Top 11 QA Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a QA Manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has acquired a certain level of knowledge and expertise in quality assurance practices. Certifications also serve as proof that an individual has taken the necessary steps to stay up-to-date on current industry trends and best practices. This can help QA Managers stand out from other applicants and give them an edge over less qualified candidates. Additionally, certifications can provide an opportunity for career advancement, since many employers value certified QA professionals more than those without certifications.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for QA Managers and how they can help enhance a qa manager's career.

What are QA Manager Certifications?

QA Manager certification is a professional certification program designed to help Quality Assurance Managers become more effective in their roles. It provides them with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to manage quality assurance teams, processes and initiatives. Certification requires passing a series of tests that evaluate an individual's understanding of the core principles and practices of quality assurance management. Upon successful completion of the certification program, individuals will have demonstrated that they possess the necessary skills to ensure their organization meets its quality goals.

The QA Manager certification can help organizations by providing them with qualified personnel who understand how to effectively manage quality assurance teams and processes. With this certification, organizations can be sure that their QA Managers are equipped with the knowledge and expertise necessary to lead successful initiatives. Additionally, having certified personnel on staff can make it easier for organizations to attract top talent in this field as well as increase employee morale and productivity. Ultimately, having certified QA Managers in place can help an organization deliver superior products and services while maintaining customer satisfaction.

Pro Tip: When considering QA Manager Certification, look for programs that offer comprehensive instruction and testing in the latest industry standards and practices. Additionally, look for programs with a strong emphasis on practical experience and hands-on training to ensure you are prepared to take on the challenges of a QA Manager role.

Related: What does a QA Manager do?

Top 11 QA Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to QA Managers today.

1. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in software quality assurance. CSQA is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

CSQA certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as software testing, quality management, and process improvement. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and has a three-hour time limit. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in software quality assurance or related fields.

The cost of the CSQA exam varies by country but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD. The fee includes access to study materials and practice exams.

Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will receive their CSQA certificate within four weeks. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking the recertification exam or completing continuing education credits.

2. Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality management and organizational excellence. The certification is based on the body of knowledge developed by ASQ, which includes topics such as quality planning, control, assurance, improvement, and leadership.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the requirements for CMQ/OE certification. This includes studying for and passing the CMQ/OE exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of quality management and organizational excellence. Candidates must also demonstrate their work experience in quality management or organizational excellence through an application process.

To become certified, candidates must pay a fee to ASQ. The fee covers the cost of the exam and other administrative costs associated with becoming certified. The fee varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member, but it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

In addition to passing the exam and paying the fee, candidates must also agree to abide by ASQ’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as part of their certification requirements.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and understanding of quality engineering principles, practices, and techniques. The CQE certification provides assurance to employers that certified individuals have the necessary skills to help maintain and improve product quality.

To become a Certified Quality Engineer, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least eight years of experience in quality engineering or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality planning, control, assurance, and improvement.

The exam typically takes three hours to complete and costs $399 for members of ASQ or $499 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CQE certification within six weeks.

4. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the area of quality management. The CQM certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage a quality system, as well as lead and improve organizational performance.

To obtain the CQM certification, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least five years of experience in a quality-related field or three years of experience with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management principles, tools and techniques, process improvement strategies, and customer satisfaction methods.

The exam can take up to four hours to complete and costs $400 USD. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their CQM certification from ASQ. The certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

5. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Foundation Level Certification

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Foundation Level Certification is a globally-recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge of software testing. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and processes involved in software testing, which can help individuals become more effective testers.

The ISTQB Foundation Level Certification consists of two exams: a theoretical exam and a practical exam. The theoretical exam tests the candidate's knowledge of the fundamentals of software testing, while the practical exam tests their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.

The theoretical exam takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete, while the practical exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Both exams are administered online and can be taken at any time from any location with an internet connection. The cost for both exams is $250 USD.

In order to obtain the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification, candidates must pass both exams with a minimum score of 65%. Upon successful completion of both exams, candidates will receive their ISTQB Foundation Level Certificate via email.

6. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Advanced Level Certification

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Advanced Level Certification is a globally recognized certification for software testers. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to become an expert in software testing. The ISTQB Advanced Level Certification requires applicants to demonstrate their expertise in software testing, including techniques, processes, and tools.

The ISTQB Advanced Level Certification consists of three modules: Foundation Level, Advanced Test Analyst, and Advanced Technical Test Analyst. Each module includes a written exam that must be passed in order to obtain the certification. The exams are multiple-choice and typically take between two and four hours to complete.

In order to get the ISTQB Advanced Level Certification, applicants must first pass the Foundation Level exam. Once this has been completed, they can then move on to the other two modules. For each module, there are additional prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam such as having experience in software testing or completing specific training courses.

The cost of obtaining the ISTQB Advanced Level Certification varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$800 USD per module. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with any required training courses or materials needed for preparation for the exams.

Overall, it usually takes around six months to a year to complete all three modules of the ISTQB Advanced Level Certification depending on how much time is dedicated to studying and preparing for each exam.

