Top 10 Quality Control Chemist Certifications

Certifications are important for a quality control chemist in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has obtained specific qualifications and has achieved a certain level of proficiency in their field. Certification can show employers that an individual is knowledgeable, experienced, and capable of performing advanced tasks related to quality control. Additionally, certifications can provide employers with a sense of confidence that the individual is equipped with the skills necessary to perform the job effectively. Certifications also help differentiate an individual from other applicants and may be used as criteria for hiring decisions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Quality Control Chemists and explain how they can help advance a quality control chemist's career.

What are Quality Control Chemist Certifications?

Quality Control Chemist Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in quality control. A Quality Control Chemist who holds this certification is highly qualified to perform the duties of a QC chemist, such as inspecting raw materials, monitoring production processes, and ensuring product quality. The certification demonstrates that the individual has the necessary skills, knowledge, and training to successfully perform all aspects of quality control.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out in the job market when seeking employment in the field of quality control. It demonstrates to potential employers that they have the qualifications and expertise necessary to perform their roles effectively. Additionally, it can serve as a valuable asset for those looking to advance their career or pursue higher-level positions within companies or organizations. Companies may also prefer hiring individuals with this type of certification over other applicants who lack it because it provides assurance that they are knowledgeable about current industry standards and practices when it comes to quality control. Furthermore, having this certification can also serve as a way for individuals to show employers their commitment to excellence and dedication to their profession.

Pro Tip: When looking for a quality control chemist certification, make sure to research the certifying body to ensure that it is an accredited and recognized organization. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on laboratory experience as well as comprehensive coursework in topics related to quality control chemistry.

Related: What does a Quality Control Chemist do?

Top 10 Quality Control Chemist Certifications

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

1. ASQ Certified Quality Control Chemist (CQCC)

ASQ Certified Quality Control Chemist (CQCC) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to help quality control chemists demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the area of quality control. The CQCC certification requires that applicants pass an exam that covers topics such as laboratory safety, sample preparation, chemical analysis, data analysis and interpretation, and quality assurance.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for the CQCC exam. During this time, applicants should familiarize themselves with the exam content outline and review relevant materials. Applicants can also take practice tests and participate in study groups to further prepare for the exam.

To get certified as a CQCC, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of experience in a quality control chemistry role or completing an approved training program. They must then register for and pass the CQCC exam which is administered by ASQ twice a year.

The cost of taking the CQCC exam varies depending on whether or not you are an ASQ member. For non-members, the fee is $419 USD; for members it is $319 USD.

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

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in quality inspection. The CQI designation is granted to those who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality principles, practices, and methods.

To become an ASQ Certified Quality Inspector, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of work experience in quality-related activities and passing the CQI exam. The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as inspection techniques, sampling plans, statistical process control, and corrective action.

The exam can be taken at any Prometric testing center or online through ASQ’s website. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam and results are available immediately after it is completed.

In order to maintain your CQI certification, you must complete 90 hours of continuing education every three years. This can be done by attending seminars, taking courses, or completing self-study programs approved by ASQ.

The cost of becoming an ASQ Certified Quality Inspector varies depending on the type of membership you choose with ASQ and whether or not you need to take the exam again after three years. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$400 USD for members and $500-$700 USD for non-members.

3. International Society for Quality Assurance (ISQA) Certified Quality Control Technician (CQCT)

The International Society for Quality Assurance (ISQA) Certified Quality Control Technician (CQCT) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to become an effective quality control technician. This certification demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and expertise to work in a quality assurance role.

To become certified, you must complete the ISQA Certified Quality Control Technician (CQCT) program. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Quality Control, Quality Control Techniques, and Advanced Quality Control Techniques. Each course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of quality control principles, processes, and techniques.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three courses depending on how quickly you can learn the material. You will also need to pass a final exam in order to be certified as a CQCT.

The cost of the CQCT program varies depending on where you take it, but it usually ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD for all three courses combined. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the final exam or any other required materials or services.

