Certified Quality Engineer
Status as a Certified Quality Engineer can increase your salary as much as $5,000!
Look at all the leading companies and notice the quality of their products and services explains their success. A case in point is the birth of Six Sigma at Motorola. This genesis came about an analysis of warranty claims in the 1980’s. They discovered reworked product had a higher likelihood of failing before the warranty expired. This was in stark contrast to those products manufactured right first time. They continued to perform beyond the warranty period. This stunning revelation fueled the drive to produce zero defects and the desire to achieve what came to be 6 sigma quality. The result was a renewed focus on quality and the need to engineer zero defects into their products and services. For Motorola it translated into public popularity, increased sales and profitability. Recently, Toyota automobiles experienced recalls driven by poor quality engineering. It had a major impact on safety, their reputation and profitability.
The Quality Engineer is an individual who understands how to control product and service quality. This includes the development and operation of quality control systems. Designing and implementing testing and inspection procedures. Using metrology and statistical methods to investigate and correct improper quality. An understanding of motivation and human factors. How to put in place cost of quality techniques. Installing quality information systems and auditing them for deficiencies.
In Canada and the United States, quality engineering is a discipline gained through on the job experience. It is also taught through continuing education at local colleges or universities. The basis for their curriculum is a body of knowledge developed by the American Society for Quality. To the best of my knowledge, no formal degree program exists in Canada or the United States. But, I have noticed graduate programs in quality have been popping up.
My own personal journey took me to the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester NY. There I obtained my graduate degree from the College of Engineering in Quality and Applied Statistics. This had an enormous impact on my career. I had the experience and knowledge to pioneer six sigma tools and methods in corporate Canada. Shortly thereafter I became the first ASQ certified six sigma black belt in Canada and first cohort in North America. This journey began when I became a certified quality engineer. It provided a platform upon which I gained my graduate degree. It opened a door into six sigma and thereafter my experiences resulted in recognition from ASQ as a fellow of the society.
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) defines certification as,
“… formal recognition by ASQ that an individual has proficiency within, and a comprehension of, a specified body of knowledge. It is peer recognition, not registration or licensure.”
ASQ has a long and prosperous tradition in quality engineering. Pioneers in the field of quality founded ASQ. They include Walter A. Shewhart, Mason E. Wescott, Ellis R. Ott, and John W. Tukey.
Becoming a Certified Quality Engineer provides peer recognition from the largest society promoting quality. Not only does the society have more than 85,000 members many of the leading corporations around the world endorse it. The latest salary survey from the American Society for Quality shows a full-time quality engineer, in Canada, earns on-average $64,633. But a Certified Quality Engineer earns $69,241 on average. This is an average increase of $4,607.
To become a Certified Quality Engineer, the applicant must meet several requirements. The applicant must have a total of eight years of on the job experience. At least 3 years must be in a decision-making position. If you graduated with a college diploma, bachelors or Masters Degree 2, 4, or 5 years may be waiver. In my case, I had four years of on the job quality experience as an engineer, supervisor and manager. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, thus four years where waived. I wrote the CQE exam in the early 1990’s and gained certification with ASQ.
The CQE exam consists of multiple-choice questions. The questions test an persons comprehension of the body of knowledge. The exam consists of 180 questions and the applicant has five hours to complete the exam. The exam is only offered in English. Examinations take place twice a year, in June and December, by local ASQ sections across Canada. The use of reference materials and calculators is allows but previous study exams are not.
The body of knowledge spans the following subject areas and topics shown in Table 1. Four out of the six subject areas have a technical focus and cover about 80% of the questions on the exam. There is an emphasis on product and process design, product and process control, continuous improvement, and quantitative methods. The complete CQE Body of Knowledge is available from ASQ. It goes into greater details versus levels of cognition, based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, for each of the topics describe in Table 1.
CQE Body of Knowledge
If you want to become a Certified Quality Engineer then go to ASQ.org and download an application. The cost to apply and write the exam varies as there is a cost for members and non-members. Once you submit your application you will need to choose your exam date. Make sure you have given yourself suitable time to prepare for the exam. You have one opportunity to reschedule your initial exam and have up to one year after your original date. In the event you wish to cancel your exam, you must notify ASQ no later than 6 business days before your exam. In each of the previous cases, you will receive a refund minus an administrative charge. In the event you miss your exam you will lose all fees and need to re-apply.
