Top 11 Warranty Administrator Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a warranty administrator's job market success as they demonstrate a level of expertise and proficiency in the field. Employers often seek out candidates who have certifications in order to ensure that the candidate has received proper training and is knowledgeable about best practices for warranty administration. Certifications also give employers confidence that the candidate is up-to-date on the latest industry trends and standards. Additionally, having certifications can help a warranty administrator stand out from other applicants by showing that they have invested time and effort in their own professional development.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Warranty Administrators and explains how they can help further a warranty administrator's career.

What are Warranty Administrator Certifications?

Warranty Administrator Certification is a certification program for professionals in the warranty management field. It is designed to help individuals gain knowledge and skills to effectively manage warranties and understand the regulations related to them. The certification provides a comprehensive set of standards for warranty administrators, helping them to better understand their roles and responsibilities within the industry.

The program includes topics such as contract law, customer service, product safety, risk management, regulatory compliance, warranty processes and procedures, quality control, data analysis and more. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence in the field of warranty administration. This can be especially beneficial when applying for jobs or promotions within the organization. Additionally, it can provide an additional layer of credibility when dealing with vendors or other stakeholders.

By becoming certified in this specialized area of warranty management, individuals will have access to an extensive network of resources that can help them stay informed on new developments in the industry and hone their skills in order to remain competitive in their chosen field. Moreover, they will be able to develop a deeper understanding of how warranties work and how they are managed which can help them make better decisions when managing these important contracts.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a warranty administrator certification, make sure to research the requirements and understand the scope of knowledge necessary for success. Additionally, it may be beneficial to look for industry-recognized certifications that are specific to your field.

Related: What does a Warranty Administrator do?

Top 11 Warranty Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Warranty Administrators today.

1. Certified Warranty Administrator (CWA)

A Certified Warranty Administrator (CWA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and experience of those who administer warranty programs. The CWA credential is awarded by the Warranty Administration Council, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing professional development and recognition for warranty professionals.

The CWA program consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on practicum. The online exam is designed to test your knowledge of warranty management principles, practices, and procedures. The practicum requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply these principles in real-world scenarios.

It usually takes about six months to complete the CWA program. You must first pass the online exam before you can take the practicum. Once you have passed both parts of the program, you will receive your CWA certificate from the Warranty Administration Council.

The cost of the CWA program varies depending on where you take it and how much time you spend preparing for it. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 USD for all materials and fees associated with taking the exam and practicum.

2. Certified Warranty Professional (CWP)

Certified Warranty Professional (CWP) is a professional certification offered by the International Warranty Professionals Association (IWPA). It is designed for individuals who have experience in the warranty industry and want to demonstrate their expertise. The certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as warranty management, customer service, product liability, and other related areas.

The CWP certification process typically takes about three months from start to finish. To become certified, applicants must first submit an application and pay a fee of $295 USD. After submitting the application, applicants must complete a series of online courses and pass an exam with a score of at least 70%. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CWP certificate.

The cost of the CWP certification includes the application fee ($295 USD) and any additional course fees that may be required depending on the applicant's background.

3. Certified Warranty Manager (CWM)

Certified Warranty Manager (CWM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in the management of warranty programs. The CWM certification is administered by the Warranty Management Institute (WMI), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in warranty management.

To become certified, individuals must pass a rigorous exam that covers topics such as warranty policies and procedures, financial analysis and reporting, customer service and satisfaction, and legal compliance. The exam is offered online and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the CWM certification program varies depending on the type of membership chosen. A basic membership costs $495 USD, while a professional membership costs $795 USD. Both memberships include access to WMI’s online learning center, which provides resources for studying for the exam and maintaining certification.

4. Certified Warranty Analyst (CWA)

A Certified Warranty Analyst (CWA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to analyze warranty data and make informed decisions. The CWA certification program was developed by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) in partnership with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

The CWA certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as warranty fundamentals, warranty administration, warranty analysis, and customer service. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified as a CWA, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of experience in the automotive service industry or related field. Applicants must also successfully pass the CWA exam with a score of 75% or higher.

The cost of becoming a CWA varies depending on where you take the exam; however, it typically costs around $150.00 USD.

5. Certified Warranty Engineer (CWE)

Certified Warranty Engineer (CWE) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and administer warranty programs. The CWE certification is offered by the International Warranty Professionals Association (IWPA).

The CWE certification program consists of five courses: Introduction to Warranty, Warranty Administration, Warranty Cost Analysis, Claims Management, and Quality Assurance. Each course is designed to help participants understand the fundamentals of warranty management and develop their skills in these areas. The courses can be completed online or through an instructor-led program.

It typically takes three months to complete all five courses required for the CWE certification. To get started on the program, you must first complete an application form and pay a fee of $495 USD. Once your application is accepted, you will receive access to the course materials and be able to begin studying for the exam.

The CWE exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed in four hours or less. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your CWE certification from IWPA and become a Certified Warranty Engineer.

6. Certified Automotive Warranty Administrator (CAWA)

Certified Automotive Warranty Administrator (CAWA) is a professional certification program offered by the Automotive Service Association (ASA). The program is designed to provide automotive professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively administer vehicle warranties.

The CAWA program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as warranty laws, procedures, and regulations; customer service; contract administration; dispute resolution; and more. The final exam is an open-book test that assesses the applicant’s understanding of the material covered in the course.

The cost of the CAWA program varies depending on whether you are an ASA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $295 for both the online course and final exam. For ASA members, the cost is $245 for both components.

