ASQ has now introduced a new feature to help prepare the exam takers as to what to expect on the exam day.

This new feature has a Sample Exam with actual 75 exam questions that were used in the past. The questions are so real, that I can even recognize a few ! ;) These will not reappear again. But these are a good start for some one to do a self assessment (before and after preparation) and see where you stand.

The sample exam also has the actual instructions sheet that are used in a real exam. Reviewing this ahead will save some proctor time as well.

In the past, study guide provided only 25 questions on each exam. Now this feature has 75 Questions (approx. 50% for most exams). I would suggest that if you did take a self assessment, try not to correct the questions by yourself. Ask your buddy to correct them. So that after your full preparation of say 150 hours or so, you can take the same exam again and evaluate if there is any improvement in knowledge /understanding after the preparation.

Since these questions will not reappear, the absolute score may not help you to predict the exam outcome. But the relative improvement (by comparing the pre-post preparation scores) may boost your morale before entering the exam. This is just my way of evaluating my preparation. This has helped me for all my certifications.

At the moment this feature is provided only for CQM, CRE and CSQE.

http://www.asq.org/cert/pdf/manager_sample_exam.pdf
http://www.asq.org/cert/pdf/cre_sample_exam.pdf
http://www.asq.org/cert/pdf/csqe_sample_exam.pdf

Overall, I think that this is an encouragement for exam takers. :applause:

If you think, providing this "Sample Exam" is a useful feature, (and may influence your decision to pursue the certification) please share your thoughts. ASQ Certification division may continue to add this sample exam feature to all types of the certifications in the ASQ Webpage.

Govind

ASQ has now introduced a new feature to help prepare the exam takers as to what to expect on the exam day.

This new feature has a Sample Exam with actual 75 exam questions that were used in the past. The questions are so real, that I can even recognize a few ! ;) These will not reappear again. But these are a good start for some one to do a self assessment (before and after preparation) and see where you stand.

The sample exam also has the actual instructions sheet that are used in a real exam. Reviewing this ahead will save some proctor time as well.

In the past, study guide provided only 25 questions on each exam. Now this feature has 75 Questions (approx. 50% for most exams). I would suggest that if you did take a self assessment, try not to correct the questions by yourself. Ask your buddy to correct them. So that after your full preparation of say 150 hours or so, you can take the same exam again and evaluate if there is any improvement in knowledge /understanding after the preparation.

Since these questions will not reappear, the absolute score may not help you to predict the exam outcome. But the relative improvement (by comparing the pre-post preparation scores) may boost your morale before entering the exam. This is just my way of evaluating my preparation. This has helped me for all my certifications.

At the moment this feature is provided only for CQM, CRE and CSQE.

http://www.asq.org/cert/pdf/manager_sample_exam.pdf
http://www.asq.org/cert/pdf/cre_sample_exam.pdf
http://www.asq.org/cert/pdf/csqe_sample_exam.pdf

Overall, I think that this is an encouragement for exam takers. :applause:

If you think, providing this "Sample Exam" is a useful feature, (and may influence your decision to pursue the certification) please share your thoughts. ASQ Certification division may continue to add this sample exam feature to all types of the certifications in the ASQ Webpage.

GovindThanks for posting these, Govind. I had forgotten how specific the questions could be in tying concepts and processes to names of developers - Taylor, Juran, Deming, etc. As much as I think I know, I wouldn't attempt to take any of these exams without re-reading through the BOK (Body of Knowledge) and getting some sample exams to work through.

I understand and agree with the philosophy behind such "persnickety" questions which is to assure the practicioner has been exposed to such theories and processes to the extent he is able to associate a historical name with the process - it still makes for tough tests.

Thanks for posting these, Govind. I had forgotten how specific the questions could be in tying concepts and processes to names of developers - Taylor, Juran, Deming, etc.
As much as I think I know, I wouldn't attempt to take any of these exams without re-reading through the BOK (Body of Knowledge) and getting some sample exams to work through.


Wes,
Thanks for the reply. In my personal opinion, you have gained a good reputation in both ASQ discussion Forum and Elsmar with your detailed and thoroughness of your reply as a Quality Manager.

