Top 11 Quality Assurance Officer Certifications

Certifications are important for a quality assurance officer in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and competency in the field. Quality assurance officers are expected to ensure that products meet certain standards of quality and safety, so having certifications can show employers that the individual has the necessary qualifications to do this job. Certification also shows potential employers that an individual is committed to their profession and has taken the time to gain additional training and knowledge. Finally, certifications can give an individual a competitive edge over other applicants when applying for QA jobs.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Quality Assurance Officers and how they can assist in advancing their career.

What are Quality Assurance Officer Certifications?

Quality assurance officer certification is a credential that is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field of quality assurance. Quality assurance officers (QAOs) are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet required standards and regulations, as well as adhering to industry best practices.

The certification program assesses an individual’s ability to effectively identify, monitor, and analyze quality issues in order to recommend corrective action plans and ensure customer satisfaction. The certification focuses on topics such as standards development, risk management, auditing principles, and process improvement. A QAO must have a thorough understanding of these topics in order to be successful.

Having a quality assurance officer certification can provide numerous benefits for both employers and employees. Employers benefit from having an expert on staff who understands the importance of quality control and can help ensure that products or services meet all necessary requirements. Employees benefit from having a credential which demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in the area of quality assurance, making them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, many organizations require their QAOs to hold certifications before they are allowed to work in certain positions or roles within the company.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for the Quality Assurance Officer certification in the area you are looking to become certified in. Different certifying bodies may have different requirements, so it's important to be aware of what is expected before beginning the certification process.

Related: What does a Quality Assurance Officer do?

Top 11 Quality Assurance Officer Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)

Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) is a certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in quality assurance, quality control, and related areas. It is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the profession and their ability to effectively manage quality processes.

In order to become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as quality management systems, process improvement techniques, auditing principles, and statistical methods. To be eligible for the CQAP exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in a quality assurance or related field.

The exam typically takes about four hours to complete and can be taken either online or in person at an ASQ-approved testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $300-$400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CQAP certification which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires that you maintain your knowledge by earning continuing education credits through activities such as attending conferences or taking professional development courses.

2. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification granted by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in quality engineering and assurance. CQEs are expected to be able to apply principles of statistical process control, design of experiments, and other quality engineering techniques to improve product quality.

It typically takes approximately six months to two years to prepare for the CQE exam. This preparation time includes taking courses, studying textbooks, attending seminars, and completing practice exams. The cost of the CQE exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, the cost ranges from $300-$400 USD.

In order to become a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination administered by ASQ. Eligibility requirements include having at least eight years of full-time work experience in one or more areas of quality control or quality assurance, as well as a minimum of three years in a decision-making position that requires knowledge and application of quality engineering principles. Applicants must also submit an application form and fee before they can take the exam.

3. 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). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate an understanding of quality management and organizational excellence principles and practices.

The CMQ/OE program requires candidates to complete a comprehensive, multidisciplinary body of knowledge that covers topics such as quality management systems, customer satisfaction, process improvement, team building and leadership, and performance measurement. Candidates must also pass an exam to earn the certification.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CMQ/OE exam. The amount of time required will depend on how much study time you are able to commit each week. To get started with your preparation, you can purchase ASQ’s study materials or take advantage of online courses or other resources available from third-party organizations.

The cost of the CMQ/OE certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, it costs $499 for the exam registration fee and $99 for the application fee. For members, it costs $399 for the exam registration fee and $49 for the application fee.

4. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and ability to audit quality systems. The CQA credential is awarded to individuals who can demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, conduct, report, and follow up on audits of quality systems.

To become a CQA, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by ASQ. These include having at least three years of full-time work experience in a quality-related field, or a combination of education and experience that totals at least five years. You must also pass an exam administered by ASQ.

The CQA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as auditing principles, techniques, and tools; quality system standards; organizational structure; process improvement methods; and risk management. The exam takes about four hours to complete and is offered several times throughout the year at various locations around the world.

The cost of taking the CQA exam varies depending on your location and whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members in North America, the cost is $419 USD while non-members pay $569 USD. For international members, the cost is $459 USD while non-members pay $609 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your CQA certificate from ASQ. This certificate is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed through continuing education activities or retaking the exam.

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

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Foundation Level Certification is a globally recognized qualification that provides a comprehensive understanding of software testing and its related processes. It is an entry-level certification designed to give professionals the knowledge and skills they need to understand software testing fundamentals, including test design techniques, test management, and the use of tools. The certification also covers topics such as risk-based testing, defect management, and automation.

The ISTQB Foundation Level Certification requires approximately 15 hours of study time before taking the exam. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. To become certified, you must score 65% or higher on the exam.

To get the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification, you must first register for the exam through an accredited training provider or examination center. You can find a list of approved providers on the ISTQB website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100 to $200 USD.

6. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification that demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills to audit organizations and ensure they are compliant with the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS). It is designed to help organizations improve their quality management systems and processes, while also helping auditors become more proficient in their profession.

