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CQE-ASQ : Certified Quality Engineer

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Certified Quality Engineer tutorial and preparatory guide

The Certified Quality Engineer exam is developed for professionals who understands the principles of product and service quality evaluation and control. This body of knowledge and applied technologies include, but are not limited to, development and operation of quality control systems, application and analysis of testing and inspection procedures, the ability to use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices. Also, an understanding of human factors and motivation, familiarity with quality cost concepts and techniques, and the knowledge and ability to develop and administer management information systems. Further, to audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction.

Getting certified for your knowledge and skills boosts your confidence and provides you with immense credibility. Preparation for an exam is one of the most essential yet difficult journeys. Therefore, we present you our Tutorials and Preparatory Guide to set you on the right track.

Core Competencies of a Certified Quality Engineer

  • Firstly, Learn quality management and leadership: the philosophies and foundations of quality, its leadership principles and techniques, and proven communication skills
  • Secondly, Develop the quality management system (QMS): its design and documentation, standards and guidelines, quality training and auditing, and the cost of quality (COQ)
  • Thirdly, Design of products, processes, and services: classification of characteristics, verification and validation, and reliability and maintainability.
  • Also, Learn critical skills required to implement effective product and process control, including acceptance sampling, material control, metrology, and measurement system analysis.
  • Further, Master the quantitative tools and techniques that drive continuous improvement, from lean and corrective action to kaizen and Six Sigma.
  • Additionally, Understand the ways to summarize data, draw statistical conclusions, analyze distributions, test hypotheses, perform capability studies, and design and execute experiments.
  • Moreover, Be fluent in risk management: its oversight, assessment, control, auditing, and testing

Major Job Functions

As a CQE, you will have the knowledge and skills required to improve the processes that drive customer satisfaction, which will improve the business performance of your organization. The major job functions are:

  • To begin with, Business Process Analyst
  • Then, Manufacturing Manager
  • Further, Operating Systems Specialist
  • Moreover, Project Manager
  • Furthermore, Quality Assurance Professional
  • Also, Quality Auditor
  • Subsequently, Quality Control Inspector
  • Additionally, Quality Engineer
  • Not to mention, Supplier Quality Engineer
  • Then, Warehouse Operations Manage

Exam Details

Before beginning your preparation journey its suggested to have a clear view about the exam. Hence lets warm up with some basic exam details.

The  Certified Quality Engineer exam covers 175 Multiple Choice and Multi-Response Questions which are to be attempted in 5 hours and 18 minutes. The exam fee for ASQ  Members is $398 and for Non- Members is $498. This exam is available in English language only.

Exam Name Certified Quality Engineer
Exam Code CQE-ASQ
Exam Duration 5 hours 18 minutes
Exam Format Multiple Choice and Multi-Response Questions
Exam Type Professional
Number of Questions 175 Questions
Exam Fee Members  $398; Non- Members $498
Exam Language English
Pass Score 550 points out of  750

Key Exam Requirements

Work Experience

Candidates must have eight years of on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the body of knowledge. A minimum of three years of this experience must be in a decision-making position

Education

Candidates who have completed a degree from a college, university, or technical school can waive some part of the eight-year experience requirement as follows:

  • Firstly, Diploma from a technical or trade school—one year waived
  • Secondly, Associate’s degree—two years waived
  • Thirdly, Bachelor’s degree—four years waived
  • Also, Master’s or doctorate degree—five years waive

Recertification policy

Rectification for this exam is required every three years to stay updated with the latest changes.

