CQA Practice Test 2026 — Free CQA Exam Prep Questions
The ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) exam is for experienced professionals who plan, perform, report and follow up on quality audits. Our practice questions follow the 2026 CQA Body of Knowledge, from audit types and objective evidence to CAPA verification, audit program management and basic quality tools, with realistic audit scenarios.
While auditing a contract testing laboratory, the auditor finds that analysts share a single login to the laboratory information system and that the audit-trail function was turned off to improve system speed. Which conclusion is best supported?
CQA format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based, through Prometric at a test center or with live remote proctoring. Exam time is 5 hours 18 minutes in a 5.5-hour appointment. The exam is open book: bring bound references only, with Post-it notes allowed only as tabs. An on-screen basic scientific calculator is provided, and silent, non-programmable hand-held calculators are allowed. A paper-and-pencil version (150 questions, 5 hours) is offered at select locations. English only.
| Questions | 165 multiple-choice (150 scored + 15 unscored), 4 options each |
|---|---|
| Exam time | 5 hours 18 minutes (5.5-hour appointment) |
| Case studies | About 10–15% of the exam: audit scenarios with supporting documents |
| Body of Knowledge | 2026 BoK, effective April 1, 2026 |
| Passing score | 550 out of a possible 750 (scaled) |
| Open book | Bound references only; Post-it notes as tabs only |
| Calculator | On-screen basic scientific; silent non-programmable hand-held allowed |
| Delivery | Prometric test center or live remote proctoring (English) |
| Fee | $550 (ASQ members save $100); retake $350 |
| Experience | 8 years, including 3 in a decision-making role (education waivers up to 5 years) |
| Recertification | Every 3 years: 18 recertification units or retake the exam |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: www.asq.org/cert/quality-auditor. Always confirm details with ASQ before your exam.
When can you take the CQA?
The CQA is offered in even-month computer-based testing windows, each with an application deadline several weeks ahead. Upcoming windows: December 1–31, 2026 (apply by November 9, 2026); February 1–28, 2027 (apply by January 11, 2027); April 2027 (apply by March 8, 2027).
What the CQA covers
Every PrepBanq CQA test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Auditing Fundamentals37 scored questions: types of audits (including desk, remote and hybrid), purpose and scope, audit criteria, roles of audit participants, and professional conduct, legal consequences and credibility. | 24.7% | ~37 | 37 questions → |
Audit Process45 scored questions: audit preparation and planning, audit performance and objective evidence, audit reporting, and CAPA follow-up and closure. | 30% | ~45 | 45 questions → |
Auditor Competencies30 scored questions: auditor characteristics, on-site resource management, conflict resolution, communication and presentation, interviewing techniques, and team dynamics. | 20% | ~30 | 30 questions → |
Audit Program Management and Business Applications23 scored questions: audit program management (staffing, training, evaluation, internal and external programs, risk, management review, electronic records) and business and financial impact, including cost of quality. | 15.3% | ~23 | 23 questions → |
Quality Tools and Techniques15 scored questions: basic quality tools, Six Sigma and lean, basic statistics, process variation, sampling methods, change control, verification and validation, and risk management tools. | 10% | ~15 | 15 questions → |
How to register for the CQA
Eligibility
8 years of full-time, paid, on-the-job experience in one or more Body of Knowledge areas. At least 3 of those years must be in a decision-making position with authority to define, execute or control projects or processes and responsibility for the outcome. One education waiver can reduce the requirement: technical/trade diploma 1 year, associate degree 2 years, bachelor's degree 4 years, master's or doctorate 5 years.
Retake policy
Unlimited retakes at the reduced retake fee within two years of your last attempt. You cannot retake in the same testing window. After two years, submit a new application and pay the full fee.
Score release
A computer-based exam shows a pass/fail result on screen when you finish, and ASQ follows up by email. Candidates who don't pass receive a breakdown of performance by Body of Knowledge subtopic. Results for exams under a newly updated Body of Knowledge can take up to four weeks.
Credential renewal
Recertify every 3 years by earning 18 recertification units or by retaking the exam.
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CQA FAQ
How many questions are on the CQA?
The CQA has 165 questions (150 of them scored) and you have 5 hours 18 minutes to finish. Question types: Four-option multiple choice with one correct answer. 150 questions are scored and 15 are unscored pretest questions. About 10–15% of the exam is case studies: a brief audit scenario with supporting audit documents, followed by questions in the same four-choice format. The questions cover the 2026 Body of Knowledge, effective April 1, 2026, across five domains..
How long is the CQA exam?
Testing time for the CQA is 5 hours 18 minutes.
What is the passing score for the CQA?
CQA passing standard: Scaled score of 550. Score range: Scaled score out of a possible 750.
How much does the CQA cost?
The CQA registration fee is $550 exam fee (ASQ members save $100 on the initial exam). Retake $350. Rescheduling costs $130 and must be done at least 5 days before the appointment.. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the CQA?
The CQA covers Auditing Fundamentals (about 24.7%), Audit Process (about 30%), Auditor Competencies (about 20%), Audit Program Management and Business Applications (about 15.3%), Quality Tools and Techniques (about 10%).
Who administers the CQA?
The ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Exam is administered by ASQ. Delivery: Computer-based, through Prometric at a test center or with live remote proctoring. Exam time is 5 hours 18 minutes in a 5.5-hour appointment. The exam is open book: bring bound references only, with Post-it notes allowed only as tabs. An on-screen basic scientific calculator is provided, and silent, non-programmable hand-held calculators are allowed. A paper-and-pencil version (150 questions, 5 hours) is offered at select locations. English only..
Can you retake the CQA?
Unlimited retakes at the reduced retake fee within two years of your last attempt. You cannot retake in the same testing window. After two years, submit a new application and pay the full fee.
Is there a free CQA practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free CQA practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real CQA formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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