CQIA

The CQIA is offered as a computer-based test at Prometric test centers and as a paper-based or translated exam. Computer-based exams include a basic scientific calculator on screen. All ASQ exams are open book, but references must be bound and are inspected by the test center administrator before you enter the exam room.

Yes, the exam is open book, but all reference materials, including notes, must be bound. Bound means stitched or glued, or securely fastened in a cover with ring binders, spiral binders, plastic snap binders, brads, or screw posts. Hand-stapled documents and unbound notes are prohibited. Post-Its may be used only as book tabs attached before entry.

For computer-based exams, a basic scientific calculator is available on screen, and Prometric staff can provide a hand-held basic calculator on request. You may bring any silent, hand-held, battery-operated calculator with no programmable memory. Programmable or graphing calculators, including the TI-89 or similar, are not allowed.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment for check-in. If you are late, you will not be allowed to test and will forfeit your exam fee. Bring one valid government-issued photo ID with a signature, and make sure the name matches your application.

You must change your appointment at least five days before the scheduled date using Prometric’s online Reschedule/Cancel option or automated voice response system. There is a $130 fee for changing an appointment. If you fail to appear, you lose all application fees.

Application review takes 1–2 business days for online applications and 3–5 business days for hardcopy applications. After review, ASQ sends an approval notification or a hold message requesting more information. If you do not meet exam requirements, you receive a refund minus a $130 processing fee.

For computer-based testing, you should receive an eligibility email with Prometric scheduling instructions 1–2 business days after your approval notification. For paper-based or translated exams, you will not receive an eligibility email; instead, a seating letter with your exam date, time, and location arrives about two weeks before the exam.

Start with the CQIA Body of Knowledge and fact sheet linked from ASQ’s CQIA page. Use the BoK to build a topic checklist, then review quality tools, methods, and teamwork concepts and practice applying them to project examples. Since the exam is open book, organize your bound references and tabs around the same topics.

The ASQ CQIA page used for this summary does not publish retake fees, waiting periods, or attempt limits. Check ASQ’s current policies directly before scheduling a retake; do not rely on older figures. The page does state that failure to appear forfeits all application fees.