Certified Quality Auditor Preparation Program

This DIXONTECH course is designed to prepare professionals for the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) examination and to build advanced competencies in quality auditing principles, practices, and techniques. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of auditing standards, audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up processes. Participants will learn to evaluate quality systems for compliance and effectiveness, ensuring continuous improvement and organizational excellence through real-world case studies and ASQ-aligned methodologies.

TRAINING TOPICS

• Introduction to Quality Auditing and ASQ CQA Framework

• Audit Types, Standards, and Ethical Principles

• Audit Planning, Scheduling, and Preparation

• Audit Execution: Methods, Checklists, and Interviews

• Audit Evidence Collection and Verification

• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Verification

• Audit Reporting and Communication Skills

• Follow-Up Audits and Continuous Improvement

• Managing Audit Programs and Risk-Based Auditing

• CQA Exam Domains and Certification Readiness

BY THE END OF THIS TRAINING COURSE, DELEGATES WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Understand the principles and scope of quality auditing

• Plan and conduct audits following ASQ CQA standards

• Identify nonconformities and assess root causes effectively

• Communicate audit findings professionally and constructively

• Implement audit follow-up and corrective action verification

• Manage audit programs in compliance with ISO and ASQ standards

• Prepare confidently for the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor exam

TRAINING IS TAILORED TO:

• Quality and compliance professionals

• Internal and external auditors

• Process and system auditors

• Quality managers and coordinators

• ISO and regulatory compliance officers

• Professionals preparing for the ASQ CQA certification

• Anyone involved in performance and quality system evaluation

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

This DIXONTECH training combines interactive lectures, case-based exercises, and simulated audit sessions. Participants will perform mock audits, develop checklists, and practice audit reporting techniques aligned with ASQ’s CQA Body of Knowledge. The program includes exam-focused sessions, sample questions, and test-taking strategies to ensure high readiness and professional confidence.

DAY 1

INTRODUCTION TO QUALITY AUDITING AND STANDARDS

• Definition and purpose of quality auditing

• Overview of ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification

• Understanding audit types: internal, external, process, and system

• Quality management system standards (ISO 9001, ISO 19011)

• Auditor qualifications, responsibilities, and ethics

• The role of auditing in continuous improvement and compliance

• Audit principles and governance requirements

• Case study: how auditing supports organizational success

DAY 2

AUDIT PLANNING AND PREPARATION

• Developing audit programs and annual schedules

• Risk-based audit planning techniques

• Preparing audit plans, checklists, and documentation

• Establishing audit objectives, scope, and criteria

• Audit team selection and task allocation

• Communication and coordination with stakeholders

• Pre-audit meetings and documentation review

• Workshop: building a customized audit checklist

DAY 3

AUDIT EXECUTION AND EVIDENCE COLLECTION

• Conducting opening meetings and defining expectations

• Interviewing techniques and observation methods

• Gathering and verifying objective evidence

• Identifying and documenting nonconformities

• Analyzing audit findings using cause-effect tools

• Sampling methods and risk evaluation during audits

• Workshop: conducting a simulated on-site audit

• Group discussion: resolving conflicts during audits

DAY 4

AUDIT REPORTING, FOLLOW-UP, AND IMPROVEMENT

• Writing clear, concise, and factual audit reports

• Communicating findings to management and stakeholders

• Prioritizing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

• Conducting follow-up audits and effectiveness checks

• Managing audit closure and documentation control

• Continuous improvement through lessons learned

• Workshop: developing a professional audit report

• Case study: successful follow-up and corrective action tracking

DAY 5

CQA CERTIFICATION READINESS AND BEST PRACTICES

• Overview of ASQ CQA Body of Knowledge (BoK) domains

• Exam structure, format, and key subject areas

• Practice questions and mock test review

• Time management and multiple-choice strategies

• Ethical considerations and ASQ Code of Conduct

• Developing a personal study and preparation plan

• Workshop: simulated exam with feedback and analysis

• Action plan: building a career as a Certified Quality Auditor