Top 11 Quality Control Associate Certifications

Certifications are important for quality control associates in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of competency and knowledge. Certification programs provide comprehensive training and education on quality control techniques and standards, which can give employers assurance that the candidate is qualified to handle quality control tasks. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or industries, so having them can open doors to more job opportunities. Finally, certifications can help set a quality control associate apart from other candidates who don’t have those credentials.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Quality Control Associates and explain how they can aid in advancing their career.

What are Quality Control Associate Certifications?

Quality control associate certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in quality assurance and control. It is awarded by a number of organizations, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The certification provides a formal recognition of an individual's commitment to quality standards and their knowledge of best practices in the field.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out among other job applicants in the competitive job market. It also serves as an indication of proficiency to employers that they have met certain standards in areas such as inspection, testing, auditing, and problem solving. Additionally, it may be required by some employers or regulatory bodies as proof that a candidate has achieved certain levels of competence in quality assurance and control. This can be especially important for those looking to work in industries such as manufacturing or health care where product or service quality is critical.

Finally, having this certification can provide individuals with professional development opportunities which can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and techniques. This can make them better prepared to take on more complex roles within their organization or even open up new opportunities outside their current organization.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a Quality Control Associate, make sure to take the time to research and understand the certification requirements for your desired position. Certification programs often require specific levels of education or experience, as well as completion of certain tests and examinations. Investing in quality control associate certification will give you an edge in the job market, and can help you demonstrate your expertise to employers.

Related: What does a Quality Control Associate do?

Top 11 Quality Control Associate Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Control Associate (CQCA)

Certified Quality Control Associate (CQCA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and mastery of quality control principles, practices, and tools. The CQCA credential is intended for those who are responsible for the implementation and maintenance of quality control systems in manufacturing, service, or other organizations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for the CQCA certification. You must have at least three years of relevant work experience in quality control and pass a written exam to earn your CQCA credential. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as quality assurance methods and techniques, statistical process control, inspection methods, root cause analysis, corrective action plans, and more.

The cost of the CQCA certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, the cost is $299; for non-members it’s $399. Additionally, you may need to purchase study materials or take a review course to prepare for the exam.

2. Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in quality inspection. CQI certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQI certification requires that the candidate pass an exam and meet certain experience requirements.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management, inspection techniques, sampling plans, and statistical methods. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible to take the CQI exam, candidates must have at least five years of full-time work experience in quality inspection or related fields. Candidates may also qualify with a combination of education and work experience totaling seven years.

The cost of the CQI exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, the cost of the exam is $349 for ASQ members and $449 for non-members.

3. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

A Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional who has demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the principles, practices, and techniques of quality auditing. CQA certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

To become certified as a CQA, you must have a minimum of 8 years of on-the-job experience in quality auditing or related fields. You must also pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management principles, audit processes and techniques, root cause analysis, corrective action, and statistical process control. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CQA exam is $399 for ASQ members and $599 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and one attempt at the exam. If you need to retake the exam, there is an additional fee of $299 for ASQ members and $499 for non-members.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your CQA certificate from ASQ. This certificate is valid for three years before recertification is required. To maintain your certification status, you must earn 60 continuing education units (CEUs) over the three year period.

4. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in quality engineering, assurance, and management. The CQE credential is recognized by many employers as a mark of excellence in the field.

To become a Certified Quality Engineer, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least eight years of full-time work experience in quality engineering, assurance, or management; passing an exam administered by ASQ; and completing a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every three years.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as quality systems, design of experiments, process control and improvement, reliability engineering, and statistical methods. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and costs $399 USD.

Once these requirements are met, applicants will receive their official CQE certificate from ASQ. This certification is valid for life unless revoked due to non-compliance with the continuing education requirement or other reasons outlined in the ASQ Code of Ethics.

5. American Society for Quality Control (ASQC) Certification

The American Society for Quality Control (ASQC) is a professional organization that provides certifications to individuals in the quality control field. ASQC certification is a way for professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in quality control and management.