Certified Quality Engineer Exam FAQ

It is desirable to have utmost clarity about the exam policies before commencing on with your preparations. Hence to clarify all your doubts visit the Certified Quality Engineer Exam FAQ

Certified Quality Engineer faq

Course Outline: Certified Quality Engineer

The ASQ Certified Quality Engineer exam covers 7 domains. Each domain is further divided into various subdomains which cover various aspects of the exam. You must be thorough with the exam concepts so as to achieve this much valued credential.

cqe course outline

Domain 1- Management and Leadership (17 Questions)

A. Quality Philosophies and Foundations

Describe continuous improvement tools, including Lean, Six Sigma, the theory of constraints, statistical process control (SPC), and total quality management, and understand how modern quality has evolved from quality control through statistical process control (SPC) to total quality management and leadership principles. (ASQ Reference: CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, LEAN, SIX SIGMA, STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL, TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT)

B. The Quality Management System (QMS)

ASQ Reference: QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

C. ASQ Code of Ethics for Professional Conduct

Determine appropriate behavior in situations requiring ethical decisions.

D. Leadership Principles and Techniques

Analyze various principles and techniques for developing and organizing teams and leading quality initiatives. (ASQ Reference: TEAM)

E. Facilitation Principles and Techniques
  1. Roles and responsibilities: Describe the facilitator’s roles and responsibilities on a team (ASQ Reference: Team Roles and Responsibilities)
  2. Facilitation tools: Apply various tools used with teams, including brainstorming, nominal group technique, conflict resolution, and force-field analysis. (ASQ Reference: NOMINAL GROUP TECHNIQUE, BRAINSTORMING, FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS)
F. Communication Skills

Identify specific communication methods that are used for delivering information and messages in a variety of situations across all levels of the organization.

G. Customer Relations

Define, apply, and analyze the results of customer relation tools such as quality function deployment (QFD) and customer satisfaction surveys. (ASQ Reference: Quality function deployment (QFD), Customer satisfaction)

H. Supplier Management
  1. Techniques: Apply various supplier management techniques, including supplier qualification, certification, and evaluation. (ASQ Reference: SUPPLIER QUALITY)
  2. Improvement: Analyze supplier ratings and performance improvement results. (ASQ Reference: Supplier Quality Process)
  3. Risk: Understand business continuity, resiliency, and contingency planning.
I. Barriers to Quality Improvement

Identify barriers to quality improvement, analyze their causes and impact, and implement methods for improvement.

Domain 2- The Quality System    (18 Questions)

A.  Elements of the Quality System
  1. Basic elements: Interpret the basic elements of a quality system, including planning, control, and improvement, from product and process design through quality cost systems and audit programs. (Evaluate) (ASQ Reference: Quality Management System, QUALITY PLAN)
  2. Design: Analyze the design and alignment of interrelated processes to the strategic plan and core processes
B. Documentation of the Quality System
  1. Document components: Identify and describe quality system documentation components, including quality policies and procedures to support the system
  2. Document control: Evaluate configuration management, maintenance, and document control to manage work instructions and quality records.
C. Quality Standards and Other Guidelines

Apply national and international standards and other requirements and guidelines, including the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA), and describe key points of the ISO 9000 series of standards. (ASQ Reference: QUALITY STANDARDS, ISO 9000 STANDARDS SERIES, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA))

D. Quality Audits
  1. Types of audits: Describe and distinguish between various types of quality audits such as product, process, management (system), registration (certification), compliance (regulatory), first, second, and third party. (ASQ Reference: AUDITING)
  2. Roles and responsibilities in audits: Identify and define roles and responsibilities for audit participants such as audit team (leader and members), client, and auditee.
  3. Audit planning and implementation: Describe and apply the stages of a quality audit, from audit planning through conducting the audit.
  4. Audit reporting and follow-up : Apply the steps of audit reporting and follow-up, including the need to verify corrective action. (ASQ Reference: Auditing Process-based Quality Management Systems)
E. Cost of Quality (COQ)

Identify and apply COQ concepts, including cost categorization, data collection, reporting, and interpreting results. (ASQ Reference: COST OF QUALITY (COQ))

F. Quality Training

Identify and apply key elements of a training program, including conducting a needs analysis, developing curricula and materials, and determining the program’s effectiveness.

