Top 10 Quality Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are an important way for a quality supervisor to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. By obtaining certifications, a quality supervisor can show employers that they have the necessary qualifications and training to effectively manage and lead a quality control team. Additionally, certifications can help a quality supervisor stand out from other job applicants and increase their chances of getting hired. Certifications also provide assurance to employers that the individual has the necessary skills to successfully complete the tasks associated with their position. Ultimately, having certifications is essential for any quality supervisor who wants to be competitive in today's job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Quality Supervisors and explains how they can help advance a Quality Supervisor's career.

What are Quality Supervisor Certifications?

Quality supervisor certification is a program designed to help supervisors understand and implement quality principles in their organization. It focuses on the development of skills necessary to ensure quality throughout an organization. These skills include understanding how to develop, implement, and monitor quality systems; recognizing and responding to customer needs; and leading teams through continual improvement processes. Quality supervisor certification also emphasizes the importance of communication, problem solving, and leadership skills in order to ensure that quality is maintained across all levels of an organization.

The benefits of having a certified quality supervisor within an organization are numerous. A certified quality supervisor can provide guidance on implementing effective quality systems and procedures that will help reduce costs associated with defective products or services. They can also serve as a mentor for other members of their team by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a culture focused on continuous improvement. Additionally, having a certified quality supervisor in place can help organizations demonstrate their commitment to providing customers with high-quality products or services. This can be beneficial for both internal stakeholders as well as external customers who may be more likely to purchase from an organization that has taken the initiative to invest in its employees’ development and training.

Pro Tip: When looking for a quality supervisor certification, make sure to look for one that is accredited and has been approved by an independent organization. This will ensure that the certification is recognized and accepted within the industry. Additionally, make sure to research the program requirements and curriculum to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations.

Related: What does a Quality Supervisor do?

Top 10 Quality Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Quality Supervisor (CQS)

Certified Quality Supervisor (CQS) is a certification program developed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to help supervisors and managers understand the principles of quality management and how to apply them in their jobs. The CQS certification demonstrates a commitment to quality, as well as an understanding of the fundamental concepts and tools used in quality management.

The CQS certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as quality management principles, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and problem solving. The exam tests knowledge in these areas.

It typically takes about 8-12 weeks to complete the CQS certification program. To get certified, you must first complete the online course and then pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the CQS certification program varies depending on your location; however, it typically costs between $500-$1000 USD.

2. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQE is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and expertise in quality engineering principles, practices, and techniques. It is a widely recognized credential that can help individuals advance their careers in the field of quality engineering.

The CQE certification process typically takes several months to complete. Candidates must first meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having at least five years of full-time work experience in quality engineering or related fields. They must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as quality systems, statistical analysis, and design of experiments.

To get certified as a CQE, candidates must apply through the ASQ website and submit all required documentation. Once approved, they will be given access to the online exam portal where they can register for the exam and pay the associated fees. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their official CQE certificate from ASQ.

3. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in quality management principles, practices, and tools. The CQM certification provides an individual with the necessary skills to lead organizations in their efforts to improve quality, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The CQM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, project management, problem solving and decision making. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To get the CQM certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; five years of professional experience in a quality-related field; and passing the CQM exam. You may also be eligible if you have a combination of education and experience that totals 10 years.

The cost of the CQM certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, it costs $399 for the application fee plus $299 for the examination fee. For non-members, it costs $499 for the application fee plus $399 for the examination fee.

4. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the application of Six Sigma tools and techniques. CSSBBs are expected to lead process improvement projects, mentor other team members, and develop strategies for organizational success.

It typically takes two to three years to get the CSSBB certification. To become certified, an individual must complete a series of steps, including passing an exam that tests their knowledge about Six Sigma principles and tools. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies that assess an individual's ability to apply their understanding of Six Sigma principles in real-world scenarios.

In order to get the CSSBB certification, individuals must first complete a formal training program or course in Six Sigma methodology. This program can be taken through an accredited college or university or through one of many online providers. After completing the training program, individuals must pass ASQ's Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost of getting the CSSBB certification varies depending on where you take your training program and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,500-$6,000 USD depending on the provider and length of study required.

5. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is a certification program that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in quality assurance, control, and inspection. The CQT credential is designed to recognize individuals who have the technical knowledge and skills necessary to perform quality-related tasks in the workplace.

To become an ASQ Certified Quality Technician, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as quality tools, techniques, principles, and standards; statistical process control; calibration; inspection techniques; and problem solving. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CQT certification exam, applicants must have at least three years of on-the-job experience in quality assurance or related fields. In addition, applicants must also possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

The cost of the CQT certification exam varies by country but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD. Once you successfully pass the exam, you will receive your official ASQ Certified Quality Technician certificate within 8-10 weeks of passing the exam.

Once certified, CQTs are expected to maintain their credentials by participating in continuing education activities such as attending seminars or workshops related to quality assurance or taking additional exams every three years.

6. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to audit organizations that are seeking ISO 9001 certification. This certification is offered by the International Register of Certified Auditors (IRCA).

The ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification program consists of four stages:

1. Pre-course study – The pre-course study consists of reading material, webinars, and other resources that provide an introduction to the principles and practices of auditing as they relate to ISO 9001.

2. Training course – The training course provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the requirements of ISO 9001 and how it can be applied in a variety of contexts. It also covers topics such as planning audits, conducting interviews, writing reports, and leading corrective action plans.

3. Examination – Participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to the topics covered in the training course.

4. Practical assessment – Participants must demonstrate their ability to plan and conduct an audit by completing a practical assessment under the guidance of an experienced auditor.

