Top 11 Quality Assurance Inspector Certifications

Certifications for a quality assurance inspector demonstrate to employers that the job seeker is knowledgeable and experienced in the field. They are proof that the person has taken the time to learn the necessary skills and has taken steps to stay current with industry standards. Certifications also provide assurance that the individual is qualified to do their job properly and efficiently, which can help them stand out among other job seekers. Finally, certifications may be required by certain employers or clients, so having them can open up new opportunities for employment.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Quality Assurance Inspectors, and how they can help to enhance their career prospects.

What are Quality Assurance Inspector Certifications?

Quality assurance inspector certification is a certification program that provides professional training and testing to individuals who wish to become certified quality assurance inspectors. Quality assurance inspectors are responsible for ensuring that products meet or exceed established standards by conducting inspections, tests, and other activities. Through this certification program, quality assurance inspectors can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess product quality.

The benefits of quality assurance inspector certification include increased job security, improved salary prospects, and enhanced credibility in the industry. Certified quality assurance inspectors typically have more job opportunities than non-certified ones, as organizations seek out professionals who have proven their expertise in the field. Additionally, certified quality assurance inspectors often command higher salaries than those without certification due to their heightened level of knowledge and understanding of the industry. Finally, having a quality assurance inspector certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in the field, which can be beneficial when competing for jobs or promotions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various certification options available for quality assurance inspectors. Different certifications may have different requirements, such as experience or education, so it's important to understand which one best fits your needs before committing to a particular certification. Additionally, many certifications require ongoing training and maintenance of skills in order to remain valid, so be sure to stay on top of any renewal or retraining requirements.

Related: What does a Quality Assurance Inspector do?

Top 11 Quality Assurance Inspector Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

A Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a professional who has been trained and certified to inspect products, materials, processes, and services for conformance to quality standards. The CQI certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform quality inspections in various industries.

The CQI certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical application. The online exam is composed of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, inspection techniques, calibration methods, and corrective action. The exam must be completed within three hours.

To become certified as a CQI, individuals must have at least four years of work experience in the field of quality control or assurance or possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Candidates must also pass the online exam with a score of at least 70%. After passing the exam, candidates must complete the practical application which involves submitting samples of their work to ASQ for review.

The cost of becoming a CQI varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, the cost is $399 USD; for members it is $299 USD. The cost includes both the online exam and the practical application fee.

2. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in quality auditing. The CQA certification demonstrates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of quality auditing principles, practices and techniques.

The CQA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least eight years of professional experience in quality auditing or related fields, with at least three years in a lead auditor role.

To get the CQA certification, applicants must first register for the exam through ASQ’s website. After registering, they must then pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certificate and can use it to demonstrate their knowledge and skills as a certified quality auditor.

The cost of taking the CQA exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, it costs $419 USD; for members, it costs $319 USD.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a broad knowledge of quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE certification demonstrates an individual's commitment to quality and their ability to apply quality engineering principles in the workplace.

The CQE certification requires passing an exam, which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as management responsibility, product design, process control, inspection and testing, and corrective action. Candidates must have at least three years of full-time work experience in a quality-related field in order to be eligible for the exam.

In order to take the CQE exam, candidates must register with ASQ and pay a fee of $399 USD. The exam can be taken at designated testing centers around the world or online through Pearson VUE. The exam typically takes about four hours to complete.

Once the CQE exam has been successfully completed, candidates will receive their official certificate from ASQ within six weeks of taking the test. This certificate is valid for five years from the date it was issued and must be renewed every five years in order for individuals to maintain their certification status.

4. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Inspector

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Inspector is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect, test, and evaluate products and processes. The certification is based on the body of knowledge for quality inspection as outlined by ASQ.

In order to become an ASQ Certified Quality Inspector, applicants must pass two exams: a multiple-choice exam and a practical exam. The multiple-choice exam consists of 150 questions covering topics such as statistical process control, sampling techniques, inspection techniques, and quality system fundamentals. The practical exam requires the applicant to demonstrate their ability to inspect parts using various tools and equipment.

It typically takes about six months to complete the required coursework and exams in order to become an ASQ Certified Quality Inspector. During this time, applicants should study the material thoroughly in preparation for both exams.

The cost of becoming an ASQ Certified Quality Inspector varies depending on several factors including the location of the testing center, whether or not you are an ASQ member, and if you have taken any preparatory courses or workshops. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 USD in total fees for both exams.

5. International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) Certified Quality Inspector

The International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) Certified Quality Inspector is a professional certification program offered by the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become competent quality inspectors. The certification requires successful completion of a course that covers topics such as quality management systems, inspection techniques, product design and development, process control and corrective action.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the IRCA Certified Quality Inspector training course. During this period, participants must attend classes and pass examinations in order to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered in the course. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded an IRCA Certified Quality Inspector certificate.

To get an IRCA Certified Quality Inspector certificate, you must first register with IRCA and pay their registration fee. You then need to find a suitable training provider who can deliver the IRCA Certified Quality Inspector course. Once you have found a suitable training provider, you can enroll in their program and begin your studies. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be issued an IRCA Certified Quality Inspector certificate.

The cost for obtaining an IRCA Certified Quality Inspector certificate varies depending on the training provider chosen and other factors such as location and duration of the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-3000 USD depending on these factors.

6. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an approved ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training program. It is a professional qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard.

The duration of the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification course depends on the provider and can range from two days to several weeks. The course typically covers topics such as quality management system principles, auditing techniques, process improvement methods, risk management, and internal audit procedures.

