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Exam Information
Official specifications published by ASQ
Exam Format
110
Scaled score (cut score determined per exam administration)
Technician
Registration
$460 USD
Prometric or online proctoring
English only
Validity
Lifetime (no recertification required)
CQT Exam Topics and Domains
CQT is organized into 6 weighted domains.
1
Quality Concepts and Tools
19%
Quality Concepts
Customers and SuppliersQuality Principles for Products and ProcessesQuality Standards, Requirements, and SpecificationsCost of Quality (COQ)
- Define internal and external customers and suppliers and their relationships
- Explain quality principles for products and processes including PPAP
- Distinguish between standards, requirements, and specifications
- Describe and classify cost of quality categories and apply COPQ
Quality Tools
The Seven Basic Quality ToolsProblem-Solving TechniquesLeanContinuous Improvement Techniques
- Select, construct, and interpret all seven basic quality tools
- Apply problem-solving techniques such as 5 Whys and 8D
- Identify key lean concepts and tools
- Apply continuous improvement techniques including PDCA and DMAIC
ASQ Code of Ethics for Professional Conduct
ASQ Code of Ethics for Professional Conduct
Determine and apply appropriate behaviors and actions that comply with the ASQ Code of Ethics
2
Statistical Techniques
17%
General Concepts
TerminologyNormal Distribution
- Identify and explain statistical terms
- Define normal distribution and explain area under the normal curve
Calculations
Measures of Central TendencyMeasures of DispersionConfidence Levels and Limits
- Compute and interpret measures of central tendency
- Compute and interpret measures of dispersion
- Explain confidence levels and confidence limits
Control Charts
Control Limits vs. Specification LimitsVariables ChartsAttributes ChartsProcess Capability MeasuresCommon and Special Cause Variation
- Distinguish between control limits and specification limits
- Identify, construct, and interpret variables and attributes charts
- Calculate and interpret process capability indices
- Interpret control chart patterns to distinguish common from special cause variation
3
Metrology and Calibration
16%
Types of Measurement and Test Equipment (M&TE)
Hand ToolsGaugesOptical ToolsCoordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)Electronic Measuring EquipmentWeights, Balances, and ScalesSurface Plate Methods and EquipmentSurface AnalyzersForce Measurement Tools
Describe all types of M&TE including hand tools, gauges, optical tools, CMMs, electronic equipment, weighing equipment, surface plates, surface analyzers, and force measurement tools
Control and Maintenance of M&TE
M&TE Identification, Control, and MaintenanceCustomer-Supplied M&TE
- Describe and apply M&TE identification, control, and maintenance methodologies
- Describe and apply requirements for customer-supplied M&TE
Calibration of M&TE
Calibration IntervalsCalibration ResultsCalibration ErrorHierarchy of Standards
- Apply calibration schedules based on usage history and risk
- Interpret calibration results and assess impact of out-of-calibration equipment
- Identify causes and effects of calibration error
- Explain the hierarchy of standards and their relationships
4
Inspection and Test
21%
Reading and Interpreting Drawings
Drawing Symbols and ComponentsGeometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)Classification of Product Defect Characteristics and Symbols
- Interpret engineering drawings and apply requirements to inspection
- Define and apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5
- Classify product defect characteristics and identify symbols
Inspection Concepts
Types of MeasurementsGauge SelectionMeasurement System Analysis (MSA)Rounding RulesConversion of MeasurementsInspection PointsInspection ErrorProduct TraceabilityCertificates of Compliance (CoC) and Analysis (CoA)
- Define and select measurement types
- Evaluate and select appropriate gauges
- Perform and interpret MSA and gauge R&R studies
- Apply rounding rules and measurement conversions
- Determine appropriate inspection points
- Explain inspection errors, product traceability, and certificates
Sampling
Sampling CharacteristicsSampling TypesSelecting Samples from Lots
- Define and apply sampling characteristics
- Distinguish between and apply various sampling types
- Determine sample sizes and accept/reject criteria
Nonconforming Material
Identifying and SegregatingMaterial Review Process
- Determine conformance and apply methods for nonconforming material control
- Explain the material review process including MRB functions and disposition
5
Quality Audits
13%
Audit Types and Terminology
Audit Types and Terminology
- Define all basic audit types including virtual audits
- Distinguish between first-, second-, and third-party audits
Audit Components
Audit Components
- Describe and apply all elements of the audit process
- Grade and classify audit findings appropriately
Audit Tools and Techniques
Audit Tools and Techniques
Define and apply audit checklists, data gathering, tracing techniques, and sampling plans
6
Risk Management
14%
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Describe risk assessment methods including FMEA, RCA, SPC trend analysis, and control plans
Corrective Action
Corrective Action
Explain and apply all elements of the corrective action process from problem identification through effectiveness validation
Preventive Action
Preventive Action
Explain and apply elements of the preventive action process including error-proofing, procedural changes, and lessons learned
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CQT earns the Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification. It sits in the Quality Management track.
Next Level Options
Alternative Paths
- CRE - Certified Reliability EngineerComplementary skill set for quality professionals interested in reliability
- CSQP - Certified Supplier Quality ProfessionalBuilds on supplier relationship knowledge from CQT Domain I
- CMQ/OE - Certified Manager of Quality / Organizational ExcellenceAdvanced management-level quality certification for career progression to leadership
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 CQT 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: 2024 (2024 Body of Knowledge released)
Updates
- PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) New content in Domain I - Quality Concepts, questions may test PPAP understanding and application
- Virtual Audits New audit type in Domain V - candidates must understand virtual audit concepts
- PFMEA and DFMEA distinction Domain VI now explicitly distinguishes between Process FMEA and Design FMEA
- Lessons Learned and Read Across Domain VI preventive action now includes evaluating lessons learned and conducting read across
Who should take this exam?
4 years of on-the-job experience in one or more areas of the CQT Body of Knowledge (full-time, paid role)
- Experience in quality assurance and control processes
- Familiarity with inspection, data collection, and results analysis
- Knowledge of quality standards and specifications