Top 10 Quality Control Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a quality control analyst in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge that is needed to do the job effectively. Quality control analysts must be able to identify defects, analyze data, and troubleshoot problems. Employers want to hire candidates who can confidently perform these tasks and certifications provide evidence that an individual has the necessary skills. Additionally, certifications help employers differentiate between qualified applicants and give them confidence that the person they are hiring is up-to-date on industry standards and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Quality Control Analysts and discuss how they can help to enhance a quality control analyst's career.

What are Quality Control Analyst Certifications?

Quality control analyst certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and understanding of quality control principles, techniques, and practices. Quality control analysts are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet certain standards of quality. Certification can help demonstrate a person’s expertise in this field, which may lead to better job opportunities and higher wages.

The certification process typically involves taking an exam or completing a course or program related to quality control. Depending on the organization offering the certification, it may also require the completion of additional courses or hands-on training experiences. Once certified, analysts must typically renew their credentials every few years by taking additional exams or completing continuing education requirements.

Having quality control analyst certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the field. It can also give employers more confidence in an individual's ability to perform the job well since they know that the applicant has received formal training in quality assurance principles and techniques. Additionally, many organizations favor hiring those with certifications because it shows a commitment to maintaining or improving their knowledge base and staying up-to-date on any changes in industry standards and practices.

Pro Tip: Quality Control Analyst Certification can be a valuable asset for any analyst looking to add credibility and expertise in their field. However, it is important to note that certification programs vary in quality and content, so make sure to research the programs thoroughly before committing to one. Additionally, many certifications require continuing education courses or exams to maintain their validity over time.

Related: What does a Quality Control Analyst do?

Top 10 Quality Control Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Quality Control Analysts today.

1. Certified Quality Analyst (CQA)

Certified Quality Analyst (CQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in quality assurance and quality control.

The CQA certification requires applicants to have at least three years of work experience in the field of quality assurance or quality control, as well as passing an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to topics such as statistical process control, root cause analysis, and quality management systems.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CQA exam. During this time, applicants should review study materials, take practice exams, and attend any available preparation courses.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of work experience and payment of the applicable fees. The fees vary depending on the applicant’s location but generally range from $400-$600 USD.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will be able to take the CQA exam at an ASQ-approved testing center. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CQA certification.

2. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

The Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in quality improvement. It is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

To get the CQIA certification, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement methods, and statistical analysis. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

You can take the exam at any ASQ approved testing center or online through ASQ's website. The cost of the exam is $395 for members of ASQ and $495 for non-members. You must also pay a one-time application fee of $50 when you apply for the certification.

In order to maintain your CQIA certification, you will need to earn recertification points every three years by completing activities such as attending conferences or taking courses related to quality improvement.

3. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the principles and practices of Six Sigma. It is the highest level of Six Sigma certification available and requires a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the methodology, including its tools and techniques. The CSSBB certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete the requirements for a CSSBB certification. To get certified, individuals must first pass an exam administered by ASQ. This exam covers topics such as process improvement, quality control, data analysis, project management, and problem solving. After passing the exam, individuals must then demonstrate their mastery of Six Sigma through a project or portfolio review.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you take your training and how much preparation you do beforehand. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. This includes both the cost of the exam and any additional training or materials needed to prepare for it.

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

The American Society for Quality – Certified Quality Auditor (ASQ-CQA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate competence in the principles and practices of quality auditing. The CQA certification is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of an individual in the area of quality auditing.

To become certified as a CQA, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having a minimum of three years of work experience in quality assurance or related field, and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants may also be required to have additional educational qualifications such as courses in statistics or engineering.

The CQA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as auditing fundamentals, audit planning and preparation, conducting audits, analysis and reporting results, and follow-up activities. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CQA certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or at a testing center. Online exams cost $450 USD while testing center exams cost $500 USD. In addition to the exam fee, there is also an annual recertification fee of $100 USD that must be paid every three years to maintain your certification status.

Overall, it can take up to 6 months from application submission to receiving your certification if all requirements are met.

5. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program that provides an internationally recognized qualification for auditors who assess and verify an organization’s compliance with the ISO 9001 standard. It is designed to ensure that the auditor has the necessary knowledge and skills to audit an organization against the requirements of ISO 9001.

In order to obtain this certification, an individual must complete a training course and pass an exam. The duration of the course varies depending on the provider, but it typically takes between 3-5 days. During this time, participants are taught about ISO 9001 principles, auditing techniques, and how to conduct effective audits.

The cost of obtaining this certification also varies depending on the provider, but it typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD.

Once a person has completed their training and passed their exam, they will receive their ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification which is valid for three years. After three years, individuals must renew their certification by completing additional training or taking a refresher course.

