American Society for Quality
Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)
Body of Knowledge 2018
The topics in this body of knowledge include additional detail in the form of subtext
explanations and the cognitive level at which the questions will be written. This information will
provide useful guidance for both the Exam Development Committee and the candidate preparing
to take the exam. The subtext is not intended to limit the subject matter or be all-inclusive of
what might be covered in an exam. It is meant to clarify the type of content to be included in the
exam. The descriptor in parentheses at the end of each line of subtext refers to the maximum
cognitive level at which the topic will be tested. A complete description of cognitive levels is
provided at the end of this document.
Note: Approximately 20% of the questions in each exam will require calculation.
I. Technical Mathematics (19 Questions)
A. Basic Shop Math
Solve basic shop math problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
of fractions and decimals, squares and square roots. Use methods such as truncating
and rounding to obtain significant digits for positive and negative numbers. (Apply)
B. Basic Algebra
Solve or simplify first-degree and single-variable equations. (Apply)
C. Basic Geometry
Calculate general parameters such as area, circumference, perimeter, and volume for
basic geometric shapes. Calculate complementary and supplementary angles. (Apply)
D. Basic Trigonometry
Solve for angles and lengths using trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine,
tangent, and the Pythagorean Theorem. (Apply)
E. Measurement Systems
Convert units within and between English and metric measurement systems (SI) such
as inch to micro-inch, liter to quart, and meter to millimeter. (Apply)
F. Numeric Conversions
Use various numbering methods such as scientific notation, decimals, and fractions,
and convert values between these systems. (Apply)
II. Metrology (26 Questions)
A. Common Gauges and Measurement Instruments
1. Variable gauges
Identify and use variable gauges, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators,
and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM). Understand linear scales, such as
steel rule, and gage blocks. Use borescopes, thermometers, and temperature
probes. (Apply)
Page 1 of 8
2. Attribute gauges
Identify and use attribute gauges, including thread plugs, progressive rings, flush
pins, pin gauges, and radius gauges. (Apply)
3. Transfer gauges
Identify and use transfer gauges, including small-hole gauges, telescoping gauges,
and spring calipers. (Apply)
4. Measurement scales
Describe and distinguish between dial, digital, and vernier scales. (Remember)
B. Special Gauges and Applications
Identify and describe the following basic tools and components. (Remember)
1. Electronic gauging tools: oscilloscopes, multimeters, and pyrometers.
2. Automatic gauging components: machine vision, ultrasonic, X-ray, and laser.
3. Pneumatic gauging components: air columns, probes, and rings.
4. Force gauging: torque wrenches.
5. Environment instrumentation: hygrometers, chart recorders, and data loggers.
C. Gauge Selection, Handling, and Use
1. 10:1 rule
Understand the 10:1 rule: inspection measurements require better than the
tolerance of a dimension by a factor of 10, and calibration standards require better
than the inspection measurements by a factor of 10. (Understand)
2. Gauge selection
Select gauges according to the feature or characteristic to be measured, the
applicable tolerance and the accuracy, environment, and the resolution and
capability of the test instrument. Determine whether the type of measurement
should be direct, differential, or transfer. (Apply)
3. Gauge handling, preservation, and storage
Identify and apply various methods of cleaning, handling, and storing gauges.
(Apply)
4. Gauge correlation
Identify and apply methods for establishing the correlation between measurement
instruments such as gauge-to-gauge or manual-to-automated process.
