CQI Practice Test 2026 — Free CQI Exam Prep Questions
The ASQ Certified Quality Inspector credential is for inspectors who, under the direction of quality engineers and supervisors, measure and inspect product, interpret drawings and record quality data. This practice set follows the four sections of the 2025 CQI Body of Knowledge. It includes worked shop math, gauging, GD&T bonus and position tolerance, acceptance sampling and SPC items like those on the open-book exam.
A cereal-carton filler is in statistical control. The fill-weight specification is 368 g to 380 g, and the within-subgroup standard deviation is 1.6 g. What is Cp?
CQI format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based, through Prometric at a test center or with online remote proctoring. Exam time is 4 hours 18 minutes in a 4.5-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 without an alphabetic keyboard are allowed. A paper-and-pencil version (100 questions, 4 hours) is also offered. English only.
| Questions | 110 multiple-choice (100 scored + 10 unscored), 4 options each |
|---|---|
| Exam time | 4 hours 18 minutes (4.5-hour appointment) |
| Calculations | About 20% of questions require calculation |
| Body of Knowledge | 2025 BoK, introduced in the May 2025 testing window |
| 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 online remote proctoring (English) |
| Fee | $460 (ASQ members $360); retake $260 |
| Experience | 3 years (one education waiver of 2 years) |
| Recertification | None: the CQI is a lifetime certification |
Facts last verified Oct 18, 2026. Source: www.asq.org/cert/quality-inspector. Always confirm details with ASQ before your exam.
When can you take the CQI?
The CQI is offered in odd-month computer-based testing windows (January, March, May, July, September, November), each with an application deadline several weeks ahead. Upcoming windows: January 1–31, 2027 (apply by December 7, 2026); March 1–31, 2027 (apply by February 8, 2027).
What the CQI covers
Every PrepBanq CQI test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Technical Mathematics19 scored questions: shop math, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement-system and numeric conversions, and basic statistics (central tendency, dispersion, proportion, graphical displays, normal distribution). | 19% | ~19 | 28 questions → |
Metrology26 scored questions: variable, attribute and transfer gauges and measurement scales; special gauges; gauge selection, handling and correlation (10:1 rule); surface plate tools; specialized inspection equipment; calibration; and measurement system analysis. | 26% | ~26 | 39 questions → |
Inspection and Test32 scored questions: blueprints, drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and model-based definitions, including position and bonus tolerances and datums; sampling; inspection planning, nonconforming material and severity levels; testing methods; and software for test equipment. | 32% | ~32 | 48 questions → |
Quality Assurance and Improvement23 scored questions: quality improvement concepts, quality audits, basic quality tools, statistical process control and capability, problem-solving and continuous-improvement tools (including CAPA), and resources such as safety data, reference standards, teams and quality documentation. | 23% | ~23 | 35 questions → |
How to register for the CQI
Eligibility
3 years of full-time, paid, on-the-job experience in one or more areas of the CQI Body of Knowledge. One education waiver of 2 years may be claimed for a qualifying diploma or degree (for example, a technical, military or trade-school diploma, or an associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree).
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 your result on screen when you submit, and ASQ confirms it by email. Candidates who don't pass receive a performance summary by Body of Knowledge subtopic. Pilot exams and exams under an updated Body of Knowledge take several weeks for results.
Credential renewal
Lifetime certification: the CQI has no recertification requirement.
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CQI FAQ
How many questions are on the CQI?
The CQI has 110 questions (100 of them scored) and you have 4 hours 18 minutes to finish. Question types: Multiple choice with four options and one correct answer. 100 questions are scored and 10 are unscored. About 20% of the questions require calculation. The questions cover the 2025 Body of Knowledge, introduced in the May 2025 testing window, across four sections: Technical Mathematics, Metrology, Inspection and Test, and Quality Assurance and Improvement..
How long is the CQI exam?
Testing time for the CQI is 4 hours 18 minutes.
What is the passing score for the CQI?
CQI passing standard: Scaled score of 550. Score range: Scaled score out of a possible 750.
How much does the CQI cost?
The CQI registration fee is $460 exam fee ($360 for ASQ members). Retake $260. 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 CQI?
The CQI covers Technical Mathematics (about 19%), Metrology (about 26%), Inspection and Test (about 32%), Quality Assurance and Improvement (about 23%).
Who administers the CQI?
The ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) Exam is administered by ASQ. Delivery: Computer-based, through Prometric at a test center or with online remote proctoring. Exam time is 4 hours 18 minutes in a 4.5-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 without an alphabetic keyboard are allowed. A paper-and-pencil version (100 questions, 4 hours) is also offered. English only..
Can you retake the CQI?
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 CQI practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free CQI practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real CQI formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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