QualityAuditorCertification-BodyofKnowledge..doc

Quality Auditor Certification (CQA) Body of Knowledge CQA Body of Knowedge (PDF) The topics in this new BOK include additional detail in the form of subtext explanations and cognitive level. These details will be used by the Exam Development Committee as guidelines for writing test questions, and are designed to help candidates prepare for the exam by identifying specific content within each topic that may be tested. The subtext is not intended to limit the subject matter or be all-inclusive of what might be covered in an exam but is intended to clarify how the topics relate to a Quality Auditors role. The descriptor in parentheses at the end of each entry refers to the maximum cognitive level at which the topic will be tested. A more complete description of cognitive levels is provided at the end of this document. ? FORMAT CHANGE FOR CQA EXAM Examinations based on the 2004 BOK will contain a number of case studies. Each case study will include a brief scenario outlining critical details aboutan audit situation. In addition, each case study will be supported by related audit documents. Approximately 15-20% (25-30 questions) of the test will be devoted to these case studies. Although the questions related to these cases will use the same 4-choice answer format as the rest of the test, the use of scenario details and sample documents will allow the candidates to apply their critical thinking skills in evaluating realistic situations and accompanying documents, communiqués, etc. Additional time will be needed to process all elements of the case studies, and, therefore, the length of examination time will be increased from 4 hours to 5 hours. AUDITING FUNDAMENTALS (30 QUESTIONS) Basic terms and conceptsDefine and differentiate basic quality- and audit-related terms, such as quality, quality assurance, quality control, evidence, finding, observation, noncompliance, and nonconformance. (Apply) [NOTE: The application of these audit terms during the performance an au