ASQ Certification Handbook

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2007 ASQ

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY

CertificationH A N D B O O K

ASQ grants permission for individuals to use this handbook as a means to prepare for the formalexamination. This handbook may be printed, reproduced, and used for non-commercial, personal, oreducational purposes only, provided that (i) the handbook text is not modified, and (ii) ASQs copyrightnotice is included. The user assumes all risks of copyright infringement.


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Table of ContentsIntroduction to ASQ Certification Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Exams and the Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Many Phases of Exam Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Job Analysis and Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Advisory Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Member Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Body of Knowledge (BOK) Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Question-Writing Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Question Review Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Exam Review Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Exam Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Grading Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Common Questions From Exam Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6How do I decide which certification is right for me? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

How do I apply for an examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

How should I prepare for an examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Study Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Study Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Other resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

How is the cut-score (the passing score) determined for a test?. . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Why are scaled scores used instead of raw scores? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

How is the difficulty level of a test determined in order to create

the scaled scores? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

How are the constructed response papers for the Certified Manager of

Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) examination scored? . . . . 11

When will I receive my exam results? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

What if I do not pass an ASQ examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

What does my score report tell me? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

How do I interpret my score report? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

How do I sign up to retake an examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

How can I prepare to retake an examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14When should I retake an examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Are the exams available in languages other than English? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Appendix A Test-taking Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Appendix B Levels of Cognition: Based on Blooms TaxonomyRevised (2001) . . 16

Appendix C Top 10 Myths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Appendix DExample Score Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Appendix E Example Score Report for the CMQ/OE Examination . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Appendix F Constructed Response Diagnostic Codes2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23


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Introduction to ASQCertification Programs

Since 1968, when the first ASQ

certification exam was given, morethan 100,000 individuals have becomecertified through ASQ, including many whohave attained more than one designation.In addition, an increasing number ofcompanies, some 125 at last count, haveformally recognized ASQs certification asverification of an individuals knowledgeof quality theory and techniques. A recentsearch on monster.com, an Internet joblistings site, resulted in more than 300job postings either requiring an ASQ

certification or listing it as a preferred qualityof a prospective employee. These statisticsdemonstrate the increasing value of ASQcertification as perceived in the marketplace.

It is important to understand that ASQcertification is not a license or registration.It is peer recognition that an individualhas demonstrated a proficiency in andcomprehension of a particular quality areaat a specific point in time. ASQ certificationis awarded to those who meet three criteria:

Candidates must 1) have a specifiedlevel of education and/or experience,2) provide proof of professionalism, and3) pass a standardized examination in thecertification area.

But for many, the process of becomingcertified remains something of a mystery.Frequently asked questions come up abouthow the exams are put together, how theyare scored, and how best to prepare fortaking the test. We will attempt to addressthese issues in this handbook.

The Exams and theQuestions

ASQcertification exams are not

created in an ivory tower or bya computer program that randomly generatesquestions. Their development relies heavilyon the efforts of ASQ members. During thecourse of any given year, approximately300 volunteers are involved in some phaseof exam development, and can participatein a number of ways, including developinga body of knowledge (BOK), writingquestions, and ensuring the validity of anexam through a variety of review processes.Volunteers travel to ASQ headquarters in

Milwaukee for up to three days at a time.During that period, they are expected toput in long, fast-paced days that may keepthem occupied for up to 10 hours at astretch. These are intense sessions with alot of discussion and interaction. In returnthe volunteers get to sharpen their skills,network with peers, and come away with theknowledge that they have contributed to thedevelopment of the quality field.

The ASQ Certification Board has oversight

responsibility for the exams, and its toppriority is to ensure the integrity of theexam development process. Toward thatend, the board has mandated that anyoneinvolved in the development of an exammust refrain from helping others preparefor the test, either formally or informally,for a period of two years after their lastinvolvement in the process.


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The Many Phases ofExam Development

To ensure that ASQ certification retains

its status as a hallmark of excellence,the Certification Board uses continuousimprovement processes and formallyre-examines each certification program on afive-year cycle to ensure continued relevance.

Job Analysis and Survey(the foundation for the examinations)

Whether a program is new or has beenavailable for many years, the starting pointfor the exam development process is witha job analysis. This tool is developed as a

survey and is used to identify the skills andknowledge areas currently being used in thefield to be tested.

Advisory Committee(identifies job responsibilitiesand knowledge of the field)

In order to create an appropriate surveyinstrument, an advisory committee isappointed by the sponsoring ASQ division.This committee, like all of the subsequent

exam development committees, is composedof ASQ members who work in the area tobe tested and are already certified. (In thecase of brand-new certification exams, ASQvolunteers who are subject-matter experts inthe field to be tested serve on the committee.)The volunteers for the advisory committeemeet for two days, and their primary goal isto identify typical job responsibilities (whatpeople do on the job) and the knowledgerequired (what people need to know inorder to perform their job). The result of

this meeting is a questionnaire that asksrespondents to rate each item in the survey interms of criticality (How important is this taskor knowledge?) and frequency (How oftenis this task performed or knowledge used?).

Member Input(who decides what will be in the BOK?)

Once the survey instrument has beenapproved by the advisory committee, it issent to a sample of certified or otherwisequalified ASQ members who either work inthe area to be tested (as identified by jobtitle) or supervise employees who performthe tasks identified in the survey. Exceptfor the deliberate job-title selection, the2,000-plus certified ASQ members whoreceive the survey are randomly selectedacross geographic locations and industrytypes to ensure that no one industry or regionskews the results of the survey. The datafrom the survey are analyzed and a set of

recommended tasks and knowledge areasare presented to the sponsoring division,which approves the results. This same reportis then submitted to the Certification Boardfor final approval.