7. Project Management Institute's PMP® Certification

The Project Management Institute (PMI) PMP® Certification is a globally recognized credential designed to assess and validate the skills of project managers. It is the most sought-after certification for project management professionals.

To become PMP® certified, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of three years of professional project management experience and 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of formal project management education. Additionally, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge and understanding of the five process groups and ten knowledge areas in the PMBOK® Guide.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. The cost for the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $405 to $555 USD for PMI members and $555 to $1,080 USD for non-members.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will be awarded the PMP® certification from PMI. The certification is valid for three years, after which you will need to renew it by earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs). Renewal fees are typically around $60 USD for members and $150 USD for non-members.

8. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to demonstrate an individual's ability to lead, manage and implement successful Six Sigma projects.

The certification process typically takes between 4-6 months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level and the program they are enrolled in. To become certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam covers topics such as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control), Lean principles and other related topics.

To get started on the path towards becoming a Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals should consider enrolling in an accredited training program. These programs can be found online or through local universities or community colleges. The cost of these programs vary depending on the length of the course and the institution offering it. Generally speaking, most programs range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for full certification.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The certification requires knowledge and application of the Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques, as well as an understanding of the principles and philosophy behind it. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes, reduce waste, increase customer satisfaction, and improve overall performance.

The duration of the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification depends on the provider offering it. Generally, it takes around 8-10 weeks to complete the coursework and obtain the certification. Most providers offer online courses with self-paced learning options so that you can complete the course at your own pace.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must pass a written exam or an online assessment test. You will also need to demonstrate your ability to apply Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques in real-world scenarios through case studies or projects.

The cost of getting certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 for the course materials and exam fees.

10. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual's ability to audit and assess the quality management system of an organization. This certification is awarded by an accredited body and requires the individual to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience in auditing ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS).

The certification process typically takes around 3-4 days, depending on the type of course taken. During this time, individuals will learn about the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, how to plan and conduct effective audits, and how to report audit results.

To get certified as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, individuals must complete a training course from an accredited provider. These courses are usually offered online or in-person at a variety of locations around the world. After completing the course, individuals must pass a written exam in order to be certified.

The cost of ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on where you take the course and what type of certification you are looking for. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,500 - $2,500 USD for online courses and up to $3,000 - $5,000 USD for in-person courses.

11. ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management

ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management is the entry-level certification for those looking to gain an understanding of the ITIL framework. It provides a comprehensive overview of the ITIL best practices and how they can be used to improve service delivery. The ITIL Foundation Certificate is designed to provide a basic understanding of the key concepts and processes within the ITIL framework, including service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement and more.

The ITIL Foundation Certificate typically takes around two days to complete and includes an exam at the end. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and requires a score of 65% or higher to pass. The cost of the course will vary depending on where you take it from, but generally ranges from $500-$700 USD. To get certified, you must attend an accredited training provider who will provide you with all the necessary materials and guidance needed to pass the exam.

Do You Really Need a QA Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, a QA Manager Certificate may be a valuable asset that could give them an edge in the job market or help them advance their career. For others, it may be superfluous and unnecessary.

For those who are considering obtaining a QA Manager Certificate, it is important to consider the cost of obtaining one, as well as the value it will add to their current position or future prospects. It is also important to assess whether or not they have the necessary experience and qualifications to make use of such a certificate.

If an individual has sufficient experience in quality assurance and management, then having a QA Manager Certificate can demonstrate knowledge and expertise in this field. This can be especially useful if they are looking for a job or promotion within their current organization or seeking opportunities with other organizations. In addition, a QA Manager Certificate can provide access to specialized resources and knowledge that may not otherwise be available.

On the other hand, if an individual does not have significant experience in quality assurance and management, then obtaining a QA Manager Certificate may not be necessary or beneficial. It is important to note that many organizations do not require such certification before hiring someone for a role related to quality assurance and management. Additionally, many organizations have their own internal training programs for developing these skills which may prove more effective than taking an external course.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual needs a QA Manager Certificate depends on their circumstances and career goals. Those who already have experience in quality assurance and management should consider whether obtaining such certification would add value to their current position or future prospects before making any decisions about taking courses for certification purposes.

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FAQs About QA Manager Certifications

1. What is a QA Manager Certification?

Answer: A QA Manager certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in quality assurance (QA) management. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes and tools required to effectively manage the QA function within an organization.

2. What are the benefits of getting a QA Manager Certification?

Answer: Having a QA Manager Certification will demonstrate to employers and peers your knowledge and commitment to quality assurance best practices. It can also help you advance your career by providing recognition for your skills and experience in the field of quality assurance.

3. What is the cost of pursuing a QA Manager Certification?

Answer: The cost of pursuing a QA Manager Certification can vary depending on the certifying body, but typically ranges from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a QA Manager?

Answer: The amount of time required to get certified as a QA Manager depends on the certifying body, but typically takes between six months and two years, including study time and taking exams.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified as a QA Manager?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have at least three years of work experience in quality assurance or related fields before they can apply for certification. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to have completed specific courses or training programs prior to applying for certification.