Quality Auditor Certification (CQA)
Credential: Quality Auditor Certification (CQA)
Credentialing Agency: American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Renewal Period: 3 years
The Certified Quality Auditor is a professional who understands the standards and principles of auditing and the auditing techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting to determine a quality systems adequacy and deficiencies. The Certified Quality Auditor analyzes all elements of a quality system and judges its degree of adherence to the criteria of industrial management and quality evaluation and control systems. Candidates must have eight years of on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the Certified Quality Auditor Body of Knowledge. A minimum of three years of this experience must be in a decision-making position. Education can be used as a substitute for years of experience. Candidates must also pass a written examination.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Quality Auditor Certification (CQA)
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 0343 Management and Program Analysis Series |  Some |
|
| 0344 Management and Program Clerical and Assistance | Some |
|
| 0806 Materials Engineering | Some |
|
| 0861 Aerospace Engineering | Some |
|
| 0896 Industrial Engineering Series |  Other |
|
| 1910 Quality Assurance Series | Some |
|
| 2181 Aircraft Operation Series | Other |
|
| 4749 Maintenance Mechanic | Other |
|
| 6912 Materials Examining and Identifying | Other |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 8 years
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 3 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
600 N Plankinton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: (800) 248-1946
Fax: (414) 272-1734
Email: help@asq.org
Education and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must have eight years of on-the-job experience in one of more of the areas of the Certified Quality Auditor Body of Knowledge.
A minimum of three years of the required experience must be in a decision-making position defined as the authority to define, execute, or control projects/processes and to be responsible for the outcome.
Candidate's with a degree from a college, university or technical school with accreditation accepted by ASQ may have part of the eight-year experience requirement waived as follows:
- Diploma from a technical or trade school - one year will be waived
- Associate degree - two years waived
- Bachelor's degree - four year waived
- Master's or doctorate - five years waived
Written Exam
-
Auditing Fundamentals (18%)
- Types of Quality Audits
- Purpose and Scope of Audits
- Criteria to Audit Against
- Roles and Responsibilities of Audit Participants
- Professional Conduct and Consequences for Auditors
-
Audit Process (28%)
- Audit Perparation and Planning
- Audit Performance
- Audit Reporting
- Audit Follow-Up and Closure
-
Auditor Competencies (17%)
- Auditor Characteristics
- On-Site Audit Resource Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Communication and Presentation Techniques
- Interviewing Techniques
- Team Dynamics
-
Audit Program Management and Business Applications (20%)
- Audit Program Management
- Business and Financial Impact
-
Quality Tools and Techniques (17%)
- Basic Quality and Problem-Solving Tools
- Process Improvement Techniques
- Basic Statistics
- Process Variation
- Sampling Methods
- Change Control and Configuration Management
- Verification and Validation
- Risk Management Tools
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Quality Auditor Certification (CQA) examination:
- Best Sources
- General References
Testing Information
Testing for this credential is handled by Prometric. The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the Prometric website:
- Search for Testing Program
- Locate a Test Center
- Agency/Certification Specific Testing Information
- Contact Prometric
For more information on the American Society for Quality (ASQ) testing process, visit the agency website.
RECERTIFICATION
Quality Auditor Certification (CQA)
Renewal Period: 3 years
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