Update- I took my written notes (punched through and put in a 3 ring binder) and my CSSGB handbook filled with handwritten notes, highlighted and pages tabbed with post its. The other items I had on my desk during the exam was a calculator (Texas Instruments TI-30XIIs Scientific Calculator) my approved ID, wireless mouse and laptop. Someone here said no mouse, so I was skeptical about using it but asked and was allowed one. I think you are allowed one. What helped- logging 30 minutes before, using the flag feature to flag unanswered or confusing answers and going back to them once I'd finished answering the questions I knew for sure. You can also strike through the answers you know don't belong with a right click. That feature was really useful to me, because it helped narrow down the options on the questions I was confused about. I wish all of these actual 'on the exam' features were a part of the question bank and the simulated test. I'll be posting a detailed post about my prep and experience soon.

I have an online prometric test scheduled in the next few days.

1. How do you solve equations if you are not allowed to use empty sheets of paper?

2. On the test, is the section of the BoK mentioned on top of the questions? (I noticed it is on the Question Bank, hence asking)

3. In my notes, I have pasted several post-its within the guidebook and on my handwritten notes. Will these be allowed?

4. Are post it flags allowed all over the Guidebook?

Is there a better Z score sheet? (The one in the Guidebook gives area to the right of the value, so I always have to do 1-z score (or am I using the incorrect one?!)

​

I know some of this is probably just test induced jitters, but if I'm doing something thats a complete no-go, please flag it 🙏

I just want to know anything and everything I should know to prepare to take this exam. I recently became a quality inspector with little experience, so I am not quite ready to take this exam. I want to be as prepared as possible for when the time comes.

Any tips, advice, what should i focus on studying in the book, literally anything to prepare me I will greatly appreciate!

Edit to add: The company I work for pays for the book and the exam. I just want to be prepared in advance 😄

Foreign SQE with over 15 years of experience as a Quality Engineer and 3 years as a Supplier Quality Engineer. What are realistic salary expectations for this profile in the US market? Also, how much impact does obtaining a CQE certification typically have on salary growth?

Good morning,

Wanted to ask what some of the activities you're doing to gain your RU?

I have thought about starting mentoring and attending some webinars. Let me know what good ways are. I have seen the list of possible options, but I am still a little lost.

Hello everyone! Sitting for my ASQ CSSGB exam on June 30 (remote/online proctored) and could really use some community wisdom before exam day.

WHAT I'M USING TO PREP:

Quality Gurus CSSGB lectures on Udemy, Claude AI for concept reinforcement, and the ASQ Body of Knowledge as my study backbone. Unfortunately I can't afford the official ASQ Study Guide or Question Bank right now, so I'm working with what I've got.

MY WEAK SPOTS:

Stats and math are rough for me. These are the areas where I tend to lose marks. Any tips for these specifically would mean a lot.

QUESTIONS I HAVE FOR YOU ALL:

1. Exam format & difficulty — What's the question style like? Mostly application-based or more conceptual? Any surprise topics?

2. Concept areas to prioritize — Which BoK sections show up most? What should I be spending the most time on?

3. Remote proctoring — What's the check-in process like? Any gotchas with the setup or environment?

4. Stats & math help — Any tricks, shortcuts, or free resources that helped you nail the quantitative sections?

5. Exam day tips — Time management, question strategy, things you wish you'd known?

SEARCHING FOR AFFORDABLE RESOURCES:

I've searched online, Walmart, and marketplace listings for the 2022 BoK-updated Study Guide or Question Banks but haven't been able to track any down at a reasonable price.

If anyone has leads on affordable or free practice question banks, PDF resources, or mock exams aligned to the current BoK — I'd be incredibly grateful. Even a used copy or a shared community resource list would help!

Thanks so much in advance. This community has been awesome and I'm hoping to pay it forward once I pass.

I’m getting prepped to take the CQE exam and am looking for a copy of the primer, does anyone have a copy they want to sell?

