AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY - Purdue University
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY CertificationH a n d b o o k 2007 ASQASQ grants permission for individuals to use this handbook as a means to prepare for the formalexamination. This handbook may be printed, reproduced, and used for non-commercial, personal, oreducational purposes only, provided that (i) the handbook text is not modified, and (ii) ASQ’s copyrightnotice is included. The user assumes all risks of copyright infringement.
Table of ContentsIntroduction to ASQ Certification Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Certification HandbookThe Exams and the Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3The Many Phases of Exam Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Job Analysis and Survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Advisory Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Member Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4The Body of Knowledge (BOK) Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Question-Writing Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Question Review Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Exam Review Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Exam Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Grading Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Common Questions From Exam Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6How do I decide which certification is right for me? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6How do I apply for an examination?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6How should I prepare for an examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Study Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Study Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Other resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9How is the cut-score (the passing score) determined for a test?. . . . . . . . . . . . 9Why are scaled scores used instead of raw scores? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10How is the difficulty level of a test determined in order to createthe scaled scores?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10How are the constructed response papers for the Certified Manager ofQuality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) examination scored?. . . . 11When will I receive my exam results?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12What if I do not pass an ASQ examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13What does my score report tell me?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13How do I interpret my score report?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13How do I sign up to retake an examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14How can I prepare to retake an examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14When should I retake an examination? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Are the exams available in languages other than English?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Appendix A Test-taking Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Appendix B Levels of Cognition: Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy—Revised (2001). . 16Appendix C Top 10 Myths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Appendix D Example Score Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Appendix E Example Score Report for the CMQ/OE Examination . . . . . . . . . . . 22Appendix F Constructed Response Diagnostic Codes—2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Introduction to ASQCertification ProgramsThe Exams and theQuestionsSASQince 1968, when the first ASQcertification exam was given, morethan 100,000 individuals have becomecertified through ASQ, including many whohave attained more than one designation.In addition, an increasing number ofcompanies, some 125 at last count, haveformally recognized ASQ’s certification asverification of an individual’s knowledgeof quality theory and techniques. A recentsearch on monster.com, an Internet joblistings site, resulted in more than 300job postings either requiring an ASQcertification or listing it as a preferred qualityof a prospective employee. These statisticsdemonstrate the increasing value of ASQcertification as perceived in the marketplace.It is important to understand that ASQcertification is not a license or registration.It is peer recognition that an individualhas demonstrated a proficiency in andcomprehension of a particular quality areaat a specific point in time. ASQ certificationis awarded to those who meet three criteria:Candidates must 1) have a specifiedlevel of education and/or experience,2) provide proof of professionalism, and3) pass a standardized examination in thecertification area.But for many, the process of becomingcertified remains something of a mystery.Frequently asked questions come up abouthow the exams are put together, how theyare scored, and how best to prepare fortaking the test. We will attempt to addressthese issues in this handbook.certification exams are notcreated in an ivory tower or bya computer program that randomly generatesquestions. Their development relies heavilyon the efforts of ASQ members. During thecourse of any given year, approximately300 volunteers are involved in some phaseof exam development, and can participatein a number of ways, including developinga body of knowledge (BOK), writingquestions, and ensuring the validity of anexam through a variety of review processes.Volunteers travel to ASQ headquarters inMilwaukee for up to three days at a time.During that period, they are expected toput in long, fast‑paced days that may keepthem occupied for up to 10 hours at astretch. These are intense sessions with alot of discussion and interaction. In returnthe volunteers get to sharpen their skills,network with peers, and come away with theknowledge that they have contributed to thedevelopment of the quality field.The ASQ Certification Board has oversightresponsibility for the exams, and its toppriority is to ensure the integrity of theexam development process. Toward thatend, the board has mandated that anyoneinvolved in the development of an exammust refrain from helping others preparefor the test, either formally or informally,for a period of two years after their lastinvolvement in the process.