So while the sponsoring division andCertification Board approve the results of thejob analysis, it is really the ASQ members whoanswer the survey who truly determine whatshould be in the BOK and, ultimately, whatmaterial should be covered in the exam itself.

The Body of Knowledge Committee(how does the content get organized?)

After the approval process, a BOKcommittee is formed. This committee includessome members of the advisory committeeand other qualified individuals who havesubject-matter expertise and represent awide demographic and industry spectrum.The BOK committee meets for two days,and its primary task is to translate the jobanalysis results into meaningful categories

that can be tested. As part of this process,the committee determines how manyquestions will be asked in each area of theBOK, based on the importance of the topic(as indicated in the job analysis) and thedepth of testable material for each subtopic.


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Question-Writing Committee(how do they write questions?)

The next step is the actual writing of the examquestions. This task is handled by a group of16 certified volunteers who attend a two-dayquestion-writing workshop. The volunteersare given extensive training in a variety ofexam development issues, including howto avoid writing trick questions and how todevelop thought-provoking questions andanswers. The processes used in this and otherexam development workshops are driven byinternationally recognized standards for thedevelopment of assessments. In keeping withthose standards, and as a means of ensuringthe validity of the exam, each question

must be linked to a reference book fromthe bibliography for that certification. (Thebibliography for each exam can be viewedat http://www.asq.org/certification/.)This linkage requirement means that thequestion-writers must document support forthe correct answer, down to the specificpage number, in their reference for eachquestion. Once a question-writer or ateam has finished writing a complete testquestion, the other members of the teamreview it for completeness, accuracy, and

appropriateness. Only after approval by oneor more reviewers at the question-writingsession can it be data-entered into the exambank as a raw test question.

Question Review Committee(verification and review)

The next stage in the exam developmentprocess is to convene another panel of 12subject-matter experts who meet for two daysto review those raw questions, verify thereferences and the BOK classification, and,most important, agree that there is only onecorrect answer.

This additional, intensive process of review,revision, and rework is designed to ensurethat all language ambiguities have beeneliminated and that the questions havebeen phrased and presented as clearly aspossible. The questions are also reviewed toensure that they are not biased in favor of

any particular industry. A question can beselected for use in a test only if it has survivedthese two initial phases of development.

Exam Review Committee(Testing the Test: the last question checkbefore the exam)

The next phase in the process is theexam review meeting where another12 subject-matter experts are asked toparticipate, first by actually taking the exam

and submitting their comments and answers,and then by coming to the meeting to discussthe test. At the meeting, the group reviewseach question for clarity and correctness.By the time an exam makes it through thisprocess, each question on the test hasbeen reviewed and approved by dozens ofqualified professionals.
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Exam Statistics(post-exam question verification)

Despite the best efforts of all of theseindividuals, there are questions on the testthat do not perform well. These problemitems are identified through a statisticalanalysis that is conducted after eachadministration of a test. Also, commentsfrom examinees who took the test andfrom the proctors are used to identify anyproblematic questions (i.e., confusingterms used, trick questions, questions withmore than one correct answer, etc.) Theseproblem items are reviewed by the examprograms Certification Board chair andother subject-matter experts in conjunction

with Certification Offerings staff members.If a question is determined to be unfair orinaccurate, all examinees are given credit forthat question on the examination.

Grading Process(how ASQ examinations are graded)

Just as great care is taken in developingan exam, ASQ goes to great lengths toensure that the grading process providesan accurate assessment of a candidatesproficiency. ASQ uses procedures thatmeet the Standards for Educational andPsychological Testing, which were developedjointly by the American EducationalResearch Association (AERA), the AmericanPsychological Association (APA), andthe National Council on Measurement inEducation (NCME).

Seepage 9 for extensive information on theASQ grading process.

Common Questions FromExam Candidates

How do I decide which certification is

right for me?Each ASQ certification has specificeducation and experience requirements.The more work related experience you havefor a specific BOK, the better qualified youare to take that exam. To determine whichexam is right for you, visitwww.asq.org/certification/right-for-you.html .

How do I apply for an examination?

Once you have decided which certification is

right for you, you can apply online, or mailor fax your application to ASQ headquarters.

To apply online, visitwww.asq.org/certification/apply.html .

To obtain an application, visitwww.asq.org/certification/ downloadable-apps.html or callASQ headquarters:

From Canada and United States1-800-248-1946

From Mexico 001-800-514-1564

From other International sites+1-414-272-8575

Mail your completed application to:

American Society for QualityP.O. Box 3005Milwaukee, WI 53201-3005USA

OR

American Society for Quality600 North Plankinton Ave.Milwaukee, WI 53203USA

Fax your completed application to:

414-272-1734
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How should I prepare for anexamination?

We should say at the outset that preparingto take an exam is a personal matterand highly dependent on an individualspersonal learning methods. For some, acareful reading of the texts in the referencebibliography will be most helpful, whileothers may find value in purchasing studyguides, taking a local ASQ section refreshercourse, or forming a study group withother quality professionals. All certificationcandidates are responsible for their ownstudy and preparation for the examination.No specific set of courses or curriculum ofstudy is required as part of the certification

process. Likewise, ASQ makes norepresentation that completion of any specificcourse or program of study will significantlyenhance a persons chance of passing acertification examination.