To become certified as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, individuals must complete a recognized training program and pass a written exam. The cost of the training program varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges between $2,000 and $5,000.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective Six Sigma practitioner. The program consists of a comprehensive set of courses and activities that cover the principles, tools, and techniques of Six Sigma.

The certification is typically completed in four to six months depending on the individual's learning style, availability, and commitment. It involves completing a series of courses covering topics such as process improvement, project management, data analysis, problem solving, and Lean principles. After successful completion of the coursework, participants must pass an exam to earn their certification.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first complete the required coursework. This can be done through online or in-person classes offered by accredited providers such as ASQ (American Society for Quality). You may also choose to self-study using books or other resources available online. Once you have completed your studies and passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from ASQ or another accredited provider.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and format chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$3,000 USD for online courses or self-study materials; however classroom training can cost significantly more depending on location and duration.

8. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Six Sigma practitioners. It is intended for those who are interested in becoming certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, which is the highest level of certification in the Six Sigma methodology.

The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program typically takes around six months to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience with Six Sigma and their commitment to completing the coursework. The program consists of classroom instruction, online study materials, and hands-on practice with real-world problems. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate from an accredited organization that acknowledges their expertise in Six Sigma principles and practices.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must pass an examination administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, project management, and problem solving. In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also have at least three years of experience working with Six Sigma projects or processes in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on where you take the course and whether you choose an online or in-person option. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000 - $5,000 USD for online courses and up to $15,000 USD for in-person courses.

9. Lean Manufacturing Certification

Lean Manufacturing Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have mastered the principles of Lean Manufacturing. Lean Manufacturing is a set of principles and practices designed to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction. It is based on the Toyota Production System, which was developed by the Japanese automotive manufacturer in the late 1950s.

The Lean Manufacturing Certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as value stream mapping, kaizen events, 5S workplace organization, and more. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified in Lean Manufacturing, you must first take the online course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost for the online course is $299 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate within 2-4 weeks.

Overall, getting certified in Lean Manufacturing can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in manufacturing or operations management. It demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and provides employers with evidence that you are knowledgeable about lean principles and practices.

10. Total Quality Management Certification

Total Quality Management (TQM) Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the principles, processes, and techniques of TQM. It is designed to help organizations improve their quality management systems and increase customer satisfaction.

The duration of the certification depends on the type of program you choose. Most programs require between 30 and 40 hours of coursework, which can be completed in one to three months. Some programs also offer accelerated courses that can be completed in as little as two weeks.

To get certified, individuals must complete a TQM course and pass an exam. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions and may include a written essay or project. After passing the exam, individuals must submit their application for certification to the certifying organization.

The cost of TQM certification varies depending on the program chosen. Most programs range from $500 to $2,000 USD.

11. Root Cause Analysis Certification

Root Cause Analysis Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to identify, analyze, and resolve problems. The certification is intended for professionals who are involved in problem solving, root cause analysis, and process improvement initiatives.

It typically takes between two to four weeks to complete the certification program. During this time, participants will learn how to use various tools and methods to identify root causes of problems and develop solutions. They will also gain an understanding of how to document their findings and create action plans for implementing corrective measures.

To get certified, individuals must pass an online examination that covers topics such as problem identification, data collection techniques, root cause analysis tools, and corrective action planning. The exam is administered by a third-party organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The cost of Root Cause Analysis Certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$900 USD for the exam fee alone. Additional costs may include course materials or training fees if required by the provider.

Do You Really Need a Quality Assurance Inspector Certificate?

When it comes to the question of whether or not you need a Quality Assurance Inspector Certificate, the answer depends on what industry you are working in and your specific job role. If you are working in a field where quality assurance is required, such as manufacturing, then having a Quality Assurance Inspector Certificate can be beneficial. Having a certificate shows that you have been trained in the proper techniques for inspecting products and ensuring that they meet required standards. It also demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn about quality assurance principles and practices, which can help to ensure that the products produced by your company meet customer expectations.

On the other hand, if you are working in an industry where quality assurance is less important or is not required, then having a Quality Assurance Inspector Certificate may not be necessary. In this case, employers may still look favorably upon someone who has taken the initiative to learn more about quality assurance principles and practices, but it won't necessarily give them an advantage over other applicants. Ultimately, it's up to each individual employer to decide whether or not they require employees to have this type of certification before they will hire them.

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FAQs About Quality Assurance Inspector Certifications

1. What is a Quality Assurance Inspector Certification?

Answer: A Quality Assurance Inspector Certification is a credential that verifies an individual has the knowledge and skills needed to inspect products, materials, and processes for compliance with quality standards.

2. How do I become certified as a Quality Assurance Inspector?

Answer: To become certified as a Quality Assurance Inspector, you must complete the necessary training and pass an exam. Depending on the specific certification program, additional requirements may also be necessary.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Quality Assurance Inspector?

Answer: Becoming a Certified Quality Assurance Inspector can provide numerous benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and improved credibility in the industry.

4. How long does it take to become a Certified Quality Assurance Inspector?

Answer: The exact amount of time required to become certified varies depending on your prior experience and the type of certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs require at least 12 months to complete all necessary training and exams.

5. Is there any ongoing education or recertification required for a Quality Assurance Inspector Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require ongoing education or recertification every few years in order to maintain the validity of your certification. This typically involves completing additional coursework or passing another exam to demonstrate that you have kept up with changes in the industry or new technologies used in quality assurance inspections.