This document provides tips to avoid common mistakes when preparing for and taking ASQ certification exams. It outlines mistakes like overconfidence, poor planning, lack of experience in key areas, and not properly managing time. The document explains strategies like thoroughly reviewing the body of knowledge, using practice exams to identify weaknesses, and adhering to the 30-60-90 second rule during exams. Checklists are provided to ensure all materials are prepared and organized prior to taking an ASQ certification exam.

1. Tips for passing ASQ Certification Exam
(By avoiding many common mistakes)
Based on Jan 2010 Quality Progress article- Test Run
Govind Ramu, P.Eng,
ASQ CQMgr, CQE, CSSBB, CQA, CSQE, CRE,
ASQ Fellow,
QMS 2000 Principal Auditor IRCA (UK)
Past Section Chair Ottawa Valley- ASQ Canada
http://www.asq.org/sixsigma/about/govind.html

2. ASQ Certification Statistics
Pass Rate by ASQ Certification
(Since Last BOK Change- Special Administrations excluded)
100.00%
90.00%
80.00%
Average 65%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
CQE
CCT
CHA
CMQ/OE
CQA
CSSGB
CBA
CSSBB
CSQE
CQI
CRE
CQIA
CQPA
CQT

3. Common mistakes in Exam Planning
o Overconfidence
o Not reading the body of knowledge (BoK) thoroughly
o Lack of work experience in the BoK sections
o Not understanding the cognitive level for each BoK section
o Not aware of appropriate (authentic) reference materials
o Unaware of exam practice aids such as primers and simulated
exams
o Poor time management during preparation
o Missing the application deadline
o Rescheduling the exam due to a non-emergency reason.

4. Planning Mistakes - Explained
Working in the quality profession for a long period of time can lead some
professionals to assume their practical experience automatically gives them the
knowledge they need to ace a certification exam.
Highlight every keyword and tool mentioned in the BoK, and make sure you
have adequate reference materials.
Most certifications require experience that covers one or more BoK sections. In
our day-to-day responsibilities, very few of us regularly work on every area in a
BoK. We use some areas much less frequently than others.
Exam takers often ignore the cognitive level specified for each section of the
BoK. Paying close attention to the cognitive levels will help you determine the
extent of your planning and preparation.
ASQ’s certification handbooks are the best places to start. If you need
additional assistance, exam-specific primers and CDs are also available.
When budgeting your time to accommodate your strengths and weaknesses,
remember the total amount of preparation time you will need depends primarily
upon your knowledge and experience.

5. Strategy for Exam Preparation- Explained
Working in the quality profession for a long period of time can lead some
professionals to assume their practical experience automatically gives them the
knowledge they need to ace a certification exam.
The best approach is to set out to score much higher than the cutoff score.
Although exact cutoff scores are confidential, my experiences with the process
lead me to believe they are usually less than 85%.
The use of simulated exams and question banks can help you identify
strengths and weaknesses during preparation.
It’s important to answer questions correctly, but it’s just as important to manage
the exam time wisely.
CMQ/OE exam takers should practice writing eight to 10 constructive
responses with a pencil during their preparation to regain legibility and speed.
suggestion is to pick two or three reference books from the list provided for the
specific exam and use those same books for preparation and the exam itself.
Choosing reference books with appendixes covering all of the required
statistical tables and a glossary for the BoK is advisable.

6. Common mistakes in Exam Taking
o Lack of confidence
o Distractions during exam writing, such as noise from
construction or traffic
o Forgetting reference books, stationery, and dictionary
o Using a calculator that is different from the one you used for
practice
o Not reading the questions properly with the emphasis on
keywords
o Not following the 30-60-90 seconds rule
o Referring to open books for almost all questions
o Not enough time for revisions
o Too many changes to previous answers during revisions.

7. Strategy for Exam Taking- Explained
Lack of confidence can result in second-guessing during the exam. Relying too
much on open books during the exam is the result of poor preparation or may
signify a lack of confidence. Taking Simulated Exams during preparation help
improve confidence.
Create a checklist of items to take with you on the day of the exam, including
reference books, statistical tables, a calculator and blank paper for working out
your answers.
First, make sure you consult ASQ’s calculator policy
(www.asq.org/certification/faq/calculator.html). Then, take the same calculator
you used during your preparation.
During preparation, you work on understanding sample questions and start the
practice of underlining the key words in the questions. This underlining
technique helps you focus carefully on those words and block out extraneous
ones.
Many exam takers adhere closely to the 30-60-90 seconds rule. The idea is to
attempt questions one by one and initially answer those you can deal with
quickly. Laboring for five or 10 minutes on your first attempt at any answer will
not be worthwhile if it takes time away from addressing other questions.

8. Exam Checklist

9. Common mistakes in Exam Preparing
o Mindset to barely pass, thinking of the cutoff score
o Not knowing weaknesses and strengths prior to the exam
date
o Not having practiced and timed adequately using simulated
exams
o Not practicing writing with pencil (CMQ/OE constructive
response)
o Selecting the wrong open-book materials
o Failing to organize open-book materials
o Not getting adequate rest the night prior to the exam
o Not assessing the travel distance, traffic, roadwork, and other
obstructions that may cause stress
o Not knowing the exam hall location in a huge campus area.

10. Related Materials
http://www.asq.org/quality-progress/2010/01/certification-asq/test-run.html
http://www.asq.org/certification/index.html
ASQ Student Membership
Certifications that have minimal requirements:
(Good Quality Foundation for New associate degree graduates)
Certified Quality Improvement Associate
Certified Quality Process Analyst