Exam Format

• Exam Code: CQE
• Certification Level: Professional (Quality Engineering)
• Exam Duration: 5 hours and 18 minutes (computer-based) / 5 hours (paper-pencil in some locations)
• Passing Score: ASQ uses a scaled score (typically a passing score of 550 out of 750).
• Unscored Content: The exam includes unscored questions that are used for future exams and are not identified on the exam.

Exam Details

• Question Types: Multiple-choice questions
• Number of Questions: 175 total (160 scored, 15 unscored pretest)
• Language Availability: English (additional languages may be available depending on testing window/region)

Exam Policies

• Rescheduling/Cancellation: Must be done as per ASQ testing window and Pearson VUE policies (check ASQ/Pearson VUE for exact notice requirements)
• Retake: Full retake exam fee applies for each attempt
• Waiting Period: ASQ may enforce a waiting period between attempts (refer to ASQ “Policies & Procedures” for specifics)

Certification Validity and Renewal

• Validity: 3 years
• Renewal Options: Maintain certification by earning Recertification Units (RUs) through professional development activities or retake the exam.

Exam Fee

• ASQ Member Fee: Approximately $498–$550 USD
• Non-Member Fee: Approximately $698–$750 USD
• Retake Fee: Approximately $298–$350 USD

Note: ASQ members receive a discount vs. non-members. Fees are subject to change based on ASQ pricing policies and local testing charges.

Prerequisites

• 8 years of full-time, paid on-the-job experience in one or more areas of the CQE Body of Knowledge
• Of those, 3 years must be in a decision-making role
• Relevant education (associate, bachelor’s, master’s) can waive part of the experience requirement per ASQ policy.

Exam Topics

•  Management & Leadership
• The Quality System
• Product and Process Design
• Product and Process Control
• Continuous Improvement
• Quantitative Methods & Tools
• Risk Management & Decision Making Tools

Intended Audience

• Quality Engineer
• Quality Assurance Engineer
• Process/Manufacturing Engineer
• Reliability/Continuous Improvement Engineer
• Quality Systems Lead

Career Impact

• Quality Engineer, Process Engineer, Quality Systems Manager, Reliability Engineer, Continuous Improvement Specialist

• US: Approx. $70,000–$100,000+ USD per year
• India: ₹6,00,000–₹15,00,000+ INR per year
• UK: £35,000–£60,000+ GBP per year
  (Salary ranges are approximate industry figures and can vary by region/role.)

• Globally recognized credential in quality engineering
• Demonstrates mastery of statistical and quality principles
• Often linked to career growth, higher earning potential, and leadership roles in quality/operations

Exam Mode

• The CQE exam is offered through Pearson VUE as a computer-based test at authorised test centres or in approved computer-based testing events organized by ASQ.

Exam Booking Link

• Register and schedule the CQE exam via ASQ’s official certification portal (https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-engineer).

After passing the exam:

• Download your CQE certificate from the ASQ MyASQ account or digital credential system.
• Processing Time: Typically within a few business days once exam results are submitted.

Offers