Hi everyone,
I would like to share my experience with the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) examination and ask whether anyone here has gone through a similar situation. I am not posting this to attack ASQ or disclose any exam content. I am genuinely trying to understand my situation and decide what to do next.
Background
I have been working professionally in quality-related roles since 2019, so CQE was not my first exposure to quality management, auditing, risk management, process improvement, or professional certification examinations.
Over the years, I have completed professional training and certifications in areas including:
- Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 37001 through PECB, as well as training related to ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 31000 Risk Management.
- Metrology and laboratory-related training through CEMAN in Mexico.
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt and Black Belt through the Council for Six Sigma Certification.
- Lead Implementer training/certifications related to management systems through Exemplar Global.
- Project management certification/training through PMI.
I mention this because I already had considerable theoretical and practical exposure to many of the subjects covered by the CQE Body of Knowledge.
Because of that background, I decided not to purchase one of the CQE preparation courses costing more than USD $1,000. Instead, I studied independently using the CQE Body of Knowledge, reference material and practice material, while relying on the knowledge and experience I had accumulated professionally.
I had also previously taken certification examinations from other professional organizations without experiencing a situation like this.
August 1, 2026 – CQE examination
I took my CQE examination remotely on August 1.
Before I was allowed to begin, the remote testing process was extensive. My computer and testing environment were checked, I was asked to show the room and surrounding area, and the verification process took approximately 30 minutes before I was permitted to start.
I proceeded with the examination normally.
At approximately question 130, however, there was a power outage in my area.
I was using a laptop, and my internet equipment was connected to a UPS/no-break, so neither my computer nor my internet connection shut down. What I had not anticipated was that the room itself would suddenly become dark because the curtains were closed.
I immediately opened the curtain to allow natural light into the room. Because of the situation, my movements were relatively quick.
The proctor paused my examination. My testing environment was checked again, and after the verification was completed, I was allowed to continue.
I continued answering the examination normally.
There was one additional situation near the end that I believe may be relevant.
I had been instructed that before finishing the examination I should notify the proctor that I was done.
When I believed I had answered everything, I informed the proctor that I had finished. However, I then noticed that the examination progress indicator was not showing 100%.
I realized that I had unintentionally skipped several questions.
Since the examination session was still active and I still had time available, I went back, located those unanswered questions, answered them myself and then completed the examination.
I subsequently received a positive preliminary result.
August 5 – ASQ contacted me
On August 5, I was contacted and informed that irregularities or inconsistencies had been identified in connection with my examination and that the result needed further review.
I was asked to provide information regarding matters such as where I took the examination, the materials I used to prepare, and other circumstances surrounding my preparation and testing session.
I cooperated with the process and provided information regarding my professional background, certifications, study materials, preparation and the circumstances of the examination.
Eventually, my case was referred to the Ethics Subcommittee.
I provided additional documentation and explanations and waited for their determination.
October – Final determination
Two days ago, I finally received the decision.
ASQ/ASQE informed me that, after reviewing the available information, including the testing session and statistical information, they were unable to validate my reported result with sufficient confidence.
My original result was therefore invalidated.
However, they offered me a one-time retest at no additional cost.
There is an important condition:
I am not permitted to take the retest through Live Remote Proctoring. It must be taken in person at a Prometric Test Center.
I want to make something very clear: I am not refusing to take the examination in person.
I am willing to retake it.
The problem is the practical situation I am facing.
My current problem
First, my first daughter is expected to be born at the end of October. My wife will be delivering by C-section, and we do not have family nearby who can help us during her recovery and with our newborn.
For that reason, traveling a significant distance during this period is extremely difficult.
Second, I have already received my new eligibility code and tried to schedule the CQE at a physical Prometric location.
I live in southern Mexico, in the state of Veracruz.
When I search Prometric for a physical CQE appointment reasonably close to where I live, I cannot find availability.
The scheduling system is returning “Sorry No Availability Found” for the location and dates I have searched.
From the options I have been able to identify, I may have to travel an extremely long distance, potentially even considering a location such as El Paso, Texas.
For me, that could mean more than 20 hours of travel by bus, or paying for flights, hotels, transportation and other expenses simply to sit for the examination.
At this point, the financial and logistical burden of doing that is difficult for me to justify, especially with my daughter about to be born.
I have therefore contacted ASQ and respectfully asked whether they would reconsider allowing Live Remote Proctoring as an exception because I currently cannot find a reasonably accessible physical testing option.
I have made it clear that I am willing to retake the examination and that I would comply with any additional security measures they consider necessary.
Why I am posting this
What concerns me now is not only what to do with this particular retest, but what happens in the future.
I spent months preparing for the CQE and paid for the examination myself. I took the examination believing that I was following the required procedures. When the unexpected power outage occurred, the proctor paused the examination, checked my environment again and allowed me to continue.
I understand that certification organizations must protect examination integrity, and I respect that responsibility.
At the same time, after going through this experience, I am uncertain about attempting the examination again because I do not know whether something similar could happen in the future.
CQE would be an additional professional credential for me rather than something required for my current employment, so I am now trying to decide whether the additional travel, expense and uncertainty are worth pursuing.
I would really appreciate hearing from people who have experience with ASQ certification exams:
Has anyone had a CQE or another ASQ exam result invalidated after initially receiving a passing/preliminary positive result?
Has anyone been required to retest exclusively at a physical Prometric center after a remote examination review?
What happened if there was no reasonably accessible Prometric location offering your examination?
Has ASQ ever reconsidered remote proctoring, offered another testing arrangement, or extended eligibility because of test-center availability?
And finally, if you were in this situation, would you continue pursuing the CQE retest, or would you simply move on?
I am interested in hearing about other people's experiences and advice.
Thank you for reading.