The following information is provided by the American Society for Quality (ASQ):

• CQPA Certification Requirements

• CQPA Exam Body of Knowledge

• CQPA Sample Questions

Certification Requirements

The Certified Quality Process Analyst is a paraprofessional who, in support of and under the direction of quality engineers or supervisors, analyzes and solves quality problems and is involved in quality improvement projects. A CQPA may be a recent graduate or someone with work experience who wants to demonstrate his or her knowledge of quality tools and processes.

Education and/or Experience

You must have two years of work experience or an associate degree as a minimum.

Proof of Professionalism

Proof of professionalism may be demonstrated in one of three ways:

1. Membership in ASQ, a foreign affiliate society of ASQ, or another society that is a member of the American Association of Engineering Societies or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
2. Registration as a Professional Engineer
3. The signatures of two persons-ASQ members, members of a foreign affiliate society, or members of another recognized professional society-verifying that you are a qualified practitioner of the quality sciences

Examination
Each certification candidate is required to pass a written examination that consists of multiple-choice questions that measure comprehension of the BOK. The Quality Process Analyst examination is a four-hour, 100 multiple-choice question examination. It is offered in the English language only.

The Application Process

How do I apply for certification?

Complete and submit to ASQ headquarters along with supporting documentation for all qualifying work history (resume, job description, etc.) and the correct fee.

Applications must be submitted on or before the deadline date.

What if my application isn't approved?

If you do not meet the minimum work or education experience, you may obtain a partial refund of the application fee by contacting the Certification Department at ASQ headquarters. ASQ will not waive the examination requirements. $50.00 of your fee is an application fee and is not refundable.

Once the exam has been held, or you have taken the examination, no refunds will be given. Approval of a certification application guarantees only the right to take the examination and does not guarantee certification.

Where may I take the exam?

Examinations are conducted twice a year, June and December. Examination sites are hosted by local ASQ sections and by international organizations (contact the ASQ Certification Department for international locations). You will be notified approximately two weeks before the examination date of your assigned testing location. Please allow extra time for international mail.

The Exam

How do I prepare for the exam?

Preparation time for the exam is dependent upon your level of experience. Review the Body of Knowledge to focus your studies on the areas in which you need the most review.

What is the content of the examination?

The Body of Knowledge lists the subject areas from which the examination questions are drawn. Keep in mind that any single examination represents only a sample of the Body of Knowledge and will not cover all the topics listed.

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Body of Knowledge

Included in this body of knowledge (BOK) are explanations (subtext) and cognitive levels for each topic or subtopic in the test. These details will be used by the Examination Development Committee as guidelines for writing test questions and are designed to help candidates prepare for the exam by identifying specific content within each topic that can be tested. Except where specified, the subtext is not intended to limit the subject or be all-inclusive of what might be covered in an exam but is intended to clarify how topics are related to the role of the Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA). The descriptor in parentheses at the end of each subtext entry refers to the highest cognitive level at which the topic will be tested. A more complete description of cognitive levels is provided at the end of this document.

1. Quality Basics (24 Questions)
   1. ASQ code of ethics
      Identify appropriate behaviors for situations requiring ethical decisions. (Apply)
   2. Quality planning
      Define a quality plan, understand its purpose for the organization as a whole and who in the organization contributes to its development. (Understand)
   3. Cost of quality (COQ)
      Describe and distinguish the classic COQ categories (prevention, appraisal, internal failure, external failure) and apply COQ concepts. (Apply)
   4. Quality standards, requirements, and specifications
      Define and distinguish between quality standards, requirements, and specifications. (Understand)
   5. Documentation systems
      Identify and describe common elements and different types of documentation systems such as configuration management, quality manual, document control, etc. (Understand)
   6. Audits
      
