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Exam Information
Official specifications published by ASQ
Exam Format
258 min
110
550/750
Professional
Registration
$460 USD
Prometric or online proctoring
English only
Validity
Lifetime
CQI is a lifetime certification - no recertification required
CQI Exam Topics and Domains
CQI is organized into 4 weighted domains.
1
Technical Mathematics
19%
Basic Shop Math
Arithmetic OperationsSignificant DigitsPercent Change Calculation
- 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
- Demonstrate when and how to use percent change calculation
Basic Algebra
First-Degree Equations
Solve or simplify first-degree and single-variable equations
Basic Geometry
Geometric ParametersAngle CalculationsCoordinate Points
- Calculate general parameters for basic geometric shapes such as area, circumference, diameter, radius, perimeter, and volume
- Calculate complementary and supplementary angles
- Select the minimum number of coordinate points for shapes
Basic Trigonometry
Trigonometric Functions
Solve for angles and lengths using trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, tangent, and the Pythagorean Theorem
Measurement Systems
Unit Conversion
Convert units within and between English and metric measurement systems (SI)
Numeric Conversions
Numbering Methods
Use various numbering methods such as scientific notation, decimals, and fractions, and convert values between these methods
Basic Statistics and Applications
Measures of Central TendencyMeasures of DispersionMeasures of ProportionGraphical DisplaysNormal Distribution
- Calculate mean, median, and mode
- Calculate range, standard deviation, and variance
- Calculate percentage and ratio measures for various data sets
- Define, interpret, and use scatter diagrams, tally sheets, and bar charts to effectively display data
- Explain various characteristics of a normal distribution such as symmetry, bell curve, and central tendency
2
Metrology
26%
Common Gauges and Measurement Instruments
Variable GaugesAttribute GaugesTransfer GaugesMeasurement Scales
- Identify and use variable gauges including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and CMMs
- Identify and use attribute gauges including thread plugs, progressive gauges, ring gauges
- Identify and use transfer gauges including small-hole gauges, telescoping gauges, spring calipers
- Identify and use dial, digital, and vernier measurement scales
Special Gauges and Applications
Electronic Gauging ToolsAutomatic Gauging ComponentsPneumatic Gauging ComponentsForce GaugingEnvironment Instrumentation
Identify and describe electronic gauging tools, automatic gauging components, pneumatic gauging components, force gauging tools, and environment instrumentation
Gauge Selection, Handling, and Use
10:1 RuleGauge SelectionGauge Handling, Preservation, and StorageGauge Correlation
- Apply the 10:1 rule for inspection and calibration
- Select gauges according to feature, tolerance, accuracy, environment, resolution, and capability
- Apply methods of cleaning, handling, and storing gauges
- Apply methods for establishing gauge correlation
Surface Plate Tools and Techniques
Surface Plate EquipmentAngle Measurement Instruments
- Select and use height gauges, V-blocks, and indicators for surface plate measurements
- Identify and use protractors, sine bars, and angle blocks
Specialized Inspection Equipment
Measuring MassMeasuring FinishMeasuring Shape and ProfileOptical EquipmentSoftware-Based Measurement SystemsMeasuring Inclination
- Describe and apply weights, balances, and scales for mass measurement
- Describe and apply profilometers for finish measurement
- Understand mechanical comparators, roundness testers, precision spindles, and profile tracers
- Describe and apply optical comparators and microscopes
- Define and use software-based measurement systems and recognize their limitations
- Define and describe inclination measurement methods
Calibration
Calibration SystemsCalibration Standards and Equipment TraceabilityGauge Calibration EnvironmentOut-of-Calibration Effects
- Describe principles and purpose of calibration systems including intervals and uncertainty
- Understand the hierarchy of standards from working to international
- Understand environmental effects on calibration
- Describe effects of out-of-calibration instruments and corrective actions
Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
MSA Elements
Define and understand bias, stability, precision, accuracy, linearity, and repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) studies
3
Inspection and Test
32%
Blueprints, Drawings, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and Model-Based Definitions
Blueprints, Engineering Drawings, and Model-Based DefinitionsTerminology and SymbolsPosition and Bonus TolerancesPart Alignment and Datum Structure
- Define and interpret various sections of technical drawings and use this information to conduct inspections
- Define and interpret drawing views and use ASME Y14.5 Standard terms and symbols
- Calculate position and bonus tolerances from various drawings
- Determine part alignment and setup using the datum structure