Domain 3 – Product, Process, and Service Design (21 Questions)

A. Classification of Quality

CharacteristicsDefine, interpret, and classify quality characteristics for new and existing products, processes, and services. (Note: The classification of defects is covered in IV.B.3.)

B. Design Inputs and Review
  1. Inputs: Translate design inputs such as customer needs, regulatory requirements, and risk assessment into robust design using techniques such as failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), quality function deployment (QFD), Design for X (DFX), and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS). (ASQ Reference: Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), Quality function deployment (QFD), Design for Six Sigma (DFSS))
  2. Review: Identify and apply common elements of the design review process, including roles and responsibilities of participant.
C. Technical Drawings and Specifications

Interpret specification requirements in relation to product and process characteristics and technical drawings, including characteristics such as views, title blocks, dimensioning and tolerancing, and GD&T symbols. (ASQ Reference: The GD-T Hierarchy Coach)

D. Verification and Validation

Interpret the results of evaluations and tests used to verify and validate the design of products, processes and services, such as installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and process qualification (PQ).

E. Reliability and Maintainability
  1. Predictive and preventive maintenance tools : Describe and apply the tools and techniques used to maintain and improve process and product reliability.
  2. Reliability and maintainability indices: Review and analyze indices such as MTTF, MTBF, MTTR, availability, and failure rate.
  3. Reliability models: Identify, define, and distinguish between the basic elements of reliability models such as exponential, Weibull, and bathtub curve.
  4. Reliability/Safety/Hazard Assessment Tools : Define, construct, and interpret the results of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA), and fault tree analysis (FTA). (ASQ Reference: Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA))

Domain 4 – Product and Process Control (23 Questions)

A. Methods

Implement product and process control methods such as control plan development, critical control point identification, and work instruction development and validation.

B. Material Control
  1. Material identification, status, and traceability : Define and distinguish between these concepts, and describe methods for applying them in various situations.
  2. Material segregation: Describe material segregation and its importance, and evaluate appropriate methods for applying it in various situations.
  3. Material classification Classify product and process defects and nonconformities.
  4. Material review board: Describe the purpose and function of an MRB and evaluate nonconforming product or material to make a disposition decision in various situations.
C. Acceptance Sampling
  1. Sampling concepts: Interpret the concepts of producer and consumer risk and related terms, including operating characteristic (OC) curves, acceptable quality limit (AQL), lot tolerance percent defective (LTPD), average outgoing quality (AOQ), and average outgoing quality limit
  2. Sampling standards and plans: Identity, interpret, and apply ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 and Z1.9 standards for attributes and variables sampling. Identify and distinguish between single, double, multiple, sequential, and continuous sampling methods. Identify the characteristics of Dodge-Romig sampling tables and when they should be used. (ASQ Reference: ATTRIBUTE & VARIABLE SAMPLING PLANS, ASQ/ANSI QUALITY STANDARDS Z1.4 & Z1.9)
  3. Sample integrity: Identify and apply techniques for establishing and maintaining sample integrity.
D. Measurement and Test

1.   Measurement tools: Select and describe appropriate uses of inspection tools such as gage blocks, calipers, micrometers, and optical comparators.

2.   Destructive and non-destructive tests: Identify when destructive and nondestructive measurement test methods should be used and apply the methods appropriately. (Apply)

E. Metrology

Apply metrology techniques such as calibration, traceability to calibration standards, measurement error, and its sources, and control and maintenance of measurement standards and devices. (ASQ Reference: Metrology Applications)

F. Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

Calculate, analyze, and interpret repeatability and reproducibility (gage R&R) studies, measurement correlation, capability, bias, linearity, precision, stability, and accuracy, as well as related MSA quantitative and graphical methods. (ASQ Reference: Measurement System Analysis (MSA), GAGE REPEATABILITY AND REPRODUCIBILITY)

Domain 5 – Continuous Improvement (26 Questions)

