CPIM Practice Exam

Which two terms are often used interchangeably in the context of quality control?

1. Statistical process control and total quality management

2. Statistical quality control and acceptance sampling

3. Statistical quality control and statistical process control

4. Quality assurance and quality control

The correct answer is: Statistical quality control and statistical process control

Statistical quality control and statistical process control are indeed terms that are often used interchangeably within the realm of quality control. Both concepts are focused on using statistical methods to monitor and control a process to ensure that it operates at its full potential. Statistical quality control (SQC) is a broader term that encompasses various techniques, including statistical process control (SPC), which specifically refers to the monitoring of a process through statistical methods to maintain its stability and performance over time. Statistical quality control provides tools and techniques to assess and improve quality, while statistical process control is more about utilizing real-time data to manage the process effectively. Their close relationship in methodology and objective leads to their interchangeable use in many discussions about quality control practices.