Sampling
Sampling Concepts
Define and utilize acceptance quality limit, random sampling, lot and sample size, acceptance number, and sampling plans
Inspection Planning and Processes
Inspection TypesInspection ErrorsProduct TraceabilityIdentification of Nonconforming MaterialLevels of SeverityDisposition of Nonconforming Material
- Define and distinguish between incoming, first-article, in-process, and final inspections
- Identify potential inspection errors including bias, fatigue, flinching, and cosine error
- Identify product traceability methods including FIFO, barcoding, and lot numbering
- Describe methods of identifying nonconforming material
- Define severity levels and apply them to product features and defects
- Describe disposition methods for nonconforming material
Testing Methods
Nondestructive Testing (NDT)Destructive TestingFunctionality TestingHardness Testing
- Define and understand nondestructive testing methods
- Define and apply destructive testing methods
- Define and apply functionality testing methods
- Define and apply hardness testing scales
Software for Test Equipment
Software Validation Tools
- Identify and describe tools used to ensure test equipment software performs correctly
- Recognize various software validation methods
4
Quality Assurance and Improvement
23%
Quality Improvement
Terms and ConceptsProducts and Processes
- Define quality improvement concepts including defect detection/prevention, cost of poor quality, TQM, and customer satisfaction
- Define and distinguish between products and processes and their interrelationships
Quality Audits
Types of AuditsAudit ProcessAudit ToolsCommunication Tools and TechniquesCorrective Action Requests (CARs)
- Define and describe types of quality audits
- Explain stages of the audit process
- Define and describe audit tools
- Describe communication tools and techniques
- Describe how CARs support quality improvement
Quality Tools and Techniques
Seven Quality Tools
Apply Pareto charts, cause and effect diagrams, flowcharts, check sheets, scatter diagrams, and histograms
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Common and Special Cause VariationControl Limits and Specification LimitsVariables ChartsAttributes ChartsProcess Capability Analysis
- Explain common and special cause variation and determine process control status
- Define and distinguish between control limits and specification limits
- Identify characteristics of and apply X-bar R and X-bar s charts
- Identify characteristics of and apply p, np, c, and u charts
- Define and describe differences between Cp, Cpk, Pp, and Ppk
Problem-Solving Tools and Continuous Improvement Techniques
PDCA/PDSA CyclesLean Tools5S / 6SSix Sigma DMAICFMEA8D Methodology5 WhysFault Tree AnalysisCorrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)
- Define and describe PDCA/PDSA cycles
- Define lean tools and concepts for waste elimination
- Apply 5S/6S methodology
- Define Six Sigma DMAIC phases
- Understand FMEA, 8D methodology, 5 Whys, fault tree analysis, and CAPA
Resources
Environmental and Safety SupportReference DocumentsEmployees as ResourcesQuality Documentation
- Define and use SDS, MDS, and PPE resources
- Identify and use national/international standards (ISO, ANSI, ASTM, QS, NIST)
- Describe employee empowerment and team development stages
- Identify and apply basic quality documentation including ISO 9001, FAIR, ISIR, and PPAPs
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CQI earns the Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certification. It sits in the Inspector/Technician track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
Alternative Paths
- CQT - Certified Quality TechnicianComplementary to CQI with broader technician skills including SPC and design
- CCT - Certified Calibration TechnicianDeep specialization in calibration, which is a significant portion of CQI content
- CSQP - Certified Supplier Quality ProfessionalExtends quality inspection skills into supplier quality management
- CSSYB - Certified Six Sigma Yellow BeltIntroductory Six Sigma certification that builds on CQI quality improvement knowledge
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for CQI is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025 Body of Knowledge update
Updates
- Software-Based Measurement Systems 2025 BoK Expanded coverage of digital cameras, vision inspection systems, and software limitations for datums and axis operations • Release date: 2025-01-01
- ASME Y14.5 Standard Y14.5-2009 Core reference for GD&T terminology and symbols used throughout the Inspection and Test domain • Release date: 2009-01-01
- ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems 2015 Referenced in quality documentation and audit process topics within Domain IV • Release date: 2015-09-15
Who should take this exam?
Two years of on-the-job experience in one or more areas of the CQI Body of Knowledge, OR successful completion of an ASQ-approved accredited technical/apprenticeship training course
- Experience in quality inspection
- Familiarity with metrology and measurement instruments
- Knowledge of GD&T and blueprint reading