How To Get Quality Control Certification: A Guide To Boosting Your Career

Quality control (QC) certification can give your career a valuable boost by equipping you with specialized skills to ensure standards in manufacturing, service, healthcare and other industries. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain what QC certification involves, its key benefits, eligibility requirements, and top certifications to consider pursuing as a quality professional.

What Is Quality Control Certification?

Quality control certification formally validates your knowledge and competency in quality assurance principles tools and processes. It is issued by accredited organizations upon successful completion of an examination.

Obtaining certification demonstrates that you possess the expertise to monitor and maintain quality standards in an organization It can boost your credibility and career advancement prospects as a quality assurance specialist or manager

Why Get Quality Control Certified?

Here are some of the main reasons to consider getting certified in quality control:

• Validates your skills – Certification provides objective proof that you can apply QC theory. This can improve hiring and promotion chances.

• Increased earnings – Certified professionals often command higher salaries and earn more over their careers.

• Job mobility – Certification makes it easier to transition between industries as an in-demand quality expert.

• Personal growth – Preparing for certification expands your QA skills and knowledge.

• Professional development – Maintaining certification through recertification requirements ensures you stay updated on the latest best practices and tools.

So in short, becoming certified can pay dividends through better job prospects, higher pay, mobility and enriching your expertise.

Key Eligibility Requirements

While requirements vary between specific QC certifications, here are some typical eligibility criteria:

• Educational background – A high school diploma or GED is generally required at minimum. Degrees in STEM fields provide a strong foundation.

• Work experience – Some practical experience in quality control, manufacturing, engineering or a related field is often needed.

• Examination – Passing a comprehensive written exam testing your grasp of quality principles, tools, analysis and more.

• Recertification – Maintaining active status through continuing education and retesting every 3 years usually.

• Code of ethics – Agreeing to abide by professional ethics when obtaining and renewing certification.

Meeting eligibility prerequisites ensures you have the base of knowledge and skills to demonstrate through certification.

Top Certifications To Consider

Here are some of the most popular and respected QC certifications:

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

Offered by the American Society for Quality, the CQI focuses on inspection, audits and testing best practices. Some key details:

• No experience required
• Multiple-choice exam
• Recertify every 3 years

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

Also from ASQ, the CQT covers intermediate quality principles, probability, inspection and tools.

• 2 years experience required
• Essay-format exam
• Recertify every 3 years

ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belt

A Green Belt certification proves your ability to support improvement projects.

• Experience not compulsory
• Written exam
• Recertify every 3 years

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

This advanced certification measures expertise in quality systems and analysis.

• 8 years experience required
• Written exam
• Recertify every 3 years

Consider your current skill level and career goals when deciding which certification to pursue first. ASQ also offers specialized certifications like CSSGB in software quality and CQA in auditing.

Exam Preparation Tips

Here are some useful tips for preparing to pass your QC certification exam:

• Use official exam content outlines – The testing body’s content guide outlines the exact topics covered. Tailor your study plan accordingly.

• Understand key concepts – Learn core methodologies like PDCA, DMAIC, Sampling, SPC and Approval Testing inside-out.

• Utilize practice exams – Taking realistic practice tests helps you get comfortable with the format and identify knowledge gaps.

• Study real-world cases – Review actual case studies to deepen understanding of real-life application.

• Join online forums – Connect with others preparing for the same exam to exchange tips and resources.

• Take a prep course – Structured courses often provide valuable instruction and material to supplement self-study.

With diligent preparation, you can comfortably pass your exam. Be sure to give yourself sufficient study time of 2-3 months.

Maintaining Your Certification

Once certified, you must fulfill recertification requirements every few years to remain current. Here are some recertification tips:

• Review recertification rules – Requirements like timeframes, fees and CEU credits vary between certifications. Stay on top of your specific guidelines.

• Track renewal dates – Record your renewal timeframe so you don’t miss deadlines and lose active status. Set calendar reminders.

• Earn CEUs – Attend conferences, training seminars, webinars or courses to earn Continuing Education Units for recertification.

• Consider multiple certs – Earning a more advanced certification may count towards renewing others you hold.

• Re-take the exam – Alternatively, you can simply retake the certification exam to qualify for a new 3-year cycle. Use this to refresh knowledge.

Meeting ongoing requirements demonstrates your commitment to stay skilled. Lapses in certification can negatively impact your career.

Career Advancement With Certification

QC certification can strengthen your resume and supercharge your career advancement. Here are some of the ways it can help:

• Apply for promotions – Certification boosts your chances of being promoted to lead, supervisor or manager roles in quality.

• Transition industries – Your transportable certification can open doors to quality roles in other sectors.

• Negotiate higher pay – Leverage your certification when negotiating salaries at a new or existing job.

• Gain expertise – Complement your practical experience with expanded QC knowledge that certification provides.

• Pursue advanced degrees – Some certifications may count towards credits in quality-related graduate degree programs.

Don’t keep your certification attainment to yourself – ensure it is highlighted prominently on your resume and social profiles.

Is Quality Control Certification Worth It?

Investing the time, effort and money to achieve QC certification is well worth it for the right individuals. It can significantly enhance your career prospects and earnings potential.

However, certification may provide less value for some roles like basic manufacturing inspectors and auditors who do more task-oriented work. The sweet spot is quality professionals seeking to grow into leadership positions.

Ultimately you should weigh the benefits against costs based on your own career goals and circumstances. The rewards are substantial for those with ambition.

Alternative Options

Quality control certification is not the only route for advancement. Here are some alternative options to consider:

• On-the-job training – Hands-on learning while working under an experienced quality manager can impart great skills.

• Associate’s degree – A more affordable and faster option than a Bachelor’s degree with focused curriculum.

• Certificate programs – Shorter college-level certificate programs in quality control provide an academic credential.

• Apprenticeships – Paid on-the-job apprenticeships let you gain experience while working towards a journeyman certificate.

• Vendor courses – Product-specific training courses offered by technology vendors like SAP and Oracle.

Evaluate alternatives like these based on your career goals, gaps and budget. They may work better depending on the circumstances.

Final Tips For Getting Certified

Here are some final tips to help you succeed in getting quality control certified:

• Research multiple certifications to find the best fit based on your experience level, skills and career aspirations.

• Be realistic about the time commitment needed for adequate exam preparation.

• Seek exam fee reimbursement from your employer if possible. This reduces out-of-pocket costs.

• Consider bootcamps and prep courses if you need help with structured learning.

• Network with certified quality professionals to gain insider exam tips and career growth advice.

• Use certification as a stepping stone rather than end goal. Look to continually expand your skills and experience.

With smart planning and effort, quality control certification can provide a major boost for your career. Invest in yourself by getting certified.