Top 11 Senior Quality Engineer Certifications

Certifications are an important asset for a Senior Quality Engineer in the job market because they demonstrate and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. Employers value certifications as proof of competency in a specific field. Certification also helps to distinguish a Senior Quality Engineer from other applicants, giving them an edge over those who do not possess such credentials. Certifications also show that the engineer is committed to continuous professional development, which is highly valued by employers.

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

What are Senior Quality Engineer Certifications?

Senior Quality Engineer Certification is a professional certification program designed to help quality engineers gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful professionals in the field. This certification provides professionals with an understanding of quality management systems, total quality management, process improvement methods, and other related topics.

Through this certification program, senior quality engineers can gain knowledge in a variety of areas that are essential for success in their roles. This includes understanding industry standards such as ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017, as well as developing and implementing effective strategies for improving product and service quality. Additionally, they will learn how to analyze data to identify potential issues or areas of improvement, develop corrective action plans, and effectively lead cross-functional teams.

By obtaining this certification, senior quality engineers demonstrate their commitment to quality assurance and their ability to effectively manage the process from start to finish. The certification also provides employers with assurance that certified professionals have the required skillset needed for successful performance in their roles. Ultimately, this certification can help senior quality engineers advance their careers by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to excel in their position.

Pro Tip: When preparing for senior quality engineer certification, it is important to understand the basics of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM). It is also beneficial to have a strong understanding of statistical process control methods and how they can be used to help manage product quality. Finally, having experience in failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) can be an invaluable asset when pursuing certification.

Related: What does a Senior Quality Engineer do?

Top 11 Senior Quality Engineer Certifications

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

1. 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 have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality engineering, quality assurance, and quality control. The CQE credential is highly sought after by employers in many industries.

It typically takes two to three years of experience in the field of quality engineering, quality assurance, or quality control to become eligible for the CQE exam. Candidates must also complete an approved course of study related to the principles and practices of quality engineering.

To obtain the CQE credential, candidates must pass a comprehensive examination administered by ASQ. The exam covers topics such as statistical process control, design of experiments, sampling plans, reliability engineering, process capability studies, and total quality management. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in practice through case studies and other questions on the exam.

The cost of taking the CQE exam varies depending on your location and whether you are an ASQ member or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $450-$500 for non-members and $350-$400 for members.

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

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of quality management and organizational excellence principles, practices, and techniques.

The CMQ/OE certification requires passing an exam, which consists of two parts: Part 1 covers quality management principles, and Part 2 covers organizational excellence principles. The exam is administered in English and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CMQ/OE certification, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least five years of experience in quality management or organizational excellence roles, having earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and having completed at least one year of approved training courses related to quality management or organizational excellence.

The cost for the CMQ/OE certification varies depending on the applicant's ASQ membership status. For non-members, it costs $735; for members, it costs $590; and for student members, it costs $395. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam ($250 for non-members and $200 for members).

Overall, obtaining the CMQ/OE certification can take several months due to the requirements that must be met before applying and taking the exam.

3. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a certification awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the application of Six Sigma quality management principles and tools. CSSBB holders have extensive knowledge of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology as well as Lean and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) principles.

It typically takes about three to six months to prepare for the CSSBB exam. The preparation process includes studying the ASQ Body of Knowledge (BoK), which covers topics such as project management, statistical analysis, process improvement, and design of experiments. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in a Six Sigma environment.

To get certified as a CSSBB, you must pass the ASQ certification exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of four hours. The cost to take the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $400 to $600 USD.

4. Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)

Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in software quality engineering.

The CSQE exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as software quality assurance, software testing, project management, process improvement and risk management. The exam is administered online and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CSQE certification, applicants must have at least five years of work experience in software quality engineering or related fields. Applicants must also pass an ASQ-administered eligibility assessment before they can take the exam.

The cost of taking the CSQE exam is $399 USD for ASQ members and $499 USD for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam depending on where it is taken.

5. American Society for Quality – Certified Quality Auditor (ASQ-CQA)

The American Society for Quality – Certified Quality Auditor (ASQ-CQA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in quality auditing. This certification is offered by the American Society for Quality, an international organization dedicated to advancing quality management practices.

To obtain the ASQ-CQA certification, applicants must pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of quality auditing principles and practices. The exam is administered by the American Board of Examiners (ABE), an independent body that evaluates candidates’ qualifications and experience. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality systems, process auditing, product auditing, and statistical analysis.

The duration of the ASQ-CQA certification process depends on how quickly the applicant completes all requirements. Typically, it takes between two and four months to complete all requirements and receive the certification.

To get started with the ASQ-CQA certification process, applicants must first register with ABE and pay a registration fee of $150 USD. After registering with ABE, applicants must then submit an application package that includes proof of education or work experience in quality management or auditing, letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues, a resume or CV outlining their professional experience in the field, and a completed application form.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will be invited to take the written exam at a designated testing center near them. The cost of taking the exam is $400 USD for members of ASQ or $500 USD for non-members. Applicants who successfully pass the exam will be awarded their ASQ-CQA certification within two weeks after completion of the exam.