A. Quality Control Tools:

 Select, construct, apply, and interpret the following quality control tools:

B. Quality Management and Planning Tools

Select, construct, apply, and interpret the following quality management and planning tools:

C. Continuous Improvement Methodologies
D. Lean tools

Define, describe, and apply the following lean tools:

E. Corrective Action

Identify, describe, and apply elements of the corrective action process, including problem identification, failure analysis, root cause analysis, problem correction, recurrence control, and verification of effectiveness. (ASQ Reference: Corrective And Preventive Action, ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS (RCA))

F. Preventive Action

Identify, describe, and apply various preventive action tools such as error proofing/poka-yoke and robust design and analyze their effectiveness (ASQ Reference: MISTAKE PROOFING)

Domain 6 – Quantitative Methods and Tools (34 Questions)

A. Collecting and Summarizing Data
  1. Types of data: Define, classify, and compare discrete (attributes) and continuous (variables) data. (ASQ Reference: ATTRIBUTE DATA AND VARIABLE DATA)
  2. Measurement scales: Define and describe nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales.
  3. Data collection methods: Describe various methods for collecting data, including tally or check sheets, data coding, and automatic gaging and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the methods. (ASQ Reference: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS TOOLS, DATA COLLECTION SURVEY, Data Collection)
  4. Data accuracy and integrity: Apply techniques that ensure data accuracy and integrity, and identify factors that can influence data accuracy such as source/resource issues, flexibility, versatility, inconsistency, inappropriate interpretation of data values, and redundancy.
  5. Descriptive statistics: Describe, calculate, and interpret measures of central tendency and dispersion (central limit theorem), and construct and interpret frequency distributions, including simple, categorical, grouped, ungrouped, and cumulative. (ASQ Reference: STATISTICAL METHODS IN QUALITY IMPROVEMENT)
  6. Graphical methods for depicting relationships: Construct, apply, and interpret diagrams and charts such as stem-and-leaf plots, and box-and-whisker plots. (ASQ Reference: BOX AND WHISKER PLOT)
  7. Graphical methods for depicting distributions: Construct, apply, and interpret diagrams such as normal and non-normal  probability  plots
B. Quantitative Concepts
  1. Terminology: Define and apply quantitative terms, including population, parameter, sample, statistic, random sampling, and expected value.
  2. Drawing statistical conclusions-distinguish between numeric and analytical studies. Assess the validity of statistical conclusions by analyzing the assumptions used and the robustness of the technique used. (ASQ Reference: CONTROL CHART)
  3. Probability terms and concepts: Describe concepts such as independence, mutually exclusive, multiplication rules,  complementary probability, and joint occurrence of events.
C. Probability Distributions
  1. Continuous distributions:  Define and distinguish between these distributions such as normal, uniform, bivariate normal, exponential, lognormal, Weibull, chi square, Student’s t, and F.
  2. Discrete distributions : Define and distinguish between these distributions such as binomial, Poisson, hypergeometric, and multinomial.
D. Statistical Decision Making
  1. Point estimates and confidence intervals
  2. Hypothesis testing (ASQ Reference: Hypothesis Testing)
  3. Paired-comparison test
  4. Goodness-of-fit tests
  5. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
  6. Contingency tables
E. Relationships Between Variables
  1. Linear regression (ASQ Reference: Correlation And Regression)
  2. Simple linear correlation
  3. Time-series analysis
F. Statistical Process Control (SPC)

ASQ Reference: STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL

  • Objectives and benefits
  • Common and special causes
  • Selection of variable
  • Rational subgrouping
  • Control charts (ASQ Reference: CONTROL CHART)
  • Control chart analysis
  • Pre-control charts
  • Short-run SPC
G. Process and Performance Capability
  1. Process capability studies (ASQ Reference: PROCESS CAPABILITY)
  2. Process performance vs. specifications
  3. Process capability indices
  4. Process performance indices
H. Design and Analysis of Experiments

