Top 10 Quality Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for quality engineers in the job market for several reasons. First, certifications demonstrate that a quality engineer has a certain level of knowledge and experience in their field. This can help them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Secondly, certifications show employers that the quality engineer is committed to continuing their professional development, which can be attractive to employers looking for someone with a long-term commitment to the company or industry. Finally, certifications can provide quality engineers with access to better job opportunities and higher salaries than those without certifications.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Quality Engineers and explain how they can help enhance a Quality Engineer's career.

What are Quality Engineer Certifications?

Quality engineer certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of quality engineering. Quality engineers are responsible for analyzing and improving processes, systems, and products to ensure they meet customer expectations. The certification is typically obtained through an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Having a quality engineer certification can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field to employers. It can also demonstrate their commitment to professional development and their understanding of current best practices. Additionally, it can provide recognition among peers and help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.

Quality engineer certification can also be beneficial for organizations as it increases the credibility of existing staff by demonstrating their expertise in the field. It can also reduce training costs since certified professionals will already possess the necessary knowledge and skills to do the job properly. Finally, having certified professionals on staff may lead to improved product or process quality which could result in increased customer satisfaction and decreased costs due to fewer defects.

Pro Tip: When considering a quality engineer certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and their requirements. This will help you determine which one is best suited for your experience level, job role, and career goals. Additionally, consider reaching out to professionals in the field who have achieved the certification to gain advice on how to successfully complete the process.

Related: What does a Quality Engineer do?

Top 10 Quality Engineer Certifications

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

1. ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

The ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in quality engineering. The CQE credential is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a global organization dedicated to advancing quality tools, principles, and techniques.

It typically takes between four and six months to prepare for the CQE exam. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least eight years of experience in quality engineering or related fields, with at least three years in a decision-making position. Those without this experience can still qualify if they have a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field plus three years of relevant work experience.

To get certified as an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, you must pass the CQE exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality systems, product design and development, process control and improvement, measurement systems analysis, and statistical methods. The cost of the exam is $450 USD for members of ASQ or $600 USD for non-members.

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

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the tools and techniques of Six Sigma. It is designed to recognize those professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the application of Six Sigma methodology and can lead and mentor teams in process improvement projects.

To become an ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge. You must also hold a valid Green Belt certification or equivalent from an accredited organization.

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you will need to take and pass the CSSBB exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as process analysis, project management, team dynamics, statistical analysis, quality control and design for six sigma.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $400 - $600 USD. The exam itself takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

Once you pass the exam, you will be officially certified as an ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and receive your certificate from ASQ. This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking additional courses or passing another exam.

3. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive foundation in software testing. This certification is designed to give software testers the knowledge and skills they need to become successful in their profession.

The CTFL exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. In order to pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65%. The exam covers topics such as test design techniques, test management, and test automation.

To obtain the CTFL certification, candidates must first register with the ISTQB and pay a fee of approximately $250 USD. After registering, candidates can then take the online exam or attend a classroom training session. Once the exam has been successfully completed, candidates will receive their certificate from ISTQB.

The CTFL certification is valid for three years after which it must be renewed by retaking the exam or attending additional training courses. The cost for renewal is approximately $150 USD.

4. American Society of Quality (ASQ) Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

The American Society of Quality (ASQ) Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize and enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of reliability engineers. The CRE certification is intended to demonstrate a level of expertise in reliability engineering principles and practices, including risk management, system design and analysis, maintenance planning and scheduling, failure analysis and prevention methods, quality assurance techniques, and other related topics.

In order to become an ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), individuals must meet certain educational requirements as well as pass an examination. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have a minimum of four years of experience in reliability engineering or quality assurance with at least one year in a supervisory role. Applicants who do not meet the experience requirement may still be eligible if they have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science plus three years of experience in reliability engineering or quality assurance with at least one year in a supervisory role.

The CRE exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as system design and analysis; risk management; maintenance planning and scheduling; failure analysis and prevention methods; quality assurance techniques; safety systems; materials selection; statistical process control; human factors engineering; software development life cycle models; project management techniques; environmental considerations; legal aspects of product liability issues. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CRE exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for study materials or preparation courses.

5. International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in systems engineering. The CSEP certification is intended to provide assurance that certified individuals have the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to apply systems engineering principles effectively throughout their work.

To obtain the CSEP certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination. Eligibility requirements include having a minimum of five years of full-time professional systems engineering experience, or four years with a master’s degree in systems engineering or related field. Applicants must also have three letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues attesting to their competency in systems engineering.

The CSEP exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as system life cycle processes, system architecture and design, requirements management, risk management, verification and validation, configuration management, project management and more. The exam is offered twice per year at various locations around the world.

The cost for taking the CSEP exam is $450 USD for INCOSE members ($550 USD for non-members). In addition to the cost of the exam itself, applicants may need to factor in travel expenses if they are taking the exam at an offsite location.

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

The American Society of Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification program that recognizes professionals who have the knowledge and skills to lead organizational excellence initiatives. The CMQ/OE certification is designed for individuals in management positions who are responsible for leading quality and organizational excellence initiatives within their organizations.

