Top 10 Quality Assurance Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a quality assurance specialist in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job effectively. Quality assurance specialists must have an understanding of quality control principles, processes, and methods in order to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. Certifications provide proof that an individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in these areas. They also show employers that an individual is dedicated to their profession, as they have taken the time and effort to seek out additional education and training. In addition, certifications can help a quality assurance specialist stand out among other applicants with similar qualifications.

The article reviews the top certifications for Quality Assurance Specialists and explains how they can benefit one's career, providing insight into how obtaining these certifications can help advance a quality assurance specialist's professional development.

What are Quality Assurance Specialist Certifications?

Quality assurance specialist certification is a formal recognition of an individual’s expertise and knowledge in Quality Assurance (QA). It is designed to demonstrate that the individual has the necessary skills and experience to effectively analyze, assess, and improve quality processes in any organization.

The certification covers a range of topics such as process improvement methods, quality management systems, risk assessment and control, reliability engineering, software testing methodologies, and statistical analysis. As such, it provides an invaluable foundation for any professional looking to work within the QA field.

Having a QA specialist certification can help individuals stand out from their peers when applying for jobs or promotions. It shows employers that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this role. Furthermore, having this certification can give professionals greater confidence in their ability to tackle complex problems related to quality assurance.

Finally, having a QA specialist certification can help individuals stay up-to-date with industry trends by providing access to continuing education courses or networking opportunities with other certified professionals. This allows them to keep abreast of best practices and be better prepared for new challenges that arise in their profession.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a Quality Assurance Specialist, it is important to research the different certifications available and decide which one best fits your career goals. Certification will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in this field and can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs.

Related: What does a Quality Assurance Specialist do?

Top 10 Quality Assurance Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)

A Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) is an individual who has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of quality assurance principles and practices. The CQAP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a level of expertise in the field of quality assurance, and it is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CQAP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, auditing, inspection, and statistical process control. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CQAP certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in a quality assurance role or related field. They must also submit proof of their educational background and professional experience.

The cost for the CQAP certification exam is $450 USD. This fee includes the application fee and the exam fee. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD to maintain your certification status.

2. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality engineering, quality assurance, and quality control. The CQE certification is highly sought after by employers as it demonstrates that an individual has the necessary skills to help organizations improve their products and services.

It typically takes about two years of study and practice to prepare for the CQE exam. To become certified, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as statistical methods, quality planning, auditing, design of experiments, and more. Additionally, applicants must have at least eight years of work experience in a field related to quality engineering or management.

The cost of becoming a Certified Quality Engineer varies depending on the country you live in and whether you are taking the exam online or in person. In the United States, the fee for taking the CQE exam is $395 USD for members of ASQ and $495 USD for non-members.

In order to maintain your CQE certification status, you must complete at least 60 hours of continuing education every three years. This includes attending conferences or seminars related to quality engineering or management as well as completing online courses or self-study materials related to these topics.

3. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in software quality assurance. The CSQA certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The certification process consists of two parts: an exam and a work experience requirement. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in software quality assurance, with at least one year in a lead or supervisory role.

The exam covers topics such as software development life cycle, software testing techniques, quality management systems, and project management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.

Once the exam has been passed, applicants must then demonstrate their work experience in order to receive their CSQA certification. This includes submitting evidence of their involvement in software projects as well as references from employers or colleagues who can attest to their competency in software quality assurance.

The cost of taking the CSQA exam varies depending on the country where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

4. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help individuals improve their skills and abilities in process improvement, problem solving, and data analysis.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification requires approximately 40 hours of study time. This includes reading textbooks, completing online courses, attending seminars, and taking exams. The exam itself takes about four hours to complete.

To get the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, you must first pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. You may also need to demonstrate experience in the field of Six Sigma or have completed a formal training program.

The cost of the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the organization administering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 USD depending on the provider and any additional materials or services they offer.

5. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals understand the requirements of ISO 9001, the international standard for Quality Management Systems. The certification is offered through accredited training organizations and requires successful completion of an examination.

The certification process typically takes two to four days and includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises. During the course, you will learn about the principles of quality management systems, auditing techniques, and how to use them in practice. You will also receive guidance on how to effectively plan and conduct audits according to ISO 9001 requirements. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to take the exam which consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and auditing techniques.

To become an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, you must first complete a training course from an accredited organization such as IRCA or Exemplar Global. The cost of these courses can vary depending on the provider but typically range from $1,500-$2,000 USD. After completing the training course, you can then register to take the exam which costs around $600 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will be officially certified as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor.

In summary, becoming an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor requires completing a training course from an accredited provider followed by passing an exam at a cost of approximately $2,600 USD in total.

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

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who possess the knowledge and skills to lead organizations in quality management and organizational excellence. The certification is based on the ASQ Body of Knowledge, which covers topics such as quality management systems, customer focus, process improvement, data analysis, and team building.

The CMQ/OE certification requires passing an exam that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The exam must be taken at an approved testing center and takes approximately four hours to complete. In order to take the exam, applicants must have at least eight years of work experience in quality management or organizational excellence roles.