ASQC offers several different certifications, including Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), and Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA). Each certification requires different levels of experience and education, as well as passing an exam. The exams are administered by ASQC and can be taken online or in person.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the certification process, depending on the individual's experience level and the type of certification they are seeking. To get certified, individuals must first submit an application and pay the associated fees. The fees vary based on the type of certification being sought, but generally range from $400-$750 USD. Once approved, applicants will need to complete all required courses and pass the corresponding exam before receiving their certificate from ASQC.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain requirements related to continuing education in order to maintain their certification status with ASQC. These requirements include completing at least 15 hours of continuing education every three years.

Overall, ASQC certification is a great way for quality control professionals to demonstrate their expertise in this field and advance their career opportunities.

6. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certification

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental organization that develops and publishes standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel. ISO certification is a recognition of a company’s commitment to quality management. It demonstrates that the company has met the requirements of an international standard and can be trusted to provide consistent products or services.

How long does it take to get ISO Certification?

The time needed to obtain ISO certification depends on the size and complexity of your organization as well as the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the process.

How do you get ISO Certification?

In order to obtain ISO certification, you must first identify which standard applies to your organization and then develop a quality management system (QMS) based on that standard. This includes documenting all processes related to quality control and developing procedures for monitoring and measuring performance against those standards. Once these documents have been created, they must be reviewed by a third-party auditor who will certify that the QMS meets all applicable requirements.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining ISO certification varies depending on the size and complexity of your organization as well as the type of certification being sought. In general, costs range from several thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on how much help is required in developing the QMS documentation and conducting audits.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead process improvement initiatives within their organization. It is based on the Six Sigma methodology, which seeks to improve processes by eliminating defects and reducing variation. The certification is intended for those who want to become proficient in leading Six Sigma projects and managing teams of people working on them.

The certification consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the provider. During this time, students learn about the fundamentals of Six Sigma, including its core principles, tools and techniques, project management, data analysis, implementation strategies, and more.

Once the course has been completed, students can take the exam to become certified. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess a student’s understanding of Six Sigma concepts and their ability to apply them in practice. Passing the exam earns a student their Green Belt Certification.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

8. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and increase customer satisfaction.

The certification process typically takes between 8-12 weeks, depending on the provider. The program includes a variety of courses, including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS). During these courses, participants learn how to apply the principles of Six Sigma to their organization’s processes and operations.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first complete an approved training program from an accredited provider. After completing the training program, you must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). Once you have passed the exam, you are eligible to receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Black Belt certification varies depending on the provider and location. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD.

9. Lean Manufacturing Certification

Lean Manufacturing Certification is a certification program designed to help organizations increase efficiency and reduce waste. It focuses on the principles of Lean Manufacturing, which are based on the Toyota Production System (TPS). The goal of Lean Manufacturing is to eliminate waste and create value by streamlining processes, eliminating non-value added activities, and improving quality.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the organization offering the certification. Generally, it takes between one and three days to complete the coursework and receive certification.

To get certified, individuals must attend a training program or seminar that covers Lean Manufacturing principles and practices. The cost of these programs varies depending on the organization offering them.

In addition to attending a training program or seminar, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The cost of the exam also varies depending on the organization offering it.

Overall, getting Lean Manufacturing Certification can be expensive; however, it can be beneficial for organizations looking to improve their efficiency and reduce waste.

10. Total Quality Management (TQM) Certification

Total Quality Management (TQM) Certification is a certification program designed to demonstrate an organization’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement. It is based on the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM), which focuses on customer satisfaction, process improvement, and employee involvement.

The certification is awarded by an accredited certifying body such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). To get certified, organizations must first prepare and submit a TQM plan that meets the requirements of the certifying body. This plan should include goals, objectives, processes, and procedures that demonstrate how the organization will implement TQM in its operations. The plan must also include evidence of progress made towards achieving these goals. Once the plan has been submitted, it will be reviewed by a panel of experts who will assess whether it meets the criteria for certification.

