CSQP study plan
CSQP · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Supplier Quality Management and Leadership
Define the scope and core principles of Supplier Quality Management (SQM) and explain how they align with organizational quality policy and strategic objectives.
Map the end-to-end supplier quality lifecycle and identify leadership responsibilities at each stage.
Compare at least three leadership styles and assess their fit for driving supplier quality culture and cross-functional collaboration.
Draft a one-page supplier quality policy outline that includes measurable objectives and accountability mechanisms.
Your checkpoint
A one-page supplier quality policy outline with measurable objectives and a responsibility matrix (RACI) for key supplier quality activities.
Supplier Performance Monitoring and Measurement
Select and justify key performance indicators (KPIs) for supplier quality, delivery, and responsiveness, including defect rate, on-time delivery, and corrective action closure time.
Design a supplier scorecard template that weights KPIs appropriately and includes a clear rating scale.
Calculate supplier performance metrics from a provided dataset and interpret the results to identify underperforming suppliers.
Outline a monthly supplier performance review process, including data collection, analysis, and escalation triggers.
Your checkpoint
A supplier scorecard template with weighted KPIs and a worked example using sample data, plus a one-page performance review process flowchart.
Supplier Qualification and Selection & Quality Management Systems and Auditing
Develop a supplier qualification checklist covering financial stability, quality system maturity, technical capability, and capacity.
Explain the purpose and structure of common quality management system standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and their role in supplier selection.
Plan a supplier audit from planning to reporting, including audit scope, criteria, and evidence collection.
Differentiate between desk audits, on-site audits, and process audits, and select the appropriate type for given scenarios.
Your checkpoint
A supplier qualification checklist and a mock audit report for a fictional supplier, including findings and a recommendation.
Supplier Quality Tools and Techniques & Supplier Risk Management
Apply core supplier quality tools (e.g., FMEA, control plans, PPAP, MSA) to assess and mitigate risks in a supplier process.
Conduct a risk assessment using a risk matrix (likelihood vs. impact) for a supplier network scenario.
Develop risk mitigation strategies for high-risk suppliers, including dual sourcing, buffer stock, and increased inspection.
Integrate risk management into supplier selection and performance monitoring processes.
Your checkpoint
A risk register for a fictional supplier network with at least five identified risks, assessed and prioritized, and corresponding mitigation actions.
Supplier Development and Improvement
Identify supplier development needs based on performance gaps and risk assessments.
Design a supplier development plan that includes training, process improvement projects, and performance targets.
Apply continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., PDCA, Six Sigma) to a supplier quality problem.
Evaluate the effectiveness of a supplier development initiative using pre- and post-improvement metrics.
Your checkpoint
A supplier development plan for a low-performing supplier, including a gap analysis, improvement actions, timeline, and success metrics.
Communication, Negotiation, and Relationship Management
Develop a communication plan for engaging suppliers on quality expectations and performance feedback.
Apply negotiation strategies to resolve supplier quality disputes and secure corrective action commitments.
Role-play a difficult conversation with a supplier regarding a quality failure, focusing on relationship preservation and problem-solving.
Create a supplier relationship management framework that segments suppliers by strategic importance.
Your checkpoint
A negotiation role-play script and a supplier relationship management framework document outlining communication cadence and escalation paths.
Supplier Quality Management and Leadership & Supplier Performance Monitoring and Measurement & Quality Management Systems and Auditing
Integrate leadership, performance monitoring, and auditing concepts by reviewing a case study of a supplier quality crisis.
Analyze how leadership decisions impact supplier performance measurement and audit outcomes.
Propose improvements to a supplier quality management system based on audit findings and performance data.
Synthesize cross-domain knowledge to create a comprehensive supplier quality management plan.
Your checkpoint
A case study analysis report (2-3 pages) that identifies root causes of a supplier quality failure and recommends cross-domain improvements.
Supplier Quality Management and Leadership & Supplier Qualification and Selection & Supplier Performance Monitoring and Measurement & Supplier Development and Improvement & Supplier Risk Management & Quality Management Systems and Auditing & Supplier Quality Tools and Techniques & Communication, Negotiation, and Relationship Management
Review all domains using practice questions and identify weak areas for final reinforcement.
Create a condensed study sheet summarizing key concepts, formulas, and frameworks from each domain.
Simulate exam conditions by completing a timed practice test covering all domains.
Refine exam strategy, including time management and question prioritization.
Your checkpoint
A one-page study sheet and a timed practice test score report with a focused review plan for any remaining gaps.
Milestones
Week 4: Complete a 30-question practice quiz covering Domains 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 with a score of at least 70%.
Week 8: Complete a full-length practice exam under timed conditions and achieve a score of at least 80% overall, with no domain below 70%.