Top 10 Quality Assurance Manager Certifications

Certifications for a quality assurance manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Quality assurance managers must be able to identify and resolve issues before they negatively affect customer satisfaction, product quality, and overall business performance. Certifications help employers verify that an individual has the necessary skills to perform the job effectively. Additionally, certifications provide recognition from peers and industry experts. This recognition can go a long way when it comes to networking and career advancement opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review popular certifications for Quality Assurance Managers and explain how they can help boost their career prospects.

What are Quality Assurance Manager Certifications?

Quality Assurance Manager Certification is a professional certification program that provides an individual with the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively manage quality assurance projects. It is designed to help ensure that products and services meet or exceed customer expectations. The certification helps individuals demonstrate their commitment to quality assurance principles and practices, as well as build their credibility in the industry. Quality Assurance Manager Certification also provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and processes needed to successfully manage quality assurance projects.

The certification covers topics such as: quality management systems, risk management, project planning, process improvement & control, problem solving & analysis, communication & collaboration tools, and software testing methodology. It provides insight into how to create effective test plans, develop specifications for tests and analyze results. The certification also teaches best practices for managing teams of testers and developing processes for efficient test coverage. Additionally, it addresses the importance of documentation in quality assurance projects and how to ensure compliance with standards such as ISO 9001:2015.

By obtaining Quality Assurance Manager Certification, individuals will gain the necessary skills to effectively lead quality assurance efforts within their organization. This can greatly benefit organizations by helping them deliver higher-quality products or services more efficiently while reducing costs associated with errors or defects. Ultimately this can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty which leads to increased revenue potential for the organization.

Pro Tip: Quality Assurance Manager Certification is a valuable tool for any QA Manager to have. It provides recognition of the individual's knowledge and understanding of best practices, quality assurance processes, and standards for quality assurance management. Additionally, it can provide a competitive edge in the job market and open up potential career opportunities.

Related: What does a Quality Assurance Manager do?

Top 10 Quality Assurance Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Assurance Manager (CQAM)

Certified Quality Assurance Manager (CQAM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of quality assurance professionals. The CQAM certification provides an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to quality assurance best practices and standards.

The CQAM program requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in a quality assurance role, as well as a bachelor's degree in a related field. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, auditing techniques, and risk management.

It typically takes about three months to complete the entire certification process from application to examination. During this time, applicants are required to study for the exam and complete any prerequisites set forth by ASQ.

The cost of obtaining the CQAM certification varies depending on whether or not you are already an ASQ member. For non-members, the total cost is $499 USD which includes both the application fee and exam fee. For existing ASQ members, the total cost is $399 USD which includes only the exam fee.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Quality Assurance Manager (CQAM) certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in quality assurance or demonstrate their expertise in this field.

2. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE certification is designed to ensure that certified professionals possess the skills necessary to effectively manage, design, and improve processes in order to achieve desired outcomes.

The CQE certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To become certified, an individual must first pass the CQE exam administered by ASQ. This exam covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical methods, product design and development, process control, measurement systems analysis, auditing techniques, and more. After passing the exam, an individual must also complete a series of continuing education activities in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost of becoming a Certified Quality Engineer varies depending on the type of membership chosen with ASQ. A basic membership costs $49 per year while a premium membership costs $149 per year. In addition to these fees, there are also fees associated with taking the CQE exam ($399 for members/$499 for non-members) as well as any continuing education activities required to maintain certification status ($50-$100 per activity).

3. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in auditing quality management systems. The CQA certification is based on the ISO 19011 standard, which provides guidance on conducting internal and external audits of quality management systems.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the CQA exam. This preparation time includes studying the material, attending training classes or workshops, and taking practice exams. The exam itself consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To become a Certified Quality Auditor, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of work experience in quality assurance and/or auditing. You must also pass the CQA exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost of obtaining the CQA certification varies depending on factors such as study materials, training classes or workshops, and practice exams. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 USD to become certified.

4. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of quality management and organizational excellence. This certification is designed to provide managers with the skills and knowledge needed to lead their organizations to success through effective quality management practices.

The certification requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in the field of quality management or organizational excellence, as well as passing an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality principles, tools, techniques, processes, and systems. It typically takes about 8-12 weeks to complete the entire process from application submission to receiving your certificate.

To get certified, you must first submit an application along with supporting documents such as proof of education and work experience. Once your application is approved, you will be required to pay a fee which varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For non-members, the fee is $699 USD while for members it is $499 USD. After paying the fee, you will receive access to study materials and can then register for the exam which costs an additional $299 USD for non-members or $199 USD for members.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate which is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking another exam or completing other activities related to quality management or organizational excellence.

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

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Foundation Level is an internationally recognized qualification for software testers. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of software testing and the fundamental principles and processes involved in the testing process. The certification is aimed at those who are new to software testing or have limited experience in this field.

It typically takes between 1-2 weeks to complete the ISTQB Foundation Level course, depending on the level of prior knowledge and experience. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass an examination that consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam can be taken online or in person at a designated test centre.