Successful candidates have shown thatthey study a wide variety of materials fromthe reference list, in addition to relying ontheir experiences in the workplace. It isimportant to understand that each BOK iscomprehensive and that no single source of

information should be relied upon in order toprepare for an examination.

As a starting point, read the BOK for theexamination and pay special attention to thesubtext for the area, as well as the cognitivelevels that are assigned to those areas. Bothof these are intended to help you determineexactly what will be tested for that topicarea, as well as the depth of knowledgethat is required for that topic area. (For anin-depth explanation of the cognitive levels,see Appendix B of this handbook.) Afterbecoming familiar with the BOK, review it toidentify areas you may need to study furtherto feel confident in the topic.

References

Once you have identified study topics, it isimportant to refer to the reference list thatis published on www.asq.org for that exam(http://www.asq.org/certification/ ) todetermine which resources may be helpful for

you to study from. The reference list for eachexam program contains the resources thatsupport the exam program; the test questionpool for the program has been developedusing these references. While it may seemdaunting to see that some exam programshave quite extensive reference lists, it isimportant to remember that each BOK isalso very encompassing. For this reason, itis recommended that you first determine the

topic areas to study, then determine whichreferences to use for study material.

The reference lists are listed alphabeticallyby author, and no one reference can berecommended for you to study from. It shouldbe your own, individual decision as to whichreferences will be most helpful for your studyneeds. Since it would be difficult to decidewhich books to study from based on thetitle alone, the following tips may help youdetermine which books to study from:

Ask co-workers and other candidates whohave passed the examination which booksthey found most helpful for specific areasof the BOK.

Books that appear in the online referencelists with a link will direct users to theonline ASQ bookstore. For some of thesebooks, the bookstore has sample chaptersto view online. Reading these samples mayhelp you decide if the book will meet yourstudy needs.

Other online book sellers offer features thatlist the table of contents and indexes forbooks. Some even provide a tool to searchinside the books. These features will allow

you to decide whether the book will beadequate for your study needs.
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If it isnt possible to purchase thereferences, you should consult your locallibrary to borrow the books. Even if thelocal library does not carry the moretechnical books, the library should be able

to request them from other libraries throughthe inter-library loan system.

Consider checking with your local sectionabout a library. Some sections keep alibrary for the use of its members to studyfor the examinations.

Study Groups

Another option for preparing for an exam is tojoin or create a study group. In a study group,each individual has an area of expertise and

can assist others in the group in those areas.In return, each individual receives informationfor areas they are not experts in from the othermembers of the group.

One technique used by some study groupsis to assign each individual in the group aspecific area of the BOK to research andreport back to the group. By reporting backto the group, that individual teaches the othermembers the content for that topic area. Usingthis technique not only reduces the amount

of research and study time required foreach topic area by each individual, but theindividuals learn more about each topic andhave more opportunities to apply what theyhave learned simply by having to teach others.Combining the act of studying with teaching isa very effective learning technique.

Study Plans

To determine the time period you may needto study for an examination, it may be wise tocreate a study plan. Doing so will allow you

to determine the amount of personal time thatcan be appropriated for studying, as well asthe amount of time that is appropriate basedon the topics that need to be improved in.

The following tips may help you begin yourstudy plan:

Determine the topic areas you wish tostudy and approximate the amount of studytime you will need to master that topicarea. To do this, determine the amount ofknowledge you currently have comparedwith the amount that is expected basedon the examination. Both the BOK andany past score report(s) will enable you todetermine this gap.

Identify your best time to study: Do youhave more energy in the morning or inthe evening? Low energy times should beallotted to tasks such as laundry or dishes,while high energy times should be allotted

to studying.

Schedule time to study into your weeklyschedule, ensuring there is also time forpersonal activities (family, friends, andsocializing) and your general health(sleeping and eating). Be sure theschedule is flexible enough to adjust forlast minute changes, without affecting

your s tudy periods.

Study at the same time every day; whenstudying becomes a routine activity, the timespent studying will be used more efficientlyand procrastination is less likely to occur.

Space study periods (60-90 minutes at atime) or study in shorter time blocks withshort breaks in between. During the breaktime, the brain is still processing informationlearned during the study period.

Plan weekly reviews of the topics that youstudied that week. This will reinforce what

you learned and allow you to retain more

information.For more information on study plans andstrategies, the Study Guides and Strategies(http://www.studygs.net/) and the How toStudy (http://www.howtostudy.org/) Websites are extremely helpful resources forcreating study plans, overcoming typicalstudy obstacles, and time management.
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Other resources

If you would like to learn more about howothers have studied for the certificationexams, there have been several articlespublished by ASQ from members sharingtheir experiences of studying and taking ASQexaminations. The following are a few thatare available online:

Free articles:

Certification Exam Tips, Trips, and Traps,by James J. Rooney, http://www.asq.org/pub/qualityprogress/past/1004/qp1004rooney.pdf

Developing a New Kind of Certification,by Melissa G. Hartman, http://www.asq.

org/pub/qualityprogress/past/0502/qp0502hartman.pdf

Articles available to members only:

ASQs Black Belt Certification APersonal Experience, by Don Cochraneand Praveen Gupta, http://www.asq.org/data/subscriptions/qp/2002/0502/qp0502cochrane.pdf

ASQ Certification Program Gains WiderRecognition, by Jack W. Moran and

Patricia C. LaLonde, http://www.asq.org/data/subscriptions/qp/2000/0400/29asq_cert_program_april2000.html

How is the cut-score (the passing score)determined for a test?

