Top 11 Quality Control Specialist Certifications

Certifications are an important way for quality control specialists to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. Quality control specialists with certifications can prove to employers that they have a high level of expertise in the industry, as well as a commitment to staying up-to-date on best practices and standards. Certifications also help quality control specialists stand out from the competition, which is especially important in today’s job market. Having a certification can help quality control specialists gain credibility with potential employers and increase their chances of getting hired.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Quality Control Specialists, examining how they can contribute to a quality control specialist's career.

What are Quality Control Specialist Certifications?

Quality Control Specialist Certification is a certification program designed to recognize qualified professionals who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure the quality of products and services. This certification can be obtained through the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or other professional organizations that specialize in quality assurance. Quality Control Specialists are responsible for ensuring that products manufactured or services provided meet predetermined standards of quality, reliability, and safety.

Quality Control Specialists have an important role in any industry where quality is essential in order to maintain customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. With this certification, they are able to demonstrate their expertise in the field of quality control. Quality Control Specialist Certification gives employers assurance that they are hiring professionals who understand the principles of quality management and have been tested on their knowledge and skills related to these principles. It also gives them assurance that their employees are up-to-date on current best practices for managing product or service quality.

Having a Quality Control Specialist Certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in their field, as it demonstrates a commitment to staying current with industry standards and best practices. Employers may also be more likely to hire someone with this certification because it shows that they have a strong understanding of how to effectively manage product or service quality, which will ultimately save time and money while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Pro tip: Before pursuing a quality control specialist certification, make sure that the credentials you are looking at are recognized in your field and industry. Research the requirements for certification, as well as the organizations offering them to ensure that they meet your needs and career goals. Additionally, consider taking courses to build up your knowledge and skills related to quality control before applying for a certification.

Related: What does a Quality Control Specialist do?

Top 11 Quality Control Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide quality professionals with a comprehensive understanding of quality principles, tools, and techniques. The CQI certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and commitment to quality assurance and control.

The CQI certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management, inspection methods, statistical process control, problem solving, and auditing. The practical assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

The CQI certification process typically takes about three months from start to finish. Candidates must first register for the exam through ASQ's website and pay the associated fee ($399 USD). Once registered, they have up to one year to complete the exam before their registration expires. After passing the online exam, candidates must complete the practical assessment within six months or their certification will be revoked.

The cost of obtaining the CQI certification varies depending on which materials are used during preparation for the exams. Most candidates spend between $400 - $1000 USD on books, practice tests, and other study materials.

2. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQA certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in auditing and quality assurance. It is intended to recognize those individuals who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to evaluate an organization’s quality system and processes.

The CQA exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The exam covers topics such as auditing principles, planning and conducting audits, managing audit programs, reporting results, and following up on audit results.

To become certified as a CQA, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of work experience in a quality-related field or three years of experience if you have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. You must also pass the CQA examination with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for the CQA exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it typically costs around $400-$500 USD. This fee includes both the application fee and the examination fee. The cost may vary slightly depending on where you take the test.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official ASQ Certified Quality Auditor certificate and will be able to use the designation “CQA” after your name.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) 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 quality engineering principles, practices, and techniques. The CQE credential demonstrates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CQE exam. To get certified, applicants must pass the CQE exam with a score of at least 70%. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain experience requirements. The experience requirements vary depending on the level of certification desired.

The cost of getting certified as a CQE varies depending on the level of certification desired and the type of membership chosen. Generally, it costs between $200 and $400 to take the exam, plus additional fees for any study materials or other resources needed. Additionally, there may be annual renewal fees associated with maintaining your certification.

4. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of quality management. It is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an international organization dedicated to promoting quality standards in all aspects of business and industry.

To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as quality planning, control, assurance, and improvement. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70%.

The process typically takes 3-6 months to complete, depending on the applicant's background and study habits. To get started, applicants must first register with ASQ and pay the application fee. Once registered, they can access online study materials and practice tests to prepare for the exam.

