Table of Contents
ASQ Certified Quality Auditor CQA Quick Facts
The ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification empowers quality professionals to strengthen their ability to evaluate, report, and enhance quality management systems with precision and assurance. This overview gives you everything you need to approach the certification journey with clarity and focus.
What makes the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor credential so valuable for quality professionals?
The CQA certification demonstrates a professional’s expertise in audit principles, methods, and techniques for examining systems that ensure products and services meet defined standards. It validates your ability to assess compliance, drive continuous improvement, and deliver value through disciplined auditing practices. Whether you work in manufacturing, service industries, or healthcare, earning the CQA showcases your ability to transform observations into actionable insights that nurture trust and excellence across an organization.
Who Should Pursue the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Certification?
The ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification is perfect for professionals responsible for evaluating, analyzing, and improving quality systems. It’s a standout credential for:
- Quality assurance and compliance professionals
- Process and system auditors in manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries
- Consultants and quality managers overseeing internal or supplier audits
- Engineers or team leads seeking deeper knowledge of quality improvement
- Anyone aspiring to demonstrate objective auditing expertise that aligns with international quality standards
If you enjoy assessing processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring organizations meet compliance objectives, the CQA certification will strengthen your leadership in quality excellence.
What Types of Roles Can This Certification Help You Achieve?
Achieving your CQA certification can open doors to career-enhancing opportunities. Common roles held by CQAs include:
- Quality Auditor or Lead Auditor
- Compliance Manager
- Supplier Quality Engineer
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Continuous Improvement Manager
- Quality Systems Coordinator
Beyond technical roles, the certification can also boost credibility for business leaders, consultants, and educators focused on operational excellence, helping you play a more strategic role in driving performance and risk management improvements.
What Is the Exam Code and Who Administers It?
The CQA exam is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and carries the exam code CQA. ASQ is a globally recognized authority in quality management certifications, ensuring that the CQA credential aligns with industry standards such as ISO 17024. This accreditation gives you confidence that your certification reflects global competency in the auditing profession.
How Many Questions Are on the ASQ CQA Exam?
The CQA exam includes 165 multiple-choice questions in total. Of these, 150 questions are scored and 15 are unscored experimental questions. The questions are designed to test comprehension and application of real-world auditing concepts drawn directly from the CQA Body of Knowledge (BoK), including case study scenarios that represent authentic workplace situations.
How Long Do You Have to Complete the Exam?
You’ll have 5 hours and 18 minutes of testing time, with a total exam appointment window of five and a half hours. This time frame ensures you can carefully read case studies, analyze audit findings, and apply reasoning skills without feeling rushed. It’s best to manage your time thoughtfully and allow buffer minutes for review toward the end.
What Is the Format of the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor Exam?
All ASQ CQA exams are open-book and multiple-choice. They may be taken as either:
- Computer-based testing (CBT) through Prometric testing centers, or
- Paper-based exams (PBT) offered in select locations
Each exam question requires selecting the most correct answer from four choices. About 10 to 15 percent of the test consists of case study questions that simulate realistic audit scenarios, allowing you to apply critical thinking rather than rote memory.
How Much Does the CQA Exam Cost?
The ASQ Certified Quality Auditor exam costs $550 (USD) for non-members. ASQ members benefit from a $100 discount, paying only $450 (USD). If you need to retake the exam, the fee is $350 (USD). These costs cover exam administration and support provided by the ASQ and their testing partner, Prometric.
What Score Do You Need to Pass?
To earn your credential, you must achieve a passing score of 73 percent. ASQ uses a structured scoring model that evaluates your total performance across all exam domains, meaning your overall mastery of the content is what determines your success. Strong preparation and familiarity with the Body of Knowledge (BoK) will help you reach that benchmark confidently.
In What Language Is the CQA Exam Offered?
The exam is currently offered in English only for both computer-based and paper-based formats. ASQ maintains a consistent testing environment worldwide, so terminology, reference materials, and case studies are written in standard professional English used in the field of quality auditing.
What Are the Main Domains Covered on the CQA Exam?
The CQA Body of Knowledge is organized into five domains, each with distinct weightings and learning objectives:
- Auditing Fundamentals
- Audit Process
- Auditor Competencies
- Audit Program Management and Business Applications
- Quality Tools and Techniques
Preparing with these knowledge areas will help you feel fully equipped for every question domain on the test.