The entire process typically takes between two and three months depending on availability and scheduling constraints. To get certified, individuals must first complete the pre-course study materials before applying for the training course through IRCA’s website or one of its accredited providers. Once accepted into the program, participants will need to attend all sessions of the training course and successfully pass both examinations before being issued their certificate.

The cost for obtaining ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on factors such as location, provider, duration, etc., but typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD for all four stages combined.

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

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in reliability engineering. The CRE certification is designed to help reliability professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills, as well as promote the reliability profession.

To become an ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics related to reliability engineering, including risk management, system design and analysis, failure modes and effects analysis, preventive maintenance strategies, and more. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in the field of reliability engineering or equivalent education or training.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It is offered in both English and Spanish language versions.

The cost for the ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, the cost is currently $399 USD.

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

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality management and organizational excellence. This certification is designed to help organizations improve their performance by providing the skills necessary to manage quality, drive improvement initiatives, and lead organizational excellence efforts.

It typically takes about six months of preparation time to become certified as a CMQ/OE. To become certified, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement tools, project management, and organizational change management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken at an ASQ testing center or online through ASQ’s online proctoring service.

To get the CMQ/OE certification, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements including having a minimum of five years of work experience in quality or organizational excellence roles. Candidates must also submit evidence of their professional development activities such as attending conferences or completing courses related to quality management or organizational excellence.

The cost for the CMQ/OE certification is $715 USD for ASQ members and $915 USD for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses if you are taking it at an ASQ testing center or proctoring fees if you are taking it online.

9. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and their ability to apply it in the workplace. It is designed to help individuals improve processes, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. To get certified, individuals must successfully complete a training program, pass an exam, and demonstrate experience in applying Lean Six Sigma principles in their organization. The training program typically consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on practice sessions.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $1,500 to $4,000. The cost includes tuition fees for the training program as well as any materials needed for the exam.

In addition to completing the training program and passing the exam, candidates must also have at least three years of work experience in a related field or project management experience before they can be certified.

10. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025 Laboratory Accreditation

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025 Laboratory Accreditation is a quality assurance standard that is used to ensure that laboratories are capable of producing accurate, reliable results in their testing and calibration activities. It is based on the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and sets out the criteria for competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratory activities.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to get ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation depending on the size of the organization, its current quality system, and how well it meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. To get this accreditation, an organization must first develop a quality management system that meets all of the requirements set out by ISO/IEC 17025. This includes having procedures for training staff, documenting processes, conducting internal audits, and performing corrective actions when necessary. Once these have been established, an external audit can be conducted by an accredited certification body to assess whether or not the organization meets all of the requirements.

The cost of getting ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation depends on factors such as the size and complexity of the organization’s operations as well as any additional services required such as training or consulting. Generally speaking however, most organizations can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 USD for initial certification costs plus ongoing annual fees which range from $1,000 to $5,000 USD per year.

Do You Really Need a Quality Supervisor Certificate?

Yes, I believe that having a Quality Supervisor Certificate is an important step in obtaining a successful career. Quality supervisors are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet certain standards of quality. They are also responsible for managing the quality control process and making sure that it is properly documented. Having a Quality Supervisor Certificate shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage this process efficiently and effectively.

The Quality Supervisor Certificate is designed to ensure that individuals possess the necessary qualifications to perform their job duties. It covers topics such as quality assurance, quality control, product design, production processes, problem solving, customer service, and project management. By having this certificate, employers know that you have the necessary skills to be an effective supervisor in any organization.

In addition to having a Quality Supervisor Certificate, there are other steps you should take towards a successful career in quality assurance or management. This includes developing your communication skills so you can effectively communicate with managers and customers about issues related to quality control. You should also become familiar with industry standards and regulations so you understand how these affect your work responsibilities. Finally, consider taking courses or attending seminars on topics such as lean manufacturing principles and total quality management systems so you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry.

Overall, having a Quality Supervisor Certificate is important if you want to pursue a successful career in quality assurance or management. It shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to manage quality control processes efficiently and effectively. Additionally, pursuing further education on topics such as lean manufacturing principles and total quality management systems will help ensure your success in this field.

Related: Quality Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Quality Supervisor Certifications

1. What is Quality Supervisor certification?

Answer: Quality Supervisor certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in quality management. It demonstrates expertise in the principles and practices of quality assurance, including understanding and applying the tools, techniques, and standards for evaluating products and services for compliance with industry-recognized quality requirements.

2. How do I become certified as a Quality Supervisor?

Answer: To become certified as a Quality Supervisor, you must first complete an approved training program or course related to quality assurance or supervisory principles and practices. You will then need to pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as American Society for Quality (ASQ).

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Quality Supervisor?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Quality Supervisor can help you stand out from other candidates when seeking employment opportunities within the field of quality assurance. It also provides recognition for your knowledge, skills, and abilities in this area, which can open up additional career paths within organizations that value highly qualified personnel. Additionally, it can provide salary incentives since many employers offer higher wages to those who possess specialized certifications.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Quality Supervisor?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified depends on the individual's experience level and study habits; however, most people should expect to spend several months preparing for the exam. This includes completing any necessary training courses or programs and studying for the exam itself.

5. Is there any continuing education required after becoming certified as a Quality Supervisor?

Answer: Yes! Most organizations require that holders of the Quality Supervisor certification maintain their credential through ongoing professional development activities such as attending conferences or seminars related to quality assurance topics, taking additional courses in their field of expertise, or participating in other forms of continuing education activities relevant to their position’s responsibilities.