Once you have completed the CQCT program and passed the final exam, you will receive your official ISQA Certified Quality Control Technician (CQCT) certificate. This certificate will serve as proof of your expertise in quality control and demonstrate your commitment to excellence in this field.

4. Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Certified Quality Control Analyst (CQCA)

The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Certified Quality Control Analyst (CQCA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for quality control in the industrial and systems engineering field. The CQCA credential is intended to provide employers with assurance that their employees have the necessary qualifications to perform quality control activities.

To become certified as a CQCA, an individual must pass an exam administered by IISE. The exam covers topics such as quality management principles, statistical process control, process improvement techniques, problem-solving tools, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, and root cause analysis. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of relevant work experience or completing a formal educational program in industrial or systems engineering. Additionally, applicants must submit an application form along with a nonrefundable fee of $200 USD.

Once the application has been approved by IISE, applicants will be sent an authorization letter that allows them to schedule their exam date at a Prometric testing center near them. After passing the exam and paying a $100 USD certification fee, individuals will receive their CQCA certificate from IISE.

5. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Quality Control Engineer (CQCE)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Quality Control Engineer (CQCE) is a certification program designed to recognize the professional achievements and technical competence of quality control engineers. This certification is offered by ASME, an international organization that sets standards for engineering professionals in all fields. The CQCE certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge related to quality control engineering principles, practices, and technologies.

The CQCE certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in quality control engineering and pass an exam administered by ASME. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as process improvement, statistical analysis, design validation, inspection methods, and corrective action plans. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge through a portfolio review that includes evidence of their work experience and successful completion of relevant courses or seminars.

It typically takes between two to four months to complete the application process for the CQCE certification. During this time, applicants are required to submit proof of their work experience along with any supporting documentation. They must also pay an application fee which varies depending on the country in which they are applying from. In the United States, the fee is $250 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. Once approved by ASME, applicants will receive their CQCE certificate within 6-8 weeks after passing the exam.

The CQCE certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by submitting proof of continuing education credits or professional development activities related to quality control engineering during that time period.

6. American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) Certified Quality Control Professional (CQCP)

The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) Certified Quality Control Professional (CQCP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the areas of quality control and assurance. The CQCP designation is designed to provide a benchmark for employers, customers, and suppliers to identify professionals who are knowledgeable in quality control systems and processes.

The CQCP program requires applicants to complete an online application, pass an examination, and demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience working in the field of quality control. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as statistical process control, inspection techniques, documentation requirements, and customer satisfaction.

The cost for the CQCP certification is $400 USD. This fee includes the application fee, examination fee, and certificate fee. It generally takes 4-6 weeks from the time of application submission to receive your results.

To become certified as a CQCP professional one must first meet all eligibility requirements for the program. These requirements include having at least two years of experience in quality control or assurance activities within the last five years; being able to demonstrate knowledge in quality concepts; passing the A2LA CQCP exam with a score of 75% or higher; and providing proof of completion of at least 40 hours of documented training in quality related topics within the past three years.

7. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025:2005 Certified Quality Control Manager/Technician/Analyst

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025:2005 Certified Quality Control Manager/Technician/Analyst is a certification program that helps to ensure quality control in laboratories. It requires that laboratories have a documented management system, use qualified personnel, and meet certain technical requirements. This certification is designed to demonstrate competence in the field of laboratory testing and calibration.

It typically takes 6-12 months to gain this certification depending on the size of the laboratory and its complexity. The process involves an initial assessment of your laboratory’s management system, followed by a detailed audit of the laboratory’s procedures, processes, and staff qualifications. After successful completion of these steps, you will receive your ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certification.

To obtain this certification, you must first contact an accredited third-party organization such as A2LA or ANAB to conduct an assessment of your laboratory’s management system. Once your management system has been approved, you can then proceed with the audit process which includes completing paperwork, providing evidence for each requirement, and having an auditor visit your facility for a final review.