Looking at the maturity of your replies, I can imagine that it would require a short duration to review BOK and get ready for CQMgr.

I can see the benefit for ASQ if you pass the CQMgr. You will be able to volunteer for exam development. ASQ can benefit with your valuable inputs specifically for those "Constructive response" questions.

Please think about pursuing CQMgr, if your time permits.

Govind.

The biggest bugaboo I've heard is that, especially for the CQMgr (which I'm sitting for this fall), your answer needs to match ASQ's "best" answer. I can remember various CQE primer materials even mentioning that while "a" is a good answer, "c" is better, yet the reasoning didn't really explain the "why" very well. I can only hope that those types of questions (not much differrence between the responses) aren't as weighted as others.

I'm not really whining, just stating what I've heard and experienced.

BTW - Thanks for posting those. I'll be giving them a try!

Bill

The biggest bugaboo I've heard is that, especially for the CQMgr (which I'm sitting for this fall), your answer needs to match ASQ's "best" answer. I can remember various CQE primer materials even mentioning that while "a" is a good answer, "c" is better, yet the reasoning didn't really explain the "why" very well. I can only hope that those types of questions (not much differrence between the responses) aren't as weighted as others.

Bill,

I wouldn't worry too much about the "best" answer issue. Those type of questions are in the minority. It is also my understanding that if too many of those taking the test get it wrong, than it is thrown out. If you go to the ASQ website, there are descriptions of how the tests are created and how they are scored. If you have any specific questions about the Certified Quality Manager exam, I will be glad to assist since I am already certified.

Also, I wouldn't be too hard on the creators of the ASQ exams since there are a lot of areas in quality that are subjective and even controversial on what is the best answer. Considering the diversity of knowledge, experience and opinions of Covers, it would be interesting to see if we could come up with 150 questions that we all agreed to. Maybe we should start a thread of proposed questions for the Elsmar Cove Quality Certification test.

Bill Pflanz

A very interesting thread. Yet, why can't I find a sniff at all of this on the ASQ web site? :confused:

A very interesting thread. Yet, why can't I find a sniff at all of this on the ASQ web site? :confused:
Steve,
If you visit the specific certification page:
http://www.asq.org/cert/types/csqe/index.html
http://www.asq.org/cert/types/cre/index.html
http://www.asq.org/cert/types/cqm/index.html

There is a blue frame in the middle with all sub links.
One of the sub link is New ! Sample Exam.

I provided the hyperlink at a sub link level for convenience.

I have not heard any feedback from our Elsmar members about this feature yet.Once we get some feedback, we can request ASQ to post similar Sample exams for other certifications also. I guess our members will be very interested for SSBB and CQE for sure.

Govind.

Bill,

I wouldn't worry too much about the "best" answer issue. Those type of questions are in the minority. It is also my understanding that if too many of those taking the test get it wrong, than it is thrown out. If you go to the ASQ website, there are descriptions of how the tests are created and how they are scored. If you have any specific questions about the Certified Quality Manager exam, I will be glad to assist since I am already certified.

Also, I wouldn't be too hard on the creators of the ASQ exams since there are a lot of areas in quality that are subjective and even controversial on what is the best answer. Considering the diversity of knowledge, experience and opinions of Covers, it would be interesting to see if we could come up with 150 questions that we all agreed to. Maybe we should start a thread of proposed questions for the Elsmar Cove Quality Certification test.

Bill Pflanz

Bill, Very well explained. :applause: ASQ actually uses statistics very heavily to look at the performance of each and every question. Ambiguous questions are corrected and clarity is added. These questions are created, reviewed and finalized by a team ASQ volunteers who are considered to be SME in that Body of knowledge.

We notice, how many times we agree and disagree on various topics in Quality Management and Quality Auditing areas in this Forum. Similarly, there is a possibility for us to disagree with the answers sometimes. But the Rationale behind those answers are solid for most Questions.

In the future, there is a possibility some members could reference a question from those Sample exam and start a thread looking for rationale. I would welcome those questions as this will open up a new interest in ASQ Certifications.