Since the whole point of taking an ASQcertification exam is to pass it, many questionsarise about how the passing grade forany given exam is determined and whatadjustments are made to ensure that one

version of an exam is no harder, or easier,than any other.

The passing grade, or cut point, isestablished through a cut-score study. Themethodology used on ASQ exams is calleda Modified Angoff and is based on the workof the late William Angoff, a renownedmeasurement research statistician inPrinceton, New Jersey.

The cut point for an ASQ exam is establishedeach time a BOK is created or revised.For this process, a panel of 12 to 15subject-matter experts, also called judges,is convened. The panels first task is to set

the performance standard for the exam.Through consensus they determine a setof characteristics that they expect of aminimally qualified or borderline candidatein relation to the BOK. The distinctionregarding borderline candidates is key tounderstanding the cut-score process, as itultimately draws a very fine line betweencandidates who are qualified to be certifiedand those who are not. The expectationsfor performance, therefore, need to beclearly stated and agreed to by all of the

participants in the cut score study.

Once that list of characteristics is developed,the subject-matter experts use it as a guideto help them rate each question on thefirst test that is administered for a givenBOK. They rate each question in terms ofwhat proportion of 100 such borderlinecandidates will get the answer right.For example, the judges may agree thatborderline candidates will know a particulartopic in the BOK very well when asked a

definition question, and therefore they mayestimate that 85% to 90% will get it right.But the same candidates may be much morechallenged in that topic when required toapply a specific formula to get the correctanswer (resulting in the judges estimates of35% to 45% correct).

The results of this two-day cut-score studyare then presented to the CertificationBoard. Along with the written expectation ofperformance that the panel developed, the

summary of the judges combined estimateof the difficulty of the exam is presented asthe recommended cut point for the exam.Once that raw cut-score point is establishedby board approval, it is converted toa scaled score (550), which becomesthe minimum score necessary to earncertification in that BOK.
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Why are scaled scores usedinstead of raw scores?

A new form or version of an examination,following the BOK, is used for each examadministration. We recognize that each ofthese test versions can prove to be moredifficult or easier than the test on which thecut score was set. In order to be fair to thecandidates and consistent in maintaining thestandard of performance from one test tothe next, we analyze the results after everyadministration and adjust the cut-point on theraw score (the actual number of questionsanswered correctly) of the test. (For moreinformation about how this adjustment isdetermined, see the next section of this

handbook, How is the difficulty level of a testdetermined in order to create the scaled scores?)

If raw cut scores were reported, differentpassing scores could be shown for eachversion of the test, resulting in confusion foreveryone. Instead, we use scaled scoresto allow comparisons to be made betweenvarious versions of the test. Therefore,

your scaled score is not the number ofquestions you answered correctly, nor isit a percentage of the questions. It is a

conversion. The scaled scores range from200 to 750 and reflect your performancelevel, taking into account the difficulty levelof the test.

Here is an example of a scaled scoreconversion for two versions of a test (thisexample is for a hypothetical 100-question test):

Test A Test B

Raw Score Scale Score Raw Score Scale Score

65 530 67 540

66 540 68 540

67 540 69 540

68 550 70 550

69 550 71 550

70 560 72 550

71 560 73 560

72 560 74 560

In this example, test A was slightly moredifficult than test B, so individuals who tooktest A were not required to answer as manyquestions correctly as the individuals whotook test B. In this example, the scores of 68

on test A and 70 on test B reflect the sameminimum level of performance required tobecome certified. The scaled score of 550 isused to represent this minimum level as it isreported to the examinees.

The use of scaled scores for reportingpurposes also helps you to determine yourscore in relation to the minimum standard ofperformance for a test. Since the standard ofperformance is represented by a scaled scoreof 550, you can determine your performance

compared to that standard. Likewise, if youtook a test at two different administrations,your two scaled scores can be used todetermine how much you have improved yourperformance between the two administrations.It is important to note that those who pass thetests will not receive a scaled score becausethose candidates have met or exceeded thestandard of performance.

How is the difficulty level of a testdetermined in order to create the

scaled scores?Although the raw cut score is established fora specific number of questions correct forthe first exam under a BOK, the scaled scoreis what is reported to the candidates. Thisscaled score allows adjustments to be madefor exam difficulty on subsequent forms ofthe test, while maintaining a scaled score of550. The scaled score of 550 is the minimumstandard of performance for all ASQcertification exams.


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The constructive responses are scoredby those Certified Managers of Quality/Organizational Excellence who have beentrained in the evaluation techniques usedfor the scoring process. In addition, all the

judges score the papers against a standardof performance that is specific to each essayquestion. That standard is neither arbitrarynor subjective, but is developed on the basisof sound quality practices, as described andprescribed in major textbooks in the fieldof quality. The essay questions are pre-tested on a group of Certified Managers ofQuality/Organizational Excellence, so thedevelopment of the question includes a realitycheck to make sure that the committeesexpectation of performance for each essay

question matches actual responses.

Two judges provide a score for eachresponse. If the scores from the two judgesare more than 1 point apart, the judgesmust discuss the scores they gave based onthe standard of performance for that essayquestion. This process is designed to providethe most appropriate score for each response.

The final scores for the essays are added tothe total of correct multiple-choice answers,and the sum is converted to a scaled score asreported on the score report. The diagnosticdetails (alpha codes) on your score report aredesigned to indicate how you performed onthe constructed response portion of the test.

When will I receive my exam results?