Certification HandbookThe Many Phases ofExam DevelopmentTo ensure that ASQ certification retainsits status as a hallmark of excellence,the Certification Board uses continuousimprovement processes and formallyre‑examines each certification program on afive-year cycle to ensure continued relevance.Job Analysis and Survey(the foundation for the examinations)Whether a program is new or has beenavailable for many years, the starting pointfor the exam development process is witha job analysis. This tool is developed as asurvey and is used to identify the skills andknowledge areas currently being used in thefield to be tested.Advisory Committee(identifies job responsibilitiesand knowledge of the field)In order to create an appropriate surveyinstrument, an advisory committee isappointed by the sponsoring ASQ division.This committee, like all of the subsequentexam development committees, is composedof ASQ members who work in the area tobe tested and are already certified. (In thecase of brand-new certification exams, ASQvolunteers who are subject-matter experts inthe field to be tested serve on the committee.)The volunteers for the advisory committeemeet for two days, and their primary goal isto identify typical job responsibilities (whatpeople do on the job) and the knowledgerequired (what people need to know inorder to perform their job). The result ofthis meeting is a questionnaire that asksrespondents to rate each item in the survey interms of criticality (“How important is this taskor knowledge?”) and frequency (“How oftenis this task performed or knowledge used?”).Member Input(who decides what will be in the BOK?)Once the survey instrument has beenapproved by the advisory committee, it issent to a sample of certified or otherwisequalified ASQ members who either work inthe area to be tested (as identified by jobtitle) or supervise employees who performthe tasks identified in the survey. Exceptfor the deliberate job-title selection, the2,000‑plus certified ASQ members whoreceive the survey are randomly selectedacross geographic locations and industrytypes to ensure that no one industry or regionskews the results of the survey. The datafrom the survey are analyzed and a set ofrecommended tasks and knowledge areasare presented to the sponsoring division,which approves the results. This same reportis then submitted to the Certification Boardfor final approval.So while the sponsoring division andCertification Board approve the results of thejob analysis, it is really the ASQ members whoanswer the survey who truly determine whatshould be in the BOK and, ultimately, whatmaterial should be covered in the exam itself.The Body of Knowledge Committee(how does the content get organized?)After the approval process, a BOKcommittee is formed. This committee includessome members of the advisory committeeand other qualified individuals who havesubject-matter expertise and represent awide demographic and industry spectrum.The BOK committee meets for two days,and its primary task is to translate the jobanalysis results into meaningful categoriesthat can be tested. As part of this process,the committee determines how manyquestions will be asked in each area of theBOK, based on the importance of the topic(as indicated in the job analysis) and thedepth of testable material for each subtopic.
Question-Writing Committee(how do they write questions?)Question Review Committee(verification and review)The next step is the actual writing of the examquestions. This task is handled by a group of16 certified volunteers who attend a two-dayquestion-writing workshop. The volunteersare given extensive training in a variety ofexam development issues, including howto avoid writing trick questions and how todevelop thought-provoking questions andanswers. The processes used in this and otherexam development workshops are driven byinternationally recognized standards for thedevelopment of assessments. In keeping withthose standards, and as a means of ensuringthe validity of the exam, each questionmust be linked to a reference book fromthe bibliography for that certification. (Thebibliography for each exam can be viewedat http://www.asq.org/certification/.)This “linkage requirement” means that thequestion-writers must document support forthe correct answer, down to the specificpage number, in their reference for eachquestion. Once a question-writer or ateam has finished writing a complete testquestion, the other members of the teamreview it for completeness, accuracy, andappropriateness. Only after approval by oneor more reviewers at the question-writingsession can it be data-entered into the exambank as a “raw” test question.The next stage in the exam developmentprocess is to convene another panel of 12subject-matter experts who meet for two daysto review those raw questions, verify thereferences and the BOK classification, and,most important, agree that there is only onecorrect answer.This additional, intensive process of review,revision, and rework is designed to ensurethat all language ambiguities have beeneliminated and that the questions havebeen phrased and presented as clearly aspossible. The questions are also reviewed toensure that they are not biased in favor ofany particular industry. A question can beselected for use in a test only if it has survivedthese two initial phases of development.Exam Review Committee(Testing the Test: the last question checkbefore the exam)The next phase in the process is theexam review meeting where another12 subject‑matter experts are asked toparticipate, first by actually taking the examand submitting their comments and answers,and then by coming to the meeting to discussthe test. At the meeting, the group reviewseach question for clarity and correctness.By the time an exam makes it through thisprocess, each question on the test hasbeen reviewed and approved by dozens ofqualified professionals.