What Reference Materials Can Be Used During the Exam?
Because the CQA exam is open book, candidates may bring printed, bound reference materials for use during the test. These can include the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor Handbook and the official Body of Knowledge, as long as they are properly bound by stitching, spiral, or fasteners. Notes, Post-its, and tabs are allowed if attached before the exam begins, giving you easy access to essential material while answering case-based questions.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the ASQ CQA Exam?
To qualify for the CQA exam, candidates need:
- Eight years of professional work experience, with at least three in a decision-making role.
- Acceptable degrees can reduce experience requirements:
- Technical or trade school diploma: 1 year waived
- Associate degree: 2 years waived
- Bachelor’s degree: 4 years waived
- Master’s/Doctorate: 5 years waived
Decision-making positions include responsibilities for defining, executing, or controlling processes and being accountable for outcomes.
How Can You Apply for the CQA Certification?
Applying is straightforward with ASQ’s online application system. Just visit your ASQ account, complete the required details, and submit your qualifications. Applications are usually reviewed within 1–2 business days for online submissions or 3–5 business days for mailed copies. Upon approval, you'll receive instructions to schedule your exam directly with Prometric during your chosen testing window.
How Often Can You Take the ASQ CQA Exam?
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can reapply within two years of your prior attempt at a reduced retake rate. ASQ offers flexible exam testing windows throughout the year, allowing you to plan your retake when you’re best prepared to demonstrate improvement.
How Is the ASQ CQA Exam Administered?
Exams are delivered via computer-based testing centers through Prometric, ASQ’s global testing partner. You’ll receive instructions to schedule and confirm your location, date, and time upon approval. If you prefer a paper-based exam, some translated or special-format exams are conducted on specific dates. All testing sessions are proctored to ensure standardization and fairness across all candidates.
How Should You Prepare for the CQA Exam?
Effective preparation comes from combining study resources with problem-solving practice. Review foundational materials, take self-paced courses, and test your knowledge with realistic CQA practice exam simulations that mirror actual exam structure and timing at CQA exam practice tests and study tools. Practicing with real scenarios helps you apply concepts and diagnose areas for improvement before the big day.
What Knowledge and Skills Should You Focus On?
The exam emphasizes both theoretical and applied knowledge. Focus on learning how to:
- Conduct and document audits per ISO standards
- Evaluate and verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
- Apply root cause analysis and data-based decision-making
- Facilitate audit teams and handle conflict resolution professionally
- Assess risk management processes and data integrity within quality systems
These skills will empower you not only to succeed on the exam but also to excel in professional audit roles that shape organizational quality culture.
What Resources Are Recommended Before Taking the Exam?
ASQ offers several valuable resources to support your preparation:
- ASQ Certified Quality Auditor Handbook, a comprehensive open-book reference
- Official Body of Knowledge (BoK) documents
- ASQ training courses, including classroom, virtual, and self-paced options
- CQA Question Bank, featuring sample multiple-choice questions
Combining these resources with practice exercises ensures a well-rounded learning experience.
What Happens After You Pass the Exam?
Once you pass, ASQ will email you confirmation and detailed instructions for claiming your digital certificate and badge via the Accredible platform. This allows you to proudly display your achievement on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional networks. Your certification remains valid for three years, and you can maintain it through ASQ recertification activities or exam retakes.
How Do You Maintain and Renew the CQA Certification?
To stay active as a Certified Quality Auditor, you must complete recertification every three years. You can renew through continued professional development—such as completing ASQ courses, participating in quality improvement projects, or teaching quality topics—or by passing the most recent CQA exam again.
Why Is the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor Credential Valuable?
Earning your CQA credential validates more than just technical skill—it signifies analytical thinking, ethical responsibility, and mastery of continuous improvement principles. Employers across industries value ASQ certification for its rigor, credibility, and relevance, helping CQAs stand out as reliable experts who can evaluate and elevate quality systems.
Where Can You Learn More or Register for the Official Exam?
For complete details, eligibility verification, and upcoming testing windows, visit the official ASQ Certified Quality Auditor CQA certification page. Here, you’ll find authoritative updates, downloads, applications, and direct links to training courses to help you prepare with confidence.
The ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification is more than a professional achievement—it’s a statement of excellence in quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. With hands-on preparation, ethical grounding, and structured study, you’ll be ready to join the global community of Certified Quality Auditors dedicated to advancing quality across every industry.
