Understanding the Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) exam’s format can make all the difference in how you feel on test day. This blog will break down the CQA exam format, the number of questions, the timing, and the scoring system.
The CQA exam, offered by ASQ, is designed to test your knowledge and skills as a quality auditor. However, tackling it successfully requires more than just subject knowledge – it requires a smart strategy.
In this article, we will break down the key elements of the CQA exam format, from the structure and timing to the scoring system, so you will be fully equipped for success on exam day.
CQA Exam Structure
One of the first things to understand when preparing for the Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) exam is its overall structure. Knowing the exam layout will help you strategize your study plan and confidently approach the test.
The CQA exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions in total. Of these, 150 questions are scored, and 15 are unscored pilot questions that ASQ uses for future exams. Since the unscored questions are randomly placed throughout the exam and aren’t identified, treating each question as if it will impact your overall score is crucial.
The exam includes only multiple-choice questions. Each question presents a statement or scenario followed by four possible answers.
Computer-Based vs. Paper-Based Options
ASQ offers two CQA exam formats: computer-based testing (CBT) and paper-based testing (PBT). The computer-based option is the most popular and is available at various testing centers. With the CBT format, candidates can easily navigate the questions and flag any they wish to review later.
While less common, the paper-based option is offered in locations where computer-based exams may not be accessible or during specific testing events. Both formats have the same time limit and question content, so your preparation remains consistent regardless of the exam type you choose.
2 Types of Questions: Conceptual and Scenario-Based
The questions in the CQA exam are designed to evaluate both your conceptual understanding and practical application of auditing knowledge.
The conceptual questions focus on auditing principles, definitions, and standards. They test your foundational knowledge of topics such as auditing terminology, types of audits, and quality tools.
The scenario-based questions present real-world situations that auditors might face. They require you to apply your knowledge and experience to analyze a problem, make decisions, and choose the most appropriate action.
Mastering both types of questions is crucial for success, as the exam blends theoretical understanding with practical problem-solving. Also, the questions are never written exactly as you find in the ASQ CQA handbook, so understanding the topics and concepts is essential.
CQA Exam Duration and Timing Management
Managing your time effectively is one of the most important factors to consider when preparing for the Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) exam. The exam gives you 5.5 hours to answer 165 multiple-choice questions. Therefore, proper time management is critical to ensuring you can answer every question without feeling rushed.
Important note: On the ASQ CQA website, it says, “Total appointment time is five-and-a-half-hours, exam time is 5 hours and 18 minutes.” However, during my remote exam (August/2024), I had 5 hours and 30 minutes for the exam itself, without considering the initial checks with the Prometric team and the explanation of the exam platform.
With 165 questions to complete, you’ll have 2 minutes per question. It’s essential to pace yourself throughout the exam. Spending too much time on a single question could cause you to run out of time before reaching the end.
A good strategy is first to answer the questions you’re confident about and flag any you’re unsure of. This allows you to return to the difficult questions later rather than getting stuck early on and wasting valuable time.
Effective time management is critical for ensuring you finish the exam within the time limit. Practicing with timed mock exams can help build confidence and improve your pacing. This will give you a clear sense of how long you should spend on each question and make the exam more familiar.
It’s also a good idea to plan for some review time at the end of the exam. Ideally, you should aim to finish the exam with about 30 minutes to spare so you have enough time to go back and review any flagged or tricky questions. This review buffer allows you to ensure you didn’t miss anything. It will enable you to rethink any questions that might need a second look.
In the remote exam format, it is possible to flag questions that you want to go back to with the click of a button. The questions you flag will have a little flag next to the question number. This way, when you finish the exam, you can easily find the questions you marked for yourself to revisit.
By managing your time wisely and staying aware of how much time you spend on each question, you can confidently approach the CQA exam and maximize your chances of success.
CQA Exam Scoring System
The CQA exam has a passing score system that is very different from what I (and probably you) have seen. This exam doesn’t have a specific number of correct answers to pass the exam. The exam score varies depending on the difficulty level of the randomly selected questions. The ASQ website says the passing score is typically around 550 out of 750 points.
The CQA exam is scaled, meaning the score reflects the difficulty level of the questions you answered correctly. This is because no exam is the same. It’s like they have a folder with hundreds and hundreds of questions, and they are randomly chosen for each exam. Suppose your exam happens to have more difficult questions. In that case, your passing score will not be the same as that of the other person who got easier questions in their exam.
In saying that, I believe you should not spend further time trying to understand the ASQ score system. This is because you will not receive a scorecard or something similar after you complete your exam. This is the same for anyone, regardless of whether the exam type is computer-based or paper-based. ASQ will only notify you if you passed or failed; if you passed, you will receive the CQA certificate and the CQA badge.
Conclusion
Understanding the CQA exam’s structure, timing, and scoring system is crucial for effective preparation and success. You can approach it with confidence and a solid strategy by knowing how the exam is laid out—165 multiple-choice questions, a 5.5-hour time limit, and a scaled scoring system.
Effective time management and focusing on conceptual and scenario-based questions will help maximize your performance. Remember, preparation is critical, and with the right approach, you can excel and achieve your Certified Quality Auditor certification.
That ends my guide about the CQA exam format for more understanding of the exam so you can feel more prepared on exam day.
It may look a lot, but if you are serious about becoming a certified quality auditor, it’s only fair that you put enough effort into studying the exam structure and for the exam, right?
If you have questions, please share them in the comments section. Finally, make sure you read the other articles about the Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) exam to master the exam and pass it in less time and with less effort