CQE exam passing rate - Why is it so low?

[amanbhai]

Folks I'm wondering why the criteria is most strick for passing the CQE - ASQ test. I'm talking in reference to the percentage of candidates passing the tests.

[Jennifer Kirley]

Originally Posted by amanbhai

Folks I'm wondering why the criteria is most strick for passing the CQE - ASQ test. I'm talking in reference to the percentage of candidates passing the tests.

It might not be strict criteria, but the BOK that trips up people at test time. CQE is a rather technical BOK, I think.

I remember there are statistics, both in numeric problems and word problems, where one must choose the correct method and find a solution. This was the hardest part for me.

In contrast, I thought CQA was largely organization skills and people skills. I felt no need to study for that one, or recertify through points.

Even very smart people do not always pass. A colleague here in Maine (I suppose he's still at USM) holds a Ph.D. in statistics. He said he took the CQE without studying. Later he cheerfully said, "I got spanked!" and advocated studying for the test. Next time, he studied and passed.

I passed it the first time, but only after a few months of structured, dedicated self study. I would not be able to take it now and pass it without study, though perhaps less time or intensity would be needed than before.

[Ron Rompen]

I dunno guys....I found the CQE exam to be (literally) a walk in the park. I was in and out in less than an hour, and had no problem with ANY of the questions.

I found the CQT exam to be much more difficult, with more focus on statistics and analysis (always my weak point).

I don't care much for the exam format anyway.....I would much rather the exam consisted of a print, control plan, pfmea, process flow, some data, and the statement 'analyze, recommend, and justify'. If you knew what was implied by those 3 words, and could do it properly, then you passed....if not, back to the whipping post. (Yeah, I know it's not realistic, but hey, it's MY fantasy)

[gard2372]

Hello Covers,

I recently took the CQE at a local conference in March. I believe their were only about 5-6 CQE testers, the rest were made up of CSSBB's, CQM's, CQA's, etc...

This is directly from the ASQ Exam Results Quasi Pareto of my exam

BOK AREA---Total Questions--Num I had correct---CQE testers that passed
I.--- 19, 13, 16
II.--- 19, 13, 15
III.--- 33, 20, 23
IV.--- 11, 10, 8
V.--- 25, 15, 21
VI.--- 53, 31, 40

The results were a comparison to the # of correct responses I had in relation the the BOK and the average number of questions the CQE test takers that were present "And Passed".

Unfortunately I did not pass. I got 510 out of 550. This was my first test in the ASQ Best Answer format. I did better than I thought only to have paid $180 to find out what I had already presumed that I did not allow myself enough time to study. I studied almost everyday for about 3 months, while juggling a full time college schedule and a full time job.

I'm scheduled for a CQE refresher course in Oct, to prep for the CQE in December. I have to admit that all these threads are correct from the successful ASQ Cert takers. Study as if it were a closed book exam and utilize effective time management... I used the full five hours.

I used the Quality Council of Indiana's Study materials (I am not supporting the solicitation of their materials) and found them to be very helpful. I also used the ASQ Press CQE Handbook, CQT Handbook, and Juran's Quality handbook. All of these reference materials were helpful.

The Quasi Pareto analysis of my test results in comparison to the other CQE testers that passed were almost even, except when it came to the Quantitative analysis section you know Stats (scored 33 correct out of 53 or something like that) I did take two courses in Statistics last year so the material wasn't totally foreign but I admit I need to brush up.

All in all I think I did o.k. for the first time taking a CQE exam (speaking from a Lamen standpoint) 510 out of 550. I now have somewhat of a measuring stick in which to set the bar for my preparation for the next CQE exam.

Thanks to all of you seasoned Covers.

Rob
__________________


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by gard2372 : 3 Weeks Ago at 04:44 PM.

[rose24m03]

i've only taken CQA and its biomedical add-on exams.....however, looking at # of people who passed CQE in silicon valley section and comparing to # of people who took the exam on exam dates, the % passing the exam is way less than 50%.

if you feel that passing rate is low, oh my, you should have seen RAPS' RAC exam passing rate. it is even lower and it is a 2-hour closed book exam.

since exam questions are written by people who passed the exams, it really depends on their background. when i was "playing" with questions from ASQ and Council of Indiana CD-ROMs every night for weeks before the exam, i found out that i got most questions wrong if i chose the answers based on what my company does or what my industry does. talk about freaking me out seeing the scores every night!

[qualeety]

Originally Posted by amanbhai

Folks I'm wondering why the criteria is most strick for passing the CQE - ASQ test. I'm talking in reference to the percentage of candidates passing the tests.

IMHO, there are three main reasons for low passing rate.

1. language (english) problem for those who write the exam...at least in Toronto Section

2. inadequate training....most believe that a college quality certificate is enough to prepare for the exam.

3.CQE exam questions...too many "trick" questions, rather than testing the knowledge (see #1 above)..... I have seen too many "qualified" students fail the CQE exam

[Jim Wynne]

Originally Posted by qualeety

I have seen too many "qualified" students fail the CQE exam

My experience has been just the opposite--way to many obviously unqualified individuals who pass. I do agree with the consensus however--lack of preparation is probably the biggest factor.

[tarheels4]

Originally Posted by qualeety

1. language (english) problem for those who write the exam...at least in Toronto Section

Maybe ASQ should be required to provide a duplicate copy (in French) of every document it publishes to satisfy the couple hundred or so French speaking Canadians that want to take the test.

Originally Posted by qualeety

3....too many "trick" questions, rather than testing the knowledge

I have a problem with trick questions too. I couldn't even find the questions, so that I could take the "Stupidity Test".