Certification HandbookExam Statistics(post-exam question verification)Despite the best efforts of all of theseindividuals, there are questions on the testthat do not perform well. These problemitems are identified through a statisticalanalysis that is conducted after eachadministration of a test. Also, commentsfrom examinees who took the test andfrom the proctors are used to identify anyproblematic questions (i.e., confusingterms used, trick questions, questions withmore than one correct answer, etc.) Theseproblem items are reviewed by the examprogram’s Certification Board chair andother subject-matter experts in conjunctionwith Certification Offerings staff members.If a question is determined to be unfair orinaccurate, all examinees are given credit forthat question on the examination.Grading Process(how ASQ examinations are graded)Just as great care is taken in developingan exam, ASQ goes to great lengths toensure that the grading process providesan accurate assessment of a candidate’sproficiency. ASQ uses procedures thatmeet the Standards for Educational andPsychological Testing, which were developedjointly by the American EducationalResearch Association (AERA), the AmericanPsychological Association (APA), andthe National Council on Measurement inEducation (NCME).See page 9 for extensive information on theASQ grading process.Common Questions FromExam CandidatesHow do I decide which certification isright for me?Each ASQ certification has specificeducation and experience requirements.The more work related experience you havefor a specific BOK, the better qualified youare to take that exam. To determine whichexam is right for you, How do I apply for an examination?Once you have decided which certification isright for you, you can apply online, or mailor fax your application to ASQ headquarters.To apply online, visitwww.asq.org/certification/apply.html.To obtain an application, tml or callASQ headquarters: From Canada and United States1-800-248-1946 From Mexico 001-800-514-1564 From other International sites 1-414-272-8575Mail your completed application to:American Society for QualityP.O. Box 3005Milwaukee, WI 53201-3005USAORAmerican Society for Quality600 North Plankinton Ave.Milwaukee, WI 53203USAFax your completed application to:414-272-1734
How should I prepare for anexamination?We should say at the outset that preparingto take an exam is a personal matterand highly dependent on an individual’spersonal learning methods. For some, acareful reading of the texts in the referencebibliography will be most helpful, whileothers may find value in purchasing studyguides, taking a local ASQ section refreshercourse, or forming a study group withother quality professionals. All certificationcandidates are responsible for their ownstudy and preparation for the examination.No specific set of courses or curriculum ofstudy is required as part of the certificationprocess. Likewise, ASQ makes norepresentation that completion of any specificcourse or program of study will significantlyenhance a person’s chance of passing acertification examination.Successful candidates have shown thatthey study a wide variety of materials fromthe reference list, in addition to relying ontheir experiences in the workplace. It isimportant to understand that each BOK iscomprehensive and that no single source ofinformation should be relied upon in order toprepare for an examination.As a starting point, read the BOK for theexamination and pay special attention to thesubtext for the area, as well as the cognitivelevels that are assigned to those areas. Bothof these are intended to help you determineexactly what will be tested for that topicarea, as well as the depth of knowledgethat is required for that topic area. (For anin-depth explanation of the cognitive levels,see Appendix B of this handbook.) Afterbecoming familiar with the BOK, review it toidentify areas you may need to study furtherto feel confident in the topic.ReferencesOnce you have identified study topics, it isimportant to refer to the reference list thatis published on www.asq.org for that exam(http://www.asq.org/certification/) todetermine which resources may be helpful foryou to study from. The reference list for eachexam program contains the resources thatsupport the exam program; the test questionpool for the program has been developedusing these references. While it may seemdaunting to see that some exam programshave quite extensive reference lists, it isimportant to remember that each BOK isalso very encompassing. For this reason, itis recommended that you first determine thetopic areas to study, then determine whichreferences to use for study material.The reference lists are listed alphabeticallyby author, and no one reference can berecommended for you to study from. It shouldbe your own, individual decision as to whichreferences will be most helpful for your studyneeds. Since it would be difficult to decidewhich books to study from based on thetitle alone, the following tips may help youdetermine which books to study from: Ask co-workers and other candidates whohave passed the examination which booksthey found most helpful for specific areasof the BOK. Books that appear in the online referencelists with a link will direct users to theonline ASQ bookstore. For some of thesebooks, the bookstore has sample chaptersto view online. Reading these samples mayhelp you decide if the book will meet yourstudy needs. Other online book sellers offer features thatlist the table of contents and indexes forbooks. Some even provide a tool to searchinside the books. These features will allowyou to decide whether the book will beadequate for your study needs.