ASQ Reference: DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS (DOE)

  1. Terminology
  2. Planning and Organising experiments
  3. Design principles
  4. One-factor experiments
  5. Full-factorial experiments
  6. Two-level fractional factorial experiments

Domain 7- Risk Management (21 questions)

A. Risk Fundamentals
  1. Risk Terminlogy
  2. Types of Risk Management
B. Risk Planning and Assessment
  1. Risk management plan
  2. Risk assessment
C. Risk Treatment, Control, and Monitoring
  1. Identification and documentation
  2. Risk management system evaluation
  3. Risk treatment strategies
  4. Risk monitoring
  5. Mitigation planning

Preparatory Guide for Certified Quality Engineer Exam

The Certified Quality Engineer exam isdefinitely a hard nut to crack. Achieving this certification brings wonders to your career opportunities.  With proper guidance and resources you can definitely excel this exam. Here we provide you are step by step preparatory guide that caters to all your needs and requirements for the exam preparation.

Preparatory Guide for Certified Quality Engineer Exam

Step 1- Refer the Certified Quality Engineer Official Guide

The first step is to download the exam guide of Certified Quality Engineer exam. This exam guide provides the authentic details about the exam course. Remember to refer the exam guide to have prior knowledge of your course that too in details. Also familiarise yourself with the course concepts. You should have complete clarity about the exam details before venturing into the preparations, therefore the official guide is a must.

Step 2- Refer Books- your ultimate friends

Books have always been the most preferred resource while preparing for any exam. They are a golden resource to gain in depth clarity about the subject. There are a great number of books available in the market place for the preparation of Certified Quality Engineer exam. Refer the books that best suit you from the plethora of options. Here is a list of some books that you must include in your preparations :

Firstly, CQE Handbook

Secondly, ASQ CQE Study Guide

You can also refer the folloiwng

Step 3- Enrol for Training Courses

Training courses help you follow a guided path with tutorials and increases your chances of clearing the exam. Also it helps you in learning how to implement the exam concepts in real life, thereby providing you practical experience and hands on training. Asq offers training by the following platforms

Classroom Training

This course is intended for students who plan on taking the Certified Quality Engineer exam. It helps prepare you by focusing on the most difficult topics on the exam. Quality engineers, manufacturing/process engineers, quality managers, quality improvement professionals, consultants, or anyone preparing to take the CQE exam should attend this training.

Learning Objectives:

  • Master the effective use of the tools covered in the quantitative methods, reliability, and acceptance sampling sections of the body of knowledge for the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) exam
Self-Paced Online Training

This is a comprehensive course that includes industry-relevant content, pertinent examples and exam-style practice questions. It is an excellent tool for anyone interested in preparing for and pursuing the CQE certification.

Learning Objectives:

  • Firstly, Review the content covered by the seven sections in the Certified Quality Engineer BoK.
  • Secondly, Guide your study by identifying your specific areas of strengths and weaknesses as it pertains to the CQE BoK
  • Thirdly, Become familiar with questions similar to those on the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer exam

Step 4- Join an Online Community

Online forums and study groups are a great way to prepare for the certification exam. Therefore, get in touch with other candidates through study forums and get a chance to learn from their experience.

myASQ communities are utilized for networking, sharing content, and peer-to-peer learning. Some of these communities are gated and are determined by your member profile. Membership in technical and geographic communities are included or can be added to an ASQ membership

Step 5- Self Evaluate with Practice Tests

We know that Practice makes a man perfect. Including practice tests in your preparation guide is a must. It helps you check your preparations and also identifies you weaker areas. Strengthening these areas will surely bring success. Practice tests are designed to provide the real exam environment to you. Also, attempt as many tests as you can. The more you practice, the better you become. Start practising Now!

Boost your career and qualify for Certified Quality Engineer (CQE-ASQ) Exam. Start your preparations Now!

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