The cost of obtaining ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the laboratory being assessed as well as any additional services required from the third-party organization conducting the assessment or audit. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on these factors.

8. National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) Certified Quality Control Analyst

The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) Certified Quality Control Analyst (CQCA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in quality control and assurance in the environmental laboratory field. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the management of quality control processes in environmental laboratories.

The CQCA certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as laboratory quality management systems, laboratory operations and methods, data management and reporting, and regulatory compliance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered by a third-party testing agency. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in a quality control position in an environmental laboratory setting or equivalent educational/training experience.

It typically takes between four to six weeks for applicants to receive their results after taking the exam. To apply for the CQCA certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of experience or education/training. The cost for the application fee varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in the field of Six Sigma. The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the principles, tools and techniques of Six Sigma, and can apply them effectively to improve processes and reduce costs.

The certification process typically takes around four weeks to complete. It involves completing an online course which covers the fundamentals of Six Sigma and its application in business settings. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam administered by a third-party organization such as ASQ or IASSC. Once certified, individuals are expected to maintain their certification through continuing education and other activities.

To get certified, you must first complete the online course, pass the exam, and submit your application materials for review. You will also need to provide proof of your experience in applying Six Sigma principles and tools in a professional setting.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider offering the certification program. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$3000 USD depending on what type of program you choose and how much support you require during the process.

10. American Chemical Society’s Analytical Chemistry Certification

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Analytical Chemistry Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the expertise of analytical chemists. The certification is based on a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of analytical chemistry, including sample preparation, instrumentation, data analysis, and quality assurance.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form and fee to the ACS. The application fee is currently $295 for members of the ACS. Once the application has been accepted, applicants will be sent an exam packet containing study materials and instructions for taking the exam.

The actual exam consists of two parts: a written section and a practical laboratory exercise. The written portion includes multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sampling techniques, instrumentation principles, data interpretation, and quality assurance procedures. The practical exercise requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to perform an analytical procedure in a laboratory setting.

Once both parts of the exam have been completed successfully, applicants will receive their official ACS Analytical Chemistry Certification certificate in the mail within four weeks. The cost of the entire certification process is $295 for ACS members and $395 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Quality Control Chemist Certificate?

The short answer is no. A Quality Control Chemist Certificate is not a requirement for a career in the field of quality control and assurance chemistry. However, having such a certificate may be beneficial if you are seeking to work in a more specialized or technical role within the discipline.

Having a certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have obtained specific knowledge and skills related to quality control and assurance chemistry, which can make you stand out from other candidates who do not possess such credentials. Additionally, it may provide access to higher-level positions or specialized roles that require additional training beyond what is typically required for entry-level positions.

In addition to providing evidence of your qualifications, obtaining a Quality Control Chemist Certificate may also help you gain valuable professional contacts or networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. This can be especially helpful when looking for job openings or pursuing further educational opportunities related to quality control and assurance chemistry.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a Quality Control Chemist Certificate will depend on your individual goals and objectives as well as the requirements of the position you are seeking. If you believe it would be beneficial in helping you achieve your career aspirations, then it may be worth pursuing.

Related: Quality Control Chemist Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Control Chemist Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Quality Control Chemist?

Answer: To become a Quality Control Chemist, you must typically have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field and experience in laboratory analysis, quality control and assurance, and chemical principles.

2. What certifications are available for Quality Control Chemists?

Answer: The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers several certifications for Quality Control Chemists including Certified Quality Technician (CQT), Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), and Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE).

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Quality Control Chemist?

Answer: Depending on the certification you choose, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the necessary coursework and exams required to become certified as a Quality Control Chemist.

4. What is the cost of becoming certified as a Quality Control Chemist?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a Quality Control Chemist depends on the certification chosen, but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification as a Quality Control Chemist?

Answer: Generally, certifications need to be renewed every 3-5 years depending on the specific certification chosen.