      1. Audit types
         Define and describe various audit types: internal, external, system, product, and process. (Understand)
      2. Audit process
         Describe various elements, including audit preparation, performance, record keeping, and closure. (Understand)
         [NOTE: Corrective action is covered in IV.F.]
      3. Roles and responsibilities
         Identify and define roles and responsibilities of audit participants (lead auditor, audit team member, client, and auditee). (Understand)
   7. Teams
      
      1. Types of teams
         Distinguish between various types of teams such as process improvement, work group, self-managed, temporary/ad hoc, cellular, etc. (Analyze)
      2. Team-building techniques
         Define basic steps in team-building such as introductory meeting for team members to share information about themselves, the use of ice-breaker activities to enhance team membership, the need for developing a common vision and agreement on team objectives, etc. (Apply)
      3. Roles and responsibilities
         Explain the various team roles and responsibilities, such as sponsor, champion, facilitator, team leader, and team member,and responsibilities with regard to various group dynamics, such as recognizing hidden agendas, handling distractions and disruptive behavior, keeping on task, etc. (Understand)
   8. Training components
      Define and describe methods that can be used to train individuals on new or improved procedures and processes, and use various tools to measure the effectiveness of that training, such as feedback from training sessions, end-of-course test results, on-the-job behavior or performance changes, department or area performance improvements, etc. (Understand)
2. Problem Solving and Improvement [23 questions]
   1. Basic quality tools
      Select, apply, and interpret these tools: flow charts, Pareto charts, cause and effect diagrams, check sheets, scatter diagrams, and histograms. (Analyze)
      [NOTE: The application of control charts is covered in section III.E.]
   2. Continuous improvement models
      Define and explain elements of Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), kaizen, and incremental and breakthrough improvement. (Apply)
   3. Basic quality management tools
      Select and apply affinity diagrams, tree diagrams, process decision program charts, matrix diagrams, interrelationship digraphs, prioritization matrices, and activity network diagrams. (Apply)
   4. Project management tools
      Select and interpret scheduling and monitoring tools such as Gantt charts, program evaluation and review technique (PERT), critical path method (CPM), etc. (Analyze)
   5. Taguchi loss function
      Identify and describe Taguchi concepts and techniques such as signal-to-noise ratio, controllable and uncontrollable factors, and robustness. (Understand)
   6. Lean
      Identify and apply lean tools and processes, including set-up reduction (SUR), pull (including just-in-time (JIT) and kanban), 5S, continuous flow manufacturing (CFM), value stream, poka-yoke, and total preventive/predictive maintenance (TPM) to reduce waste in areas of cost, inventory, labor, and distance. (Apply)
   7. Benchmarking
      Define and describe this technique and how it can be used to support best practices. (Understand)
3. Data Analysis [35 questions]
   1. Terms and definitions
      1. Basic statistics
         Define, compute, and interpret mean, median, mode, standard deviation, range, and variance. (Apply)
      2. Basic distributions
         Define and explain frequency distributions (normal, binomial, Poisson, and Weibull) and the characteristics of skewed and bimodal distributions. (Understand)
      3. Probability
         Describe and apply basic terms and concepts (independence, mutual exclusivity, etc.) and perform basic probability calculations. (Apply)
      4. Measurement scales
         Define and apply nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio measurement scales. (Apply)
   2. Data types and collection methods
      1. Types of data
         Identify, define, and classify continuous (variables) data and discrete (attributes) data, and identify when it is appropriate to convert attributes data to variables measures. (Apply)
      2. Methods for collecting data
         Define and apply methods for collecting data such as using data coding, automatic gaging, etc. (Apply)
   3. Sampling
      1. Characteristics
