Top 10 Quality Assurance Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a quality assurance coordinator in the job market as they demonstrate to employers that the individual has acquired specialized knowledge, skills and expertise in the field. Certifications can also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession and that they have taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Additionally, certifications may provide access to professional networks, resources, and job opportunities that might not otherwise be available. Finally, many organizations require quality assurance coordinators to have certifications in order to qualify for certain positions or promotions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Quality Assurance Coordinators and explains how they can help to further a quality assurance coordinator's career.

What are Quality Assurance Coordinator Certifications?

Quality Assurance Coordinator Certification is a professional development program designed to train individuals in the principles of Quality Assurance (QA). The certification program covers all aspects of QA including planning, testing, auditing, and corrective action. It also teaches participants how to develop and implement quality assurance plans for their organizations. Quality Assurance Coordinators are responsible for ensuring that products, services, and processes meet standards of excellence and comply with applicable regulations.

The certification program provides an in-depth understanding of the key elements of QA as well as practical skills needed to effectively manage a QA program. Participants learn how to develop a comprehensive QA plan, create and maintain effective documentation, analyze data for trends and outliers, utilize appropriate software tools for tracking compliance issues, and lead successful audits. They also gain insight into the importance of process improvement initiatives, root cause analysis techniques, risk management strategies, and customer satisfaction measurement tools.

Having a Quality Assurance Coordinator Certification can help professionals gain recognition within their organization as well as demonstrate their commitment to excellence in quality assurance practices. This certification can open doors to career advancement opportunities by increasing an individual’s value to employers looking for experienced professionals who understand the importance of quality assurance programs. Additionally, it can provide valuable knowledge on current industry trends and best practices that can be applied when developing or improving existing quality systems.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various certifications available for Quality Assurance Coordinators and select one that best meets your needs. Look into the requirements of each certification, such as experience and education, to ensure you have all the necessary qualifications before applying. Additionally, staying up-to-date on industry trends and changes can help you stay ahead of the competition and increase your chances of success.

Related: What does a Quality Assurance Coordinator do?

Top 10 Quality Assurance Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)

Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals in the field of quality assurance. The CQAP designation is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a professional organization dedicated to promoting quality assurance best practices.

The CQAP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in quality assurance or related fields, and to complete an exam that covers topics such as process improvement, customer service, and risk management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must pay an application fee ($250 for ASQ members; $350 for non-members) and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once certified, CQAPs are required to maintain their certification status by earning continuing education credits every three years.

Overall, it typically takes about six months from start to finish for applicants to become certified CQAPs.

2. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in software quality assurance and testing. It is offered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB). The CSQA certification covers topics such as software development life cycle, software quality assurance, software testing techniques, test planning and design, test automation, defect management, and process improvement.

The CSQA exam typically takes about three hours to complete. To get certified, applicants must pass the CSQA exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam fee for the CSQA is $295 USD and must be paid before taking the exam. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least two years of experience in software quality assurance or testing.

The ASTQB also offers an Advanced Level Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA-AL) certification which requires applicants to pass both the CSQA and Advanced Level exams with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for this certification is $395 USD.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification from 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 credential is intended to help individuals gain recognition as experts in quality engineering and provide employers with assurance that their employees possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage quality control processes.

In order to become certified, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as statistics, management systems, problem solving, design of experiments, process improvement methods, and other related areas.

It typically takes around two years of preparation to pass the CQE exam. Candidates should have at least three years of experience in a quality engineering role before attempting the exam. In addition to studying for the exam, candidates must also complete a minimum number of hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification.

The cost of taking the CQE exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD.

4. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes by reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and improving customer satisfaction.

The certification process typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the program you choose. To become certified, individuals must complete a training program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice with real-world projects. The training covers topics such as process improvement techniques, data analysis tools, problem solving methods, and project management. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals must pass an exam to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for a self-study course or up to $15,000 USD for an instructor-led course.

In addition to completing the training and passing the exam, some providers may require additional experience or certifications before granting certification status. For example, some providers require applicants to have at least three years of work experience in a related field or have other Lean Six Sigma certifications such as Yellow Belt or Black Belt prior to applying for Green Belt Certification.

5. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program for professionals who are responsible for auditing quality management systems. This certification is designed to ensure that auditors have the knowledge and skills necessary to audit organizations against the ISO 9001 standard. The certification is offered by various organizations, such as the International Register of Certified Auditors (IRCA).

The certification process typically takes between four and six weeks to complete, depending on the organization offering it. To obtain the certification, individuals must first complete an approved training course and pass an exam. The training course covers topics such as quality management principles, auditing techniques, and ISO 9001 requirements. After completing the course and passing the exam, individuals must then submit evidence of their qualifications and experience to IRCA in order to be certified as a lead auditor.

The cost of ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for the entire process including training and exam fees.

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

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The purpose of the certification is to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in quality management and organizational excellence.

