SQA Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 31, 2026 against Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP) credential, tested through Pearson
According to Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP) credential, tested through Pearson, “Each RQAP examination consists of 165 questions. Fifteen of the questions will not be scored;”[1]
The SQA has 165 questions and costs $625[1] (Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP) credential, tested through Pearson, verified Oct 25, 2026).
- Each SQA RQAP examination has 165 questions, 15 of which are unscored pretest items.[1]
- The minimum scaled score needed to pass each SQA RQAP exam is 75 on a 0–99 scale.[1]
- The SQA RQAP exam application fee is $625 for non-members, $450 for SQA members and $150 for SQA Outreach members (USD).[1]
- To retake an SQA RQAP exam, candidates submit a new application and pay the current exam fee, but do not need a new CV.[1]
- SQA places no limit on the number of times an unsuccessful candidate may attempt an RQAP exam.[1]
- The RQAP credential must be renewed through re-registration every three years.[2]
- The SQA RQAP examinations are administered on computer at Pearson VUE Assessment Centers or remotely from home or office via OnVUE, and only very rarely on paper during special administrations.[1]
- To sit an SQA RQAP exam, candidates need four years of full-time quality assurance experience in the exam discipline, or a baccalaureate degree plus two years, and must submit a CV and a professional reference.[1]
- Most SQA RQAP candidates see a score report on screen at the end of the exam, but for a new exam form it can take up to six weeks after the exam window closes.[1]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
SQA Exam at a Glance
What changed for SQA in 2026
- Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to Computer-based at Pearson VUE centers or remote-proctored (OnVUE) (previously Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers or remote-proctored (OnVUE)).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to 4 years full-time QA experience, or a bachelor's degree + 2 years; CV and professional reference required (previously 4 years full-time QA experience, or a bachelor's degree + 2 years; CV and a professional reference required).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to Usually on screen at exam end; up to 6 weeks after the window for a new form (previously Usually on screen at the end of the exam; up to 6 weeks after the window for a new exam form).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Retake fee changed to Current full exam fee; no new CV (previously Full current exam fee per retake (no new CV needed)).[1]
SQA content outline and where to practise each area
The content areas below are copied from the official SQA content outline published by Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP) credential, tested through Pearson, with the share of the exam each area carries. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
SQA Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the SQA - Society of Quality Assurance exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
SQA Data Integrity and Electronic Records
SQA Test Prep for Data Integrity and Electronic Records. Practice SQA Quiz questions and boost your score.
SQA GLP Regulations and Compliance
SQA Questions and Answers on GLP Regulations and Compliance. Free SQA practice for exam readiness.
SQA Quality Auditing Principles
SQA Mock Test covering Quality Auditing Principles. Online SQA Test practice with instant feedback.
SQA Regulatory Submissions and Compliance
Free SQA Quiz on Regulatory Submissions and Compliance. SQA Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
SQA Auditing and Inspection
SQA Practice Questions for SQA Auditing and Inspection. Build confidence for your SQA certification exam.
SQA Documentation and Record Management
SQA Test Online for SQA Documentation and Record Management. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
SQA Inspector Roles and Responsibilities
SQA Study Material on SQA Inspector Roles and Responsibilities. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
SQA Laboratory Quality Systems
Free SQA Test covering SQA Laboratory Quality Systems. Practice and track your SQA exam readiness.
SQA Regulatory Compliance and GxP
SQA Exam Questions covering SQA Regulatory Compliance and GxP. Master SQA Test concepts for certification prep.
Worked examples: how to reason through SQA questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: What is a quality assurance professional's primary duty?
- To review activities, detect and resolve problems, and ensure satisfactory outcomes for products and services
- To manage the recruitment process
- To develop new products and services
- To implement marketing strategies
Answer: A. To review activities, detect and resolve problems, and ensure satisfactory outcomes for products and services
Explanation:
The correct answer is the option describing review of activities, detection and resolution of problems, and satisfactory outcomes for products and services. That is the core of quality assurance: checking that work meets defined standards and that problems are found and fixed.
Managing recruitment belongs to human resources. Developing new products and services is a research and development or product function. Implementing marketing strategies is a commercial activity. None of these involves independently reviewing work against requirements.
The rule to remember: QA is independent oversight of quality. It does not build, hire for or sell the product. When an option describes producing or promoting something, it is probably not the QA duty.
Example 2
Question: What distinguishes a 'controlled document' from an uncontrolled copy in a GxP system?
- A controlled document is a current, approved version tracked within the document control system; an uncontrolled copy is not tracked for revisions
- A controlled document is stored in a locked cabinet; an uncontrolled copy is for open public access
- A controlled document must be printed on specially colored paper for identification
- A controlled document requires only one approver signature to become effective
Answer: A. A controlled document is a current, approved version tracked within the document control system; an uncontrolled copy is not tracked for revisions
Explanation:
The correct answer is that a controlled document is the current, approved version tracked in the document control system, while an uncontrolled copy is not tracked for revisions. Control is about knowing which version is in force and who holds it, so people always work from the right one.
