Guide: Quality Assurance Vs Quality Control

Introduction:
Quality Assurance and Quality Control are two fundamental aspects of Project Management Body of Knowledge(PMBOK), often tested in PMP examination.

Quality Assurance:
Quality Assurance, often referred to as QA, is a process-focused practice that lays emphasis on the prevention of defects. It involves the formulation of a set of guidelines or standards which should be adhered to, in order to meet the desired level of quality.

Quality Control:
On the other hand, Quality Control, also known as QC, is product-focused. It involves verification of the output to ensure that the end product adheres to the set standards.

Importance:
Understanding the distinction between Quality Assurance and Quality Control is crucial as they both have different aims. While Quality Assurance is about preventing defects with a focus on the process, Quality Control is about identifying and correcting defects in the finished product.

Exam Tips:
During exams, remember to distinguish between QA and QC based on the context of the problem statement. QA relates to how the process is being performed, irrespective of the output, while QC focuses on the examination of the deliverables.

Some typical QA activities: Process checklists, Project audits, Process documentation.
Some typical QC activities: Design reviews, Code inspection, Testing.

In Conclusion:
Quality Assurance and Quality Control are integral to PMBOK and understanding the distinction between the two is crucial for a good score in the PMP exam.