Examination results for pilot exams andexams with updated bodies of knowledgeare mailed within four weeks after the examis taken. Otherwise, exam results are mailedabout two weeks (three and one-half weeks

for CMQ/OE results) after the examinationdate. For international mail, allow up to sixweeks to receive the mailed results.

In addition to the mailed results, you willreceive an e-mail notification approximately6-7 business days after the examinationnotifying you that your results are online. If

you are an ASQ member, log into the ASQ

Web site at www.asq.orgto view your resultsonline. (To do this, log into the site, then clickTraining & Certification in the left column,then click the Certification link to the rightof the following site.) If you are a registereduser of the Web site or a nonmember, youcan view your online results by linking to thee-certification application through the actuale-mail notification letter.

We recognize that prompt notification ofexamination results is important, and we will

make every effort to provide results as soonas possible. Results will not be given over thetelephone. Information about certification isnever divulged to third parties except at thewritten request of the person who took theexamination. Your examination results arekept in strict confidence.

If you pass the examination you willreceive a letter of congratulations from theCertification Board, and a wallet card andcertificate showing your certificate number.Your name will be published on www.asq.org (http://www.asq.org/certification/pass-lists/index.html) and your local ASQ sectionwill be notified. Your name may be publishedby your section and division as well. If youare certified as a CMQ/OE, CQE, CQA,CSQE, CSSBB, CRE, CHA, CBA, or CCT,

you must participate in the Maintenanceof Certification program to keep yourcertification current. The recertificationjournal provided with your certificate givescomplete details.

ASQ certification is not a license. It is peerrecognition of proficiency within the prescribedBOK. In order to avoid misunderstanding,the Certification Board requires that certifiedpersons always refer to ASQ in citing theircertification, e.g., ASQ Certified Manager ofQuality/Organizational Excellence.
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ASQ may withdraw formal recognition andany current ASQ certification for falsificationof credentials and/or unethical behavior.Such action may be taken by the CertificationBoard or, in the case of an ethics action, by

the ASQ Board of Directors or its designee.In such cases, due process will be affordedto the individual against whom the actionis directed. A copy of the ASQ Code ofEthics is supplied to all certified persons.By applying for certification, you pledge touphold this code. You can view the Code ofEthics at http://www.asq.org/about-asq/who-we-are/ethics.html.

What if I do not pass an ASQexamination?

If you do not pass the examination youwill receive a score report that provides ananalysis of the exam to assist you in furtherstudies. You can retake the examination withintwo years of your last attempt for a reducedfee. (Seepage 14 for more information onthis process and the retake fees.)

What does my score report tell me?

The score report provides your scaled score,ranging from 200 to 540 in intervals of 10

scaled score points. A scaled score of 550or above is required to become certified.(See appendices D and E for example scorereports.)

Your score report also includes the numberyou had correct in each subject area. Inaddition, we have included the averagenumber correct from only those candidateswho passed the examination.

Constructed Response Portion of CMQ/OE: Ifyou took the Cert ified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)examination, specific diagnostic codes areprovided for each of the two constructedresponse essays that you answered. (Seeappendix E for an example score report.)

NOTE: The scores you received for the twoconstructive response essays are added tothe total number of questions you answeredcorrectly on the multiple choice portion of theexamination to make up your final score for

the CMQ/OE examination.

How do I interpret my score report?

Your score report is designed to help youanalyze your results and decide in whichareas of the BOK you have strengths andweaknesses. By comparing the number youhad correct in each subject area to the groupof passing candidates, you will be able toassess your knowledge level for each areaof the BOK.

The first piece of information in your scorereport is your scaled score. ASQ scaledscores range from 200 to 750 and thepassing scaled score is 550. Your scorealone will help you determine how close youmay be to passing the examination.

The second piece of information in your scorereport is a table (shown below) that presentsthe total number of questions that are testedin each BOK area, the number of questionsthat you answered correctly, and the

average number correct for the candidateswho passed the examination (i.e., thosecandidates who obtained a score of 550and above) for that exam administration. Thisinformation can be used to determine whichareas of the BOK you performed the samein as those who passed, and in which areas

you will need fur ther study.

Example of a Score Report Table:

BOK

AREAS

Total

Questions

Number

You Had

Correct Average*I. 20 12 15

II. 21 8 15

III. 19 12 15

IV. 21 17 17

V. 9 9 8

VI. 10 6 8

*Average computed on total number of responses

from only those who passed.
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Scores Reported for the CMQ/OE ConstructedResponse Portion of the exam: If you took theCMQ/OE exam, you will receive diagnosticcodes to represent the scores you received onthe constructed response portion of the exam.

(See Appendix F for the code descriptions.)

How do I sign up to retake anexamination?

You must retake the examination within twoyears of your last attempt if you wish topay a reduced fee and bypass submitting anew application. If you do not retake withinthis period, you will have to submit a newapplication with full fees.

You can sign up to retake an examination

by completing the form on the bottom ofyour score report and returning i t to ASQheadquarters or calling ASQ Customer Careat 800-248-1946 or 414-272-8575.

You may also sign up online to retake anexam:

Members:Log into the ASQ Web site (www.asq.org),click Training & Certification in the leftcolumn, and then click the Certificationlink to the right on the following site.

Nonmembers or registered users:Sign into the e-certification applicationdirectly at https://secure.asq.org/ecommerce/certuser/execute/loginSetup.

To determine the dates that are available forretaking an exam, along with the applicationdeadlines, please see the following Web site:http://www.asq.org/certification/dates.html .

