Top 10 Quality Control Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a Quality Control Engineer in the job market because they demonstrate that the engineer has the necessary training and knowledge to perform the job. They show employers that the engineer is qualified to handle quality control tasks, such as inspecting products, monitoring production processes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Certified Quality Control Engineers can also provide valuable feedback to management about potential problems or areas of improvement within their organization. Overall, having certification in quality control engineering makes an individual more desirable for employers and can give them a competitive edge when it comes to finding employment.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Quality Control Engineers and explain how they can enhance a quality control engineer's career.

What are Quality Control Engineer Certifications?

Quality Control Engineer Certification is a professional certification for quality control engineers, who are responsible for ensuring that products meet the highest standards of quality. Quality Control Engineers are responsible for inspecting raw materials, in-process production steps and final products to ensure that they meet the required specifications and industry standards. The Quality Control Engineer Certification helps demonstrate an individual’s expertise in the field of quality engineering. It is an important credential for those seeking jobs in quality control, as it demonstrates their knowledge and skills in the area.

The certification covers topics such as product design, process optimization, statistical analysis techniques, problem solving techniques, management methods, cost reduction strategies, inspection techniques and more. Having this certification allows employers to know that potential employees have a strong understanding of these areas and can effectively manage their own work as well as others on the team. It also shows that they have taken the initiative to further their education in this field by taking courses or attending seminars related to quality engineering. With this certification, employers can be sure that they are hiring competent individuals who have proven their knowledge of quality engineering principles and practices.

Pro Tip: Take the time to research and understand the different quality control engineer certifications available. Each certification offers unique benefits, so make sure to choose one that meets your specific needs. Additionally, look for a program that provides both online and in-person training, as this will give you the best opportunity to learn the necessary skills and knowledge required for certification.

Related: What does a Quality Control Engineer do?

Top 10 Quality Control Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in quality engineering and management. The CQE credential is highly sought after by employers as it indicates an individual’s commitment to quality and their ability to apply engineering principles to improve processes, products, and services.

The CQE exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality assurance, statistical methods, process improvement, design of experiments, and quality control. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least eight years of work experience in one or more of the areas covered by the exam. Alternatively, applicants may substitute four years of relevant college education for four years of work experience.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CQE exam. Preparation involves studying books on quality engineering and management topics as well as taking practice exams. There are also courses available from ASQ that can help with preparation.

The cost of the CQE exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there is an application fee which can range from $50-$100 USD depending on your membership status with ASQ.

2. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a mastery of quality improvement principles, techniques and tools. The CQIA certification is based on the body of knowledge from ASQ's Certified Quality Improvement Professional (CQIP) program.

The CQIA certification requires successful completion of an examination that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, problem solving and root cause analysis, measurement and analysis, and customer satisfaction.

In order to take the CQIA exam, you must be an ASQ member or become one prior to registering for the exam. The cost for ASQ membership is $64 per year for professionals or $48 per year for students. In addition to membership fees, there is an exam fee of $299 USD.

The CQIA exam can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center worldwide. It typically takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. Upon passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your CQIA certificate in four-six weeks.

3. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in auditing, quality assurance, and quality control. The CQA certification is highly sought after by employers in the manufacturing, healthcare, government, and service industries.

The CQA certification requires candidates to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of quality concepts and principles. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as auditing principles, process improvement techniques, statistical methods for quality control, and problem solving. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts through a practical application exercise.

It typically takes between four to six months to prepare for the CQA exam. Candidates should plan on studying at least 10 hours per week during this time period in order to adequately prepare for the exam. Candidates can find study materials online or purchase books from ASQ or other sources. Additionally, ASQ offers several courses that can help candidates prepare for the exam.

To register for the CQA exam, candidates must submit an application form along with payment of $450 USD (plus applicable taxes). Once registered, candidates must schedule their exams at a Prometric Testing Center within one year of registration. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their CQA certificate in approximately 6-8 weeks.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of relevant work experience in quality management or assurance activities prior to applying for the certification.

4. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved mastery of the skills and techniques necessary to lead and manage successful Six Sigma projects. This certification is highly sought after by employers in many industries as it demonstrates an individual's commitment to quality and process improvement.

To become an ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must have at least three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma methodology, including Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC). In addition, they must pass a comprehensive exam administered by ASQ. The exam covers topics such as Lean Manufacturing, Quality Management Systems, Design of Experiments, Statistical Process Control, and Project Management.

The cost of the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certification varies depending on the type of program you choose. Self-study programs typically cost around $1,200-$2,000 USD while instructor-led programs can range from $2,500-$4,000 USD.

The time it takes to get certified depends on the type of program you choose. Self-study programs usually take 3-6 months to complete while instructor-led programs can take up to 6 months or longer depending on your schedule.

5. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality management and organizational excellence. It is designed to help organizations improve their performance through the application of quality management principles.

In order to obtain the CMQ/OE certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, leadership, and team building. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CMQ/OE certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in a managerial or leadership role in a quality-related field. They must also have completed at least 60 hours of formal education in quality or related fields within the last 10 years.

The cost to take the CMQ/OE exam is $549 USD for ASQ members and $699 USD for non-members. There are also additional fees associated with recertification every three years.

6. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that demonstrates a professional’s ability to effectively audit and assess the quality management systems of organizations. The certification is designed to provide auditors with the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, conduct, report, and follow up on internal or external audits of quality management systems against ISO 9001 requirements.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to complete the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification. The process includes taking a course in auditing principles and techniques, attending a training seminar or workshop, passing an examination, and completing an audit project.

To get certified as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, you must first meet certain prerequisites. This includes having at least five years of experience in quality assurance or related fields such as engineering, production control, purchasing, or customer service. You must also have knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 standards and be able to demonstrate your proficiency in auditing principles and techniques.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but can range from $2,000-$5,000 USD for the entire program including tuition fees for courses and seminars as well as exam fees.

7. International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA)-Certified ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor

The International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) is an internationally recognized certification program for auditors. It is designed to ensure that auditors have the knowledge and skills required to audit management systems in accordance with international standards such as ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS). The IRCA Certified ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor certification provides assurance that those who hold it are competent to conduct external audits of quality management systems against the requirements of the standard.

In order to obtain the IRCA Certified ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor certification, individuals must complete a five-day training course and pass an examination. The training course covers topics such as understanding the purpose of a quality management system, developing audit plans, performing audits, and analyzing audit findings.

The cost of obtaining the IRCA Certified ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $2,500-$3,500 USD.

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

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. This certification is offered by ASQ, an international organization dedicated to advancing quality in all aspects of business, industry, government, and education.

To become certified as an ASQ CRE, you must pass a written exam that covers topics such as reliability engineering principles, product design and development, failure analysis and prevention, manufacturing processes, quality management systems, and statistical methods. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in reliability engineering or related fields. Applicants must also hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in engineering or another related field.

The cost of the ASQ CRE exam is $395 USD for members of ASQ and $495 USD for non-members. The fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certification within four weeks after passing the exam.

Once certified as an ASQ CRE, you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in reliability engineering principles and practices. You will also be able to demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance initiatives in your workplace or organization.

9. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of software quality engineering principles and practices. It is designed to ensure that software quality engineers are knowledgeable in the areas of software quality assurance, process improvement, and risk management.

To become certified as an ASQ CSQE, you must pass the CSQE exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as software quality assurance, process improvement, and risk management. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and costs $409 USD.

In order to prepare for the CSQE exam, you can take an online or in-person preparation course through ASQ or purchase study materials from third-party vendors. You can also find free resources online such as practice tests, sample questions, and study guides.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the ASQ CSQE certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification status, you must recertify every three years by taking continuing education courses or passing a recertification exam.

10. ASQ Certified Calibration Technician

ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the knowledge and skills required to perform calibration activities. The CCT certification is an indication that the individual has achieved a level of expertise in calibration practices and principles.

The CCT certification requires passing an exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as calibration principles, measurement uncertainty, metrology, and instrumentation. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must also have at least two years of experience in calibration or related activities within the last five years prior to taking the exam.

In order to qualify for the CCT certification, applicants must first become members of ASQ and then register for the exam online through their website. The cost of the exam is $325 USD plus applicable taxes. After registering for the exam, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to access their study materials and take their practice exams. Once they have completed their practice exams, they can schedule their actual examination date with Pearson VUE testing centers located throughout the United States and Canada.

Once candidates have successfully passed their CCT examination, they will receive their official ASQ CCT certificate in 4-6 weeks after completion of their examination.

Do You Really Need a Quality Control Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Quality Control Engineer Certificate in order to work as a quality control engineer. However, having one may give you an advantage over other applicants for the same job. Having a certificate can demonstrate your commitment to the field and show employers that you have taken the time to learn about quality control engineering and are knowledgeable in the subject. It can also set you apart from other applicants who may lack experience or education in the field.

A Quality Control Engineer Certificate can also be beneficial for those looking to advance their career. Many companies prefer to hire experienced professionals with real-world knowledge of quality control engineering principles and practices. By earning a certificate, you can demonstrate that you have taken the time to learn about the field and have a deeper understanding of its nuances than someone without any formal training or education in it.

In summary, while having a Quality Control Engineer Certificate is not necessary in order to work as a quality control engineer, it can provide an edge over other job applicants and help you progress your career further down the line.

Related: Quality Control Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Control Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Quality Control Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Quality Control Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in the field of quality control engineering. It is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an approved course of study and passed an examination.

2. Who should get a Quality Control Engineer Certification?

Answer: Quality Control Engineers, or those who are interested in pursuing a career in this field, should consider obtaining their certification. This will demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the profession.

3. How do I become certified as a Quality Control Engineer?

Answer: To become certified as a Quality Control Engineer, you must complete an approved course of study and pass an examination administered by an accredited organization. The requirements vary depending on the organization offering the certification program, so it is important to research your options before enrolling in any courses or exams.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Quality Control Engineer?

Answer: The amount of time needed to obtain your certification depends on the organization offering the program, but generally speaking it can take anywhere from several months up to two years or more depending on your level of experience and dedication to studying for the exam.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Quality Control Engineer?

Answer: Yes, most organizations require that applicants have at least some prior experience in quality control engineering before they can be eligible for certification examinations. Some programs may also require applicants to hold certain certifications or degrees related to quality control engineering prior to taking the exam.