Here are the requirements and exam specifics for a Quality Inspector.

Minimum Expectations of a Certified Quality Inspector

• Must know basic quality terms, definitions and concepts.
• Must know basic statistical terms and techniques, how to plot data and how to recognize out-of-control conditions.
• Must know the definition of PDCA and understand the team concept.
• Must understand types of measurement, measurement terminology and the different types of measurement scales.
• Must know the difference between accuracy and precision and be able to select the appropriate measuring tools and techniques.
• Must know how to measure using surface plate layouts.
• Must be able to identify/recognize inspection errors and initiate resolution.
• Must have basic calibration knowledge.
• Must be able to read and interpret blueprints and know definitions of critical, major and minor characteristics.
• Must have a general knowledge of ASME Y14.5M, working knowledge of GD&T, and must understand the x, y, z coordinate system.
• Must be able to use inspection planning tools and perform a product audit; determine sample size for lots; pull random samples.
• Must have knowledge of testing methods.
• Must be able to identify and report nonconforming material.
• Must understand traceability (product, material and calibration).
• Must have a strong knowledge of basic mathematical operations and perform measurement conversions; be able to solve for x; add and subtract degrees, minutes, and seconds.

Education and/or Experience

To apply for certification as a Quality Inspector, you must have:

• Two years of on-the-job experience in mechanical inspection or a related field.
• A high-school diploma or GED, or an additional three years of related on-the-job experience.

Degrees or diplomas from educational institutions outside the United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S. educational institutions.

Examination

Each certification candidate is required to pass a written examination that consists of multiple choice questions that measure comprehension of the Body of Knowledge. The last administration of the current Quality Inspector Body of Knowledge will be March 2, 2012. The first administration of the new Quality Inspector Body of Knowledge will be with the March 3, 2012 administration. The Quality Inspector examination is a one-part, 100-question, four-hour exam and is offered in English.

Examinations are conducted twice a year, in March and October, by local ASQ sections and international organizations. All examinations are open-book. Each participant must bring his or her own reference materials. Use of reference materials and calculators is explained in the seating letter provided to applicants.

Please Note: The Body of Knowledge for certification is constantly affected by new technologies, policies and the changing dynamics of manufacturing and service industries. Changed versions of the examination based on the current Body of Knowledge are used at each offering.

The topics in this body of knowledge include additional detail in the form of subtext explanations and the cognitive level at which the questions will be written. This information will provide useful guidance for both the Exam Development Committee and the candidate preparing to take the exam. The subtext is not intended to limit the subject matter or be all-inclusive of what might be covered in an exam. It is meant to clarify the type of content to be included in the exam. The descriptor in parentheses at the end of each line of subtext refers to the maximum cognitive level at which the topic will be tested. A complete description of cognitive levels is provided at the end of this document.

1. Technical Mathematics (20 Questions)
   1. Basic Shop Math
      Solve basic shop math problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of fractions and decimals, squares and square roots. Use methods such as truncating and rounding to obtain significant digits for positive and negative numbers. (Apply)
   2. Basic Algebra
      Solve or simplify first-degree and single-variable equations. (Apply)
   3. Basic Geometry
      Calculate general parameters such as area, circumference, perimeter, and volume for basic geometric shapes. Calculate complementary and supplementary angles. (Apply)
   4. Basic Trigonometry
      Compute angles and lengths using trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, tangent, and the Pythagorean Theorem. (Apply)
   5. Measurement Systems
      Convert units within and between English and metric measurement systems (SI) such as inch to micro-inch, liter to quart, meter to millimeter, etc. (Apply)
   6. Numeric Conversions
      Use various numbering methods such as scientific notation, decimals, and fractions, and convert values between these systems. (Apply)
2. Metrology (30 Questions)
   1. Common Gauges and Measurement Instruments
      1. Variable gauges
         Identify and use variable gauges, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicator, CMM, linear scales, etc. (Apply)
      2. Attribute gauges
         Identify and use attribute gauges, including thread plug, progressive ring, flush pin, radius gauge, etc. (Apply)
      3. Transfer gauges
         Identify and use transfer gauges, including small-hole gauges, spring calipers, etc. (Apply)
      4. Measurement scales
         Describe and distinguish between dial, digital, and vernier scales. (Remember)
   2. Special Gauges and Applications
      Identify and describe the following basic tools and components. (Remember)
      1. Electronic gauging tools: oscilloscopes, multimeters, pyrometers, etc.
          