There is no limit to the number of times youmay retake an examination; however, youwill be charged a fee each time. The fees forretaking the examinations are as follows:

Biomedical Auditor (CBA) $160

Calibration Technician (CCT) $105

HACCP Auditor (CHA) $160

Manager of Quality/Organizational

Excellence (CMQ/OE)

$220

Quality Inspector (CQI) $105

Quality Auditor (CQA) $160

Quality Engineer (CQE) $160

Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) $105

Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) $105

Quality Technician (CQT) $105

Reliability Engineer (CRE) $160

Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) $190

Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) $105

Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) $160

How can I prepare to retake anexamination?

You should use the information providedin your score report to determine whichareas of the BOK you would like to improvein. By comparing your performance to thepassers (as provided in the table), as wellas considering the actual BOK, you shouldbe able to effectively use the score report todetermine which strategy you would like touse to prepare for retaking the examination.

It is best to use your score report from anypast exams to determine in which areasimprovements can be made. As you reviewthese areas, read the BOK for that examand pay special attention to the subtext forthe area, as well as the cognitive levels that

are assigned to those areas. Both of theseare intended to help you determine exactlywhat will be tested for in that topic area,as well as the depth of knowledge that isrequired for that topic area. For an in-depthexplanation of the cognitive levels, seeAppendix B of this handbook.

See page 7 of this handbook for moreinformation about preparing to take an exam.
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When should I retake an examination?

If you would like to retake an examination, itis important to choose a date that will allow

you enough time to prepare for the retake.Some candidates are able to retake anexamination within six months while othersmay need more time to study and may retakethe examination one year later. The timeperiod between testing depends on eachcandidates individual needs for preparation.However, you must retake the exam withintwo years or you will be required to submita new application with the full fees. Todetermine the time period you may need tostudy for a retake examination, it may bewise to create a study plan.

Are the exams available in languagesother than English?

Yes, some of the examinations have beentranslated into other languages. Theseversions of the examinations are onlyprovided outside of the United States. Formore information about the translated exams,visit http://www.asq.org/global/.
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Appendix A

Test-taking Tips

Test takers are also advised to keep in mind

these general pointers about standardizedexams:

Read all of the questions on the first pageof the test so you realize that you do knowthe material. In other words, relax.

Read each question thoroughly. Do notassume you know what is being asked.

Eliminate implausible answers and movequickly past the obviously wrong choices.

Keep in mind that an answer may be a

correct statement in itself but may notanswer the question. Two answers may sayexactly the opposite things or may be verysimilar. Read them again to decide whatmakes one correct and the other wrong.

ASQ does not subtract points for incorrectanswers. Answer every question. There isno penalty for guessing, and you have a25% chance of getting it right.

Go through and answer the questions you

know. Then go through and read the onesyou are unsure of. Mark those you are stil luncomfortable with. You will narrow thefield down to just a few questions you willneed to spend more time on. These arethe questions you might want to use yourreference books for.

Be aware of the time available for theexam and the remaining time as you workthrough the exam.

Do not select more than one answer for a

question. If you do, it will be scored as ablank. For example, you think that both Aand C are correct answers. Select only oneanswer and use the comment sheet suppliedwith your test to explain why you think bothA and C are correct. Your comments will bereviewed before results are reported.

Appendix B

Levels of Cognition:Based on Blooms TaxonomyRevised

(2001)Each body of knowledge (BOK) containscontent specific within its subtext for eachtopic as well as a cognitive level to indicatethe intended complexity level of the testquestions for that topic. These levels arebased on the Levels of Cognition (fromBlooms TaxonomyRevised, 2001) and arepresented below in rank order, from leastcomplex to most complex.

Remember

Recall or recognize terms, definitions,facts, ideas, materials, patterns, sequences,methods, principles, etc.

Understand

Read and understand descriptions,communications, reports, tables, diagrams,directions, regulations, etc.

Apply

Know when and how to use ideas,procedures, methods, formulas, principles,theories, etc.

Analyze

Break down information into its constituentparts and recognize their relationship toone another and how they are organized;identify sublevel factors or salient datafrom a complex scenario.

Evaluate

Make judgments about the value ofproposed ideas, solutions, etc., bycomparing the proposal to specific criteriaor standards.


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Create

Put parts or elements together in such away as to reveal a pattern or structurenot clearly there before; identify whichdata or information from a complex setis appropriate to examine further or fromwhich supported conclusions can be drawn.

These levels are not intended to rank thetopic areas by difficulty, but rather to helpcandidates determine how much knowledgethey need for the topic in order to meet thestandard of performance for the examination.For example, if a topic area has a cognitivelevel of Apply, the candidates will beexpected to be able to remember, understand,and apply the concepts and topics for that

area. The questions for this area could bedefinition in nature (Remember), or theycould be math calculations (Apply). If a topicarea has a cognitive level of Evaluate, thecandidates will be expected to be able toremember, understand, apply, analyze, andevaluate the concepts (make a judgment) forthat area. Likewise, if a topic area only has acognitive level of Remember, the candidateswill only be expected to remember the topics(basic rote/definition knowledge).

The following are example test questions foreach level of cognition:

Remember:

Who makes the final determination regardingthe distribution of the audit report?

(A) The lead auditor(B) The audit group manager(C) The auditee(D) The client

This is a Remember question because itrequires candidates to be able to recall whois responsible for the report distribution.

