Top 11 Quality Assurance Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for a quality assurance assistant in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They show employers that the individual has taken the time to gain specialized skills and knowledge, which can be beneficial in their role as a quality assurance assistant. Certifications also give employers confidence that the individual is well-equipped to handle any task that may be required of them. Additionally, certifications can provide a competitive edge when it comes to getting hired or promoted within an organization.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Quality Assurance Assistants and how they can help to advance their career.

What are Quality Assurance Assistant Certifications?

Quality Assurance Assistant certification is a professional certification program designed to help professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to become successful quality assurance assistants. Quality assurance assistants are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet the standards set by their organizations. This involves working with both internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure that processes, procedures, and policies are followed in order to guarantee product safety, reliability, and effectiveness. By obtaining this certification, quality assurance assistants will have a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in their roles.

The certification program covers various topics related to quality assurance including process improvement, documentation control, auditing, problem solving, customer service, data analysis and reporting. Through gaining this knowledge and expertise, quality assurance assistants can increase their job security as well as improve their ability to identify potential issues before they become major problems. Additionally, by demonstrating competency in these areas through their certification, they can also demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the workplace which may lead to promotion opportunities within the organization.

Pro Tip: Prior to obtaining a Quality Assurance Assistant Certification, make sure that you have a good understanding of the Quality Assurance principles and processes. Additionally, research and understand the requirements for certification. This will ensure that you are well prepared for the certification process and can maximize the value of your certification.

Related: What does a Quality Assurance Assistant do?

Top 11 Quality Assurance Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)

Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals with advanced knowledge and experience in quality assurance. It is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a non-profit organization that provides resources, tools, and certifications related to quality assurance.

The CQAP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in quality assurance, as well as passing an exam. The exam covers topics such as quality management principles, process improvement methods, risk management, and auditing.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CQAP exam. During this time, applicants should review the ASQ Body of Knowledge and practice taking sample exams.

To get certified, applicants must register for the exam through ASQ’s website and pay a fee of $450 USD. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their CQAP certificate in the mail.

The CQAP certification is valid for three years after which point it must be renewed by taking additional courses or exams offered by ASQ.

2. Certified Quality Analyst (CQA)

Certified Quality Analyst (CQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to help quality professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in quality management systems, tools, and techniques. The CQA certification provides recognition of an individual’s ability to apply quality principles in the workplace.

The CQA certification process involves passing an exam that covers topics such as quality systems, process improvement, statistical analysis, and problem solving. The exam consists of 200 questions and must be completed within four hours.

To become certified as a CQA, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time work experience related to the field of quality assurance or control in the past 10 years, or having earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 12 credit hours in mathematics or statistics. You must also have completed at least one ASQ-approved course related to quality assurance or control.

The cost of obtaining the CQA certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam through ASQ or through another provider. The fee for taking the exam through ASQ is $349 USD for members and $449 USD for non-members. If you take the exam through another provider, you may be able to receive discounted rates based on your membership status with that provider.

3. Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of quality inspection principles and practices. It is designed to help professionals develop their skills in inspecting products, processes, and services to ensure that they meet quality standards.

The CQI exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as product design and development, process control, and quality assurance. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To prepare for the exam, ASQ offers study materials such as practice tests and study guides. Candidates may also take courses offered by ASQ or other organizations to improve their knowledge of quality inspection principles and practices.

The cost of the CQI exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, the cost is typically around $400-$500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

4. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in quality assurance and control. The CQT certification is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of individuals who are responsible for quality assurance and control activities in a variety of industries.

To become an ASQ Certified Quality Technician, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as quality fundamentals, metrology, inspection, sampling, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to take the ASQ CQT exam, you must first submit an application to ASQ. After your application is accepted, you will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. Once you have registered for the exam, you will be given a date and time when you can take it at an authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the ASQ CQT exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

Once you have passed the ASQ CQT exam, you will be awarded a certificate that is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you must retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

5. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) is a professional certification aimed at software quality engineers and professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the areas of software quality engineering, including software requirements analysis, design, testing, maintenance, and management. The CSQE credential is recognized internationally as a mark of excellence in the field of software quality engineering.

To become an ASQ Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE), you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Have a minimum of two years of work experience in software quality engineering
• Pass the CSQE exam administered by ASQ
• Pay an application fee
• Agree to abide by the ASQ Code of Ethics

The CSQE exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as software requirements analysis, design, testing, maintenance, and management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $300 USD. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you review the relevant course material provided by ASQ or take an online course offered by various organizations. Additionally, there are several study guides available that can help you prepare for the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the CSQE exam and paid your application fee, you will receive your official certificate from ASQ within 6-8 weeks. You will also be listed on ASQ’s website as an officially certified software quality engineer.

6. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality management and organizational excellence. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a commitment to quality and excellence in the workplace.

The CMQ/OE certification requires a minimum of three years of work experience in quality management or organizational excellence, as well as passing a rigorous exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as strategic planning, customer satisfaction, process improvement, leadership, data analysis, and more. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge through case studies and essays.

The certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual’s level of preparation. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form with supporting documents such as proof of work experience and educational background. Once approved, applicants will receive access to online study materials and practice exams. They will then need to register for the actual examination which can be taken at any ASQ testing center around the world.

The cost of obtaining the CMQ/OE certification varies depending on the country where you are taking the exam but typically ranges from $600-$1000 USD. This includes registration fees for both the online study materials and the actual examination itself.