The cost of the CMQ/OE certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, it costs $399 for the exam and $159 for each additional retake if necessary; for non-members, it costs $549 for the exam and $209 for each additional retake if necessary.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet continuing education requirements every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

7. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a certification program designed to provide quality professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform inspections in a variety of industries. The CQI certification is based on the ASQ Body of Knowledge, which covers topics such as inspection techniques, quality management systems, statistical process control, and other related topics.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to complete the CQI certification program. To get started, you must first register with ASQ and purchase the exam materials. Once you have purchased the materials, you will need to study for the exam and take a practice test. After passing the practice test, you can then schedule your actual exam date.

The cost of obtaining your CQI certification varies depending on whether or not you are an ASQ member. For non-members, the cost is $399 USD for both the exam materials and registration fee; for members, it is $349 USD for both fees.

Once you have passed your exam, you will receive your official certificate from ASQ and be able to use your CQI credentials when applying for jobs or promotions in quality assurance or inspection roles.

8. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Foundation Level Certificate

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Foundation Level Certificate is a globally recognized qualification for software testers. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of the fundamentals of software testing, and is suitable for people who are new to the field or those who want to gain an understanding of the basics before progressing to higher levels of certification.

The ISTQB Foundation Level Certificate typically takes around 25 hours to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and experience level. The course consists of a combination of self-study, online learning and instructor-led training.

To get the ISTQB Foundation Level Certificate, you must take an accredited exam which is available in many countries around the world. You can find more information about exam centers and registration fees on the ISTQB website.

The cost of taking the ISTQB Foundation Level Certificate exam varies depending on location and other factors, but typically ranges from $100 - $250 USD.

9. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of competency in reliability engineering. The CRE credential demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the area of reliability engineering.

To become a CRE, an individual must pass the ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer exam. This exam is composed of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as reliability engineering principles, methods, tools and techniques. The exam also covers areas such as product design and development, maintenance planning and management, system analysis and modeling, quality assurance and control systems, and risk management.

The ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer exam typically takes about four hours to complete. It is offered at various locations around the world on specific dates throughout the year. To register for the exam, individuals must first submit an application along with a fee of $250 USD.

Once individuals have passed the exam they will receive their CRE certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, individuals will need to retake the examination in order to maintain their certification status.

In addition to passing the examination, individuals must also meet certain educational requirements in order to become certified as a CRE. These requirements include having either a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Engineering or Science; or having at least five years of experience in reliability engineering within the past eight years; or having both education and experience that combine for at least seven years within the past eight years.

10. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Calibration Technician (CCT).

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who are responsible for calibrating measuring and test equipment. The CCT certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s ability to perform calibration activities in accordance with established standards.

To become a CCT, you must have at least three years of experience in the field of calibration and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also pass the ASQ CCT exam which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as metrology principles, measurement uncertainty, instrumentation types, calibration methods, and quality systems. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the ASQ CCT certification is $379 USD for members and $479 USD for non-members. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 USD. Once you have completed the exam, you will receive your certificate within four weeks.

Overall, obtaining the ASQ CCT certification requires dedication and hard work but it can be well worth it as it demonstrates your proficiency in calibration activities and can open up new opportunities in your career.

Do You Really Need a Quality Assurance Specialist Certificate?

Yes, a quality assurance specialist certificate is an important credential for anyone who works in the quality assurance field. Quality assurance is an essential part of any organization, and having a specialized certificate can demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job correctly.

The quality assurance specialist certificate demonstrates that you have the necessary technical skills to evaluate processes, products, services, and systems. It also shows that you understand the principles of quality management and can apply them to ensure that all products meet established standards. Additionally, holding a certificate may help you stand out from other applicants when seeking employment in the field.

Having a quality assurance specialist certificate can also be beneficial in terms of career advancement. Organizations often look for employees with specialized qualifications when promoting or hiring new staff members. A certificate will show employers that you are knowledgeable in the field and have taken the initiative to develop your skills further.

Overall, having a quality assurance specialist certificate is important for anyone looking to work in this field as it shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job correctly. For those already working in this area, it can provide evidence of your commitment to professional development and help open up new opportunities for career advancement.

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FAQs About Quality Assurance Specialist Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Quality Assurance Specialists?

Answer: The most commonly recognized certification is the Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ). Other certifications include the Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), and Lead Auditor Certification.

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

Answer: Generally, certification requires passing an exam that covers topics related to quality assurance such as auditing, control processes, improvement techniques, and statistical methods. You may also need to have experience in a related field or complete coursework in quality management.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: This depends on the certification you are pursuing and your level of experience and education. Generally, it takes several months to prepare for the exam and some certifications require additional coursework or training prior to taking the exam.

4. What is the cost of certification?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on which program you choose and what exam fees are associated with it. In general, it can range from $500-$2000 USD depending on the program.

5. Will I receive any recognition after becoming certified?

Answer: Yes! Most organizations recognize those who have achieved quality assurance certifications and may provide additional benefits such as salary increases or promotions for those with higher levels of certification. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire certified professionals since they have demonstrated their knowledge and commitment to quality assurance principles and practices.