Bill's suggestion for Elsmar Cove Quality test is something I would not ignore.
He has triggered a spark.
We have experts from all fields of Quality & Reliability. Even if some of us item write 5 questions each we will have a bank of few hundred questions. We could create a web based Quality Quiz and add more challenge than ASQ Exam.

Think about it.
Govind.

We notice, how many times we agree and disagree on various topics in Quality Management and Quality Auditing areas in this Forum. Similarly, there is a possibility for us to disagree with the answers sometimes. But the Rationale behind those answers are solid for most Questions..
We disagree at almost every turn. It is the nature of the beast as Quality may be interpreted in many ways. Quality is in the mind of the beholder. :)
In the future, there is a possibility some members could reference a question from those Sample exam and start a thread looking for rationale. I would welcome those questions as this will open up a new interest in ASQ Certifications..
Excellent idea. We would definitely require a thread to discuss the contentious issues of which I feel there will be many.
Bill's suggestion for Elsmar Cove Quality test is something I would not ignore. He has triggered a spark. We have experts from all fields of Quality & Reliability. Even if some of us item write 5 questions each we will have a bank of few hundred questions. We could create a web based Quality Quiz and add more challenge than ASQ Exam.Think about it. Govind.
Govind & Bill :applause:
I thoroughly agree that a web-based test in the cove would be excellent. However, I would not like to be the adjudicator :nope:. I can imagine the behind the scenes PMs about subjective matters. This is where the rationale threads would need to be employed. I look forward to the birth of a new thread.

Who's first? What about a team event like family fued :lmao: Govind, Claes, Wes, Marc, Roxane, Craig C etc...versus Randy (both), CarolX, Wallace, Craig H and all the Daves and Als :lmao: :lol:

GregB

We disagree at almost every turn. It is the nature of the beast as Quality may be interpreted in many ways. Quality is in the mind of the beholder. :)

Excellent idea. We would definitely require a thread to discuss the contentious issues of which I feel there will be many.

Govind & Bill :applause:
I thoroughly agree that a web-based test in the cove would be excellent. However, I would not like to be the adjudicator :nope:. I can imagine the behind the scenes PMs about subjective matters. This is where the rationale threads would need to be employed. I look forward to the birth of a new thread.

Who's first? What about a team event like family fued :lmao: Govind, Claes, Wes, Marc, Roxane, Craig C etc...versus Randy (both), CarolX, Wallace, Craig H and all the Daves and Als :lmao: :lol:

GregBI think a contest would be contrary to the Deming concept of "NOT ranking personnel."

I do like the idea of exploring the rationale behind some of the questions and their answers.

:agree1: All my joking aside, I too think a question and answer thread would be invaluable.

Greg B

I also like the idea of Q&A threads being created. I recently joined the ASQ with the intent to start seriously looking at my options for career paths and industry Q&A threads would be a wonderful supplmental to people preparing for tests but for anyone (ASQ or non-ASQ) who wishes to learn about quality issues and the importance of keeping an open mind.

If we were to pursue the "game" route, I think something comparable to 'The Weakest Link' or 'Survivor' would be more entertaining. Immunity challenges based on creating flow charts out of branches and leaves could prove to be a rather enlightening experience. :D

Thanks for the feedback from all; Continue to provide feedback.Thread is still open.

Now that we have a consensus in taking a discussion approach to challenging questions, I want some members to take the sample exam and tell us which are the questions, they find difficult and why?

Since I have already passed all these exams, my feedback on difficulty level will be different from those who is taking for the first time. I would appreciate new exam takers, other members to attempt and provide feedback. We can create this topic more value added and resourceful for exam/ Non exam takers.

Let us start with CQM..

First,please take the 75 Question exam, Ask your buddy to correct them, don't ask to circle the right answer, since you may need to do it again after preparation.(not to add bias).

Identify how many you did not get right.

Identify of which how many you disagree with the official answer and why?
(Not knowing an answer is different from diasagreeing with an answer)
Any authentic reference you can quote against the official answer?

If we did this in a systematic way, we will know the general weaknesses of new exam takers, genuine ambiguity in the question if any.


