Top 11 Quality Control Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a quality control technician in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the profession. A certification shows that the technician has taken the necessary steps to gain an understanding of quality control principles, processes, and techniques. Employers often look for certifications when deciding who to hire as they provide proof of technical competence. They also give employers confidence that their technicians have been properly trained and can handle tasks related to quality assurance and control. Certifications also make technicians more marketable, as they demonstrate a commitment to their career and show that they are knowledgeable in their field.

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

What are Quality Control Technician Certifications?

Quality control technician certification is a type of certification that provides quality assurance professionals with the training and knowledge they need to ensure that products are safe, reliable, and meet standards. Quality control technicians inspect products for defects and check them against established standards. They also analyze data from testing process and provide feedback on the results. Quality control technicians must have a good understanding of industry standards, product requirements, and production processes in order to be successful.

Having a quality control technician certification can help employers by providing assurance that their products are meeting the necessary requirements. This can help increase customer satisfaction as well as reducing costs associated with recalls or product replacements due to defects. Additionally, having certified technicians can improve employee morale as it shows employees that their employer values their skills and dedication to quality assurance. Furthermore, certified technicians often have better job prospects than those without certifications as employers tend to prioritize applicants with this type of qualification over those without it.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for quality control technician certification before submitting your application. Many certifying organizations have specific educational, experience, and skillset requirements that must be met in order to become certified. Additionally, some certifications may require additional exams or continuing education credits to maintain certification status.

Related: What does a Quality Control Technician do?

Top 11 Quality Control Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Control Technician (CQCT)

Certified Quality Control Technician (CQCT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have knowledge and experience in quality control and assurance. The certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CQCT certification requires that applicants have at least three years of full-time work experience in quality control or assurance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must also pass an exam to demonstrate their understanding of quality control principles, techniques, and practices.

It generally takes about six months to prepare for the CQCT exam, depending on the applicant’s background and study habits. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as quality management systems, process improvement methods, problem solving techniques, statistical analysis, sampling plans, inspection methods, metrology principles, calibration techniques, and more.

To obtain the CQCT certification, applicants must register with ASQ and pay a fee of $200 USD. After registering for the exam and paying the fee, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online registration system to schedule their exam date. Once they have passed the exam successfully, they will be awarded their CQCT certificate from ASQ.

2. Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in quality inspection and auditing. The CQI certification is intended to help organizations ensure that their products meet customer requirements.

The CQI certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality principles, inspection techniques, sampling methods, statistical process control, and auditing. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and has a three-hour time limit.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least three years of work experience in quality inspection or auditing. Additionally, applicants must complete an online application form and pay the associated fees which are currently $349 for ASQ members and $449 for non-members.

Once the application has been approved, applicants can register for the exam which is offered at various locations throughout the year. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CQI certificate within four to 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 systems. The CQA certification demonstrates an individual's commitment to quality and their ability to audit and assess quality systems.

To become a Certified Quality Auditor, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have five years of work experience in one or more areas of the quality system, including three years in a leadership role.
• Pass the CQA exam administered by ASQ.
• Agree to abide by ASQ’s Code of Ethics.

The CQA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $399 USD for members of ASQ and $499 USD for non-members.

4. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in quality engineering, management, and assurance. The CQE certification is intended for professionals who are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing quality systems that meet customer requirements.

The CQE exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, design of experiments, measurement systems analysis, and reliability engineering. The exam takes four hours to complete.

To be eligible to take the CQE exam, applicants must have at least eight years of professional experience in quality engineering or related fields. Applicants must also have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience in an applicable field.

The cost of the CQE exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. In the United States, the cost is $450 USD.

5. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

A Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of Six Sigma tools and processes. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to lead and manage complex projects, identify and solve problems, and improve processes.

To become certified as a CSSBB, an individual must complete a rigorous training program. Typically, this program includes classroom instruction, online learning modules, and hands-on project work. The length of the program varies depending on the provider, but it usually takes around 3-4 months to complete.

In order to get certified as a CSSBB, an individual must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control), Lean Manufacturing principles, Project Management principles, and Statistical Analysis techniques. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Once an individual has successfully passed the exam they will be awarded their certification which is valid for three years. During this time they must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits or re-taking the exam every three years.

6. American Society for Quality Control Technician Certification (ASQ CTT)

The American Society for Quality Control Technician Certification (ASQ CTT) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to perform quality control tasks. This certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an international organization that promotes quality assurance, quality improvement, and customer satisfaction.

To obtain the ASQ CTT certification, candidates must pass a four-hour written exam. The exam covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, sampling methods, inspection techniques, and problem solving. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in practical situations through a hands-on lab component.

The cost of taking the ASQ CTT exam is $400 USD plus applicable taxes. The fee includes all materials needed to take the exam as well as access to online study resources.

It typically takes between two and four months to complete the requirements for obtaining the ASQ CTT certification. During this time period, candidates should focus on studying for the written exam and practicing their hands-on skills in order to be fully prepared when they take the test.

7. International Society of Automation – Certified Automation Professional (ISACA CAP)

The International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a globally recognized certification program that provides the highest level of professional recognition for automation professionals. The CAP certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in the design, implementation, and maintenance of industrial automation systems.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field and pass an examination. The exam covers topics such as project management, system architecture, control systems engineering, and system integration. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to automation engineering.

The CAP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken either online or at an ISA-approved testing center. The cost for the exam is $400 USD for members of ISA or $600 USD for non-members.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education requirements every three years. This includes attending approved seminars and workshops or earning additional certifications in related fields.