(Apply)
D. Surface Plate Tools and Techniques
1. Surface plate equipment
Select and use height gauges, V-blocks, and other indicators, to measure various
types of features. Understand the care, cleaning, calibration, and lapping of
a surface plate. (Apply)
2. Angle measurement instruments
Identify and use protractors, sine bars, and angle blocks. (Apply)
E. Specialized Inspection Equipment
1. Measuring mass
Describe and apply weights, balances, and scales. (Apply)
2. Measuring finish
Describe and apply profilometers, and fingernail comparators. (Apply)
Page 2 of 8
3. Measuring shape and profile
Describe and apply mechanical comparators, roundness testers, precision spindles,
and profile tracers. (Apply)
4. Optical equipment
Describe and apply optical comparators, optical flats, and microscopes. (Apply)
5. Software-based measurement systems
Define and describe the use of digital cameras, in-line optical sensors, vision
inspection systems (white light/blue light), articulating arms, laser trackers,
contracers, and other digital systems for product inspection. Recognize software
limitations with regard to locating functional datums, target points and areas, hole
positions and the basic operation of the x, y, and z axes. (Understand)
6. Measuring Inclination
Define and describe the measurement of the slope or slant of various equipment
(mechanical/laser). (Understand)
F. Calibration
1. Calibration systems
Describe the principles and purpose of a calibration system, including the
importance of establishing calibration intervals and uncertainty. Identify and use
basic tracking and identification methods such as logs, stickers, radio frequency
identifications (RFID), barcodes, and other identification codes to control
calibration equipment. (Apply)
2. Calibration standards and equipment traceability
Describe the hierarchy of standards, from working standards through international
standards and the documentation process of a measurement device traceable to the
international standards. (Remember)
3. Gauge calibration environment
Describe the effects that environmental conditions have on the calibration process,
such as temperature, humidity, vibration, and cleanliness of the gauge. (Apply)
4. Out-of-calibration effects
Describe the effects that out-of-calibration instruments can have on product
acceptance and the actions to take in response to this situation. (Apply)
G. Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
Define and describe the following elements of MSA. (Remember)
1. Bias
2. Stability
3. Precision
4. Accuracy
5. Linearity
6. Repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) studies
III. Inspection and Test (33 Questions)
A. Blueprints, Drawings, Geometric Dimensioning, Tolerancing (GD&T) & Model
Based Definitions
1. Blueprints, engineering drawings and model based definitions
Define and interpret various sections of technical drawings: title blocks, tolerances,
change or revision blocks, including notes, scale, and size details. (Apply)
Page 3 of 8
2. Terminology and symbols
Define and interpret drawing views and details for product specifications or other
controlling documents. Define and use various terms and symbols from the ASME
Y14.5M Standard. (Analyze)
3. Position and bonus tolerances
Calculate position and bonus tolerances from various drawings. (Analyze)
4. Part alignment and datum structure
Determine part alignment and setup using the datum structure. (Analyze)
B. Sampling
Define and interpret the following terms related to sampling. (Apply)
1. Acceptance quality limit (AQL)
2. Random sampling
3. Lot and sample size
4. Acceptance number
5. Sampling plans
C. Inspection Planning and Processes
1. Inspection types
Define and distinguish between inspection types such as incoming material, first-
article (first-piece), in-process, and final. (Apply)
2. Inspection errors
Identify potential inspection errors such as bias, fatigue, flinching, distraction, and
poor time management. (Apply)
3. Product traceability
Identify methods to trace products and materials such as age control, shelf life,
first-in first-out (FIFO), barcoding, date codes, and lot and part numbering.
(Apply)
4. Identification of nonconforming material
Describe various methods of identifying nonconforming material such as tagging,
labeling, and segregating. (Apply)
5. Level of severity
Define and describe levels of severity (critical, major, and minor) and apply them
to product features and defects. (Apply)
6. Disposition of nonconforming material
Describe disposition methods including rework, reprocess, reinspect, scrap, and
customer waiver, as determined by a material review board (MRB) or other
authority. (Apply)
D. Testing Methods
Define and use the following methods in various situations. (Apply)
1. Nondestructive testing: X-ray, eddy current, ultrasonic, dye penetrant, magnetic
particle, optical, visual, and profile.