      2. Automatic gauging components: machine vision, ultrasonic, X-ray, laser, etc.
          
      3. Pneumatic gauging components: air columns, probes, rings, etc.
   3. Gauge Selection, Handling, and Use
       
      1. Gauge selection
         Select gauges according to the feature or characteristic to be measured, the applicable tolerance and the accuracy, and the resolution and capability of the test instrument. Determine whether the type of measurement should be direct, differential, or transfer. (Apply)
          
      2. Gauge handling, preservation, and storage
         Identify and apply various methods of cleaning, handling, and storing gauges. (Apply)
          
      3. Gauge correlation
         Identify and apply methods for establishing the correlation between measurement instruments such as gauge-to-gauge or manual-to-automated process. (Apply)
   4. Surface Plate Tools and Techniques
       
      1. Surface plate equipment
         Select and use height gauges, V-blocks, indicators, etc., to measure various types of features. (Apply)
          
      2. Angle measurement instruments
         Identify and use protractors, sine bars, angle blocks, etc. (Apply)
          
   5. Specialized Inspection Equipment
       
      1. Measuring mass
         Describe and apply weights, balances and scales. (Apply)
          
      2. Measuring finish
         Describe and apply profilometers, fingernail comparators, etc. (Apply)
          
      3. Measuring shape and profile
         Describe and apply mechanical comparators, roundness testers, precision spindles, profile tracers, etc. (Apply)
          
      4. Optical equipment
         Describe and apply optical comparators, optical flats, microscopes, etc. (Apply)
          
      5. Digital vision systems
         Define and describe the use of digital cameras, in-line optical sensors, and other digital systems for product inspection. (Remember)
          
      6. Coordinate measuring machine (CMM)
         Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the CMM and the basic operation of the x, y, and z axes. Describe its limitations with regard to locating functional datums, target points and areas, and hole positions. (Understand)
   6. Calibration
       
      1. Calibration systems
         Describe the principles and purpose of a calibration system, including the importance of establishing calibration intervals. Identify and use basic tracking and identification methods such as logs, stickers, identification codes, etc., to control calibration equipment. (Apply)
          
      2. Calibration standards
         Describe the hierarchy of standards, from working standards through international standards. (Remember)
          
      3. Equipment traceability
         Describe the requirements for documenting traceability to standards. (Remember)
          
      4. Gage calibration environment
         Describe the effects that environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, vibration and cleanliness of the gauge, etc., can have on calibration. (Apply)
          
      5. Out-of-calibration effects
         Describe the effects that out-of-calibration instruments can have on product acceptance and the actions to take in response to this situation. (Apply)
          
   7. Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
      Define and describe the following elements of MSA. (Remember)
       
      1. Bias
          
      2. Stability
          
      3. Accuracy
          
      4. Linearity
          
      5. Repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) studies
3. Inspection and Test (30 Questions)
    
   1. Blueprints, Drawings, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
       
      1. Blueprints and engineering drawings
         Define and interpret various sections of technical drawings: title block, tolerances, change or revision blocks, including notes, scale, and size details, etc. (Apply)
          
      2. Terminology and symbols
         Define and interpret drawing views and details for product specifications or other controlling documents. Define and use various terms and symbols from the ASME Y14.5M Standard. (Analyze)
          
