Process: Learn > Prepare > Apply > Certify
The Certified Quality Inspector is an inspector who, in support of and under the direction of quality engineers, supervisors, or technicians, can use the proven techniques included in the body of knowledge. Under professional direction, the quality inspector evaluates hardware documentation, performs laboratory procedures, inspects products, measures process performance, records data and prepares formal reports.
Download the Quality Inspector Certification Brochure (PDF, 219 KB).
ASQ Members $268 (save $150)
Non-members $418
Retakes $208
Download an Application (CBT Delivered Exams) (PDF, 148 KB).
Price includes $70 non-refundable fee.
Here are the requirements and exam specifics for a Certified Quality Inspector.
Work experience must be in a full-time, paid role. Paid intern, co-op or any other course work cannot be applied toward the work experience requirement.
Degrees or diplomas from educational institutions outside the United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S. educational institutions.
*Requires pre-approval -please contact Cert@asq.org for more details
Here are the minimum expectations of a Certified Quality Inspector.
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 entry refers to the maximum cognitive level at which the topic will be tested. A more complete description of cognitive levels is provided at the end of this document.
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.
Download the Certified Quality Inspector Body of Knowledge
ASQ designed these resources to help you get ready to take the exam. Have you already reviewed these items? If so, you're ready to choose an exam date below.
Review a list of references that provide the basis for the exam questions. These items give you a better idea of the material covered in the exam.
Take an interactive sample exam to receive additional feedback on the questions that appear in the sample exam. Print out the paper-and-pencil sample exam (PDF, 855 KB) to see the actual test format, including instructions and test questions from past exams.
ASQ offers books and training opportunities to help you prepare.
Need more training options? ASQ Sections and ASQ Forums/Divisions offer more training opportunities.
Each certification candidate is required to pass an examination that consists of multiple choice questions that measure comprehension of the Body of Knowledge.
Computer Delivered - The CQI examination is a one-part, 110-question, four-and-a-half-hour exam and is offered in English only. 100 questions are scored and 10 are unscored.
Paper and Pencil - The CQI examination is a one-part, 100-question, four-hour exam and is offered in English only.
All examinations are open book with the exception of the constructed response (essay) portion of the CMQ/OE exam. Each participant must bring his or her own reference materials. Use of reference materials and calculators is explained in the FAQs.
ASQ certification examinations are delivered by ASQ's testing partner, Prometric. The examination scheduling instructions in your eligibility letter will direct you to a section of Prometric's website, where you can select and schedule your examination date and location.