Top 10 Quality Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a quality specialist in the job market because they provide employers with evidence that the candidate has the qualifications and knowledge necessary to be effective in the role. Certifications demonstrate the individual’s commitment to the field, as well as their professional development and dedication to continuing education. Certifications also give employers assurance that the quality specialist has been trained in specific areas, such as ISO 9001 or Lean Six Sigma, which are often required for certain positions. Additionally, having certifications on one’s resume can make an individual stand out from other candidates who may not have them.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Quality Specialists and explain how they can enhance a quality specialist's career.

What are Quality Specialist Certifications?

Quality specialist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of quality assurance and control principles. Quality specialists are responsible for establishing and maintaining quality standards and processes, ensuring that all products and services meet or exceed customer expectations.

The certification is typically earned through the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or other accredited organizations. Quality specialists must pass an exam in order to earn their certification, demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in quality assurance principles.

Having a certified quality specialist on staff can provide many benefits to an organization. A certified professional can help ensure that all products and services meet established standards of excellence, helping to increase customer satisfaction. They can also identify potential problems with production processes, helping to reduce costs associated with recalls or other corrective measures. Additionally, they can help develop effective systems for monitoring product performance throughout the supply chain, ensuring that any issues are addressed quickly before they become more serious problems.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements of any quality specialist certification you are considering, as they vary depending on the certifying organization. Additionally, be sure to review any continuing education or other professional development requirements that may be associated with the certification in order to maintain your credential over time.

Related: What does a Quality Specialist do?

Top 10 Quality Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

A Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality engineering. The CQE certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CQE exam is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s knowledge and skills in quality engineering. It covers topics such as quality planning, control, assurance, and improvement. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become a CQE, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by ASQ. This includes having at least eight years of work experience in quality engineering or related fields, including four years in a decision-making role. You must also have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience.

Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can then apply to take the CQE exam. The cost of taking the exam is $385 USD for ASQ members and $485 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, you will be awarded your CQE certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in quality management principles and practices. The CQM program provides an opportunity for professionals to demonstrate their commitment to quality and their knowledge of the latest quality management techniques.

The CQM program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical experience requirement. The written exam is based on the ASQ Body of Knowledge, which covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and team building. The practical experience requirement involves demonstrating knowledge of quality management principles through projects or other activities related to quality management.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CQM program depending on how quickly you can complete the requirements. To get started, you will need to register with ASQ and pay the application fee. Once your application has been approved, you will be given access to study materials and practice exams that will help prepare you for the written exam portion of the program.

The cost of obtaining a CQM certification varies depending on where you take your exam and what type of membership you have with ASQ. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $400-$1000 USD for non-members and $200-$500 USD for members.

3. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of quality auditing principles and practices. The CQA credential is widely accepted as an indication of an individual’s expertise in quality auditing.

The CQA certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral examination. The written exam must be completed within one year of application, and it covers topics such as auditing fundamentals, audit planning and preparation, audit execution, audit reporting, and corrective action. The oral examination consists of three parts: an open-book test, a closed-book test, and an interview with the ASQ Certification Board.

To get the CQA certification, you must first pass the written exam with a score of at least 70%. You must then submit your application to the ASQ Certification Board along with proof that you have completed at least three years of professional experience in quality auditing or related fields. Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to take the oral examination.

The cost for taking the CQA exams varies depending on where you live and how many exams you are taking. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 for both exams.

4. American Society for Quality Certification (ASQ-CQT)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a professional organization dedicated to quality improvement and the promotion of best practices in all areas of business. The ASQ offers certifications that demonstrate an individual's knowledge and proficiency in various aspects of quality management, such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Quality Management Systems.

The ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification is designed for those who work in production or service industries and are responsible for ensuring that quality standards are met. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to inspect, test, diagnose, and troubleshoot products or services.

To get the ASQ-CQT certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least three years of on-the-job experience in a related field. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for the exam online. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of two hours.

The cost for the ASQ-CQT certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, the cost is $359 while members pay $299. The fee covers both the application fee and the exam fee. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate within 4 to 6 weeks after completion of all requirements.

5. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (CSSBB)

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (CSSBB) is a professional certification program that focuses on the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to provide an individual with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage Six Sigma projects in any organization.

How long does it take to get it? The amount of time required to complete the certification process varies depending on the individual, but typically takes between 3-6 months.

How to get it? To become certified as a CSSBB, one must first complete a training course that covers all of the topics related to Lean Six Sigma. After completing the course, individuals must then pass an examination administered by either ASQ or IASSC.

How much does it cost? The cost for the training course and exam varies depending on where you take them, but can range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD.

6. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (LSSGB) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful Lean Six Sigma projects. The certification is internationally recognized and provides professionals with the tools they need to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction.

