 types of multiple choice questions are used. Each includes a question stem and 4 options.

• Delivery Method: Computer-based. Offered at designated ASQ testing sites.

• Open Book: No books, notes, or resources allowed during the exam.

Knowing the CQA exam format inside and out is key to be well-prepared. Be sure to practice with mock exams in the same timed environment.

I definitely experienced exam anxiety but having taken practice tests in a 4-hour window helped immensely.

Passing Scores and Exam Policies

Here’s what you need to know to pass:

• Passing Score: Candidates must score at least 700 points out of 1000 to pass.

• Grading: You cannot review your actual exam or see individual question performance.

• Score Report: Provides your overall score and whether you passed or failed. Mailed 10 business days after the exam.

• Retakes: You can retake the exam 2 additional times (3 attempts total) for a $225 fee.

• Appeals: You can submit an appeal request if there are issues with your testing environment or experience. Strict documentation criteria.

My biggest tip is not to rush on exam day. Take your time, carefully review each question, and avoid careless mistakes. With thorough preparation, passing on the first try is completely achievable!

CQA Exam Fees

Here are the costs associated with CQA certification:

• ASQ Membership: Required. $159 for full membership or $70 introductory.

• Exam Application Fee: $538 for ASQ members

• Exam Retake Fee: $225 per retake

• Recertification Fee: $114 every 3 years

Total costs range from $700-$1,000+ depending on membership level and number of exam retakes. Retaking just once brought my total to around $950.

ASQ offers fee waivers for veterans, those with economic hardship, and students that help reduce costs.

How to Apply for CQA Certification

Ready to earn your CQA credential? Here is the step-by-step application process:

1. Join ASQ as a member – Select your membership level and pay annual dues.

2. Review eligibility requirements – Ensure you meet experience and education criteria before applying.

3. Schedule your exam – Use ASQ’s exam calendar to select a testing date and location.

4. Submit exam application – Complete the application through ASQ’s certification portal and pay fee.

5. Take the exam – Arrive on-time at the testing center with ID. Four hours are allotted for the 160 question exam.

6. Get your results – You will be notified whether you passed or failed in writing within 10 business days.

7. Apply for certification – Once you pass the exam, submit the CQA certification application through ASQ to receive your credential.

Once approved, you will get a CQA certificate that is valid for 3 years before recertification is required. Display your CQA proudly!

Maintaining Your CQA Certification

To keep your CQA current for the full 3-year period, you must:

• Earn 18 recertification units (RUs) in quality auditing or associated topics. 1 RU = 1 hour of activity.

• Report RUs when you submit your renewal application.

• Pay the $114 recertification fee every 3 years.

Recertification units can be earned through activities like training courses, presentations, auditing projects, and publishing.

ASQ makes it easy to track and report your RUs as you go. Just be sure to consistently participate in work and learning activities that align with quality auditing.

Letting your CQA lapse would require retaking the entire 4-hour exam to reinstate it. Maintaining the credential through recertification is quick and inexpensive in comparison.

Is CQA Certification Worth It?

In most cases, yes – earning the CQA certification is well worth the investment for quality professionals.

The CQA provides:

• Expertise in auditing best practices
• Validation of your quality assurance knowledge
• Ability to lead entire audit programs
• National and global recognition
• Career advancement opportunities
• 8-10% higher salaries on average

For example, my CQA certification helped me get promoted to Senior Quality Auditor at a 15% pay increase. The boost in expertise and credibility was invaluable.

Just be sure to carefully consider the costs, preparation required, and exam difficulty before pursuing CQA certification. With discipline and focus, it is an extremely rewarding credential that signals your quality expertise.

Key Takeaways

• CQA certification validates your auditing knowledge and skills for employers and clients.
• You must meet experience and education requirements to qualify for the exam.
• Passing the 4-hour, 160 question CQA exam demonstrates your competence.
• Proper preparation through study materials and practice tests is crucial.
• Maintain your CQA by earning rec