Top 10 Quality Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for quality coordinators in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development, knowledge of quality control processes, and mastery of industry-specific skills. Quality coordinators with certifications are more likely to be considered for job opportunities and can often command higher salaries than those without them. Certifications also provide a way for employers to easily assess candidates’ qualifications and experience, making it easier for them to make informed hiring decisions. Finally, certifications serve as proof that the quality coordinator is dedicated to staying up-to-date on best practices in their field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Quality Coordinators and explain how they can help further their career.

What are Quality Coordinator Certifications?

Quality Coordinator Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage quality assurance programs. This certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and requires that applicants pass a comprehensive written exam.

The Quality Coordinator Certification program focuses on the fundamentals of quality management and covers topics such as quality control, process improvement, auditing, problem solving, and more. Through this program, professionals can demonstrate their expertise in these areas and gain recognition as an expert in the field. Additionally, those who have obtained this certification may be eligible for higher salaries or promotions within their organization due to their increased knowledge.

This certification also provides professionals with a greater understanding of how to identify potential problems before they occur and develop strategies for preventing them in the future. Furthermore, those who have obtained this certification are better equipped to provide feedback to teams regarding quality assurance processes and ensure that all procedures meet industry standards. Ultimately, having this certification can help professionals provide better service to their customers while improving overall organizational performance.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various quality coordinator certifications available, as each one may have different requirements and benefits. Additionally, it is important to determine if the certification is accepted by your industry or organization prior to investing in a quality coordinator certification program.

Related: What does a Quality Coordinator do?

Top 10 Quality Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Coordinator (CQC)

Certified Quality Coordinator (CQC) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to become an effective quality coordinator. The certification is designed to help professionals in the field of quality management and assurance understand and apply best practices in order to ensure that products meet customer requirements.

The CQC program consists of two parts: an online course and a certification exam. The online course covers topics such as quality management principles, process improvement methods, root cause analysis, corrective action plans, and statistical process control. The certification exam tests the individual’s knowledge of these topics.

The CQC program typically takes about six months to complete. During this time, individuals must complete the online course and pass the certification exam with a score of 80 percent or higher.

In order to get certified as a Quality Coordinator, individuals must first register for the CQC program through an approved provider such as ASQ or AIB International. After registering for the program, individuals will be provided with access to the online course materials and resources needed to prepare for the certification exam.

The cost of getting certified as a Quality Coordinator varies depending on which provider you choose and whether you opt for additional training or services such as mentoring or coaching. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD to get certified as a Quality Coordinator.

2. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

The Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and implement quality improvement initiatives. The CQIA certification is based on the principles of Total Quality Management and Lean Six Sigma, which are two of the most widely used methods for improving organizational performance.

The CQIA certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and problem solving. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To qualify for the CQIA certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a quality-related field or have completed an ASQ-approved training program in quality improvement. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to continuing their education by participating in professional development activities.

The cost of obtaining the CQIA certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or in person. The online exam costs $395 USD while taking it in person costs $495 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with studying materials or other related expenses.

3. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their understanding of the Six Sigma methodology and its application to business processes. It is designed for professionals who have a working knowledge of the Six Sigma methodology and are involved in projects that use it.

The certification process typically takes between four and eight weeks to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and availability. The program includes online courses, self-paced study materials, practice exams, and an exam at the end of the program. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Lean Six Sigma concepts, tools, techniques, and project management.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a minimum of three years' experience in a relevant field or completing an approved training course. You must also pass an exam administered by an accredited certification body.

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the provider and may include fees for registration, examination fees, course materials, and other associated costs. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 for the entire process.

4. ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills to conduct first, second and third-party audits of organizations that are implementing or maintaining a Quality Management System (QMS) based on the ISO 9001:2015 standard. It takes approximately 40 hours to complete the course and obtain the certification. To get certified, you will need to attend an accredited training course, pass an exam and demonstrate practical experience in auditing. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 - $3,000 USD.

5. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQE certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of quality engineering principles, practices, and methods. It is also intended to help employers identify qualified professionals in the field of quality engineering.

To become a Certified Quality Engineer, you must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, design of experiments, sampling plans, and more. The exam typically takes three hours to complete.

You can prepare for the CQE exam by taking courses offered by ASQ or other organizations that offer training in quality engineering principles and practices. You can also purchase study materials from ASQ or other vendors that provide preparation materials for the CQE exam.

The cost of the CQE exam varies depending on your location and whether you are an ASQ member or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to take the CQE exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

6. ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality principles and practices. This certification is designed to help organizations improve their performance by recognizing the skills, knowledge, and abilities of their employees in managing quality and organizational excellence.