Understand

Producers risk is defined as the probability of

(A) rejecting a good lot(B) rejecting a bad lot(C) accepting a good lot(D) accepting a bad lot

This is an Understand question because itrequires candidates to understand producersrisk enough to know its result.

Apply

Purchasing orders are to be checkedfor correctness during the audit of apurchasing department. Which of thefollowing sampling strategies would bemost appropriate?

(A) Review 10% of all purchase orders.(B) Randomly sample an amount of ordersprocessed on the day of the audit.(C) Review the first 10 orders processed onthe day of the audit.(D) Use MIL-STD 105 to establish a

sampling plan.This is an Apply question because itrequires candidates to use their knowledgeof the difference between how samples canbe selected and what a published samplingplan is.

Analyze

Cases containing 24 bottles of antibioticsare shipped to drug stores. A pharmacisthas doubts about the potency of the drugs

and decides to have five bottles from acase tested. What is the probability thatnone of the tested bottles will prove to bedefective if in fact there are 10 defectivebottles in the case?

(A) 0.0010(B) 0.0059(C) 0.0471(D) 0.2355

This is an Analyze question becauseit requires candidates to understand thetheories of probability in order to determinethe correct answer. This question is morecomplex than a simple probability calculationbecause there are many factors that needto be considered in order to use the dataprovided to calculate the correct answer.


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Evaluate

A lot comprised of 500 units is submitted bya supplier whose past history indicates thatabout 1% defectives should be expected. Arandom sample of 30 units is collected fromthe lot. Which of the following probabilitydistributions could be best used to makepredictions about the lot?

(A) Normal(B) Weibull(C) Poisson(D) Exponential

This is an Evaluate question because itrequires candidates to use the informationprovided about the lot, as well as their

knowledge of the various distributions,to determine which distribution is mostappropriate to use.

Create

A supplier evaluates all characteristicson a sample of 75 components that istaken twice a day. Each component isthen recorded as either conforming ornonconforming. What type of control chartwould be used for evaluating this data?

(A) MR chart(B) c chart(C) u chart(D) p chart

This is a Create question because itrequires candidates to understand the type ofdata that is required for each of these charts.The candidates must then determine whichchart will enable the data to be categorizedas pass/fail. The information provided inthe test question provides a typical situation

when evaluating components, and thecandidates need to understand which dataelements that are provided should be usedand then create the correct chart to use.

Using cognitive levels for study purposes

When preparing to take an ASQ exam, it isimportant for candidates to read the subtextin the BOK in light of the cognitive level thatis assigned for that area. By understandingthe level of cognition for a particular topicarea, candidates can determine if they needto develop a deeper understanding of a topicarea than what they already have.

The following is an example of subtext fromthe Certified Quality Improvement Associate(CQIA) BOK:

Define various improvement cycle phases(e.g., PDCA, PDSA) and use themappropriately. (Analyze)

On the basis of this subtext, candidates knowthat they should be able to define what theimprovement cycles are and understand theirphases enough to know when and how theyshould be used in various situations. Thecognitive level is Analyze so test questionsin this area could be definitions of terms, anunderstanding of the terms (What is the Planphase of PDCA?), and the application andanalysis of the cycle (Which method should ateam use in order to improve a process?).


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Appendix C

Top 10 Myths

Myth:If an answer is obvious it must be a trick

question.Fact:Just because an answer is obvious to

you does not mean it is obvious to everyone.Do not let the fact that this is a test questionget in the way of your knowledge. Answerit and move on. Do not read more into thequestion in an effort to make it harder.

Myth:Guessing wrong can hurt your score morethan leaving an answer blank.

Fact:There is no penalty for guessing, and

you have a 25% chance of getting i t right.Although some tests use formula scoringmethods, ASQ certifications do not. Youget one point for each question you answercorrectly and zero points for those you getwrong or leave blank.

Myth:The passing score for all ASQ exams is 70%.

Fact:The passing score for each ASQ examis established as a minimum performancestandard during the cut-score process, whichis detailed on page 9.

Myth:Taking a section refresher course or buyingASQ exam prep material is a sure way to pass.

Fact:Section refresher courses and theself-directed products are excellent waysto prepare for the examinations, but usingthem does not guarantee that you will pass.Refresher courses are meant to renew yourknowledge, not to instruct you in areas thatare not familiar to you. Questions fromthe self-directed products will assist you inbecoming familiar with how to answer certain

questions, but they are not the same questionsyou will see on the exams. Individual study isalso a critical element for success.

Myth:If you do poorly on one area of the BOK,you automatically fail the test.

Fact:Your total score on the examinationdetermines whether you pass or fail, not yourscore on any one portion of the test. Even in

the CMQ/OE exam it is possible to pass ifyou do poorly on the constructed responseportion, as long as your overall score is at orabove the passing grade.

Myth:ASQ limits the number of people whopass.

Fact:Anyone who meets or exceedsthe passing score (cut point) passes theexamination. ASQ does not set a passing rate.

Myth:The grading of the constructed response

portion of the CMQ/OE exam is very subjective.Fact:The constructed response portion ofthe exam is designed to test the candidatesability to respond to real-world situations.The responses are scored by CertifiedManagers of Quality/OrganizationalExcellence who have been trained in theevaluation techniques used for the scoringprocess. In addition, all the judges score thepapers against a standard of performancethat is specific to each essay question.

That standard is neither arbitrary norsubjective, but is developed on the basis ofsound quality practices, as described andprescribed in major textbooks in the field ofquality. The essay questions are pretested ona group of CMQ/OEs, so the developmentof each question includes a reality checkto ensure the committees expectation ofperformance matches actual responses.