Once again thank all for helping to build the Elsmar Cover members as a Knowledge based community.

Govind.

This looks like it could be interesting. Is there an intent to continue it or what's the scoop?

ASQ has now introduced a new feature to help prepare the exam takers as to what to expect on the exam day.

This new feature has a Sample Exam with actual 75 exam questions that were used in the past. ... ;) These will not reappear again. But these are a good start for some one to do a self assessment (before and after preparation) and see where you stand. ...
Govind
Govind,

Thanks for mentioning this feature - I had not been aware of it yet, probably because I have not looked at those particular certifications recently.

For the benefit of people who do not know, I would like to mention some relevant things about the exam development process. This may help answer some misconceptions.

Every certification exam has a "pool" of validated questions. The size of the pool varies but is usually several thousand.
The question pools are regularly reviewed and refreshed. They are not static.
Before a question shows up on an exam it is validated when it is created and then at least twice more - once as part of the general task of reviewing them, and again after being assembled into a draft exam.
Every question must have only one correct answer.
Every question and single correct answer must be referenced to one or more of the study references listed along with the body of knowledge. If it cannot be found in one of the listed references, it gets tossed out. (An exception to this is the pair of "constructed response" essay questions in the CQMgr exam, for obvious reasons.)
The exams are created by drawing pool questions at random for each area of the body of knowledge.
The questions are created and validated by people who already hold that certification. (This is a task that ASQ usually needs more volunteers for, so if you are certified then consider contacting the Certification Department to volunteer for some expense-paid weekend trips to Milwaukee.)
Graeme
==========================

I have been out of pocket for the last week or so and have not been watching the Cove. Now that I am back, I realize that one of my suggestions about a Cove quality test is still being discussed.

I am also biased on a review of the ASQ Certified Quality Manager questions since I have already passed the test. The whole point of this certification is to test more of the breadth and not the depth of the understanding of quality concepts, teams, knowledge management and other more theoretical and less technical concepts. The questions may only seem vague to someone without sufficient knowledge or experience. Don't forget the certification requires 10 years of experience as demonstrated by resume.

That said I need to do my part and either provide some example questions or take Govind's suggestion and have some people try to take the test and see what questions they get stumped on. When I took my refresher class, I remember I learned the most from the instructor's questions that were not black and white but open for discussion. Sometimes we even agreed to disagree on the "right" answer. I would not want to design an entire test with questions like that but suggesting some for this board would definitely generate discussion.

Bill

I passed CRE test recently and had an opportunity to compare sample test containing 75 questions with actual 150 questions.
If you divide practice 75 questions into 3 groups i.e.33 % easy, 33 % medium and 33 %tough and 0 % toughest, my experience with ASQ actual test was 10 % easy, 25 % medium, 45 % tough and 20 % very tough questions.
Therefore, it is essential to aim at 90 % of above score in practice test in minimum attempt to improve first time passing in ASQ actual test.
Arvind

...., my experience with ASQ actual test was 10 % easy, 25 % medium, 45 % tough and 20 % very tough questions.
Therefore, it is essential to aim at 90 % of above score in practice test in minimum attempt to improve first time passing in ASQ actual test.
Arvind

I agree with this estimation with minor change.

10 % easy, 25 % medium, 55 % tough and 10 % very tough questions.
In my opinion like CRE, ASQ has to maintain atleast 20% of the questions as problems in CQE,CSSBB,and CSQE.This will help to maintain the difficulty level of ASQ exams.

Yes it is very important to score atleast 85% and above or preferably 90% in the practice test for passing the actual exam first time.I use to take approx 8 Simulated exams and average between 85% to 90% before entering the actual exam.

Regards,
Govind.

Hi All,

I just recieved the attached PDF with the following email

The New Era of Certification
Dear Colleagues,
Following recent advice to our respective key stakeholders and customers
regarding the merger of QSA International, the Quality Society of
Australasia (QSA) with the US-based Registrar Accreditation Board (RAB), I
am pleased to advise that our progress in the transition from independent
organisations to 'RABQSA International', the world's leading accredited
personnel certification body, is moving rapidly to conclusion.
The attached news release provides detailed information on the progress of
the merger and the transition plan for your certification.
For further information regarding the Standard and RABQSA's transition plan,


Psychometric testing? E Testing? I wonder what the COST (Time & Money) to us poor auditors is going to be? Is this type of thing happening in the U.S?

