Top 11 Quality Control Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a Quality Control Supervisor’s job market success because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has met certain standards of knowledge and experience in the field. Quality Control Supervisors who have certifications can show potential employers that they are up-to-date on the latest industry trends, regulations, and best practices. Furthermore, certifications lend credibility to a Quality Control Supervisor’s resume and help them stand out from other candidates. Ultimately, having certifications may give Quality Control Supervisors an edge in the job market by making them more attractive to employers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the best certifications for Quality Control Supervisors and explain how they can help to enhance a Quality Control Supervisor's career.

What are Quality Control Supervisor Certifications?

Quality control supervisor certification is a form of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in quality control management. Quality control supervisors are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet established standards of quality. This certification is typically earned by taking an exam administered by a professional organization, such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The certification validates an individual's knowledge of the principles and practices of quality control management, including topics such as product design, production processes, inspection techniques, statistical analysis, and corrective action procedures. It also shows potential employers that the individual has achieved a level of mastery in the field.

Having a quality control supervisor certification can be beneficial to both employers and employees. Employers who hire certified personnel benefit from having qualified staff who have demonstrated their expertise in the field. For employees, it can help them stand out from other job applicants and can lead to higher salaries or better career opportunities. Additionally, having this certification provides access to additional resources like networking events and continuing education opportunities which can help individuals stay up-to-date on current industry trends.

Pro Tip: Quality Control Supervisor Certification can be a valuable way to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field. When selecting a certification program, make sure to research the course content and ensure it covers the latest industry standards and best practices. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on training and mentorship opportunities to give you an edge in the job market.

Related: What does a Quality Control Supervisor do?

Top 11 Quality Control Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Control Supervisor (CQCS)

Certified Quality Control Supervisor (CQCS) is a professional certification for supervisors in the quality control field. It is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQCS certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills to effectively manage quality control operations, including developing and implementing quality systems, managing resources, and monitoring performance.

The CQCS certification requires applicants to have at least two years of work experience in a supervisory role in the quality control field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ASQ to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management principles, process improvement techniques, statistical analysis methods, and problem solving strategies.

The cost of the CQCS certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $399 USD and includes access to online study materials, practice exams, and a voucher for the actual exam.

It typically takes about three months from start to finish to complete the CQCS certification process. This includes studying for the exam, taking it, and receiving your results from ASQ.

2. 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 professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality engineering, quality assurance, and quality control.

The CQE exam typically takes three hours to complete. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as statistical methods, product design and development, process control, inspection techniques, auditing principles, and quality management systems.

To become a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set by ASQ. These include having a minimum of eight years of work experience in at least one of the following areas: quality engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or related fields; or having a bachelor’s degree plus five years of work experience in one of the above fields.

The cost to take the CQE exam is $349 for ASQ members and $449 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with applying for the certification ($50 for ASQ members and $100 for non-members).

3. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead Six Sigma projects. The CSSBB designation is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), which has been offering certifications since 1968.

The CSSBB program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as project management, process improvement, design of experiments, statistical analysis, and quality control tools. It typically takes between four and six months to complete the coursework required for certification.

In order to become certified, candidates must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of Six Sigma methodology and tools. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive their certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the country in which you live and the type of membership you have with ASQ. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for non-members to become certified, while members pay a discounted rate of $400-$500 USD.

4. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program that focuses on providing individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to lead improvement projects within their organization. It is based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines two of the most successful quality improvement approaches: Lean and Six Sigma. The goal of the LSSGB is to help organizations reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification typically takes about 40 hours to complete and consists of four modules: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve/Control. Each module includes lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises. Upon completion of the coursework and passing an exam, participants receive a certificate from an accredited institution such as ASQ or IASSC.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt you must first complete training from an accredited provider or instructor. There are many online courses available for those who prefer to learn at their own pace. Additionally, some companies offer in-house training programs for employees interested in obtaining certification.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification varies depending on the provider or instructor chosen; however it generally ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD per person.

5. ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor

ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to assess and audit the quality management system of an organization. The certification is awarded by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is based on the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standard.

It typically takes around 40 hours of training to become a certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor, depending on the provider and the type of course. Training can be provided online or in-person, with courses ranging from 2 days to 5 days in length.

The cost of becoming a certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD.

In order to become a certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor, individuals must have at least two years of experience in auditing quality management systems or related fields such as engineering or production management. They must also pass an examination administered by an accredited certification body.

6. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Manager

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality management. The CQM credential is awarded to those who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage a quality system within an organization.

The CQM certification requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics related to quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and other areas of quality assurance. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CQM certification, applicants must have at least five years of work experience in the field of quality management or a related field such as engineering or operations management. Applicants must also have completed at least 40 hours of formal training in quality management principles and techniques.

The cost of the CQM certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, the cost is $399 USD; for non-members, it is $499 USD. Both fees include the cost of the exam and any additional materials required for successful completion of the program.

7. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Reliability Engineer

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Reliability Engineer is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of reliability engineering principles, practices, and methods. The certification is designed to help organizations identify and select qualified professionals who can improve product and system reliability.

