ASQ Certified Quality Auditor
Exam Code: CQA
The ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification validates your knowledge of auditing principles and practices, including audit planning, execution, reporting, quality tools, risk management, and compliance with quality standards such as ISO 9001, as defined by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
- Exam Breakdown
- Domain Breakdown
- Access Breakdown
Exam Format
- Exam Name / Code: ASQ Certified Quality Auditor — CQA
- Certification Level: Professional
- Exam Duration: 5 hours 18 minutes (Total appointment time: 5.5 hours)
- Passing Score: 550 out of 750 (scaled score)
- Unscored Content: The exam may include a set of unscored pretest questions that are not identified and do not affect your score.
Exam Details
- Question Types: Multiple-choice questions (computer-based)
- Number of Questions: 165 total questions — 150 scored + 15 unscored
Exam Policies
- Testing Mode: Computer-based testing (CBT); offered in English only.
- Retake Policy: You may retake the exam if you do not pass; a retake fee applies (see fees below).
- Appointment Scheduling: Exams typically occur during designated testing windows or on demand via Prometric/ASQ testing centers. (Details available upon registration)
Certification Validity and Renewal
- Validity: 3 years from the date earned.
- Renewal Options: Maintain certification by earning Recertification Units (RUs) through professional development activities or by retaking the exam at the end of the cycle.
Exam Fee
- ASQ Member Fee: USD 433
- Non-Member Fee: USD 533
- Retake Fee: USD 333 (discounted retake fee available within a defined period after initial attempt)
Fees are in U.S. dollars and may vary based on local currency/VAT where applicable.
Prerequisites
- Candidates must have 8 years of full-time, paid on-the-job experience in one or more areas of the CQA Body of Knowledge. At least 3 years must be in a decision-making position.
Education waivers may reduce the experience requirement:
- Technical/trade school diploma: 1 year waived
- Associate degree: 2 years waived
- Bachelor’s degree: 4 years waived
- Master’s or doctorate: 5 years waived
Exam Topics
- Auditing Fundamentals: Audit types, audit purpose, audit criteria, audit roles
- Audit Process: Planning, preparation, execution, reporting, and follow-up
- Auditor Competencies: Communication, interviewing, professionalism, ethics, and conflict handling
- Audit Program Management: Scheduling, resources, risk, performance, and corrective actions
- Quality Tools and Techniques: Process analysis, sampling, statistical methods, and improvement tools
- Quality Management Systems: Standards, documentation, compliance, process control, and continuous improvement
For a detailed breakdown and official study guide, feel free to contact us!
Intended Audience
The ASQ Certified Quality Auditor certification is ideal for professionals involved in quality auditing, compliance, supplier audits, internal audits, and quality management systems, including roles such as:
- Quality Auditor
- Internal Auditor
- Supplier Quality Auditor
- Quality Assurance Professional
- Compliance Auditor
- Quality Manager
Career Impact
Jobs You Can Get:
- Quality Auditor, Internal Auditor, Supplier Quality Auditor, Quality Assurance Specialist, Compliance Auditor, Quality Systems Manager, etc.
Average Salary:
- Varies by country — U.S.: $65,000–$95,000 USD,
- India: ₹5,00,000–₹12,00,000 INR,
- United Kingdom: £32,000–£55,000 GBP,
- UAE: 100,000–180,000 AED per year.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Globally recognized, ANAB-accredited, and respected across manufacturing, healthcare, engineering, service, and regulated industries.
Exam Mode
The exam is proctored and can be taken either:
- In-person at authorized Prometric test centers
- Online through Prometric ProProctor remote proctoring, where available
Exam Booking Link
- Apply for the ASQ CQA Exam through ASQ. After approval, candidates receive scheduling instructions to book the exam through Prometric.
Once you pass the exam
- Receive CBT exam results immediately after submitting the exam
- ASQ sends official confirmation within 3–5 business days
- Claim your digital certificate and badge through the Accredible platform
- Use the ASQ digital credential for LinkedIn, resumes, email signatures, and professional profiles
Offers
Prepare with actual exam questions
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Top Reasons to Choose
ASQ Certified Quality Auditor
Expertise in Quality Auditing and Compliance
The CQA certification validates professional competence in auditing quality management systems, assessing organizational processes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. It demonstrates the ability to identify risks, evaluate performance, and implement corrective actions that improve quality and operational effectiveness across organizations.
Globally Recognized Quality Certification
Offered by the American Society for Quality, the certification is recognized worldwide across manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and service industries, demonstrating professional credibility in quality management and auditing practices.
Career Growth in Quality and Process Improvement Roles
Organizations increasingly prioritize quality assurance and regulatory compliance, creating strong demand for certified quality auditors and supporting career advancement opportunities.
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FAQ
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Who should take the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor exam?
The exam is ideal for professionals involved in auditing, quality management, and process improvement activities.
-
How difficult is the CQA exam?
The exam is considered moderately advanced because it tests auditing principles, quality systems, and statistical tools.
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Why does ASQ offer the CQA certification?
ASQ offers the certification to validate expertise in quality auditing practices and establish professional standards in quality management.
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What tools and resources can be used to prepare for the CQA exam?
Candidates can prepare using: • ASQ CQA Body of Knowledge and study guide • ASQ training courses and practice exams • Quality management and auditing textbooks • Professional auditing experience
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Is the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor certification still valuable in 2026?
Yes, the CQA certification remains valuable in 2026 as organizations continue prioritizing quality assurance, compliance, and operational improvement.