The entire process typically takes about six weeks from start to finish. To get started, you must first register for the program on the ASA website. Once registered, you will receive access to the online course materials and must complete all required modules within three months of registration. After completing all modules, you must then take and pass a proctored exam at an approved testing center in order to receive your certification.

7. Certified Product Warranty Administrator (CPWA)

Certified Product Warranty Administrator (CPWA) is a designation given to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to properly administer product warranties. The CPWA program is administered by the National Association of Warranty Administrators (NAWA).

To become a CPWA, an individual must successfully complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as warranty law, contract administration, customer service, and dispute resolution. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPWA exam, an individual must have at least three years of experience in warranty administration or related fields. Additionally, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from current or former employers attesting to their qualifications.

The cost of taking the CPWA exam is $250 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive a certificate and can use the CPWA designation on their resume and business cards.

8. Certified Quality Assurance Technician (CQAT)

Certified Quality Assurance Technician (CQAT) is a certification program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair quality assurance systems. The CQAT certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CQAT certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in quality assurance or related fields. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management principles, statistical process control, inspection techniques, calibration methods, and problem solving. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To obtain the CQAT certification, candidates must submit an application form along with supporting documentation that demonstrates their experience in quality assurance or related fields. Once approved, candidates will be required to pay a fee of $395 USD for the exam registration fee. This fee covers all materials needed for the exam as well as access to online study resources.

Once the exam has been successfully completed, candidates will receive their CQAT certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain their certification status, certified technicians must participate in continuing education activities every three years in order to renew their certificate.

9. Certified Quality Assurance Auditor (CQAA)

A Certified Quality Assurance Auditor (CQAA) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in quality assurance auditing. It is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and is recognized worldwide as a symbol of excellence in quality assurance auditing.

The CQAA certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in quality assurance auditing, or a combination of education and experience totaling at least seven years. Candidates must also pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles and practices.

To become certified, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it to the ASQ along with the required fees. Once accepted, applicants must then take the CQAA exam which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as audit planning, implementation, reporting, and follow up. The exam takes four hours to complete and costs $400 USD.

Once the exam is successfully completed, applicants must then submit evidence of their work experience as well as three references from individuals who can attest to their knowledge and skills in quality assurance auditing. Upon successful completion of this process, applicants will be awarded the CQAA certification which is valid for three years before requiring renewal.

10. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful Six Sigma practitioners. The program focuses on teaching the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma, which is a set of tools and techniques used to improve business processes and increase efficiency.

The certification typically takes about three months to complete, depending on the provider. It consists of both online courses and in-person training sessions. During the course, participants will learn about process improvement, statistical analysis, problem solving, data collection and analysis techniques, project management, and other related topics.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited provider. You can find providers offering this certification through the American Society for Quality or other organizations that offer certifications in Lean Six Sigma.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD. This includes the cost of materials such as books and study guides as well as any fees associated with taking the exam.

11. ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and ability to audit organizations against the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) standard. This certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for auditing, managing, or implementing QMS standards in their organization.

The duration of the ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification course depends on the training provider and the type of course chosen. Generally, courses range from two to five days in length.

To become certified as an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor, you must complete a training program approved by the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA). IRCA-approved training programs are offered by many organizations worldwide. It is important to research different providers and select one that best meets your needs.

The cost of ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider and the type of course chosen. Generally speaking, courses can range from $1,500 to $4,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Warranty Administrator Certificate?

Whether you need a warranty administrator certificate or not depends on your job requirements. If you are applying for a job that requires a warranty administrator certificate, then it is necessary to have one. However, if the job does not require such a certification, then it may not be necessary to obtain one.

Warranty administration is an important role within many companies and organizations. It involves ensuring that all warranties are properly managed and maintained. This includes tracking the expiration dates of warranties, dealing with customer inquiries related to warranties, and administering claims when they occur. A warranty administrator must also be knowledgeable about the various regulations and laws governing warranties in order to ensure compliance with them. A certificate in this field can demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills needed for this role.

In addition to demonstrating knowledge of warranty administration, having a warranty administrator certificate can also make an individual more competitive when it comes to job applications. It shows employers that the applicant has taken the time to obtain formal training in this area and is committed to their professional development.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a warranty administrator certificate depends on the specific requirements of your job or the job you are applying for. If obtaining such a certification will help you stand out from other applicants or improve your chances of success in your current role, then it may be worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Warranty Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Warranty Administrator Certifications

Q1: What is a Warranty Administrator Certification?

A1: A Warranty Administrator Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of warranty administration. The certification provides assurance to employers, customers, and other stakeholders that the holder has the necessary skillset to manage warranty programs effectively.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Warranty Administrator?

A2: To become certified as a Warranty Administrator, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by a recognized certification body such as PMI or ASQ. Depending on the body, you may also need to have some level of experience in the field before taking the exam.

Q3: What are the benefits of having a Warranty Administrator Certification?

A3: Having a Warranty Administrator Certification can help demonstrate your expertise in warranty management and increase your employability. It can also lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries due to increased job security. Additionally, it can provide customers with confidence that their warranty programs are being managed by someone with the appropriate qualifications and experience.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a Warranty Administrator?

A4: The amount of time required varies depending on the certification body and training program chosen. Generally speaking, it takes around 6-12 months to complete all requirements for certification.

Q5: Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Warranty Administrator Certification?

A5: Yes, most certifying bodies require holders of the certification to maintain their credentials through continuing education activities such as attending workshops or taking additional exams.