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). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in quality management and organizational excellence. The certification is based on a body of knowledge that covers topics such as quality principles, process improvement, customer satisfaction, leadership, team building, and performance measurement.

The CMQ/OE certification requires passing an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least eight years of full-time work experience in one or more areas of the body of knowledge covered by the exam.

The cost to take the exam is $495 for members of ASQ and $695 for non-members. In addition to taking the exam, applicants must also provide proof of their work experience in order to become certified.

In total, it usually takes about six months or longer to complete all requirements for the CMQ/OE certification.

7. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who has been trained to ensure the reliability of products, systems, and services. The CRE is responsible for developing and implementing reliability engineering processes that reduce costs, improve safety, and increase customer satisfaction. A CRE must have a thorough understanding of product design, manufacturing processes, quality control techniques, and failure analysis methods.

The certification process typically takes between 12-18 months to complete depending on the individual's experience in the field. To become certified as a CRE, an individual must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as reliability engineering principles and practices, quality assurance methods, statistical analysis techniques, and system failure analysis.

In order to take the exam, individuals must first become a member of ASQ. Membership fees vary depending on type of membership; however they typically range from $50-$100 per year. Additionally there is a fee associated with taking the exam which varies based on location but typically ranges from $150-$200.

Once an individual passes the exam they will receive their CRE certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requirements include completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam every three years in order to maintain certification status.

8. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of software quality assurance. The CSQA credential demonstrates an individual’s commitment to quality and their ability to apply best practices in software development, testing, and maintenance.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for the CSQA certification. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of software quality assurance principles, processes, and tools through successful completion of a written exam as well as an oral interview with a panel of subject matter experts.

To get certified, candidates must first join ASQ and then submit an application form along with appropriate fees. The application fee is currently $299 USD for ASQ members and $399 USD for non-members. Additional fees may be required depending on selected options such as rush processing or retaking exams. Once approved, candidates will receive instructions on how to register for the exam.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that helps individuals to become more effective problem solvers and process improvement professionals. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is designed for professionals who are looking to improve their knowledge and skills in the areas of process improvement, problem solving, and quality management.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between 4-6 months to complete depending on the individual's experience level and commitment. The certification consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology, project management principles, data analysis techniques, and quality management tools. After completing the coursework, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you will need to register with a certifying body such as ASQ or IASSC. These organizations provide training materials and resources needed to prepare for the exam. Once registered with one of these organizations, you will be able to access their online learning platform which includes practice tests and other study materials.

The cost of getting certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the certifying organization you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 for the entire certification process including registration fees and exam fees.

10. ASQ – Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

ASQ – Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in quality inspection. This certification covers topics such as quality management principles, statistical process control, inspection methods, and quality planning.

It typically takes approximately two to three months to complete the CQI certification program. To get certified, you must first pass the CQI exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and is administered online or in paper format. You can register for the exam through ASQ's website or contact your local ASQ chapter for assistance.

The cost of the CQI certification program varies depending on your location and whether you are taking the online or paper version of the exam. Generally, it costs between $200-$400 USD to take the exam, plus any applicable taxes and fees. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from ASQ within 8 weeks.

Do You Really Need a Quality Control Analyst Certificate?

The short answer to this question is that it depends. A Quality Control Analyst Certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to break into the industry, as it demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in the field. However, having a certificate is not necessary for everyone. Some employers may prefer to hire applicants with experience rather than certifications.

For those who do have some experience in quality control but lack a certification, there are still several ways in which they can make themselves more attractive to potential employers. These include taking courses or attending seminars related to quality control; volunteering on projects related to quality control; and/or participating in professional organizations related to quality control. All of these activities demonstrate an individual’s commitment and knowledge of the field, which can be just as valuable as a certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Quality Control Analyst Certificate will depend on their own individual situation and what kind of job they are applying for. It is important to research the requirements of the position before deciding if obtaining a certificate will be beneficial or necessary.

Related: Quality Control Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Control Analyst Certifications

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Quality Control Analyst?

Answer: Becoming a Quality Control Analyst provides a range of benefits, including increased job security and stability, higher wages, access to advanced technologies and techniques, and the ability to make an impact on product quality.

2. What qualifications do I need to become a Quality Control Analyst?

Answer: To become a Quality Control Analyst, you should have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates who possess certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

3. How long does certification take?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete certification depends on the specific type of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all requirements for certification.

4. What is the cost of certification?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing and which organization is offering it. Generally speaking, costs can range from $400-$1,500 USD for most certifications.

5. Is there an exam required for certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require applicants to pass an exam in order to receive their certificate. Exams vary in difficulty depending on the specific type of certification being pursued.