Certified Quality
Specialist
(CQS) — Level 1 Foundation
Foundation-level Quality certification — Globally Accessible, Optional Training Available, Digital Certificate Verification.
Validate your understanding of quality fundamentals and essential quality tools through an independent certification examination.
Certified Quality Specialist (CQS)
Level 1 — Foundation. A rigorous certification and assessment of quality fundamentals and essential quality tools. No training course required.
1. Quality Fundamentals
Core principles of quality management, excellence and customer satisfaction
2. Quality Assurance & Control
QA, QC, inspection, and ISO 9001 fundamentals
3. Seven Basic QC Tools
Essential problem-solving tools, basic statistics and SPC fundamentals
4. Continuous Improvement
Nonconformity management, corrective action, PDCA and performance measurement
CQS Eligibility Requirements
Open to All — Anyone Can Participate. No mandatory prerequisites.
Open to All
No prior certification or work experience required. Open to all backgrounds.
No Mandatory Training
Self-study using the Body of Knowledge below is sufficient.
Entry-Level Focus
Ideal for those starting a career in quality management.
Exam-Based Assessment
Competency is assessed solely through the certification examination.
Global Access
Available to candidates worldwide. Online proctored exam from anywhere.
Lifetime Validity
Certificate valid for life. No renewal fees, no recertification required.
Ready to Get Certified?
The CQS is designed for professionals who want to validate their quality fundamentals knowledge. Simply:
- Review the Body of Knowledge below
- Register and pay the certification fee (USD 30)
- Take the secure online proctored exam (60 questions, 1.5 hours)
- Score 70% or higher and receive your CQS certificate
No mandatory training. Open to all. Just demonstrate your knowledge through the exam.
CQS Body of Knowledge
8 Training Modules | 60 Questions | 1.5 Hours | 70% Passing Score
1Fundamentals of Quality Management & Quality Excellence13%
+- Definitions and evolution of quality
- Quality management principles
- Quality excellence concepts
- Quality gurus and philosophies
- Role of quality in organizations
- Quality vs. grade vs. inspection
2Quality Management Principles & Customer Satisfaction13%
+- Customer-focused organizations
- Understanding customer needs and expectations
- Customer satisfaction measurement
- Complaint handling and feedback
- Leadership and engagement of people
- Process approach and improvement
3Quality Assurance, Quality Control & Inspection13%
+- Difference between QA, QC and inspection
- Inspection planning and techniques
- Acceptance sampling basics
- Incoming, in-process and final inspection
- Calibration and measurement basics
- Records and documentation
4Quality Management Systems & ISO 9001 Fundamentals13%
+- QMS concepts and benefits
- ISO 9001 structure and requirements
- Process approach in ISO 9001
- Documented information
- Management commitment and policy
- Continual improvement requirements
5Seven Basic Quality Control Tools & Problem-Solving13%
+- Check sheets and data collection
- Histograms and stratification
- Pareto charts and analysis
- Cause-and-effect (fishbone) diagrams
- Scatter diagrams and correlation
- Control charts and run charts, flowcharts
6Basic Statistics, Data Analysis & SPC Fundamentals13%
+- Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, SD)
- Data types and sampling basics
- Normal distribution concepts
- Introduction to Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Variable vs. attribute data
- Basic interpretation of control charts
7Nonconformity Management, Corrective Action & PDCA11%
+- Identifying and recording nonconformities
- Correction vs. corrective action
- Root cause basics
- Corrective and preventive action (CAPA)
- PDCA cycle application
- Effectiveness verification
8Quality Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement11%
+- Key quality metrics and KPIs
- Cost of poor quality (COPQ) basics
- Continuous improvement concepts
- Kaizen and small improvements
- Performance reporting
- Quality culture and awareness
CQS Exam Specifications
Everything you need to know about the Certified Quality Specialist exam
60 Questions
Multiple-choice and scenario-based across all 8 training modules
1.5 Hours
90 minutes. Online proctored with identity verification
70% to Pass
Score 70% or higher to pass
Secure Proctoring
Identity verification, question randomization, browser lockdown
FREE Retakes $0
Unlimited retakes within 6 months. Completely FREE.
Digital Certificate
Issued by Quality Progress Certification Board. Online verification.
Quality Progress Certification Board
Your CQS credential is officially issued and verified by the Quality Progress Certification Board — an independent, globally recognized certification body, like ASQ and CSSC. This represents verified expertise, not just course completion.
CQS Certification Fee
Transparent pricing — pay for the certification and exam
Certified Quality Specialist Exam
- Globally Accessible
- Optional Training Available
- Digital Certificate Verification
- Exam-Based Certification: 60-Question Online Proctored Exam
- Digital Certificate (PDF) with Online Verification
- FREE Unlimited Retakes (within 6 months) $0
- Issued by Quality Progress Certification Board
- Lifetime Certificate Validity — No Renewal Fees
- Listing in Certified Professionals Directory
- Aligned with ASQ, ISO 9001, CQE, CQM, TQM Body of Knowledge
Secure Payment | Exam Link Within 24 Hours | FREE Retakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CQS certification
No. CQS is open to all. No prior certification, work experience, or training is required. Anyone can participate.
No. This is certification. The Body of Knowledge above serves as your syllabus for self-study. You prepare independently using any resources you choose. Optional training may be available.
Foundation level. Tests quality fundamentals, QA/QC, seven basic QC tools, basic statistics, SPC fundamentals, CAPA, PDCA, and continuous improvement. Suitable for newcomers to quality.
You get FREE unlimited retakes within 6 months. A 7-day cooling-off period applies between attempts. No additional fee is charged.
Certificates are issued by the Quality Progress Certification Board — an independent body, ensuring impartiality and global credibility.
Yes. CQS is Level 1. You can progress to CQP (Level 2), CQC (Level 3), CQE (Level 4), CQM (Level 5), and CQE Expert (Level 6) as you gain experience and knowledge.
Apply for CQS Certification
Registration Received!
Thank you for registering for CQS with Quality Progress.
We will contact you within 24 hours via email with payment instructions and exam scheduling details.
Email: support@qualityprogressbd.com
WhatsApp: 1954-577058
Email: support@qualityprogressbd.com · WhatsApp: 1954-577058