A locked cabinet is a storage choice, not what makes a document controlled. Colored paper may be a local habit but is not the defining feature. A single approver signature is not the test either, since effectiveness depends on the approvals the procedure requires, not on a stated minimum.
The rule to remember: control means approved, current, tracked and distributed under a system. An uncontrolled copy is informational only and can go out of date without anyone noticing.
Example 3
Question: Which startup activity ensures that the test system (e.g., animals, cells) meets the protocol specifications before study procedures begin?
- Data reconciliation
- Final report preparation
- Test system acclimation and characterization
- Archiving of study records
Answer: C. Test system acclimation and characterization
Explanation:
The correct answer is test system acclimation and characterization. Before study procedures begin, the test system, such as animals or cells, must be confirmed as healthy, correctly identified and suitable under the protocol. That is a startup activity.
Data reconciliation happens while data are being compared and checked, not before the test system is ready. Final report preparation comes at the end of the study. Archiving of study records also comes after the work is done, because it preserves what already exists.
The rule to remember: sort activities by when they happen in the study. Anything that confirms the test system matches the protocol belongs before procedures start. Reporting and archiving belong at the close.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the candidate handbook on sqa.org. Read the content areas, the eligibility rules and the exam format, so you know what you are preparing for and whether you qualify before you pay a fee.
Then take one short practice set for each content area and note which ones you miss most often. Compliance Assessment carries the largest weight, so the auditing and quality principles set is a sensible place to begin. Move on to documentation and record management for Compliance Management, and to validation and qualification for Applied Expertise.
For every wrong answer, read the explanation and write one line stating the rule behind it. Return to the same set later and see whether the rule holds. Wrong answers often come from mixing up when an activity happens, who is responsible for it, or what counts as a record.
Once your weak areas are clear, use the GLP, GxP and inspector-role sets to fill gaps. Near test day, mix the topics in the common and MCQ sets and answer under a steady pace. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so treat them as practice for reasoning, not as a preview of the test.
SQA Engineer
SQA engineers play a vital role in ensuring the quality and compliance of products and processes across different industries. They are responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance procedures to safeguard against potential risks and errors. With their expertise in quality management systems, they strive to enhance customer satisfaction by improving product reliability, reducing defects, and simplifying operations.
What sets SQA engineers apart is their comprehensive understanding of regulations within their industry. Whether it’s pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or software development, they possess an in-depth knowledge of relevant standards such as FDA regulations or ISO guidelines that must be adhered to. This expertise allows them to identify gaps in existing processes and establish strong quality control measures that mitigate risks throughout the product lifecycle.
Furthermore, SQA engineers are proactive problem solvers who constantly seek out innovative solutions. They employ various statistical techniques and data analysis methods to identify trends, patterns, and potential issues early on. By conducting thorough root cause analyses of defects or deviations from expected outcomes, they can not only rectify immediate problems but also implement preventive measures that enhance overall process efficiency over time.
In essence, SQA engineers serve as crucial guardians of quality within organizations. Through their tireless efforts in designing effective quality control procedures, staying updated on regulatory requirements, and using advanced analytical tools, they ensure that products meet the highest standards while minimizing risks for both businesses and consumers alike.
- ✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
- ✓Bring required identification documents
- ✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
- ✓Read each question carefully before answering
- ✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- ✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
- ✓Review flagged questions before submitting
SQA: Pros and Cons
- +SQA credential is recognized by employers and industry professionals
- +Higher earning potential compared to non-credentialed peers
- +Expanded career opportunities and professional advancement
- +Structured learning path builds comprehensive knowledge
- +Professional development that stays current with industry standards
- −Preparation requires significant time and study commitment
- −Associated costs for exams, materials, and renewal fees
- −Continuing education needed to maintain credentials
- −Competition for advanced positions can be challenging
- −Requirements and standards may vary by state or region
SQA Requirements
Sources & last verified
- Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP) credential, tested through Pearson — number of questions, exam fee, passing score, retake fee (official source). “Each RQAP examination consists of 165 questions. Fifteen of the questions will not be scored;” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
- Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP) credential, tested through Pearson — validity (official source). “Registered professionals must re-register every three years.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
- Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP) credential, tested through Pearson — registration opens (official source). “Applications will reopen in January 2027.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
- Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP) credential, tested through Pearson — other (official source). “i. compliance assessment 43%” Verified Nov 1, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- sqa.org — Score validity, registration, test delivery, eligibility, fees, exam format, late registration, passing score, retake fee, retake policy · verified Nov 2026