The cost for the CQM certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $399 USD plus applicable taxes and fees; this includes one year of membership with ASQ, access to online study materials, two attempts at the certification exam, and one year of post-certification maintenance requirements.

5. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to use the Six Sigma methodology in order to identify and eliminate defects, reduce costs, and improve process efficiency.

The certification requires a minimum of three years of full-time experience in Six Sigma roles and responsibilities, as well as completion of a comprehensive training program. This includes completion of two courses offered by ASQ: “Six Sigma Black Belt” and “Six Sigma Green Belt.” The Black Belt course focuses on advanced topics such as project selection and management, statistical analysis, design of experiments, process control systems, and more. The Green Belt course focuses on basic concepts such as problem solving techniques, data collection methods, process mapping tools, and more.

In order to obtain the certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics from both the Black Belt and Green Belt courses. Applicants must also submit documentation demonstrating their experience in Six Sigma roles and responsibilities.

The cost for the ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the country where you are taking the exam. In the United States it typically costs around $1,000 USD for all required materials including books, study guides, practice exams, etc., plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with travel or lodging if you need to take an exam at a testing center outside your local area.

6. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the application of Six Sigma tools and techniques to improve business processes. This certification is designed to help organizations improve their bottom line by reducing costs, increasing customer satisfaction, and improving overall quality.

To become a Six Sigma Green Belt certified, an individual must complete a course of study that covers the fundamentals of Six Sigma and its associated tools and techniques. The course typically takes between three to four months to complete but can vary depending on the provider. The course includes topics such as: project management, process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, design of experiments, and more.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD. It is important to note that some providers may include additional fees for materials or other services.

Once an individual has completed the coursework and passed the exam associated with it, they will be awarded their Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from ASQ. This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed through continuing education courses or re-examination.

7. International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

The International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and understanding of the ISO 9001 standard. It is designed for those who are responsible for auditing, managing, or implementing quality management systems within their organization.

To obtain this certification, individuals must complete a training course and pass an exam. The duration of the training course varies depending on the provider, but typically takes between three to five days. During the course, participants will learn about the fundamentals of quality management systems, audit techniques and procedures, and how to interpret and apply the ISO 9001 standard.

In order to take the exam, individuals must have prior knowledge of quality management systems and experience in auditing or implementation. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test candidates' understanding of ISO 9001 requirements and their ability to apply them in practice.

The cost of obtaining ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification depends on the provider; however, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

8. International Standards Organization (ISO) 9000 Internal Auditor Certification

The International Standards Organization (ISO) 9000 Internal Auditor Certification is a certification program designed to ensure that internal auditors possess the necessary knowledge and understanding of ISO 9000 standards and requirements. The certification is intended for those who will be performing internal audits in accordance with ISO 9001, the international standard for quality management systems.

To become an ISO 9000 Internal Auditor, you must first complete a training course that covers all aspects of the standards and requirements. This can be done through an accredited training provider or through self-study. After completing the training, you must then pass an exam to demonstrate your proficiency in the subject matter. The exam is administered by a certifying body such as Exemplar Global or IRCA.

The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the individual's learning style and how quickly they are able to absorb and understand the material. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to prepare for and pass the exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which certifying body you choose, but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This cost includes both the training course fee and exam fee.

Overall, achieving ISO 9000 Internal Auditor Certification provides assurance that internal audit processes are being conducted according to international standards and requirements. It also demonstrates a commitment to quality management systems within an organization or business.

9. Total Quality Management Professional Certification

Total Quality Management (TQM) Professional Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to successfully implement and manage TQM systems. The certification is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

It takes approximately six months to complete the requirements for TQM Professional Certification, depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exam. To get certified, you must first pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management principles, process improvement methods, quality tools, and organizational change management. You must also demonstrate experience in applying TQM principles in your current job or organization.

