American Society for Quality (ASQ)

Certified Quality Inspector

Body of Knowledge (BOK)
This NEW Quality Inspector Body of Knowledge is effective March 3, 2012.
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.
I.

Technical Mathematics

(20 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
Compute 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, meter to millimeter, etc. (Apply)
F. Numeric Conversions
Use various numbering methods such as scientific notation, decimals, and fractions,
and convert values between these systems. (Apply)
II.

Metrology

(30 Questions)

A. Common Gauges and Measurement Instruments

1. Variable gauges
Identify and use variable gauges, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicator,
CMM, linear scales, etc. (Apply)
2. Attribute gauges
Identify and use attribute gauges, including thread plug, progressive ring, flush pin,
radius gauge, etc. (Apply)
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B.

C.

D.

E.

3. Transfer gauges
Identify and use transfer gauges, including small-hole gauges, spring calipers, etc.
(Apply)
4. Measurement scales
Describe and distinguish between dial, digital, and vernier scales. (Remember)
Special Gauges and Applications
Identify and describe the following basic tools and components. (Remember)
1. Electronic gauging tools: oscilloscopes, multimeters, pyrometers, etc.
2. Automatic gauging components: machine vision, ultrasonic, X-ray, laser, etc.
3. Pneumatic gauging components: air columns, probes, rings, etc.
Gauge Selection, Handling, and Use
1. Gauge selection
Select gauges according to the feature or characteristic to be measured, the
applicable tolerance and the accuracy, and the resolution and capability of the test
instrument. Determine whether the type of measurement should be direct,
differential, or transfer. (Apply)
2. Gauge handling, preservation, and storage
Identify and apply various methods of cleaning, handling, and storing gauges.
(Apply)
3. Gauge correlation
Identify and apply methods for establishing the correlation between measurement
instruments such as gauge-to-gauge or manual-to-automated process. (Apply)
Surface Plate Tools and Techniques
1. Surface plate equipment
Select and use height gauges, V-blocks, indicators, etc., to measure various types
of features. (Apply)
2. Angle measurement instruments
Identify and use protractors, sine bars, angle blocks, etc. (Apply)
Specialized Inspection Equipment
1. Measuring mass
Describe and apply weights, balances and scales. (Apply)
2. Measuring finish
Describe and apply profilometers, fingernail comparators, etc. (Apply)
3. Measuring shape and profile
Describe and apply mechanical comparators, roundness testers, precision spindles,
profile tracers, etc. (Apply)
4. Optical equipment
Describe and apply optical comparators, optical flats, microscopes, etc. (Apply)
5. Digital vision systems
Define and describe the use of digital cameras, in-line optical sensors, and other
digital systems for product inspection. (Remember)
6. Coordinate measuring machine (CMM)
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the CMM and the basic operation of
the x, y, and z axes. Describe its limitations with regard to locating functional
datums, target points and areas, and hole positions. (Understand)

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F. Calibration
1. Calibration systems
Describe the principles and purpose of a calibration system, including the
importance of establishing calibration intervals. Identify and use basic tracking and
identification methods such as logs, stickers, identification codes, etc., to control
calibration equipment. (Apply)
2. Calibration standards
Describe the hierarchy of standards, from working standards through international
standards. (Remember)
3. Equipment traceability
Describe the requirements for documenting traceability to standards. (Remember)
4. Gage calibration environment
Describe the effects that environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity,
vibration and cleanliness of the gauge, etc., can have on calibration. (Apply)
5. 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. Accuracy
4. Linearity
5. Repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) studies
III.

Inspection and Test (30 Questions)

A. Blueprints, Drawings, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
1. Blueprints and engineering drawings
Define and interpret various sections of technical drawings: title block, tolerances,
change or revision blocks, including notes, scale, and size details, etc. (Apply)
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

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C. Inspection Planning and Processes

1. Inspection types
Define and distinguish between inspection types such as incoming material, firstarticle (first-piece), in-process, final, etc. (Apply)
2. Inspection errors
Identify potential inspection errors such as bias, fatigue, flinching, distraction, etc.
(Apply)
3. Product traceability
Identify methods to trace products and materials such as age control, shelf life, and
first-in first-out (FIFO). (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, minor, etc.) and apply them
to product features and defects. (Apply)
6. Disposition of nonconforming material
Describe disposition methods including rework, reprocess, scrap, customer waiver,
etc., 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, etc.
2. Destructive testing: tensile, force testing, drop test, etc.
3. Functionality testing: tension, torque, leak testing and compression, etc.
4. Hardness testing: Brinell, Rockwell, durometer, and micro-hardness scales
E. Software for test equipment
Identify and describe basic tools (e.g., 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

(20 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, bar charts, etc., to display
data effectively in various situations. (Apply)
5. Normal distribution

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Describe various characteristics of a normal distribution: symmetry, bell curve,

central tendency, etc. (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, hugging,
etc.), 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), the
importance of customer satisfaction, etc. (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)
D.
Quality Audits
1. Types of audits
Define and describe various types of audits, including internal, external, system,
product, process, etc. (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 and recordkeeping,
verification of corrective actions, etc. (Understand)
3. Audit tools
Define and describe the purpose of checklists, log sheets, sampling plans, record
and 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)

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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)
G. Resources
1. Environmental and safety support
Define and use various resources related to personal and environmental safety:
material safety data sheet (MSDS), personal protective equipment (PPE), etc.
(Apply)
2. Reference documents
Identify and use national and international standards (e.g., ISO, ANSI, ASTM, QS)
and customer requirements as authorities that support processes and procedures
used to assure quality products. (Apply)
3. Technical reports
Review, analyze, and interpret technical reports that are used to diagnose problems
and communicate solutions. (Analyze)
4. Employees as resources (Remember)
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, etc. Describe the
four stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing.
(Remember)
Note: Approximately 20% of the questions in each test will require calculation.

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SIX LEVELS OF COGNITION

BASED ON BLOOMS TAXONOMY (REVISED)
In addition to content specifics, the subtext detail also indicates the intended complexity level of
the test questions for that topic. These levels are based on the Revised Levels of Cognition
(from Blooms Taxonomy, 2001) and are presented below in rank order, from least complex to
most complex.
REMEMBER
Be able to remember or recognize terminology, definitions, facts, ideas, materials, patterns,
sequences, methodologies, principles, etc. (Also commonly referred to as recognition, recall, or
rote knowledge.)
UNDERSTAND
Be able to read and understand descriptions, communications, reports, tables, diagrams,
directions, regulations, etc.
APPLY
Be able to apply ideas, procedures, methods, formulas, principles, theories, etc., in job-related
situations.
ANALYZE
Be able to break down information into its constituent parts and recognize the parts relationship
to one another and how they are organized; identify sublevel factors or salient data from a
complex scenario.
EVALUATE
Be able to make judgments regarding the value of proposed ideas, solutions, methodologies, etc.,
by using appropriate criteria or standards to estimate accuracy, effectiveness, economic benefits,
etc.
CREATE
Be able to put parts or elements together in such a way as to show a pattern or structure not
clearly there before; be able to identify which data or information from a complex set is
appropriate to examine further or from which supported conclusions can be drawn.

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