The certification process typically takes around four weeks to complete, depending on the provider. The first step is to register for the course and pay any applicable fees. After registering, you will receive training materials which you will need to study in order to pass the exam. Once you have completed your studies, you will take an online exam which tests your knowledge of ISO 9001 standards. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification.

The cost of ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $1,500 - $3,000 USD. This includes all course materials and access to online resources as well as the exam fee.

In order to maintain your certification, it is recommended that you participate in continuing education activities such as attending conferences or taking additional courses related to ISO 9001 standards every three years.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. The program focuses on the core principles and tools of Six Sigma, including Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC). It also covers topics such as project management, process improvement, and data analysis.

The certification typically takes between six and nine months to complete. To obtain the certification, individuals must first complete an online course or attend an in-person workshop. The coursework covers topics such as process mapping, statistical analysis, problem solving techniques, and Lean Six Sigma tools. After completing the coursework or attending the workshop, individuals must pass a written exam to become certified.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of training chosen. Online courses typically range from $500-$2,000 USD while in-person workshops can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD.

8. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and its application to process improvement. The certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for leading and managing improvement projects, as well as those who are looking to advance their career in the field of quality management.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification typically takes approximately four months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level and prior knowledge. To get certified, individuals must first complete a training program that includes classroom instruction, online courses, and hands-on practice with real-world projects. After completing the training program, individuals must then pass an exam administered by a third-party organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for self-paced online programs to upwards of $8,000 USD for instructor-led programs.

9. Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)

Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is an international certification program created by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). It is a foundation-level certification that provides a general understanding of software testing and quality assurance. The CTFL certification is designed to provide a basic understanding of software testing, which is essential for anyone involved in software development, including testers, developers, project managers, and business analysts.

The CTFL exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, you must achieve at least 65% correct answers. The exam covers topics such as test design techniques, test management, static testing techniques, test tools and automation, and more.

To get the CTFL certification you must first register with ISTQB and pay the associated fee. After registering you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam platform. Once you have completed the registration process you can schedule your exam at any time that suits your availability.

The cost of taking the CTFL exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150 to $250 USD.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most recognized and respected project management certification in the world. The PMP Certification demonstrates a project manager’s ability to successfully manage projects, as well as their commitment to the profession.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to complete the PMP Certification process, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. To get certified, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements and then pass a rigorous four-hour exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover all aspects of project management, including scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk management and procurement.

To become eligible for the PMP Certification Exam you must have either: (1) A four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience; or (2) A high school diploma or equivalent with at least five years of project management experience. You must also complete 35 hours of formal education in project management topics before taking the exam.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your country and region. Generally speaking, it costs around $555 USD for PMI members and $800 USD for non-members to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining study materials or attending training courses if desired.

11. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is an internationally-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in agile principles and practices. It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully lead agile projects. The ACP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The ACP certification requires 21 contact hours of training, which can be completed online or through a variety of classroom-based courses. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. After completing the training, applicants must pass an exam to become certified. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and has a three-hour time limit.

The cost of the exam is $435 USD for PMI members and $495 USD for non-members. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants receive their official Agile Certified Practitioner certificate from PMI. To maintain their certification, practitioners must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

Do You Really Need a Quality Assurance Officer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Quality Assurance Officer certificate in order to be successful. However, having this certification can certainly give you an advantage when competing for jobs or promotions within the quality assurance field.

Quality assurance officers are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet industry standards and customer expectations. They must also have a comprehensive understanding of quality assurance principles, processes, and practices to be able to effectively monitor, evaluate, and improve product or service quality. Quality assurance officers must possess strong communication skills in order to effectively explain their findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Having a Quality Assurance Officer certificate demonstrates your commitment to the profession as well as your knowledge of quality assurance principles. This can make you stand out from other applicants when applying for positions in the field. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with formal training in the area of quality assurance due to the complexity of the job responsibilities. Having a Quality Assurance Officer certificate can also provide you with access to exclusive resources, such as networking opportunities and continuing education courses related to your field of expertise.

In summary, while having a Quality Assurance Officer certificate is not required for success in this field, it can definitely give you an advantage over other applicants when competing for jobs or promotions within this profession.

Related: Quality Assurance Officer Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Assurance Officer Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Quality Assurance Officer?

Answer: To become a Quality Assurance Officer, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as engineering, business administration or quality management and at least two years of experience in quality assurance. You may also need to be certified by an organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

2. How long is the certification process?

Answer: The certification process can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year depending on the complexity of the program and the amount of time you dedicate to it.

3. What types of certifications are available?

Answer: There are several types of certifications available including Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) and Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA).

4. What is the cost of becoming certified?

Answer: The cost for certification varies depending on which program you choose and can range from $500-$4000 USD.

5. Is there any ongoing education required after becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require that you participate in continuing education activities in order to maintain your certification status.