The cost of the TQM Professional Certification varies based on your location and whether or not you are an ASQ member. For non-members, the cost of the exam is $399 USD, while members pay $299 USD. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with studying materials and taking practice exams.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive a certificate from ASQ acknowledging your achievement as a Total Quality Management Professional.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program that focuses on the improvement of business processes and operations. It is designed to help individuals become proficient in the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which is a combination of two process improvement techniques: Lean and Six Sigma.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification requires a minimum of four weeks of training, although some organizations may require more depending on the complexity of their processes. The training consists of both classroom instruction and practical application. During the course, students will learn how to identify and analyze problems within an organization, develop solutions, implement changes, and measure results.

In order to obtain a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in process improvement or related fields. After completing the required training, they must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost for obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for the entire program including materials and exams.

11. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in Lean Six Sigma methodology. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their proficiency in problem solving, process improvement, and data analysis.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete. This includes completing the coursework, passing the exam, and submitting a project for review. The coursework involves lectures, case studies, simulations, and hands-on activities to help prepare students for the exam and project.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first complete the required coursework and pass the exam with a minimum score of 70%. After passing the exam, you must submit a project for review by an approved instructor or mentor. Once your project has been reviewed and approved, you will receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification can vary depending on where you obtain it from. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$3,000 USD depending on the provider.

Do You Really Need a Quality Control Specialist Certificate?

When it comes to the question of whether or not you need a Quality Control Specialist Certificate, the answer is that it depends on your individual goals and needs. For some people, having a Quality Control Specialist Certificate would be beneficial in terms of helping them get a job in the field or advancing their career. For others, however, having a certificate might not be necessary if they already have the skills and experience needed to perform their job duties.

If you are looking for a job as a Quality Control Specialist, then having the certificate could help you stand out from other applicants who lack this credential. It can also demonstrate to employers that you have taken the time to learn more about quality control and understand its importance in ensuring products meet customer expectations. Additionally, having the certificate may open up opportunities for advancement within the company since employers often look for employees with additional training or certifications when considering promotions.

On the other hand, if you already have relevant work experience in quality control and understand its principles and processes, then getting certified may not be necessary. In this case, employers may be more likely to focus on your existing knowledge and skills rather than on any certificates you hold. That said, if there are specific certifications related to quality control that are required by certain employers or industries, then obtaining these credentials might be beneficial regardless of your current level of experience or expertise.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Quality Control Specialist Certificate depends largely on your own circumstances and goals. If you are new to the field or looking for ways to advance your career then obtaining certification can help set yourself apart from other applicants while also demonstrating your commitment to quality assurance processes. However, if you already possess relevant experience in this area then getting certified may not be necessary depending on what employers are looking for.

Related: Quality Control Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Control Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is a Quality Control Specialist Certification?

A1. A Quality Control Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in quality assurance and control principles, processes, and techniques. It is designed to help organizations improve their product or service quality by ensuring that their products meet customer standards and expectations.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming a Quality Control Specialist?

A2. Benefits of becoming a Quality Control Specialist include increased job security, higher wages, greater career opportunities, increased respect from employers, better understanding of quality assurance principles and practices, and improved problem-solving abilities.

Q3. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a Quality Control Specialist?

A3. To become certified as a Quality Control Specialist you must have at least two years of experience in the field, complete relevant training courses or seminars, pass an exam administered by the certifying body (such as ASQ), and demonstrate knowledge in areas such as statistics and probability, quality systems management, process improvement tools, root cause analysis methods, etc.

Q4. How long does it take to receive my Quality Control Specialist Certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to receive your certification depends on the certifying body you choose (ASQ or other). Generally speaking it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to receive your certification after submitting your application materials and passing the required exam(s).

Q5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my Quality Control Specialist Certification?

A5. Yes! Most certifying bodies require continuing education credits in order for certified individuals to maintain their certification status over time. These credits are typically earned through attending training sessions or seminars related to quality control topics; completing online courses; participating in webinars; attending conferences; or writing articles related to quality control topics for publication in professional journals/magazines/websites/etc