Many resources are available to assist you. Your local ASQ section will be able to guide you. Some applicants will choose a course of self-study. If you choose this route, the Quality Council of Indiana offers self-study material that will be of use. But this course of study requires focus and discipline or refresher courses are available. Look to your local ASQ section for a refresher course or consider online training from ASQ.
Writing the exam can be a daunting task. I have met many applicants that had the required knowledge but failed to get certification. The reason why they failed – they put enormous pressure upon themselves. My conversations with many applicants shows that they would enjoy the opportunity to take a practice exam. I created a free web-based CQE e-learning Practice Exams site for applicants. It helps you get a “feel” for what you might expect on the CQE exam. You can test your knowledge, grade your efforts and see which subject area requires more study. It can give you an enhanced level of confidence.
To register for the CQE e-learning Exam Site go to www.tkmg.org. Click on the Sign-Up button located under the User Login section. You will receive an email once you are a registered user. Once you become a registered user go to www.tkmg.org. In the User login section click on the Login button and enter your User Name and Password emailed to you during registration. Once logged in, you will gain access to the Member Site where you can take advantage of many CQE e-Learning Exams.
Hello,
My background is in Quality Assurance and have been working in this field for 10+ years. My experience is in auditing and ISO 9001. I am not an engineer and am seeking the CQE for peer recognition. I don’t have experience or prior knowledge in quantitative methods or statistics. How can I gain the statistical knowledge in preparation for the CQE exam as the exam has 30+ questions in this area? Thanks Pam
Hello Pam.
The only thing I could suggest is that you search for a prep course that addresses this section of the ASQ exam.
Hello Andrew,
I hope you are well and safe,
I have some questions regarding being eligible for attending exam , now I live in Canada and both my master degree in electrical engineering-control and my work experinces were outside of Canada. My question is based on your knowledge , work related experinces acquired outside Canada, is ok enough to participate in the exam? Quality control engineer.
Hello Omid.
Assuming the admission requirements have not changed, you can wave 50% of your years of experience. The reminder of your experience needs to be tied to your experience. However, I do not believe that experience needs to be in a specific country as ASQ is a global organization. I believe you will need to provide documentation verifying your education and experience. Once this is reviewed by ASQ they will render a decision about having you gain access to the CQE exam.
Hello, Andrew,
I am a Materials Science Engineer with Master Degree, had four years of work experience in R&D of lithium battery and printing. Start from last year, I have the feeling that there are so many limitations for a Master degree Engineer in R&D side, so I studied the Six sigma GB and passed the ASQ Six sigma GB last year.
I am planning to get the CQE this year. Do you think CSSGB and CQE certification will help me to transfer to be a process engineer or quality engineer?
Thank you
I found that the CQE was the foundation for the CSSBB. So, if you plan to write the CQE exam and pass then I would consider writing the CSSBB. Together they have served me well. Hopefully it will do the same for you.
Best Regards,
Andrew
Hi andrew
I am Master’s In Pharma and Biotechnology Management.
I have 5 years of experience as a Quality Control Chemist in KSA.
Am I eligible for CQE and would that be helpful in pursuing career in Gulf regions.
Kindly comment
When I last checked, you needed a combined 8 years of experience where your education could account for 4 years. I would verify this at ASQ. I would then suggest you obtain ASQ’s latest salary guide and see how getting a CQE might increase your salary potential. Hopefully they have data for the gulf region.
Best Regards,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for this article, it was very informative. I graduate soon with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. I do not have any experience in Quality, but I’m very passionate about having a career in quality management. I’m having a hard time finding a suitable certification which would help me find a job in quality engineering.
I’ve had a few statistical and quality courses in the past, but I do not know if they would be much helpful in finding a job after I graduate. Most of the certifications ask for a certain level of experience.
Do you have any suggestions for a recent graduate like me starting out new in the field? Anything I can learn to improve my chances of being employed in Southern Ontario?
Thanks in advance for the advice. I really appreciate it.
Regards,
Ujwal
Hello Ujwal. Congratulations on soon completing your Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
I see that you are emailing from the University of Windsor. If so, Windsor is a region that is heavily into automotive.