8. International Organization for Standardization – ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 Lead Auditor is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and ability to audit the quality management system of an organization. It is a globally recognized certification which is accepted by most organizations.

It typically takes around 40-50 hours of study and preparation to get certified as an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor. This includes studying the ISO 9001:2015 standard, learning the principles of auditing, and understanding the requirements of the standard.

In order to become an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor, you must first complete a two-day course on auditing and then take an exam in order to be certified. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is administered by a third-party certifying body such as IRCA or RABQSA.

The cost of becoming an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor varies depending on the certifying body you choose and where you take your course. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000 - $2,000 USD for the course and exam fees combined.

9. American Society for Quality – Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead improvement initiatives within their organization. The program focuses on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines two powerful approaches—lean manufacturing and Six Sigma—to identify and eliminate waste and reduce variability in processes.

The ASQ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program consists of two parts: a self-study component and an instructor-led component. The self-study component includes online modules that cover topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, project management, and team dynamics. This portion of the program can be completed at your own pace and typically takes between 6 to 8 weeks to complete.

The instructor-led component consists of a 3-day workshop where participants learn how to apply the concepts learned in the self-study portion of the program in real-world scenarios. During this workshop, participants will also take part in hands-on exercises and receive feedback from experienced instructors. Upon completion of both components, participants will be eligible to take the ASQ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam.

To become certified as an ASQ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must successfully pass both components of the program as well as pass the ASQ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam with a score of at least 70%. The cost for this certification varies depending on if you are a member or nonmember of ASQ; members pay $1,395 while nonmembers pay $1,495 for all course materials plus registration fees for both components and the exam.

10. Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers – Certified Reliability Technician

The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Certified Reliability Technician (CRT) certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a technician’s knowledge and skills in reliability engineering. The CRT certification is designed to give employers assurance that their technicians are knowledgeable in the principles of reliability engineering and have the ability to apply those principles in their work.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CRT exam. To become certified, individuals must pass an online examination that covers topics such as failure analysis, preventive maintenance, system design and implementation, root cause analysis, and reliability testing.

To get the CRT certification, individuals must first register with IISE and pay the applicable fees. After registration is complete, they can then begin preparing for the exam. This can be done by taking courses offered by IISE or through self-study using books or other resources available online. Once ready to take the exam, individuals must schedule a time to take it at an approved testing center.

The cost of getting the CRT certification varies depending on whether you are a member of IISE or not. For non-members, it costs $325 USD plus applicable taxes; for members, it costs $275 USD plus applicable taxes.

11. National Institute of Standards and Technology – NIST 800-53 Compliance Auditor

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-53 Compliance Auditor is a certification program designed to help organizations ensure that their information security systems meet the standards set forth by NIST. The program is intended for individuals who are responsible for auditing, assessing, and monitoring information security systems in accordance with NIST's guidelines.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and an on-site audit. The written exam covers topics such as risk management, system security controls, access control, incident response, and more. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

To obtain the certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of education or experience related to information security. Applicants must also pass the written exam and successfully complete an on-site audit conducted by a certified NIST 800-53 auditor. The on-site audit includes a review of the organization’s policies and procedures related to information security as well as interviews with key personnel.

The cost of obtaining the NIST 800-53 Compliance Auditor certification varies depending on the organization’s size and complexity. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for larger organizations.

Do You Really Need a Quality Control Technician Certificate?

Yes, a Quality Control Technician Certificate is an important credential for anyone looking to pursue a career in quality control. Quality control technicians are responsible for ensuring that products meet the required standards of quality and safety. Having a certificate shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform this job effectively.

Having a certificate also demonstrates your commitment to the profession. It indicates that you have taken the time to gain additional education in order to improve your skills and knowledge. This could give you an edge over other applicants who may not have taken the same steps. It also shows potential employers that you are willing to invest in yourself by taking the initiative to learn more about quality control and take on additional responsibilities within the field.

Finally, having a Quality Control Technician Certificate can open up new opportunities for you. With this certification, you may be able to access higher-level positions or better pay than what would normally be available without it. Additionally, it could help make you more attractive for promotions or raise requests within your current organization.

In conclusion, having a Quality Control Technician Certificate is an important step towards advancing your career in quality control and demonstrating your commitment to the profession. By obtaining this credential, you can increase your chances of getting hired and potentially make yourself more attractive for promotions or raises within your current organization.

Related: Quality Control Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Control Technician Certifications

1. What is a Quality Control Technician Certification?

Answer: A Quality Control Technician Certification is a professional credential that certifies an individual's knowledge and abilities in quality control, which includes inspecting and testing products to ensure they meet industry standards.

2. What qualifications do I need to become a Quality Control Technician?

Answer: To become a Quality Control Technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as some experience in the field of quality control. You may also need additional training or certification depending on your employer’s requirements.

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

Answer: The length of time required to get certified depends on the type of certification program chosen and other factors such as the number of hours spent studying for exams and completing any required coursework. Generally speaking, most certification programs can be completed within one year or less.

4. What is the cost for obtaining a Quality Control Technician Certification?

Answer: The cost for obtaining a Quality Control Technician Certification varies depending on the type of program chosen and other factors such as additional coursework or exams that may be required. Generally speaking, certification costs can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Quality Control Technician Certification?

Answer: Yes, many certification programs require periodic renewal and/or continuing education credits in order to maintain your status as certified. Continuing education credits are typically obtained through attending seminars, workshops or online courses related to quality control techniques and technologies.