It takes approximately three months to complete the program, which includes studying for the exam and taking the two-part exam. The first part of the exam consists of multiple-choice questions while the second part requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge by solving problems related to reliability engineering.

To become an ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field; three years of experience in reliability engineering; or a combination of education and experience totaling five years. Applicants must also pass both parts of the certification exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer program varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, it costs $449 for the application fee plus $699 for the exam fee. For members, it costs $349 for the application fee plus $599 for the exam fee.

8. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Inspector

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Inspector is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of quality concepts, principles, and practices. It is an internationally recognized credential that validates a professional’s expertise in quality inspection.

To become ASQ Certified Quality Inspector, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as quality principles, inspection methods, sampling plans, statistical process control, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

Candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements before taking the exam. These include having at least three years of relevant work experience or a combination of education and experience related to quality inspection. Candidates must also submit an application form with the required fees before they can take the exam.

The cost of becoming ASQ Certified Quality Inspector varies depending on the country where the candidate resides. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to take the exam. This fee includes access to study materials and practice tests prior to taking the actual exam.

9. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Calibration Technician

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Calibration Technician is a certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of calibration principles, techniques, and procedures. This certification is designed to give employers assurance that those with the certification have the necessary skills to properly calibrate instruments in accordance with industry standards.

To become an ASQ Certified Calibration Technician, you must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as calibration principles, instrument types and functions, measurement uncertainty, metrology systems, and quality management systems. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

In order to take the exam you must meet certain prerequisites. These include having at least two years of experience in calibration activities or a combination of education and experience totaling at least four years. You must also pay a fee to register for the exam. The cost varies depending on your membership status with ASQ; non-members pay $310 while members pay $265.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from ASQ along with a wallet card indicating your certification status. Your certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed by taking another exam or completing continuing education credits (CECs).

10. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified HACCP Auditor

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified HACCP Auditor is a professional certification that provides recognition of an individual’s knowledge and experience in the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the principles and practices of HACCP, as well as their ability to apply them in a food safety management system.

It typically takes between six months to one year to obtain the ASQ Certified HACCP Auditor certification. This includes completing the required training and passing both a written and practical examination. To get certified, applicants must have at least three years of related work experience, complete an approved training course, and pass both the written and practical exams.

The cost of obtaining ASQ Certified HACCP Auditor certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 - $2,000 USD for the training course alone. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the examinations which may be separate from the cost of training or included in the total cost.

11. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025:2017 Lead Assessor

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025:2017 Lead Assessor is an international standard that defines the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. This standard applies to all organizations performing tests or calibrations, including first-party, second-party, and third-party laboratories. It also specifies the requirements for laboratory management system, technical processes, and staff qualifications.

It typically takes about 3 months to become a certified ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Lead Assessor. To get certified as a lead assessor you must complete an accredited training program in ISO/IEC 17025:2017. These programs are offered by various educational institutions and professional organizations around the world. After completing the training program, you must pass an examination that covers topics related to laboratory management systems, technical processes, and staff qualifications.

The cost of becoming a certified ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Lead Assessor varies depending on the provider offering the training program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more.

Do You Really Need a Quality Control Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are seeking and the requirements of your employer. Generally speaking, a Quality Control Supervisor Certificate is not required for most positions. However, in certain industries, such as manufacturing and engineering, employers may require certification in order to demonstrate proficiency in Quality Control processes.

Having a Quality Control Supervisor Certificate can demonstrate that you have achieved a certain level of expertise in the field and can help you stand out from other applicants. It also shows employers that you have taken the initiative to gain additional knowledge and skills related to Quality Control. In addition, having a certificate may make it easier for you to secure higher paying positions or promotions within your current organization.

Overall, whether or not you need a Quality Control Supervisor Certificate will depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements of your employer. If obtaining certification would give you an advantage over other candidates or enable you to more easily secure better opportunities, then it may be worth considering pursuing one.

Related: Quality Control Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Control Supervisor Certifications

1. What qualifications are needed to become a Quality Control Supervisor?

A: The minimum requirement is typically a high school diploma or GED and relevant experience in the field. Depending on the employer, additional qualifications such as an associate’s degree or certification in quality control may be preferred.

2. How much does a Quality Control Supervisor certification cost?

A: The cost of a Quality Control Supervisor certification varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally, the costs range from $500 to $2000 for the entire program.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Quality Control Supervisor?

A: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Quality Control Supervisor depends on the specific program you choose, but most programs can be completed in 6-12 months.

4. Are there any online courses available for Quality Control Supervisors?

A: Yes, there are several online courses available for aspiring Quality Control Supervisors that cover topics such as quality control management, process improvement, and auditing techniques.

5. What is the best way to prepare for a Quality Control Supervisor certification exam?

A: It is important to have an understanding of quality control principles and processes before taking any certification exam. Additionally, studying sample questions and taking practice tests can help you become more familiar with the material covered on the exam and better prepare you for success.