I trust you will be able to secure a job in this region. If so, I would suggest that you look for work at a company that also has operations in the United States.
In doing so there is an opportunity to gain cross boarder experience and potentially have your employer sponsor your time in the United States.
If you wish to work in the Quality Field, and intent to get Certification with ASQ as a Quality Engineer then you will need 8 years of experience. However, 4 years are waived because of your graduate degree. That means you will need to have 4 years of experience to gain access to the CQE Exam. Remember, work during co-op terms count. So if you did co-op for 1 year then you only need 3 years of experience.
Good luck in your future endeavours.
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for sharing this article and your knowledge with all of us.
I have been in the Quality Management industry for over 13 years working in oil/gas, industrial and commercial projects.
I believe getting my CQE certification would be an asset in my career, however I’m experiencing a hard time to find a preparation course in Canada. Is only in the US where ASQ provides CQE training?
Thanks again,
Peter
Hello Peter, unfortunately I am not aware of a CQE prep course in Canada.
Many years ago, when I got my CQE, I did so through self study. I purchased a CQE refresher book from Tom Pyzdek. That book contained an old CQE exam with answers to each question. I believe it also included a practise exam. So I self studied and made sure I understood each question.
Thanks a lot for your valuable inputs. I am an electrical engineer with almost 6+ years of experience in the construction industry and would like to veer into the manufacturing/production/services industry. Will the CQE certification be sufficient for me to get new opportunities?
I find that the CQE was important for peer recognition. If you can find an organization that values CQE certification then it may be helpful.
Hello,
I am working in Quality Department since 2013 but I want to to CQE certification. I have 3 years technical diploma. Could you please advise where I can do this training and exam?
it will be good for my career, Now I am in Saudi arabia.
Hello Rasheed.
You can go to the following link: https://www.qualitycouncil.com/
Here you will find training materials to help you study for the CQE exam.
Please go to this ASQ webpage to get additional details to qualify and write ASQ’s CQE exam.
https://asq.org/cert/quality-engineer
Hello Andrew. Thank you for detailing your experiences with quality, ASQ, and CQE.
I have nearly six years in quality, with the last year as a Quality Engineer. I am considering two different tracks; either pursing CQE (in 2+ years) or an engineering degree (4+ years). In your opinion, does a CQE hold the same merits as an engineering degree in the world of Quality?
Hello Joshua.
In my opinion, I would go for an engineering degree.
An engineering degree will get you further in your career. Once you get your engineering degree I would then consider getting your CQE. I consider a CQE designation as a complement for an engineering degree.
The CQE is not a valid engineering designation – it is only peer recognition among ASQ members.
In many jurisdictions, the profession of engineering is only by license. So, a CQE is not a license to practice engineering.
Best Regards,
Andrew
Hi Andrew
My native is India, but presently in Canada working as a Quality Engineer for the past one year. Interested to get CQE certification but I need to know whether I am eligible or not .
My background is bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and 5 yrs of experience as a Production engineer in India. Is that can i waive the 4 years with the production engineer experience I had.
Hello Sivaraj.
I recommend that you approach you local ASQ section leadership to discuss this question.
Most ASQ sections have a monthly meeting. If you are in the Toronto Section that event is held on a Wednesday.
I am sure if you bring this question to their attention they would be happy to give you guidance.
Best Regards,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
I am a recent college graduate with a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. I am currently working as a Supplier Quality Engineer and have a year’s worth of experience under my belt. I am interested in getting the CQE certification but I understand I only fill up to 5 of the 8 year requirement. Is the 8 year rule a hard stop? Would there be any alternative to further my career and get training in quality besides on the job training?
Hello Mo.
The 8 year requirement is something you need to meet.
If you have co-cop experience during your schooling in Engineering that may count.
Andrew first of all I want to say thank you for sharing this article, really helpful advice.
Could you please provide some insight if you still respond to comments here:
My question is will a CQE certification prepare you for a career as a quality engineer? I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. I have approximately 4 years of professional experience ranging from sales/financial management/and supply chain business analytics in the automotive industry. (I know that’s diverse, but I plan on my career staying within the automotive industry, I really enjoy the analysis aspect).