Sadly, I think the problem is not with the tests, themselves, but to the purpose (screening out people who test badly) that would-be "managers" put these tests.

Here's a sample of one of these kinds of "attitude tests" made famous [infamous?] by Kepner-Tregoe, Inc. (google them, too)
http://www.winstonbrill.com/bril001/html/article_index/articles/251-300/article297_body.html
I sometimes wonder if you pretend to like God, mom, baseball, apple pie, etc. when you answer these kinds of tests whether you can sufficiently skew the results to be in the "Accepted" crew.

Actually, in my opinion, using one or more of these tests is succumbing to the fallacy in hiring: "I want people who look and think like me."

Follow this fallacy to its logical conclusion, and you eliminate diversity and become an organization of exclusion instead of one of inclusion.

This is also going back to that hoary topic we covered some months back - Management By Objective (MBO.) On the surface, this may sound good, but the reality is completely adverse to the employee and certainly dehumanizes individuals.

Sadly, I think the problem is not with the tests, themselves, but to the purpose (screening out people who test badly) that would-be "managers" put these tests.
...
Actually, in my opinion, using one or more of these tests is succumbing to the fallacy in hiring: "I want people who look and think like me."

Follow this fallacy to its logical conclusion, and you eliminate diversity and become an organization of exclusion instead of one of inclusion.

This is also going back to that hoary topic we covered some months back - Management By Objective (MBO.) On the surface, this may sound good, but the reality is completely adverse to the employee and certainly dehumanizes individuals.

I agree with this, but I appreciate the management's position and their attempts to hire like-minded people.

My husband's department (IT) had a rough time going through stacks of candidates with resumes that glowed in the dark, until they devised a series of tests. The first one was a questionnaire. I haven't seen it, but I doubt it is Freudian. Then there are practical tests--maybe two, or maybe just the one I recall hearing about, sitting the applicant down in front of a computer with a problem (such as its mouse disabled in the bios) and asking the candidate to find the problem and fix it. Almost no one can, even with their lists of certs and degrees. The objective there, which I approve of, is to find the one who can form and use their own troubleshooting process.

Yes yes, I know this is supposed to be about psychological tests. I'm not comfortable with them, but I know that there are few companies that know how to, and are comfortable with, harnessing diverse creative individuals. McGregor's X Theory is still very much in play.

It's still about management and leadership.

Business schools are not helping with the problem in failing to harness their employees' potential. Only recently have some schools been examining the apparent hole in their missions and curricula design: they don't teach leadership. :mg: Given this lack they appear to be glorious technical schools, delivering specialized curricula because the demand has been for deep, narrow slice training versus overall training. This seems odd because so many of the MBAs do expect to advance into leadership. But instead of getting their training in school, where the classes can be built around examining case studies and analyzing various approaches, their development is undertaken by their employers. This employee development is something I approve of, except the objective is "grooming" those persons (that they feel have the "right stuff") using methods that apparently have little objectivity--they form those individuals' leadership styles into the corporate's current leadership image: good, mediocre or painfully bad, as we are seeing in the Enron-like cultures.

In this way, the problem keeps going around in a circle instead of improving very much.

The problem is not being helped much by the public schools or undergraduate colleges. My state's schools are working to form teamwork skills, which helps, but there is little technical teaching in how to harness diversity. I hope to help solve this problem with my training materials, now in publisher for review.

If the labor forecasts are to be believed, the need for diverse employee management, effective leadership and teamwork skills will become recognizably urgent because there will not be a big labor pool from which to cherry pick the perfect candidate--just add water and stir vigorously.

