Statistical Process Control
Test Run
Improve your chances of passing an ASQ certification exam
• Passing a certification exam isn’t a given, and the challenge isn’t always in the test itself. • The difference between passing and failing often occurs before the exam, so it’s important to know the pitfalls before getting started. • Avoid these danger zones to help ensure a successful outcome.
In 50 Words Or Less
by Govind Ramu
Careers
In 2008, 14,906 people took ASQ certification exams. Whether by careful preparation, exceptional test-taking skills, a bit of luck or some combination, 9,394 of these people—or 63%—passed. The year before, the percentage was similar: Of 14,422 people who took certification exams, 9,431 passed (65%). The 2009 success rate as of October was also in that neighborhood, with 6,570 passing out of 9,928 test-takers, or 66%. For a little more perspective, Figure 1 offers a look at the pass rates for ASQ’s 14 certifications. To ensure certifications remain relevant and up to date, ASQ revises each body of knowledge (BoK) every five years. Therefore, the pass rate for each certification in Figure 1 is based on data accumulated since the BoK was last revised. So how can you avoid being one of the certification exam takers who will not pass this year?
Pass rate by ASQ certification
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
/ FiGuRe 1
CHA = certified hazard analysis and critical control points auditor CQIA = certified quality improvement associate CMQ/OE = certified manager of quality/ organizational excellence CQA = certified quality auditor CSSGB = certified Six Sigma Green Belt CQPA = certified quality process analyst CCT = certified calibration technician CBA = certified biomedical auditor CSSBB = certified Six Sigma Black Belt CSQE = certified software quality engineer CQE = certified quality engineer CQI = certified quality inspector CQT = certified quality technician CRE = certified reliability
Improve your chances of passing an ASQ certification exam
• Passing a certification exam isn’t a given, and the challenge isn’t always in the test itself. • The difference between passing and failing often occurs before the exam, so it’s important to know the pitfalls before getting started. • Avoid these danger zones to help ensure a successful outcome.
In 50 Words Or Less
by Govind Ramu
Careers
In 2008, 14,906 people took ASQ certification exams. Whether by careful preparation, exceptional test-taking skills, a bit of luck or some combination, 9,394 of these people—or 63%—passed. The year before, the percentage was similar: Of 14,422 people who took certification exams, 9,431 passed (65%). The 2009 success rate as of October was also in that neighborhood, with 6,570 passing out of 9,928 test-takers, or 66%. For a little more perspective, Figure 1 offers a look at the pass rates for ASQ’s 14 certifications. To ensure certifications remain relevant and up to date, ASQ revises each body of knowledge (BoK) every five years. Therefore, the pass rate for each certification in Figure 1 is based on data accumulated since the BoK was last revised. So how can you avoid being one of the certification exam takers who will not pass this year?
Pass rate by ASQ certification
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
/ FiGuRe 1
CHA = certified hazard analysis and critical control points auditor CQIA = certified quality improvement associate CMQ/OE = certified manager of quality/ organizational excellence CQA = certified quality auditor CSSGB = certified Six Sigma Green Belt CQPA = certified quality process analyst CCT = certified calibration technician CBA = certified biomedical auditor CSSBB = certified Six Sigma Black Belt CSQE = certified software quality engineer CQE = certified quality engineer CQI = certified quality inspector CQT = certified quality technician CRE = certified reliability