Certification Handbook If it isn’t possible to purchase thereferences, you should consult your locallibrary to borrow the b
Appendix A. Test-taking Tips . . those standards, and as a means of ensuring the validity of the exam, each question . question-writers must document support for the correct answer, down to the specific page number, in their reference for each question. once a question-writer or a te
Bruksanvisning för bilstereo . Bruksanvisning for bilstereo . Instrukcja obsługi samochodowego odtwarzacza stereo . Operating Instructions for Car Stereo . 610-104 . SV . Bruksanvisning i original
10 tips och tricks för att lyckas med ert sap-projekt 20 SAPSANYTT 2/2015 De flesta projektledare känner säkert till Cobb’s paradox. Martin Cobb verkade som CIO för sekretariatet för Treasury Board of Canada 1995 då han ställde frågan
service i Norge och Finland drivs inom ramen för ett enskilt företag (NRK. 1 och Yleisradio), fin ns det i Sverige tre: Ett för tv (Sveriges Television , SVT ), ett för radio (Sveriges Radio , SR ) och ett för utbildnings program (Sveriges Utbildningsradio, UR, vilket till följd av sin begränsade storlek inte återfinns bland de 25 största
Hotell För hotell anges de tre klasserna A/B, C och D. Det betyder att den "normala" standarden C är acceptabel men att motiven för en högre standard är starka. Ljudklass C motsvarar de tidigare normkraven för hotell, ljudklass A/B motsvarar kraven för moderna hotell med hög standard och ljudklass D kan användas vid
LÄS NOGGRANT FÖLJANDE VILLKOR FÖR APPLE DEVELOPER PROGRAM LICENCE . Apple Developer Program License Agreement Syfte Du vill använda Apple-mjukvara (enligt definitionen nedan) för att utveckla en eller flera Applikationer (enligt definitionen nedan) för Apple-märkta produkter. . Applikationer som utvecklas för iOS-produkter, Apple .
Purdue Printing Services The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Purdue University Heine Pharmacy Building, Room 104 575 Stadium Mall Drive West Lafayette, IN 47904-2091 (765) 494-1361 (765) 494-7800 Fax www.pharmacy.purdue.edu The Purdue Pharmacist is published three times a year for alumni
A Very Merry Christmas to All Boiler OUT Times, Volume 1 Issue 3, 12/12/2017 Edited by Ayo Adetunji aadetunj@purdue.edu and Yichen Fan fan151@purdue.edu Published by Boiler OUT Volunteer Program boilerout@purdue.edu Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentorship, Assessment and Research (CILMAR) Purdue University Young Hall, Room 120
92,699 Purdue alumni are members of fraternities, sororities and cooperative houses. 30% of Purdue alumni that served on either the Purdue Board of Trustees, PRF Board of Directors, Purdue Alumni Foundation Board, or boards for the colleges/schools from 2009-2019 were members of FSCL