      3. Position and bonus tolerances
         Calculate position and bonus tolerances from various drawings. (Analyze)
          
      4. Part alignment and datum structure
         Determine part alignment and setup using the datum structure. (Analyze)
          
   2. Sampling
      Define and interpret the following terms related to sampling. (Apply)
       
      1. Acceptance quality limit (AQL)
          
      2. Random sampling
          
      3. Lot and sample size
          
      4. Acceptance number
          
      5. Sampling plans
   3. Inspection Planning and Processes
       
      1. Inspection types
         Define and distinguish between inspection types such as incoming material, first-article (first-piece), in-process, final, etc. (Apply)
          
      2. Inspection errors
         Identify potential inspection errors such as bias, fatigue, flinching, distraction, etc. (Apply)
          
      3. Product traceability
         Identify methods to trace products and materials such as age control, shelf life, and first-in first-out (FIFO). (Apply)
          
      4. Identification of nonconforming material
         Describe various methods of identifying nonconforming material such as tagging, labeling, and segregating. (Apply)
          
      5. Level of severity
         Define and describe levels of severity (critical, major, minor, etc.) and apply them to product features and defects. (Apply)
          
      6. Disposition of nonconforming material
         Describe disposition methods including rework, reprocess, scrap, customer waiver, etc., as determined by a material review board (MRB) or other authority. (Apply)
          
   4. Testing Methods
      Define and use the following methods in various situations. (Apply)
       
      1. Nondestructive testing: X-ray, eddy current, ultrasonic, dye penetrant, magnetic particle, etc.
          
      2. Destructive testing: tensile, force testing, drop test, etc.
          
      3. Functionality testing: tension, torque, leak testing and compression, etc.
          
      4. Hardness testing: Brinell, Rockwell, durometer, and micro-hardness scales
          
   5. Software for test equipment
      Identify and describe basic tools (e.g., safeguarding, functional checks, comparison of test results, identification of attributes and parameters) used to ensure that the software for test equipment adequately and correctly performs its intended functions. (Remember)
4. Quality Assurance (20 Questions)
    
   1. Basic Statistics and Applications
       
      1. Measures of central tendency
         Calculate mean, median, and mode. (Apply)
          
      2. Measures of dispersion
         Calculate range, standard deviation, and variance. (Apply)
          
      3. Measures of proportion
         Calculate percentage and ratio measures for various data sets. (Apply)
          
      4. Graphical displays
         Define, interpret, and use scatter diagrams, tally sheets, bar charts, etc., to display data effectively in various situations. (Apply)
          
      5. Normal distribution
         2011 Draft BOK for Certified Quality Inspector
         2011 CQI - Inspector BOK-SjC review.doc Page 5 of 7
         Describe various characteristics of a normal distribution: symmetry, bell curve, central tendency, etc. (Understand)
          
   2. Statistical Process Control (SPC)
       
      1. Common and special cause variation
         Explain the difference between these causes of variation. Determine whether a process is in statistical control by analyzing data patterns (runs, trends, hugging, etc.), and identify what actions should be taken in response. (Evaluate)
          
      2. Control limits and specification limits
         Define, describe, and distinguish between these limits as used in SPC. (Apply)
          
      3. Variables charts
         Identify characteristics and uses of RX− and sX− charts. (Apply)
          
      4. Attributes charts
         Identify characteristics and uses of p, np, c, and u charts. (Apply)
          
      5. Process capability analysis
         Define and distinguish between Cp, Cpk, Pp, and Ppk studies and identify their application to various types of data. (Understand)
          
   3. Quality Improvement
       
      1. Terms and concepts
         Define basic quality improvement concepts such as defect detection and prevention, the cost of poor quality, total quality management (TQM), the importance of customer satisfaction, etc. (Understand)
          
      2. Products and processes
         Define and distinguish between products and processes. Describe the interrelationships of product design, materials used, manufacturing processes, and final output, and how individual steps in a process can affect the final product or the system as a whole. (Understand)
          