To become an ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence, you must pass the CMQ/OE exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as quality management principles, process improvement, customer satisfaction, organizational performance metrics, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at a variety of testing centers around the world.

In order to be eligible for the CMQ/OE certification, you must meet certain prerequisites including having a minimum of five years of experience in quality or organizational excellence-related roles. You must also have completed at least three years of work experience in a managerial role within the past five years.

The cost to take the CMQ/OE exam is $399 USD for ASQ members and $499 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from ASQ which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

7. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the calibration of measuring and test equipment. The CCT certification is intended to provide assurance that the technician has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform calibration activities correctly, accurately, and efficiently.

The CCT certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in the field of instrumentation or metrology, including at least one year of experience in calibration activities. Candidates must also pass an ASQ-administered exam that covers topics such as measurement principles, calibration methods, documentation requirements, and quality systems.

To become certified as a CCT, you must first register with ASQ by completing an application form and paying a registration fee. Once your application is approved, you will be sent instructions on how to schedule your exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CCT exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, the cost is $250; for non-members it is $350. Additionally, there may be additional fees for rescheduling or retaking the exam if necessary.

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

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified HACCP Auditor is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards in the production of food products. The certification is based on the principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), an internationally recognized system for preventing food safety hazards.

To become an ASQ Certified HACCP Auditor, you must first complete a training course that covers topics such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Prerequisite Programs, Food Safety Plans, and HACCP Principles. The training course typically takes two to three days to complete and can be taken either in-person or online. After completing the training course, you must pass a written exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming an ASQ Certified HACCP Auditor varies depending on the provider offering the training course and exam. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1000 for the entire process.

Once you have successfully completed the training course and passed the exam, your certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed. To renew your certification, you must retake both the training course and exam every three years.

9. Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers Certification in Quality Management

The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Certification in Quality Management is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who demonstrate a mastery of quality management principles. This certification is intended for industrial and systems engineers, as well as other professionals who are involved in quality management.

The IISE Certification in Quality Management requires applicants to complete an online assessment that covers topics such as quality control, process improvement, and risk management. The assessment consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the assessment, applicants will receive their IISE Certification in Quality Management.

The cost for the IISE Certification in Quality Management is $150 USD. This fee includes access to the online assessment as well as a one-year membership with IISE.

In order to obtain the IISE Certification in Quality Management, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of experience working in quality management or related fields; having completed an accredited degree program; and passing the online assessment with a score of at least 70%. Once these requirements have been met, applicants can register for the certification exam through the IISE website.

Overall, obtaining an IISE Certification in Quality Management can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on individual circumstances.

10. Project Management Institute's PMI-RMP Risk Management Professional

PMI-RMP (Project Management Institute's Risk Management Professional) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and control project risks. It is the only risk management certification that is recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The PMI-RMP credential requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in project risk management, as well as a secondary degree or equivalent. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as risk identification and analysis, risk response planning, and risk monitoring and control. The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and has a three-hour time limit.

To get the PMI-RMP certification, candidates must first submit an application to PMI for review. Once approved, they can then register for the exam through Prometric or PSI testing centers. The cost of the exam is $405 USD for PMI members and $555 USD for non-members.

Once candidates have passed the exam, they will receive their official PMI-RMP certificate within four weeks after passing the exam. They will also be listed in the PMI’s online directory of certified professionals.

Do You Really Need a Quality Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s career goals and ambitions. A Quality Engineer Certificate can be beneficial for someone who is looking to advance their career in the field of quality engineering. The certificate provides an opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful quality engineer, including topics such as quality assurance, inspection, testing, auditing and process improvement. It also allows individuals to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to the field.

For those already employed in a quality engineering role, a Quality Engineer Certificate can help them stand out from other applicants when applying for higher-level positions or promotions within their current organization. It can also provide additional credibility when seeking employment outside of the organization. In addition, having a Quality Engineer Certificate may allow access to professional development opportunities or specialized training that would otherwise not be available.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Quality Engineer Certificate will depend on what you want to accomplish in your career. If it aligns with your professional goals, then it could be an invaluable asset that helps you reach them.

Related: Quality Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Quality Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Quality Engineer Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's expertise in the field of quality engineering. It demonstrates an understanding of quality principles, processes and techniques used to ensure products meet customer requirements and industry standards.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Quality Engineer?

Answer: Benefits of achieving a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification include gaining recognition as a quality expert, demonstrating commitment to the profession, expanding career opportunities, increasing earning potential and improving job performance.

3. What qualifications do I need to become a Certified Quality Engineer?

Answer: Qualifications required to become a Certified Quality Engineer include having at least five years' experience in quality engineering or related fields, passing an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and completing continuing education requirements every three years to maintain certification status.

4. How much does it cost to become a Certified Quality Engineer?

Answer: The cost to become a Certified Quality Engineer varies depending on the country in which you reside. Generally, candidates will need to pay for the application fee, exam fee and any applicable taxes associated with taking the exam.

5. How long does it take to get my CQE certification?

Answer: The time frame for receiving your CQE certification depends on how quickly you complete all steps in the process including submitting your application form, taking and passing the exam, meeting any other requirements such as completing continuing education courses, and receiving approval from ASQ’s Board of Examiners.