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Myth:It takes a long time to receive exam results.

Fact:ASQ works very hard to provideexam results as quickly as possible and isvery aware that candidates are anxious tolearn whether they have passed or failed.

In general, exam results are mailed withintwo weeks (three and one-half weeks forthe CMQ/OE) of the examination date.Candidates can also sign into the ASQ Website (www.asq.org) as soon as one weekfollowing the examination date to receivetheir score. Results are reported more slowlywhen the exam is a pilot for a new BOK orwhen the BOK has been rewritten; in thosecases, results will be mailed within six weeks.

Many steps have to be completed, verified,

and checked prior to sending out the results:

The answer sheets are sent back to ASQheadquarters and scanned, and statistics mustbe run and reviewed by the test developmentstaff and appropriate volunteers. The resultsare then scored, verified, and uploaded toa computer before any result letters can begenerated. ASQ is continuously working toreduce this cycle time.

Myth:Test questions are deliberately tricky.

Fact:ASQ goes through an extensive processto ensure examination questions are asaccurate, clear, and concise as possible.(Please seepage 4 of this handbook formore information.)

Myth:I cannot learn from my mistakes if I do notget my scored test back.

Fact:Because of its policy to reuse examquestions, ASQ cannot release copies of theexaminations. Releasing tests would give the

retake applicants an unfair advantage overcandidates taking the examinations for thefirst time. The integrity of the examinationprocess is of paramount importance to ASQ.Besides, it would not support the underlyingpremise of the certification program forcandidates to just study the questions theygot wrong, as it would not ensure that theywould understand the material any better. Itis more appropriate for the retake candidatesto use the diagnostic information to identifythe areas where they are weak and improvetheir knowledge in those topic areas.
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Appendix D

Example Score Report

March 21, 2007 EXAM DATE EXAM DEADLINE

October 20, 2007 August 17, 2007

March 1, 2008 January 11, 2008

63389564

Lou Doe

166 Main St.

Anytown, FL 33333

Dear Mr. Doe:

An analysis of the ASQ Certified Quality Technician you recently wrote indicates that you did notachieve the required passing score of 550.

Your Score: 520

A diagnosis of your performance is listed below. PLEASE SEE THE ENCLOSED LETTER FOR

CLARIFICATION.

Number You

BOK AREAS Total Questions Had Correct Average*

I. 20 12 15

II. 21 8 15

III. 19 12 15

IV. 21 17 17V. 9 9 8

VI. 10 6 8

*Average computed on total number of responses from only those who passed.

To retake the exam, please complete the information below. To register via phone, please contact

Customer Service at 800-248-1946 or 414-272-8575.

Sally M. Harthun

Manager, Certification

Please schedule me to retake the CQT exam to be held ___________ in Section# __________.

______ Enclosed is the retake fee of $105.00

______ My MasterCard/VISA/American Express card number is:

______________________________________________ Expiration Date _______________

Name ________________________________________ Member# ____________________


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Appendix E

Example Score Report for the CMQ/OE Examination

March 21, 2007

EXAM DATE EXAM DEADLINE

October 20, 2007 August 17, 2007

March 1, 2008 January 11, 2008

63389564

Lou Doe

166 Main St.

Anytown, FL 33333

Dear Mr. Doe:

An analysis of the ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence exam that you

recently wrote indicates that you did not achieve the required passing score of 550.

Your Score: 500

A diagnosis of your performance is listed below. PLEASE SEE THE ENCLOSED LETTER FOR

CLARIFICATION.

MULTIPLE CHOICE PORTION Number You

BOK AREAS Total Questions Had Correct Average*

I. 25 18 20

II. 15 10 12

III. 32 21 25

IV. 28 15 21

V. 20 14 16

VI. 15 9 10

VII. 15 11 13

*Average computed on total number of responses from only those who passed.

CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE PORTION

The constructed response questions are graded on content not format. Responses are assigned a

score by each of two independent members of the Quality Management Division.

Problem A (Feedback Loop) H

Problem B (Supplier Certification) X

Problem C (Control Chart) -

To retake the exam, please complete the information below. To register via phone, please contact

Customer Service at 800-248-1946 or 414-272-8575.

Sally M. Harthun

Manager, Certification

Please schedule me to retake the Managers exam to be held __________ in Section# _______.

______ Enclosed is the retake fee of $220.00

______ My MasterCard/VISA/American Express card number is:

______________________________________________ Expiration Date _______________

Name ________________________________________ Member# ____________________


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Appendix F

Constructed Response DiagnosticCodes2006

Alpha Code Diagnostic Statement

G The problem statement asked for four (4) elements in the response and you provided only

one or two of the elements.

H The problem statement asked for three (3) elements in the response and you focused on

one element.

I I llegible handwrit ing: paper was graded but was very difficult to read.

J Elements of response contained erroneous conclusions or inappropriate tools.

K The recommended actions in your response were generic and did not relate to the

specific problem presented.

L The response you provided did not contain sufficient detail or lacked focus on keyelements of the specific problem presented.

M The response you provided did not include strategic impact.

N No response was provided; blank answer shee t.

X Provided a satisfactory response; scored at mid-level of points possible.

Y Provided a more than satisfactory response; scored above the mid-level of points possible.

Z Provided a response that was scored at the highest level of points possible.

- Question was not two of the three chosen by examinee.

ASQ Certification Handbook

Documents

Transcript of ASQ Certification Handbook