The amount of time required to get certified varies depending on how quickly an organization can develop and submit its TQM plan. Generally speaking, it takes between six months and one year to complete this process.

The cost of getting TQM certified depends on several factors including the size of the organization and the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000 and $5,000 to get certified by an accredited certifying body such as ASQ.

Overall, getting certified in Total Quality Management demonstrates an organization’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement – something that can help improve customer satisfaction and increase profits over time.

11. Process Improvement Professional (PIP) Certification

Process Improvement Professional (PIP) Certification is a certification program offered by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles. The PIP certification is a comprehensive program that covers the core concepts and tools of Lean Six Sigma, including process improvement, project management, problem solving, data analysis, and change management.

The PIP certification requires a minimum of 40 hours of training. This can be completed through an IASSC-approved provider or online. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

Once you have completed your training, you will need to take an exam in order to receive your PIP certification. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at an IASSC-approved testing center. The cost for the exam is $395 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your PIP certificate from IASSC within 4-6 weeks. You will also receive an electronic copy of your certificate which can be used for professional development purposes or as proof of your credentials when applying for jobs or promotions.

The PIP certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and must be renewed every three years in order to maintain its validity. Renewal requires completion of 20 hours of continuing education credits in Lean Six Sigma topics every three years in order to remain certified as a Process Improvement Professional (PIP).

Do You Really Need a Quality Control Associate Certificate?

The short answer is yes. A Quality Control Associate Certificate demonstrates that you have a solid understanding of the principles and techniques involved in quality control and assurance, which are essential skills in many industries. With this certification, you will be able to demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to work in a quality-focused environment.

Having this certification is especially beneficial if you are looking to pursue a career in quality assurance or management. It shows employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry-specific tools and concepts used in quality control and assurance, as well as having an understanding of the various processes for ensuring product or service consistency. This certificate also indicates that you understand how important it is for companies to maintain high standards of quality control, as well as being knowledgeable about how to make sure these standards are met on an ongoing basis.

In addition, having a Quality Control Associate Certificate can help open doors for further training and education opportunities within your chosen field. Many organizations offer courses specifically designed for those who hold this certification, allowing them to gain more advanced knowledge and skills related to their job role. Furthermore, having this certificate may also lead to more job offers from employers who recognize its value when looking for qualified candidates with specific qualifications.

Overall, obtaining a Quality Control Associate Certificate can be extremely beneficial when it comes to advancing your career prospects in the field of quality assurance or management. It provides evidence that you have both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required by employers, making it easier for them to trust that you can handle tasks related to maintaining high levels of quality within their organization. As such, it is highly recommended for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this field.

Related: Quality Control Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Control Associate Certifications

1. What is a Quality Control Associate Certification?

Answer: A Quality Control Associate Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skill in quality control processes and techniques. It provides assurance to employers that the certified individual has the necessary skills to successfully implement quality control systems and procedures in their organization.

2. Who should get a Quality Control Associate Certification?

Answer: Quality Control Associate Certifications are beneficial for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in quality control processes and techniques, such as those who work in manufacturing, engineering, or other related industries.

3. What topics are covered on the Quality Control Associate Certification Exam?

Answer: The exam covers topics such as quality management principles, risk assessment, statistical process control, design of experiments, process capability analysis, sampling plans, inspection methods and more.

4. How can I prepare for the Quality Control Associate Certification Exam?

Answer: Preparation for the exam includes studying quality management principles and practices from textbooks or online resources, attending seminars or workshops related to quality control methods and techniques, and taking practice tests to assess your current knowledge level.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a Quality Control Associate?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a Quality Control Associate varies depending on the certification provider; however most providers charge an application fee plus an examination fee which range from $100 - $500 USD.