2. Destructive testing: tensile, force testing, and drop test.
3. Functionality testing: tension, torque, leak testing, and compression.
4. Hardness testing: Brinell, Rockwell, durometer, and micro-hardness scales.
Page 4 of 8
E. Software for test equipment
Identify and describe basic tools (safeguarding, functional checks, comparison of test
results, identification of attributes and parameters) used to ensure that the software for
test equipment adequately and correctly performs its intended functions. (Remember)
IV. Quality Assurance (22 Questions)
A. Basic Statistics and Applications
1. Measures of central tendency
Calculate mean, median, and mode. (Apply)
2. Measures of dispersion
Calculate range, standard deviation, and variance. (Apply)
3. Measures of proportion
Calculate percentage and ratio measures for various data sets. (Apply)
4. Graphical displays
Define, interpret, and use scatter diagrams, tally sheets, and bar charts to display
data effectively in various situations. (Apply)
5. Normal distribution
Describe various characteristics of a normal distribution: symmetry, bell curve,
and central tendency. (Understand)
B. Statistical Process Control (SPC)
1. Common and special cause variation
Explain the difference between these causes of variation. Determine whether a
process is in statistical control by analyzing data patterns (runs, trends, and
hugging), and identify what actions should be taken in response. (Evaluate)
2. Control limits and specification limits
Define, describe, and distinguish between these limits as used in SPC. (Apply)
3. Variables charts
Identify characteristics and uses of X R and X s charts. (Apply)
4. Attributes charts
Identify characteristics and uses of p, np, c, and u charts. (Apply)
5. Process capability analysis
Define and distinguish between Cp, Cpk, Pp, and Ppk studies and identify their
application to various types of data. (Understand)
C. Quality Improvement
1. Terms and concepts
Define basic quality improvement concepts such as defect detection and
prevention, the cost of poor quality, total quality management (TQM), and the
importance of customer satisfaction. (Understand)
2. Products and processes
Define and distinguish between products and processes. Describe the
interrelationships of product design, materials used, manufacturing processes, and
final output, and how individual steps in a process can affect the final product or
the system as a whole. (Understand)
Page 5 of 8
D. Quality Audits
1. Types of audits
Define and describe various types of audits, including internal, external, system,
product, and process. (Understand)
2. Audit process
Define and describe various stages of the audit process (planning, performance,
and closure), including audit scope and purpose, resources needed, audit schedule,
opening meeting, interviewing, data gathering, document and record review,
analysis of results, closing meeting, audit documentation (reporting),
recordkeeping, and verification of corrective actions. (Understand)
3. Audit tools
Define and describe the purpose of checklists, log sheets, sampling plans, record
reviews, document reviews and forward-and backward-tracing. (Understand)
4. Communication tools and techniques
Define and describe the use of graphs, charts, diagrams, and other aids for written
and oral presentations including interview techniques and listening skills.
(Understand)
5. Corrective action requests (CARs)
Describe how CARs from audits can support quality improvement. (Understand)
E. Quality Tools and Techniques
Define and use the following quality tools and techniques. (Apply)
1. Pareto charts
2. Cause and effect diagrams
3. Flowcharts
4. Control charts
5. Check sheets
6. Scatter diagrams
7. Histograms
F. Problem-solving Tools and Continuous Improvement Techniques
Describe and use the following tools and techniques in various situations. (Apply)
1. Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) or plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles
2. Lean tools for eliminating waste: 5S, error-proofing, value-stream mapping; and
lean concepts: kaizen, flow, pull
3. Six sigma phases: define, measure, analyze, improve, control (DMAIC)
4. Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
5. 8D Methodology
6. 5 Whys
7. Fault Tree Analysis
G. Resources
1. Environmental and safety support
Define and use various resources related to personal and environmental safety:
safety data sheets (SDS), material data sheet (MDS), and personal protective
equipment (PPE). (Apply)
Page 6 of 8
2. Reference documents
Identify and use national and international standards (ISO, ANSI, ASTM, QS) and
customer requirements as authorities that support processes and procedures used to
assure quality products. (Apply)
3. Employees as resources
Describe how employees can be empowered and the value they add to project
teams or quality improvement teams. Describe typical team roles and
responsibilities: facilitator, ground rules, project or team charter. Describe the four
stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing.
(Remember)
4. Quality documentation
Basic quality documentation including correct form/revision for the process
(ISO9001, First Article Inspection Report, ISIR, PPAPs). Proper usage of policy,
procedure, work instructions and forms, proper documentation practices such as
document control, filling out forms completely, correcting misspellings, and
initialing changes. (Apply)
Page 7 of 8
Levels of Cognition
Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy – Revised (2001)
In addition to content specifics, the subtext for each topic in this BoK also indicates the
intended complexity level of the test questions for that topic. These levels are based on
“Levels of Cognition” (from Bloom’s Taxonomy – Revised, 2001) and are presented
below in rank order, from least complex 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 constituent parts and recognize their relationship to one
another and how they are organized; identify sublevel factors or salient data from a
complex scenario.
Evaluate
Make judgments about the value of proposed ideas, solutions, etc., by comparing the
proposal to specific criteria or standards.
Create
Put parts or elements together in such a way as to reveal a pattern or structure not clearly
there before; identify which data or information from a complex set is appropriate to
examine further or from which supported conclusions can be drawn.
Page 8 of 8