The LSSGB certification program typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s prior experience and knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles. During this time, participants will learn how to apply Lean Six Sigma principles in their organization, understand how to identify process improvement opportunities, develop project plans and strategies, measure performance improvements, and analyze data.

In order to receive the LSSGB certification, individuals must pass a written exam administered by an accredited third-party testing center. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics such as Lean Six Sigma methodology, project management techniques, process mapping tools, statistical analysis methods, and more.

The cost for the LSSGB certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This cost includes access to course materials such as textbooks or online resources as well as the written exam fee.

7. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to audit and assess the quality management system of an organization. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for auditing, assessing, or managing the implementation of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS). This certification shows that the individual has the knowledge and skills to evaluate and improve an organization’s QMS.

The certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. It can be obtained through a variety of training providers, including universities, technical schools, or professional organizations. The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the provider and other factors such as travel expenses. Generally, it costs around $2,000 - $4,000 USD to become certified.

The certification process includes completing a course in ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Training, passing an exam with a minimum score of 70%, participating in a practical application exercise (audit simulation), and submitting documentation of experience in conducting internal audits or managing QMS implementations.

8. International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025 Internal Auditor Certification

The International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 17025 Internal Auditor Certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of ISO/IEC 17025. This certification is designed to help auditors ensure that their organizations meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, which is the international standard for laboratories performing testing and calibration activities.

It typically takes about three months to complete the process of obtaining ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Auditor Certification. The first step in the process is to attend a training course on ISO/IEC 17025. These courses are offered by accredited providers, such as universities or private companies, and typically take two days to complete. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Auditor Certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in laboratory management or quality assurance and have completed a minimum of 40 hours of formal training on internal auditing techniques. Additionally, they must demonstrate knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 standards through written exams and practical exercises.

The cost of obtaining ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider offering the training course and exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 USD for both the training course and exam fees combined.

9. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a certification program offered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB). It is designed to help software professionals demonstrate their knowledge and experience in software quality assurance. The CSQA is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s understanding of software quality assurance principles and practices.

To become a Certified Software Quality Analyst, you must pass the ASTQB exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. You must score at least 70% on the exam to be certified.

The cost for taking the CSQA exam varies depending on your country of residence, but typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD. You can register for the exam through ASTQB's website or by contacting them directly.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CSQA certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks. Your certificate will include your name, certification number, and date of issue.

10. Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)

Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform calibration services in accordance with industry standards. This certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as instrumentation, metrology, electrical safety, and calibration techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CCT certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in calibration or a related field. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge by passing the CCT exam.

The cost for the CCT certification varies depending on the region in which you are taking the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $250 USD for US-based exams and $350 USD for international exams.

Once you have successfully completed the CCT exam and received your certification, it is valid for three years. After three years, you will need to take a recertification exam in order to maintain your certification status.

Do You Really Need a Quality Specialist Certificate?

Whether or not a person needs a Quality Specialist Certificate depends on the individual’s career goals and the requirements of their current or future employers. Generally, these certificates are beneficial for professionals in quality assurance, engineering, manufacturing, and other related fields. For those who wish to demonstrate their commitment to quality control and excellence in their work, a Quality Specialist Certificate can be an important credential.

A Quality Specialist Certificate provides evidence that an individual has received specialized training in specific quality control processes and practices. This type of certification verifies that the holder is proficient in problem solving, statistical analysis, process improvement methods, root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, and more. By obtaining this certificate, individuals can demonstrate their expertise to employers or clients and show their commitment to best practices in quality management.

For those already working in the field of quality assurance or related industries such as engineering or manufacturing, having a Quality Specialist Certificate may be necessary for continuing education or job advancement opportunities. Employers will often require applicants to hold this type of certification before being considered for certain positions or promotions. Additionally, some organizations may use the certificate as part of their hiring criteria when selecting new employees.

In conclusion, whether or not someone needs a Quality Specialist Certificate depends on their career goals and the requirements of potential employers. While it is not necessary for everyone seeking employment in this field to obtain one of these certificates, it can provide valuable evidence of specialized knowledge and experience to employers and clients alike. Ultimately it is up to each individual to decide if obtaining a Quality Specialist Certificate is right for them.

Related: Quality Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Quality Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Quality Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in quality management and assurance. It validates the knowledge and skills required to plan, develop, implement, monitor, and improve quality management systems.

2. How do I become a Certified Quality Specialist?

Answer: To become a Certified Quality Specialist, you must first complete an approved training program as well as pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Quality Specialist?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a Certified Quality Specialist include demonstrating your commitment to quality excellence, increasing your marketability and earning potential, gaining recognition from employers, and enhancing your credibility within the industry.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on your level of experience, how much study you put into preparing for the exam, and how quickly you can complete any required training programs. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to become certified.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Your Certified Quality Specialist certification must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education units (CEUs) or retaking the examination.