Wes,
I undertook the Kepner-Tregoe 'Problem Solving and Decision Making' course a few years back and I must say that coming from a technical background I (and many of my colleagues) found their methodology very troubling. It concentrated on finding the 'difference' between 'Right' and 'Wrong', or 'Operating' and 'Not operating' etc. Anyway, my company was going to use it as a primary tool but it fell over fairly fast (like most of the FAD type courses we get sent on)

Jennifer,
I heard on the Radio yesterday that my states Public Service workers are being Psych evaluated when they are being counselled. This evaluates their home life issues and how they may be affecting the individual’s work. This takes the blame off the supervisor, manager and work itself. It seems very judgemental and subjective. I think the Unions are having something to say about it. These tests never seem to evaluate common sense or life skills but are very well regarded by people that:

Are not afraid of tests
Have done them before and thus understand the answers required
Are brain dead
HR Graduates (sorry)
Employers that are looking for easy answers

Wes,
I undertook the Kepner-Tregoe 'Problem Solving and Decision Making' course a few years back and I must say that coming from a technical background I (and many of my colleagues) found their methodology very troubling. It concentrated on finding the 'difference' between 'Right' and 'Wrong', or 'Operating' and 'Not operating' etc. Anyway, my company was going to use it as a primary tool but it fell over fairly fast (like most of the FAD type courses we get sent on)

Jennifer,
I heard on the Radio yesterday that my states Public Service workers are being Psych evaluated when they are being counselled. This evaluates their home life issues and how they may be affecting the individual’s work. This takes the blame off the supervisor, manager and work itself. It seems very judgemental and subjective. I think the Unions are having something to say about it. These tests never seem to evaluate common sense or life skills but are very well regarded by people that:

Are not afraid of tests
Have done them before and thus understand the answers required
Are brain dead
HR Graduates (sorry)
Employers that are looking for easy answers
:agree1: This is all reminiscent of my thread on gatekeepers http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=9325&highlight=gatekeeper

Even Jennifer's discussion of her husband's situation describes some of the tests as being "exclusionary" for something other than pure ability to produce a solution to a problem.

On the other hand, I agree that an exam to show how someone reasons through a practical problem related to the job is fair. (like a typing test for a keyboard operator) One which asks whether you are comfortable in front of other people does not.

I, for example, am a gregarious person with years of experience speaking, presenting, and demonstrating in front of audiences ranging from 2 or 3 up to 1,000 or more. I love to talk to and with people. I like a lot of audience interaction throughout a presentation. That said, I still encounter situations where I silently wish there were a net between me and them to stop the rotten fruit I expect them to throw. They never really throw the fruit, of course, but they sure make me feel uncomfortable sometimes. Would I answer that on a test? Heck, no!

: On the other hand, I agree that an exam to show how someone reasons through a practical problem related to the job is fair. (like a typing test for a keyboard operator) One which asks whether you are comfortable in front of other people does not.

Wes, :agree1:
I ensure that I have small practical tests for all applicants to undertake. Recently, I had to employee a new PA/Girl Friday and gave 4 tests,

Word: Typing Skill, Speed, Accuracy, Presentation etc. I give them a text and they have to reproduce it,,
Excel: They are given a set of figures and have to do BASIC operations such as sum, avg, etc and Chart their results,
PowerPoint: They are given a Topic, Headings, Text, Photos and instructions. I want 10 slides for a University presentation with background that has Blue in it; it is amazing what you get in return.
Access: They do basic data entry

I also asked them to track down some information on the internet. Responses are reviewed in front of the applicant ,as part of their interview, and they are given constructive criticism. It is amazing what you find out about someone from their responses or lack thereof.

Excellent process, Greg!

I'm sure you also evaluate how they take [process?] the constructive criticism during the interview after the test.

In point of fact, I think the interview/review AFTER the practical exam is the best part of your process. Keep up the good work!

Excellent process, Greg!

I'm sure you also evaluate how they take [process?] the constructive criticism during the interview after the test.

In point of fact, I think the interview/review AFTER the practical exam is the best part of your process. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Wes,

Yes, the most revealing part of the entire interview/selection process is AFTER the 'exam' (btw - they do the exam in thier own time, at our offices but without anyone looking over their shoulder). The way people handle the critique gives a great insight into the REAL person