         Identify and define sampling characteristics such as lot size, sample size, acceptance number, operating characteristic (OC) curve, etc. (Understand)
      2. Sampling methods
         Define and distinguish between various sampling methods such as random, sequential, stratified, fixed sampling, attributes and variables sampling, etc. (Understand)
         [NOTE: Reading sampling tables is not required.]
   4. Measurement terms
      Define and distinguish between accuracy, precision, repeatability, reproducibility, bias, and linearity. (Understand)
   5. Statistical process control (SPC)
      1. Techniques and applications
         Select appropriate control charts for monitoring or analyzing various processes and explain their construction and use. (Apply)
      2. Control limits and specification limits
         Identify and describe different uses of control limits and specification limits. (Understand)
      3. Variables charts
         Identify, select, construct, and interpret - R and - s charts. (Analyze)
      4. Attributes charts
         Identify, select, construct, and interpret p, np, c, and u charts. (Analyze)
      5. Rational subgroups
         Define and describe the principles of rational subgroups. (Understand)
      6. Process capability measures
         Define the prerequisites for measuring capability, and calculate and interpret C_p, C_pk, P_p, and P_pk in various situations. (Analyze)
      7. PRE-control chart
         Define the concept and use of PRE-control charts. (Understand)
      8. Common and special cause variation
         Interpret various control chart patterns (runs, hugging, and trends) to determine process control, and use rules to distinguish between common cause and special cause variation. (Analyze)
      9. Data plotting
         Identify the advantages and limitations of analyzing data visually instead of numerically. (Understand)
   6. Regression and correlation
      Describe how regression and correlation models are used for estimation and prediction. (Apply)
   7. Hypothesis testing
      Determine and calculate confidence intervals using t tests and the z statistic, and determine whether the result is significant. (Analyze)
      [NOTE: The F test is covered in area III.I.]
   8. Design of experiments (DOE)
      Define basic terms such as blocking, randomization, etc. (Remember)
   9. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
      Define and determine the applicability of ANOVAs. (Understand)
4. Customer-Supplier Relations [18 questions]
   1. Internal and external customers and suppliers
      Define and distinguish between internal and external customers and suppliers and their impact on products and services, and identify strategies for working with them to improve products, services, and processes. (Apply)
   2. Customer satisfaction analysis
      Describe the different types of tools used to gather and analyze customer feedback: surveys, complaint forms, warranty analysis, quality function deployment (QFD), etc. (Understand)
   3. Product/process approval systems
      Identify and describe how validation and qualification methods (alpha/beta testing, first-article, etc.) are used in new or revised products, processes, and services. (Understand)
   4. Reliability
      Define basic concepts such as mean time to failure (MTTF), mean time between failures (MTBF), mean time between maintenance actions (MTBMA), and mean time to repair (MTTR), and identify failure models such as bathtub curve, prediction, growth, etc. (Remember)
   5. Supplier management
      Define and describe key measures of supplier performance (quality, price, delivery, level of service, etc.) and commonly used metrics (defect rates, functional performance, timeliness, responsiveness, technical support, etc.). (Understand)
   6. Elements of corrective and preventive action
      Identify elements of the corrective action process including containment, problem identification, root cause analysis, correction, recurrence prevention, verification and validation of effectiveness, and concepts of preventive action. (Analyze)
   7. Material identification, status, and traceability
      Describe methodologies used for material identification and conformance status. Apply various methods of identifying and segregating nonconforming materials, and describe the requirements for preserving the identity of a product and its origin. (Apply)
      [NOTE: Product recall procedures will not be included.]

