Top 11 Quality Analyst Certifications

Certifications for a quality analyst are important because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the role. Quality analysts must understand the principles of software testing, project management, and process improvement, as well as have experience with specific tools and techniques. Employers want to know that their quality analyst has the necessary qualifications and certifications prove that they do. Additionally, certifications can make a quality analyst more attractive on the job market by providing them with a competitive edge over other applicants.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the key certifications for Quality Analysts and their potential impact on a Quality Analyst's career.

What are Quality Analyst Certifications?

Quality Analyst Certification is a certification program that teaches the fundamentals of quality assurance and quality control. Quality Analysts are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet established standards of quality and performance, as well as customer expectations. The certification provides an in-depth understanding of the principles, practices, and tools used to identify, analyze, and improve product or service quality.

This certification helps organizations to ensure that their products and services are meeting industry standards and customer expectations. Quality Analysts are able to evaluate current systems and processes while developing new ones to meet organizational needs. They can also develop test plans, establish acceptable levels of quality performance, analyze data to identify problems with product or service delivery, and provide recommendations for improvements. Quality Analysts also have the ability to monitor product or service performance over time so that any changes can be identified quickly.

The certification also provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of Lean Six Sigma which is a process improvement method used by many organizations today. This includes understanding how to identify opportunities for improvement within existing processes, how to measure process performance using metrics such as defect rates, cycle times, throughputs, etc., how to analyze process data using statistical methods such as control charts and Pareto diagrams; and how to apply Lean Six Sigma methods such as DMAIC (Define–Measure–Analyze–Improve–Control) in order to improve process performance.

Overall, Quality Analyst Certification is beneficial for organizations who want to ensure that their products or services meet all industry standards while meeting customer expectations. It provides individuals with the knowledge needed to identify problems with product or service delivery while providing solutions through process improvement techniques such as Lean Six Sigma.

Pro Tip: When researching quality analyst certifications, look for programs that provide hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities. This will help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective quality analyst.

Related: What does a Quality Analyst do?

Top 11 Quality Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Quality Analysts today.

1. Certified Quality Analyst (CQA)

Certified Quality Analyst (CQA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles and practices. It is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting quality in all aspects of life.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, measurement systems analysis, and design of experiments. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CQA exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ASQ. For members, the cost is $295 USD; for non-members, it is $395 USD. In addition to the exam fee, there is also a one-time application fee of $50 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued a certificate from ASQ indicating your successful completion of the CQA program. You will also receive an official CQA seal which can be used on business cards and other materials to demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance excellence.

2. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead quality improvement initiatives in their organizations.

The CQIA certification consists of a three-day course that covers topics such as process improvement, quality management systems, problem solving and root cause analysis, and project management. The course also includes an exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification.

The cost of the CQIA course varies depending on the provider and location. Generally, it costs between $1,000 and $2,000 USD.

In order to obtain the CQIA certification, you must complete the three-day course and pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. Once you have completed all requirements, you will receive your certification within 6-8 weeks.

3. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of quality management. It is issued by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a professional organization dedicated to advancing quality tools, principles, and practices.

To become certified as a CQM, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least five years of experience in quality management or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as quality systems, process improvement, and customer satisfaction. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of becoming certified as a CQM varies depending on your membership status with ASQ. For non-members, the cost is $550; for members, it’s $450. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel expenses if you need to take the exam at an offsite location.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your certificate from ASQ within 8-10 weeks.

4. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved mastery in the application of Six Sigma tools and techniques.

The CSSBB certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma methodology, including project management, process improvement, and data analysis. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, DMAIC methodology, and statistical analysis. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To get certified as a CSSBB, applicants must first register with ASQ and pay the associated fees. The cost varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not; typically it costs around $400-$500 USD for non-members. Once registered, applicants can take the exam at any authorized testing center.

The entire certification process can take anywhere from two months to a year depending on how quickly you are able to complete all the requirements. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from ASQ within 4-6 weeks.

5. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification that demonstrates the holder's expertise in quality engineering. The CQE credential is recognized worldwide and is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in quality engineering, management, and assurance.

In order to become an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, applicants must have at least eight years of on-the-job experience in quality engineering and/or related fields, including three years of quality engineering experience. Alternatively, applicants may substitute four years of college education for up to four years of experience.

To get the CQE credential, you must pass the CQE exam. The exam consists of 200 questions divided into two parts: Part A covers general topics such as quality concepts, quality tools and techniques, and statistical methods; Part B covers specific topics such as product design and development, process control systems, measurement systems analysis, reliability analysis and improvement methods. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 USD that must be paid when submitting your application for the CQE certification.

6. ASQ Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)

ASQ Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) is a certification program from the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and experience in software quality engineering. The CSQE certification validates an individual's ability to apply quality principles, processes, and techniques to software development projects.

The CSQE certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as software quality assurance, testing, risk management, and process improvement. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in software quality engineering or related fields. Applicants must also have a current ASQ membership or pay a one-time application fee of $50.

The cost of the CSQE exam varies depending on where it is taken. In the United States, the cost is currently $349 for members and $499 for non-members.

7. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Foundation Level Certificate

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Foundation Level Certificate is a globally recognized certification in software testing. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of software testing and the principles, techniques, and tools used in software testing. The certificate focuses on the fundamentals of software testing such as test design techniques, test management, and automation.

The ISTQB Foundation Level Certificate typically takes about 40 hours to complete. To get the certificate, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as fundamentals of software testing, test design techniques, test management, and automation. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or at a local training center.

The cost of the ISTQB Foundation Level Certificate varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 to take the exam online or $400-$500 for an in-person exam at a training center.

8. ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certificate

The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certificate is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and understanding of the principles, techniques and tools used in software testing. It is designed for experienced testers who wish to demonstrate their expertise and advance their career in software testing.

It typically takes around 40-50 hours of study to prepare for the exam, depending on your prior experience. The exam itself consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes. You must score 65% or higher to pass the exam and receive the certificate.

To get the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst Certificate, you need to take an official exam administered by an accredited training provider. These exams are usually held at approved test centers or online through proctored services. The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but is typically between $200-$300 USD.

9. Professional Tester Certification from the Institute of Software Testing

The Professional Tester Certification from the Institute of Software Testing (ISTQB) is an internationally recognized professional certification for software testers. It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in software testing.

The ISTQB certification consists of three levels: Foundation, Advanced, and Expert. The Foundation Level is the entry-level certification and requires passing an exam with multiple choice questions. The Advanced Level consists of two exams, one on Technical Test Design and one on Test Management. The Expert Level requires passing an exam on a specific subject area such as Automation or Security Testing.

To get the ISTQB certification, candidates must first pass the Foundation Level exam. After that, they can choose to take either the Advanced or Expert Level exams depending on their career goals and experience level.

The cost for taking the Foundation Level exam varies by country but typically ranges from $150-$300 USD. The cost for taking the Advanced and Expert Level exams varies by country but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD each.

In total, it usually takes about 6 months to complete all three levels of the ISTQB certification program if you are studying full-time. However, if you are studying part-time or taking classes online, it can take up to 12 months or more to complete all three levels of the program.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead and manage improvement projects within their organization. It is based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines two powerful process improvement approaches: Lean and Six Sigma.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program typically takes four to six weeks to complete, depending on the provider’s curriculum. The program consists of classroom-style instruction, online learning modules, and project work. Participants must pass an exam at the end of the program in order to receive their certification.

To get a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, individuals must first complete an accredited training course. There are many providers of Lean Six Sigma training courses available both online and in-person. It is important to research each provider carefully before selecting one to ensure they offer a quality course with good instructors and materials.

The cost of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification varies depending on the provider and type of training chosen (online or in-person). Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for a full course including all materials and exams.

11. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is a certification program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge to lead and manage complex improvement projects. It is designed to help organizations reduce waste, improve quality, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete. The course consists of classroom instruction as well as hands-on project work. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $3,000 - $5,000.

In order to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first complete a training program or course that covers all aspects of Lean Six Sigma methodology. After completion of the training program, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC in order to receive your certification.

Do You Really Need a Quality Analyst Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Quality Analyst Certificate to be successful in the field of quality assurance. However, having such a certification may give you an advantage when applying for certain positions and can help open doors that otherwise may have been closed to you.

A Quality Analyst Certificate shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable and experienced in the field of quality assurance. It demonstrates your commitment to your work and gives employers confidence that you are capable of performing the tasks necessary for success. In addition, having a Quality Analyst Certificate can make you more attractive to potential employers as it may show them that you have taken the time and effort to gain additional knowledge in the field.

In some cases, having a Quality Analyst Certificate may even be required by employers before they will consider hiring someone for a position. This is especially true for higher-level positions where the job duties require specialized knowledge and skills related to quality control and assurance procedures. Having this certification can also provide additional opportunities for career advancement, as it demonstrates your dedication to continuous learning in the field.

Overall, while having a Quality Analyst Certificate is not absolutely necessary to be successful in the field of quality assurance, it can certainly provide advantages over those who do not possess one. If you are interested in pursuing such a certification, there are many options available online or through technical schools or universities.

Related: Quality Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Quality Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Quality Analyst Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in quality assurance and testing processes. It is typically awarded by accredited organizations or institutions.

2. What are the benefits of having a Quality Analyst Certification?

Answer: Having a Quality Analyst Certification can help demonstrate your proficiency in quality assurance, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Additionally, it can show employers that you have the necessary skills to effectively analyze and test software applications and systems.

3. How do I become certified as a Quality Analyst?

Answer: To become certified as a Quality Analyst, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization or institution. You may also need to complete additional coursework or training depending on the requirements of the certification program you choose.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Quality Analyst?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Quality Analyst depends on the specific certification program you choose, but most programs require at least six months of study and preparation for the exam. Additionally, most certifications must be renewed every two years or so to remain valid.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Quality Analyst?

Answer: Yes, many certification programs require applicants to have prior experience in software testing or quality assurance before they can apply for the exam. Additionally, some certification programs may require applicants to have completed certain courses related to quality assurance before they can sit for the exam.