The cost of taking the ISTQB Foundation Level exam varies depending on where you take it and if you need additional training materials or courses. Generally, it costs around £150 - £200 for the exam alone, with additional fees for training materials or courses if required.

6. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. This certification is offered by several organizations, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and it is recognized worldwide as a standard of excellence in quality management.

The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in process improvement and/or quality management. Candidates must also complete a rigorous training program that covers topics such as Lean Six Sigma, project management, and design of experiments. The program typically takes between four to six weeks to complete, depending on the organization offering it.

To get certified, candidates must pass an exam administered by the organization offering the certification. The exam may include multiple-choice questions, case studies, and other types of assessment tools. Candidates must also demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practices associated with Six Sigma through a portfolio review or other means.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the organization offering it; however, it generally ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is the most widely recognized and respected certification in the project management field. It is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP credential recognizes knowledge, experience, and competence in leading and directing projects.

To obtain the PMP certification, applicants must have a minimum of five years of project management experience and 7500 hours leading and directing projects as well as 35 hours of project management education. This can be obtained through an accredited university or through PMI’s online courses.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that are administered over a four-hour period. The exam fee is $555 for members of PMI and $405 for nonmembers.

Once you pass the exam, you will become a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Your certification will be valid for three years from the date it was issued. You must complete 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years to maintain your certification status.

8. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to help individuals understand the principles and practices of Lean Six Sigma, as well as how to effectively apply them in their organization.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between two and four weeks to complete, depending on the program and instructor. The course covers topics such as process improvement, problem-solving techniques, project management, data analysis tools, and team dynamics. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate verifying their knowledge and skills in Lean Six Sigma.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first complete a training program from an accredited institution or provider. These programs are available both online and in-person, with prices ranging from $1,000 - $2,500 depending on the length of the program and its content. After completing the training program successfully, you can then take an exam administered by a third-party certification body such as ASQ or IASSC to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on which certification body you choose; however it typically ranges from $250 - $400 USD for each exam attempt.

9. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to audit an organization’s quality management system (QMS). The certification is offered by various organizations, such as the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) or Exemplar Global.

The certification process typically consists of a combination of classroom-based training and an examination. The duration of the training varies depending on the provider, but typically takes between five and seven days. During this time, participants are taught about ISO 9001 requirements, auditing principles and techniques, and how to plan, conduct, report and follow up on audits.

In order to be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in quality assurance or related fields. Additionally, they must successfully pass the exam administered by their chosen provider.

The cost of ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for both the training and examination fees combined.

10. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in software quality assurance, testing, and analysis. The CSQA certification is based on the ASQ’s Body of Knowledge (BOK) which covers topics such as software development life cycle, software requirements analysis, software testing, defect tracking and management, metrics and measurement, process improvement, and risk management.

To become certified as a CSQA, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover the BOK topics listed above. Candidates are given three hours to complete the exam. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in software quality assurance or related fields.

The cost of taking the CSQA exam varies depending on the country where you live. In the United States it costs $450 USD while in Canada it costs $400 CAD.

Do You Really Need a Quality Assurance Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Quality Assurance Manager Certificate in order to work as a quality assurance manager. However, having one may give you an advantage over other job applicants and can provide evidence of your expertise in the field.

A certificate in quality assurance management can be beneficial for anyone looking to break into the industry or advance their career. Quality assurance managers are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet certain standards of quality. They are also responsible for developing procedures and protocols to ensure that these standards are met. A certificate can demonstrate your knowledge of the area, as well as show employers that you have been trained in the specific skills needed for this type of role.

In addition to providing evidence of your knowledge and skills related to quality assurance, a certificate can also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers often look more favorably on candidates who have taken the time and effort to earn a specialized certification, making it easier for you to get noticed by potential employers.

Overall, while earning a Quality Assurance Manager Certificate might not be necessary in order to become a successful quality assurance manager, it can provide valuable evidence of your expertise and experience in the field which could lead to increased opportunities down the road.

Related: Quality Assurance Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Assurance Manager Certifications

1. What is a Quality Assurance Manager Certification?

Answer: A Quality Assurance Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a candidate’s knowledge and expertise in quality assurance management. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the ability to effectively manage quality assurance processes, teams, and projects.

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

Answer: To become certified as a Quality Assurance Manager, you must first complete an approved training program or coursework related to quality assurance management. Once you have completed your training, you must then pass an exam administered by the certifying organization in order to receive your certification.

3. What types of jobs can I get with a Quality Assurance Manager Certification?

Answer: With a Quality Assurance Manager Certification, you can qualify for positions such as Project Manager, Quality Control Engineer, Software Test Engineer, Business Analyst, and Process Improvement Specialist.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Quality Assurance Manager?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Quality Assurance Manager will depend on the type of certification you are pursuing and the amount of time spent studying for the exam. Generally speaking, most certifications require at least 40 hours of study time prior to taking the exam.

5. Is there any continuing education required after becoming certified as a Quality Assurance Manager?

Answer: Yes, depending on the certifying organization you choose to go through, there may be certain continuing education requirements that must be met in order to maintain your certification status. These can include completing additional courses or attending conferences or seminars related to quality assurance management topics.