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

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; able to identify which data or information from a complex set is appropriate to examine further or from which supported conclusions can be drawn.

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Sample Questions

1.  The advantage of a written procedure is

a. It provides flexibility in dealing with problems
b. It handles unusual conditions much better
c. It is a perpetual coordination device
d. It minimizes coordination activities with other departments

2. Strategic quality goals must be subdivided. Thus, they are:

a. Delegated
b. Distributed
c. Accountable
d. Deployed

3. In most industrial settings the majority of training attendees will be mature adults. Which of the following training approaches would be considered the LEAST effective method to convey complex information to such a group?

a. Theory and lecture
b. Computer - based learning
c. Discussion and programmed instruction
d. Role playing

4. A team commissioned to design and install an automated part degreaser is which type of team?

a. Self-directed
b. Autonomous
c. Improvement
d. Project

5. Which of the following is NOT a major reason for utilizing process mapping?

a. To identify unnecessary process complexity
b. To visualize the process quickly
c. To eliminate the total planning process
d. To assist in work simplification

6. Robust design means that the designer has attempted to:

a. Build the design with high durability components
b. Generate designs using computer models
c. Minimize random noise effects
d. Use high strength materials

7. What is a major distinction between the CPM and PERT methods in the evaluation of project performance?

a. Only the PERT method can be displayed on a Gantt chart
b. The PERT technique allows for easier crashing of project time
c. The PERT technique permits network relationships, CPM does not
d. The PERT technique is event oriented, while CPM is activity centered

8. Overproduction, scrap, waiting, and excess motion are all forms of:

a. TPM
b. Muda
c. Kanban
d. CFM

9. Suppose that 5 bad electron tubes get mixed up with 8 good tubes. If 2 tubes are drawn simultaneously, what is the probability that both are good?

a. 8/13
b. 14/39
c. 7/12
d. 36/91

10. Customer satisfaction data is often accumulated using some form of Likert scale (1-5, 1-7, etc). What measurement scale is being used?

a. Nominal
b. Ordinal
c. Interval
d. Ratio

11. The name for a source of variability similar to bias is:

a. Precision
b. Noise
c. Offset
d. Resolution

12. One would not be surprised to find the definition of repeatability to be very similar to that for:

a. Precision
b. Reproducibility
c. Accuracy
d. Lack of Bias

13. Two quantities which uniquely determine a single sampling attribute plan are:

a. AQL and LTPD
b. Sample size and rejection number
c. AQL and producer's risk
d. LTPD and consumer's risk

14. Pre-control starts a process specifically centered between:

a. Process limits
b. Specification limits
c. Normal distribution limits
d. Three-sigma control limits

15. If a process is out of control, the theoretical probability that a single point on the X bar chart will fall between plus one sigma and the upper control limit is:

a. 0.2240
b. 0.1587
c. Unknown
d. 0.3413

16. A very useful attribute control chart for plotting the actual number of defects found during an inspection is known as the:

a. X bar and R chart
b. np Chart
c. p chart
d. c chart

17. If it was known that a population of 30,000 parts had a standard deviation of 0.05 seconds, what size sample would be required to maintain an error no greater than 0.01 seconds with a confidence level of 95%?

a. 235
b. 123
c. 96
d. 78

18. Which of the following CANNOT be a null hypothesis?

a. The population means are equal
b. P' = 0.5
c. The sample means are equal
d. The difference in the population means is 3.85

19. When one performs "one experiment with five repetitions," what are the six experiments called?

a. Randomization
b. Replications
c. Planned grouping
d. Sequential

20. Customer expectations follow what sequence in the hierarchy of needs?

I. Expected
II. Basic
III. Unanticipated
IV. Desired

a. II, I, IV, III
b. III, I, II, IV
c. IV, II, I, III
d. I, II, III, IV

21. High approval numbers on satisfaction surveys from customers do NOT indicate:

a. Customer satisfaction
b. Customer service approval
c. Customer loyalty
d. Product quality satisfaction

22. Which of the following elements is LEAST necessary to a good corrective action feedback report?

a. What caused the failure
b. Who caused the failure
c. What correction has been made
d. When the correction is effective

23. First article testing most commonly focuses on:

a. Validation of products and processes
b. Verification of requirements and products
c. Validation of service procedures
d. Verification of processes and requirements

24. Forecasting, scheduling, inventory cost control, and freight expense controls are indicative of which of the following?

a. STS
b. SCM
c. JIT
d. RFP

Key

1.   c
2    d
3.   a
4.   d
5.   c
6.   b
7.   d
8.   b
9.   b
10. b
11. c
12. c
13. b
14. b
15. c
16. d
17. c
18. c
19. b
20. a
21. c
22. b
23. a
24. c

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