Control Phase

On average, there are currently 11 questions in the CSSGB exam from the “Control” phase.

Effective August 2022, the number of exam questions from the “Control” phase will increase from 11 to 15. Almost 36% up! That’s a big change!

The following are the sections within the “Control” pillar of the GB exam, with the cognition level specified for each one.

A. Statistical process control (SPC)

1. SPC Basics

Describe the theory and objectives of SPC, including measuring and monitoring process performance for both continuous and discrete data. Define and distinguish between common and special cause variation and how these conditions can be deduced from control chart analysis. (Analyze)

2. Rational subgrouping

Define and describe how rational subgrouping is used. (Understand)

3. Control charts

Identify, select, construct, and use control charts: “X-bar & R”, “X-bar & S”, individual and moving range (ImR or XmR), median, p, np, c, and u. (Apply)

B. Sustain improvements

1. Control plan

Assist in developing and implementing a control plan to document and monitor the process. (Apply)

2. Document control

Understand document control and its role in controlling and sustaining improvements. (Understand)

3. Training plans

Develop training plans to implement and sustain improvements. (Apply)

4. Audits

Define first-, second-, and third-party audits. (Remember)

5. Plan-do-check-act (PDCA)

Apply and distinguish between the steps of plan-do-check-act (PDCA). (Apply)

C. Lean tools for process control

1. Total productive maintenance (TPM)

Define the elements of TPM, including use of predictive maintenance and describe how they can be used to control the improved process. (Understand)

2. Visual factory

Define the elements of a visual factory (Andon, Jidoka) and describe how they can be used to control the improved process. (Understand)