CSQP study materials
CSQP study resources

CSQP study plan

CSQP · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

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.

Week 2

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.

Week 3

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.

Week 4

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.

Week 5

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.

Week 6

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.

Week 7

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.

Week 8

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%.