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

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) Foundation Level Certification is a certification program designed to provide a basic understanding of software testing. It is the most popular and widely recognized qualification in software testing, and is suitable for anyone involved in software testing or quality assurance.

The ISTQB Foundation Level certification consists of a one-day training course followed by an exam. The course covers topics such as the fundamental principles and terminology of software testing, test design techniques, and test management. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, you will receive an ISTQB Foundation Level certificate.

The cost of the ISTQB Foundation Level certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally, it costs around $500-$1000 USD for the full course and exam.

To get your ISTQB Foundation Level certification, you must first complete the training course offered by an accredited provider. Once you have completed the training course, you can then register for and take the exam at an authorized examination center near you.

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

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) Advanced Level Certification is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and experience in software testing. It is designed to provide the skills needed to become an expert tester and is suitable for testers who have already achieved the Foundation Level certification.

The Advanced Level certification consists of three modules: Test Manager, Test Analyst, and Technical Test Analyst. The modules are designed to cover topics such as test management, test design techniques, test execution, defect management, and automation.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete the Advanced Level course depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, individuals must pass all three exams with a minimum score of 65%. Exams can be taken online or at an approved examination center.

The cost of the ISTQB® Advanced Level Certification varies depending on where you take the exam and which country you are from. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for all three exams plus any additional fees associated with taking them in person at an approved exam center.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead, manage, and improve processes within an organization.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of work experience in a field related to Six Sigma or process improvement. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or an approved third-party provider. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Lean principles, DMAIC methodology, statistical analysis tools, and project management.

The certification process typically takes between four and eight weeks depending on the applicant’s experience level and availability. To get certified, applicants must first register for the exam through ASQ or an approved third-party provider. After registration is complete, applicants must then study for and pass the exam. Once they have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their certification from ASQ or the third-party provider.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on which provider you choose to take the exam with. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$1,000 USD including registration fees and other associated costs such as books or study materials.

10. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in Six Sigma, a set of quality management principles and practices designed to improve business processes. The certification is intended for professionals who are responsible for leading improvement projects and managing teams of Six Sigma practitioners.

The certification process typically takes three to six months to complete, depending on the individual’s level of experience and commitment. To obtain the certification, individuals must first complete a training program in Six Sigma principles and practices. This can be done through an accredited university or college program, or through an online course provider such as Simplilearn or Master of Project Academy.

Once the training has been completed, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality) or IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification). The exam covers topics such as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control), Lean Principles, Statistical Analysis, Design of Experiments and Process Mapping.

The cost of obtaining Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen and other factors such as travel expenses. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 to $10,000 USD.

11. Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a project manager’s proficiency in leading and directing projects. The PMP® certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

To obtain the PMP® certification, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, as well as pass an exam. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have either:

• A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; or
• A four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The PMP® exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The cost of the exam varies depending on your geographical region, but typically ranges from $405-$555 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will need to pay an annual membership fee to maintain your certification status. This fee is currently $129 USD per year for PMI members and $179 USD per year for non-members.

Overall, it can take several months or more to prepare for the PMP® exam depending on your current knowledge level and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying.

Do You Really Need a Quality Assurance Assistant Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Quality Assurance Assistant Certificate to become a quality assurance assistant. However, having the certificate can be beneficial in some cases. It can demonstrate that you have received specialized training in quality assurance and show employers that you are serious about working in the field.

Quality assurance assistants typically work with other professionals, such as engineers and product developers, to ensure that products meet certain standards before they are released to customers. This requires knowledge of industry regulations, testing procedures and other relevant topics. A Quality Assurance Assistant Certificate can provide proof that you understand these topics and have been trained in how to apply them.

Having a Quality Assurance Assistant Certificate may also give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers may be more likely to hire someone who has taken the time to get certified rather than someone who simply has experience in the field. Additionally, having a certificate may make it easier for employers to trust your knowledge of quality assurance practices and give them confidence that you will be able to execute their quality control processes properly.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Quality Assurance Assistant Certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you're looking for career advancement or want to prove your knowledge of quality assurance practices, getting certified could be beneficial for you. However, if your current job does not require certification or if you simply want more experience in the field, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary.

Related: Quality Assurance Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Assurance Assistant Certifications

1. What does a Quality Assurance Assistant Certification involve?

Answer: A Quality Assurance Assistant Certification involves learning the fundamentals of quality assurance, including processes and procedures for inspecting products and services to ensure they meet industry standards and customer requirements. It also covers topics such as documentation, problem solving, data analysis, and communication skills.

2. How long does it take to complete a Quality Assurance Assistant Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete a Quality Assurance Assistant Certification varies depending on the provider, but it typically takes between six months and one year.

3. What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Quality Assurance Assistant Certification?

Answer: Prerequisites for obtaining a Quality Assurance Assistant Certification vary by provider, but generally include having completed at least one year of college-level coursework in mathematics or statistics and having some experience working in quality assurance or related fields.

4. Are there any exams associated with Quality Assurance Assistant Certifications?

Answer: Yes, most providers require students to pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam typically tests knowledge in areas such as quality assurance processes and procedures, customer service principles, data analysis methods, and problem-solving skills.

5. What are the benefits of obtaining a Quality Assurance Assistant Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Quality Assurance Assistant Certification provides individuals with an understanding of quality assurance principles that can be applied to their work in order to improve product or service quality and customer satisfaction. It also demonstrates professional competency in the field of quality assurance which may lead to career advancement opportunities.