The CMQ/OE certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management principles, process improvement, customer satisfaction, leadership, and strategic planning. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to take the CMQ/OE exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least eight years of work experience in a quality-related field and having either a bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience totaling 12 years. Applicants must also complete an application form and pay an examination fee before they can take the test.

The cost of taking the CMQ/OE exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for the application fee plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once you have passed the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $50 USD that must be paid each year in order to maintain your certification status.

7. Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze and improve processes in any organization. The CQPA certification is based on the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM), which emphasizes continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and process excellence.

It usually takes about six months to complete the CQPA certification program. During this time, you will need to pass three exams: Fundamentals of Quality Control, Statistical Process Control, and Design of Experiments. You will also need to demonstrate your knowledge through a project that applies quality control principles in a real-world setting.

To get certified as a CQPA, you must first become an ASQ member. This requires an annual fee of $150-$200 depending on your membership type. After becoming an ASQ member, you can register for the CQPA exam package at a cost of $400-$500 depending on your location. Once you have passed all three exams and completed your project, you will receive your official CQPA certificate from ASQ.

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

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate competency in quality assurance and control. The CQT certification demonstrates an individual's commitment to excellence in quality management and their understanding of the principles, practices, and tools of quality assurance and control.

To become a CQT, an individual must pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of quality assurance and control. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as statistical process control, calibration techniques, inspection methods, sampling plans, problem solving techniques, documentation procedures, and much more.

In order to take the exam, an individual must first complete an application form through ASQ's website. Once the application has been approved by ASQ, the applicant can then register for the exam at one of the many testing centers located throughout the United States. The cost of taking the exam is $295 USD for ASQ members or $345 USD for non-members.

The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and results are available within two weeks after taking it. If successful on the exam, individuals will be awarded their CQT certification which is valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain their certification status during this time period, individuals must complete 45 hours of continuing education credits every three years.

9. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage projects. The PMP certification is globally recognized and highly valued, and it can open doors to new career opportunities.

To obtain the PMP certification, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. They must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge of project management principles and practices. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

In order to be eligible for the PMP certification, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus at least five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading projects; or a four-year degree plus at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading projects.

The cost of obtaining the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, the cost is $555 for the application fee plus $405 for the exam fee; for members, it’s $405 for the application fee plus $375 for the exam fee.

It typically takes between two to six months to prepare for and complete all requirements needed to get your PMP Certification. This includes studying for and taking the exam as well as completing any other prerequisites such as education or experience requirements.

10. Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plan Certification

Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plan (APQP) Certification is a process used by organizations to ensure that their products meet the highest quality standards. It is a set of guidelines and tools developed by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) to help companies develop and maintain a quality management system.

The APQP process involves planning, designing, validating, verifying, and controlling the production of new products or services. It also includes risk assessment, product validation, process control plans, and corrective action plans. The goal of APQP is to ensure that customers receive products that are safe, reliable, and of high quality.

The certification process typically takes between two to three months depending on the size of the organization. To get certified, organizations must demonstrate that they have implemented all the necessary processes for meeting customer requirements and have met all applicable industry standards. Organizations must also demonstrate their commitment to continual improvement in product quality through ongoing training and development activities.

Organizations can obtain APQP Certification from third-party certification bodies such as AIAG or ISO/TS 16949:2016. The cost for certification varies depending on the size of the organization and the scope of its operations. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for larger organizations with more complex operations.

Do You Really Need a Quality Assurance Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals. If you are looking for a job in the field of quality assurance, then having a certificate can be beneficial. Quality assurance coordinators typically need to have a good understanding of processes and procedures related to product testing and inspection, so having a certificate from an accredited institution can help demonstrate your knowledge and experience. In addition, having a certificate may open up more job opportunities, as employers may prefer applicants with credentials.

However, if you already have experience in the field or have other qualifications that demonstrate your expertise in quality assurance, then you may not necessarily need to obtain a certificate. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if obtaining a certificate will be beneficial for your career goals.

Related: Quality Assurance Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Assurance Coordinator Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Quality Assurance Coordinator?

Answer: Generally, you need a bachelor’s degree in quality management or a related field, as well as experience in quality assurance and/or process improvement. Additionally, certifications such as Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) are beneficial.

2. How much does it cost to get certified as a Quality Assurance Coordinator?

Answer: The cost of certification depends on the program you choose and any additional materials needed for study. Generally, the cost ranges from $500 to $3,000.

3. What type of organizations offer Quality Assurance Coordinator Certifications?

Answer: Many organizations offer certification programs for quality assurance coordinators, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ), American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC), and International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI).

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Quality Assurance Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require that applicants have at least two years of experience in quality assurance and/or process improvement prior to applying for certification.

5. How long does it take to earn a Quality Assurance Coordinator Certification?

Answer: It typically takes three to six months to complete the required coursework and pass the certification exam, depending on your level of experience and knowledge in the field.