   4. Quality Audits
       
      1. Types of audits
         Define and describe various types of audits, including internal, external, system, product, process, etc. (Understand)
          
      2. Audit process
         Define and describe various stages of the audit process (planning, performance, and closure), including audit scope and purpose, resources needed, audit schedule, opening meeting, interviewing, data gathering, document and record review, analysis of results, closing meeting, audit documentation and recordkeeping, verification of corrective actions, etc. (Understand)
          
      3. Audit tools
         Define and describe the purpose of checklists, log sheets, sampling plans, record and document reviews and forward-and backward-tracing. (Understand)
          
      4. Communication tools and techniques
         Define and describe the use of graphs, charts, diagrams, and other aids for written and oral presentations including interview techniques and listening skills. (Understand)
          
      5. Corrective action requests (CARs)
         Describe how CARs from audits can support quality improvement. (Understand)
         2011 Draft BOK for Certified Quality Inspector
         2011 CQI - Inspector BOK-SjC review.doc Page 6 of 7
          
   5. Quality Tools and Techniques
      Define and use the following quality tools and techniques. (Apply)
       
      1. Pareto charts
          
      2. Cause and effect diagrams
          
      3. Flowcharts
          
      4. Control charts
          
      5. Check sheets
          
      6. Scatter diagrams
          
      7. Histograms
          
   6. Problem-solving Tools and Continuous Improvement Techniques
      Describe and use the following tools and techniques in various situations. (Apply)
       
      1. Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) or plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles
          
      2. Lean tools for eliminating waste: 5S, error-proofing, value-stream mapping; and lean concepts: kaizen, flow, pull,
          
      3. Six sigma phases: define, measure, analyze, improve, control (DMAIC)
          
      4. Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
          
   7. Resources
       
      1. Environmental and safety support
         Define and use various resources related to personal and environmental safety: material safety data sheet (MSDS), personal protective equipment (PPE), etc. (Apply)
          
      2. Reference documents
         Identify and use national and international standards (e.g., ISO, ANSI, ASTM, QS) and customer requirements as authorities that support processes and procedures used to assure quality products. (Apply)
          
      3. Technical reports
         Review, analyze, and interpret technical reports that are used to diagnose problems and communicate solutions. (Analyze)
          
      4. Employees as resources (Remember)
         Describe how employees can be empowered and the value they add to project teams or quality improvement teams. Describe typical team roles and responsibilities: facilitator, ground rules, project or team charter, etc. Describe the four stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing. (Remember)

Note: Approximately 20% of the questions in each test will require calculation.

SIX LEVELS OF COGNITION
BASED ON BLOOM’S TAXONOMY (REVISED)

In addition to content specifics, the subtext detail also indicates the intended complexity level of the test questions for that topic. These levels are based on the Revised “Levels of Cognition” (from Bloom’s Taxonomy, 2001) and are presented below in rank order, from least complex to most complex.

REMEMBER
Be able to remember or recognize terminology, definitions, facts, ideas, materials, patterns, sequences, methodologies, principles, etc. (Also commonly referred to as recognition, recall, or rote knowledge.)

UNDERSTAND
Be able to read and understand descriptions, communications, reports, tables, diagrams, directions, regulations, etc.

APPLY
Be able to apply ideas, procedures, methods, formulas, principles, theories, etc., in job-related situations.

ANALYZE
Be able to break down information into its constituent parts and recognize the parts’ relationship to one another and how they are organized; identify sublevel factors or salient data from a complex scenario.

EVALUATE
Be able to make judgments regarding the value of proposed ideas, solutions, methodologies, etc., by using appropriate criteria or standards to estimate accuracy, effectiveness, economic benefits, etc.

CREATE
Be able to put parts or elements together in such a way as to show a pattern or structure not clearly there before; be able to identify which data or information from a complex set is appropriate to examine further or from which supported conclusions can be drawn.