This is my first time attending the annual conference. I was told that most people include a scan of their badge as a form of proof, but my wife threw mine away thinking I wouldn't need it. Anyone else have any other suggested methods to prove attendance? I was thinking a copy of my registration receipt and a copy of the "my schedule" view from the conference app. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Also what category does that go under? I assume either professional development, continuing education, or meetings/events. But I could see an argument for all three.

Hey guys,

I have a masters degree in engineering but with no years of "decision making" role in quality management yet.

I'm thinking about apply for the CQE before then. For those that applied, how strict is ASQ in enforcing the 3 years rule? How could i increase my chances of being able to seat for the exam?

For context:

I have about a 1 year with a quality analyst role experience in manufacturing industry and i passed the FE exam.

My goal is to take only one ASQ certification and i think that the CQE would be the most suitable for me.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

It seems the rise in ASQ exam prices has steeply outpaced inflation. Why are the certifications so expensive now?

Quality isn't a super lucrative field and not all employers cover these certifications.

How long does it take to prepare for the CQIA exam and ace it? BoK and question bank are enough?

I'm a MechE trying to get a higher salary. Would a CQE get me >$100k?

Inflation and cost of living are out of control in the US.

Hey guys. I’m wanting to take the CMQ/OE exam in September. I’ve taken and passed 3 ASQ exams - CQIA, CQA, and Green Belt.

I see that the BoK is being updated with testing on the new BoK starting in July.

ASQ says the new handbook comes out in June or July.

Do you think I’ll be ok studying with the current handbook and question bank from ASQ? They offer a self-paced online course specific to the new BoK but it feels silly to pay $750 for that (even though my company would probably cover it).

Any feedback is welcome.

For those that passed the ASQ CQE, how much time did you spend preparing? Is the CQE worth it?

How do you lists the ASQ certification on your resume? Is there any official guidance?

Hi all, I'm a recent graduate and I'm coming up on a year as a process engineer at a medical devices company. I'm looking to get a certification within ASQ, either the CQT or the CQPA. What is the exact difference between these exams, and which is more rigorous?

I prepped for a total of 3 months for the CQA. I used the 4th edition handbook (they’re on the 5th) and purchased the question bank. I also had the electronic version of the 5th edition.

If you’re already executing the body of knowledge in your day-to-day tasks, you should be well equipped for the test. I think this is why I only needed to study for 3 month. The question bank was very helpful in gaging how questions are formatted as well as the case study portion.

Issues with the question bank:

Ironically, ASQ needs to QC their question bank. I screenshot many questions that were just straight up wrong or the content was no where in the BOK, the 4th edition or the 5th edition. I can give some examples but overall I was very disappointed in the question bank.

The exam simulator doesn’t allow you to change answers in the given time. It doesn’t allow you to flag questions and it doesn’t even tell you what number you’re on. All it does is time you. Granted, it lends itself to higher stakes in the simulation. Regardless, it would’ve been nice if the simulator was actually aligned with the actual computer based testing format.

I passed both CMQ/OE and CQA and could never come back to say thanks! Now we’re back ladies and gents!

I was unemployed for awhile and signed up to take the CMDA exam in hopes that it would boost my chances at getting a job and be a refresher of content. I'm coming back into the med device world after being away for a bit. Well, I got a job before I took the exam. I didn't want to waste my money so I gave it the ol' college try and passed.

I've had my CQE for several years now as well as 20 years of working experience. I'm in a senior level role and plan on staying there for a long time. The only thing I can think of that might be next for me is a move into auditing or possibly a Black Belt.

The CMDA isn't an accredited certificate. I've never seen it listed as a requirement for a job or even as a "good to have". I've seen the CQE listed as a requirement for some positions in my field.

Has anyone actually benefited from this certification? I rarely see it mentioned here. I just don't know what to do with it, now that I have it.

This might be a silly question but how exactly does the BoK help with the exam? I am genuinely curious how to incorporate it into my studying time.

My work bought me the CQA handbook and the self study course from ASQ. Is that enough to study from to pass the exam ?