The CMQ/OE certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, leadership, and team building. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get the CMQ/OE certification, you must first apply for it through the American Society for Quality (ASQ). To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least eight years of work experience in one or more areas of quality management or organizational excellence. You must also have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college or equivalent international education.

The cost for taking the CMQ/OE exam is $450 for ASQ members and $595 for non-members. There are additional fees associated with re-taking the exam if needed.

7. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which is used to improve processes and reduce waste in businesses. The certification is designed for professionals who have significant experience in leading and managing improvement projects.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification typically takes around four months to complete, depending on the provider. To get certified, you must first complete a course or series of courses that cover all aspects of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a final examination in order to become certified.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider, but can range from $1,500 - $3,000 USD.

8. Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in quality process analysis.

The CQPA certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as process improvement, quality management systems, and problem-solving techniques. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience working in a quality-related field or hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, or another related field. Applicants must also submit proof of their work experience or educational background along with the application.

The cost for the CQPA certification varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD for US residents and $500 USD for non-US residents.

9. ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of reliability engineering principles and practices. The CRE certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), which is the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to quality assurance and improvement.

The CRE certification requires passing a three-hour, multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as reliability fundamentals, risk management, design for reliability, reliability testing, and maintenance strategies. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least four years of experience in a related field or have completed a degree in engineering or a related field.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the CRE exam. Applicants should familiarize themselves with ASQ's Body of Knowledge (BoK) and practice taking sample exams provided by ASQ to get an idea of what types of questions will be on the actual exam. Additionally, there are several online courses available that can help applicants prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming certified as an ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) varies depending on where you take the exam and whether you are an ASQ member or not. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 USD for non-members and $300-$500 USD for members.

10. ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The program provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead and manage complex improvement projects.

The CSSBB certification requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge, including at least one year in a leadership role. Candidates must also pass an exam to demonstrate their mastery of the material.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as project management, data analysis, process improvement, design of experiments, and team dynamics. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

To get certified as a CSSBB, individuals must first apply for the certification through ASQ's website. Once approved, they will be given instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the associated fee (currently $399 USD). After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official certificate from ASQ within six weeks.

The cost associated with obtaining a CSSBB certification includes both application fees and examination fees. The application fee is currently $50 USD while the examination fee is currently $399 USD.

Do You Really Need a Quality Coordinator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Quality Coordinator Certificate to become a successful quality coordinator depends on the job requirements and your individual goals. In some cases, employers may require certification in order to be considered for the position. If this is the case, it is important that you obtain the necessary training and certification before applying for the job. Alternatively, if you have extensive knowledge of quality assurance principles and processes, and are confident in your ability to perform the duties of a quality coordinator without formal training or certification, then it may not be necessary to obtain a certificate.

When deciding whether or not you need a Quality Coordinator Certificate, it is important to consider what type of work you want to do as a quality coordinator. Are you looking for an entry-level position that would involve more administrative tasks? Or are you interested in taking on more complex roles such as developing and implementing quality systems? The type of work you wish to pursue will determine which type of certificate would best suit your needs.

For those who wish to pursue higher-level positions in the field of quality assurance, obtaining a certificate can help demonstrate your commitment to learning and advancing in the profession. It can also provide validation that you possess the skills needed to succeed in this role. Additionally, having a Quality Coordinator Certificate may give employers confidence that they are hiring someone with professional qualifications who is well-versed in industry standards and techniques related to quality assurance.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Quality Coordinator Certificate depends on your individual goals and career aspirations within this field. If obtaining certification can help further your career objectives then it might be beneficial for you to pursue one; if not, then it may not be necessary for success as a quality coordinator.

Related: Quality Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Quality Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Quality Coordinator Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills related to quality assurance and control. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their understanding of the principles, processes, and techniques associated with ensuring quality in products or services.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Quality Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The exact requirements vary by organization or institution offering the certification, however most organizations require applicants to have some relevant experience in quality assurance and/or control, pass an exam, and complete any continuing education or other requirements as determined by the certifying body.

3. What type of job opportunities are available for those with a Quality Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Professionals who have earned a Quality Coordinator Certification may be eligible for positions such as quality control manager, quality assurance engineer, process improvement specialist, or other similar roles within industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, automotive, etc.

4. How often do I need to renew my Quality Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Renewal requirements vary depending on the certifying organization; however most organizations require renewal every two to three years through completing continuing education courses or exams.

5. How much does it cost to get a Quality Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Quality Coordinator Certification varies depending on the organization providing the credential; however most organizations charge fees ranging from $100 - $200 USD for application processing and exam fees.