6. International Software Testing Qualifications Board – Certified Tester Foundation Level (ISTQB-CTFL)

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of software testing. The certification is designed to provide a common understanding of the core concepts, principles, and terminology used in software testing. It also provides an entry-level qualification for professionals who are interested in pursuing further certifications in software testing.

In order to obtain the ISTQB-CTFL certification, you must pass an exam that consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as test design techniques, test management, static techniques, test tools, and more. You can find study materials online or attend an ISTQB-accredited training course in order to prepare for the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $250-$400 USD. In some cases, you may be eligible for discounts or special offers if you are a member of certain organizations or have taken certain courses beforehand. Additionally, there are often additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

7. International Certification Network – Senior Quality Assurance Engineer (ICN-SQAE)

The International Certification Network - Senior Quality Assurance Engineer (ICN-SQAE) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead quality assurance teams in software engineering. The program is administered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

To obtain the ICN-SQAE certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as software testing methodology, software development life cycle, risk management, and defect management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the ICN-SQAE exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in software engineering or quality assurance. Additionally, they must have completed a minimum of 40 hours of training in software engineering or quality assurance.

The cost of the ICN-SQAE exam varies depending on location. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official ICN-SQAE certification from ISTQB.

8. Project Management Institute – Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

The Project Management Institute – Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in the field of business analysis. The PMI-PBA certification focuses on the application of business analysis techniques and practices to support project management activities.

To obtain the PMI-PBA certification, applicants must meet certain prerequisites, such as having at least seven years of professional business analysis experience, or five years of professional business analysis experience and a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge of business analysis concepts and processes. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the PMI-PBA exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, it costs $405 for members of the Project Management Institute and $555 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with maintaining your certification status, which vary depending on your membership status with PMI.

Overall, obtaining the PMI-PBA certification can take several months to complete depending on how quickly you complete all requirements and pass the exam.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is an internationally recognized certification program designed to help individuals and organizations improve the quality of their products and services. It is based on a set of principles, tools, and techniques that have been proven successful in improving business processes.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete depending on the provider. The program consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. During the course, participants learn how to apply Lean Six Sigma tools and methods to identify, analyze, and solve problems within their organization. They also gain knowledge about process improvement, data analysis, project management, team dynamics, problem solving, and more.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt professional you must successfully complete a training course from an accredited provider. After completing the course you will need to pass a written exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider but can range anywhere from $2,000 - $4,000 USD.

10. ISO 9000 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9000 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in auditing management systems based on the ISO 9000 standard. The certification is offered by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is recognized worldwide.

The certification process typically takes three to four months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience and background. To become certified, individuals must pass a written exam, attend an accredited training course, and successfully complete an audit of a management system based on ISO 9000.

The cost of ISO 9000 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider offering the training course and exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 to $5,000 USD. However, some providers may offer discounts or special offers that reduce this cost.

11. American Society for Quality – Certified Reliability Engineer (ASQ-CRE).

The American Society for Quality – Certified Reliability Engineer (ASQ-CRE) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the field of reliability engineering. The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the areas of product design, manufacturing, maintenance, and testing.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as reliability engineering principles and practices, failure analysis, system performance evaluation, and life cycle management. Applicants must also complete a minimum of four years of relevant work experience in order to be eligible for the exam.

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

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the ASQ-CRE exam. Preparation includes studying for the exam as well as completing any required coursework or training programs related to reliability engineering. Additionally, applicants should review their work experience to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before registering for the exam.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, they will receive their official ASQ-CRE certificate from ASQ. This certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue and can be renewed by retaking the examination or completing continuing education credits every five years thereafter.

Do You Really Need a Senior Quality Engineer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not necessarily need a Senior Quality Engineer Certificate in order to be successful in the quality engineering field. However, the certificate may be beneficial depending on your experience level and the specific requirements of your job.

For example, if you already have extensive experience as a quality engineer, a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, it could be more beneficial for you to focus on developing additional skills or pursuing further education that is more relevant to your current career path. On the other hand, if you are just starting out in the field or are looking to advance your career, a Senior Quality Engineer Certificate could provide you with additional credentials and knowledge that can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate mastery of important concepts in the field.

Overall, whether or not you need a Senior Quality Engineer Certificate will depend on your individual goals and circumstances. If you think it could be beneficial for advancing your career, then it’s certainly worth considering.

Related: Senior Quality Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Quality Engineer Certifications

Q1: What certifications are available for senior quality engineers?

A1: The most commonly recognized certification is the Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). Other certifications include Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and ISO 9001 Lead Auditor.

Q2: How do I become a certified senior quality engineer?

A2: To become a certified senior quality engineer, you must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). You must also have at least five years of experience in quality engineering or management.

Q3: How long does it take to become certified?

A3: It typically takes between three and six months to become certified as a senior quality engineer. This includes studying for and passing the ASQ exam.

Q4: What topics are covered in the exam?

A4: The exam covers topics such as statistical analysis, process improvement, design of experiments, failure mode and effects analysis, sampling plans, calibration techniques, root cause analysis, and corrective action.

Q5: What is the cost of becoming certified?

A5: The cost of becoming a certified senior quality engineer varies depending on your location and whether you register online or in person. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay around $400-500 USD for registration fees and materials.