CQE study plan
CQE · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Quantitative Methods and Tools
Calculate descriptive statistics, probability, and sampling-distribution values for 25 CQE-style problems.
Construct a decision tree for selecting z, t, chi-square, and F tests, listing assumptions for each.
Compute confidence intervals and required sample sizes for means and proportions.
Write a one-page formula sheet covering descriptive statistics and statistical inference.
Your checkpoint
Timed 25-question quantitative quiz scored at least 80%, with a corrected error log for every missed item.
Quantitative Methods and Tools & Product, Process, and Service Design
Solve 15 hypothesis-test and ANOVA problems, stating assumptions and conclusions in writing.
Construct a two-level fractional factorial design and identify confounding patterns.
Calculate main effects and interactions from a supplied response table.
Map voice-of-customer statements to CTQs and draft a QFD matrix excerpt.
Your checkpoint
DOE worksheet containing three solved designs, one confounding analysis, and a QFD excerpt scored against a 10-point rubric.
Product, Process, and Service Design & Product and Process Control
Translate design outputs into a control plan listing CTQs, specifications, measurement methods, and reaction plans.
Select the appropriate control chart for 10 process scenarios and justify each choice.
Calculate Cp, Cpk, Pp, and Ppk and interpret each result.
Perform a gage repeatability and reproducibility calculation and classify the measurement system.
Your checkpoint
Completed control plan plus a capability and MSA problem set scored at least 85%.
Product and Process Control & Continuous Improvement
Construct X-bar and R charts and p-charts from supplied data and identify out-of-control signals.
Conduct root-cause analysis using 5 Whys and fishbone diagrams for three process cases.
Calculate process capability before and after a simulated improvement.
Draft an A3 or PDCA one-pager for one selected process problem.
Your checkpoint
90-minute mixed 30-question set scored at least 80%, plus a completed A3 one-pager.
Continuous Improvement
Compare 5S, value-stream mapping, kanban, and poka-yoke, and select a tool for eight scenarios.
Calculate sigma level, DPU, DPMO, and rolled throughput yield from supplied data.
Build a DMAIC project charter with tollgate deliverables and success metrics.
Evaluate three continuous-improvement proposals using cost, cycle time, and defect-reduction criteria.
Your checkpoint
DMAIC charter plus a 20-question continuous-improvement quiz scored at least 85%.
The Quality System & Management and Leadership
Map ISO 9001 clause requirements to audit evidence for 10 scenarios.
Draft a quality policy, measurable quality objectives, and role responsibilities for a sample organization.
Classify 12 cost-of-quality examples into prevention, appraisal, internal failure, and external failure.
Build a training-competence matrix and a supplier-qualification checklist.
Your checkpoint
Two-page quality-system crosswalk plus a 15-question quiz scored at least 80%.
Management and Leadership & Risk Management
Apply leadership and team-development concepts to six workplace scenarios and select appropriate conflict-resolution approaches.
Build a risk register using severity, occurrence, and detection ratings and prioritize the top five risks.
Perform an FMEA on a simple process, calculate RPN values, and recommend risk-reduction actions.
Explain how risk-based thinking applies to quality planning, operations, and improvement.
Your checkpoint
Completed FMEA worksheet and risk register with documented top-five mitigation actions.
Quantitative Methods and Tools & Risk Management
Complete a full-length timed practice exam covering all seven CQE domains.
Review every missed item and classify errors as knowledge, calculation, or misreading.
Re-solve the 20 highest-risk missed items without notes.
Write a final one-page summary of formulas, risk tools, and decision rules for exam day.
Your checkpoint
Full-length practice exam scored at least 80%, with a corrected error log and final one-page summary sheet.
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on the DOE and hypothesis-testing worksheet and correctly identify confounding in a fractional factorial design.
Week 4: Score at least 80% on the 90-minute mixed control and improvement set and submit a complete A3 one-pager.
Week 6: Score at least 80% on the quality-system quiz and produce a clause-to-evidence crosswalk covering at least 10 ISO 9001 requirements.
Week 8: Score at least 80% on the full-length practice exam and show corrected error logs for all missed items.