My interest stems from constant interaction with several engineering factions within our plant ranging from manufacturing to quality. My ultimate goal is to pursue a path in quality. It seems like a field with a LOT of opportunity. I just can not commit to leaving my current job to pursue college full time.
Is there any way to get into quality engineering with a bachelors in business, working full time, without going back to school? I understand the certification is a big commitment. I can do that.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.. I apologize for being long winded.
Thanks!
Hi Kyle.
To be honest, I’m not sure that getting a CQE will prepare you for a career on the technical side of Quality – because – getting your CQE really depends on prior experience and education. In fact, this is the only way you can gain entry into the CQE exam.
The CQE is a peer recognition award but getting it is a good way to show employers you have been recognized. Having said that, I know a lot of people that have a career in Quality without getting the CQE. But most of these people are not working in Quality Engineering, rather, they work in the administrative side of Quality such as ISO systems and auditing.
If you want to work on the technical side of Quality, I would recommend taking an evening program (continuing education) at a local college. From here I would then get experience and follow that up with the CQE. Some college programs also offer Six Sigma training which I believe can be pursued part-time.
If you let me know what region you are located in, I can see if there are any programs that might be of interest to you.
Take care,
Andrew
Hey Andrew thanks for the response! I’m actually looking into six sigma certification. I’m fairly confident my employer will fully reimburse costs for six sigma courses but I can double check.
My current role is very much hands on with the quality teams, I just don’t have technical engineering education. My field is business but I’d like to pivot into quality without having to get another undergrad degree. It may be something I would consider doing if absolutely necessary and available online.
I’d really appreciate if you could offer any advice as far as available programs in my area. I’m in the Jackson, MS area.
Thanks again!
Hello Kyle
If your employer is willing to pay for the training, then I would suggest that you consider taking a Six Sigma Program from Mississippi State University. Here is a link you can check out: http://www.cavse.msstate.edu/workshops/
Good luck and all the best!
Andrew
Andrew, thanks again for all the advice! I appreciate the help and will be looking into the program.
I have 8 years experience as Analytical chemist in pharmaceutical research and development.
Will quality engineer certification help me in career enhancement.
Many thanks
Santhosh
Hello Santhosh.
That depends on whether or not you intend to pursue a career in quality.
If so, I would say yes. If not, then I’m not sure if getting a CQE would be helpful.
Hi Andrew,
I have 2 years of experience in a quality engineer role and almost 1 more year in other roles. I have a master’s in Industrial Engineering. Would it be a good time to try the certification exam?
Also, it would be very helpful if you could suggest text books that would aid in the preparation for the exam.
Thank you,
Srihari Jagannath
Hello Srihari
If I correctly recall the ASQ CQE admission requirements, 8 years of experience is required.
Five years are waived for having a masters degree thereby leaving 3 years of work experience.
In your case, it appears that you meet this requirement.
Please verify this with ASQ.
For study materials I would suggest that you check with the Quality Council of Indiana.
Best Regards,
Andrew
I’m only now looking into the CQE accreditation. I’ve been working in quality for 7 years now, 6 of those as a Project Quality Manager on large construction projects in Canada. ASQ is nearly unheard of in Canada, but I’d like to move to larger, global projects in the US or Overseas.
Is the CQE truly recognized globally? Would you say it is nearly necessary to gain the certification to compete in the global market, adding to my existing AWS and NACE certifications?
I can only speak from my experience. The CQE has value in Southern Ontario and the United States. As for any other region or countries, I am unsure is it is popular. If you plan to work in the United States, I would think that getting a CQE designation may be helpful.
Andrew
ASQ is far to restrictive for those wanting to further advance themselves with certifications. They require a preposterous number of years of experience to be allowed to take the exams. How is someone supposed to get that experience when they need to get the certifications to get the experience… It’s an endless loop that ASQ is creating instead of helping remove… The opposite of the organizations purpose!
Hello Daniel. You are right. You do need to get the experience to qualify to become a Certified Quality Engineer.
If memory serves me correctly, a person needs 8 years of experience to Qualify to write the exam. In my case, 4 years were waived because i had a undergraduate degree.
Once I graduated from school I took any job that I could find that would help me earn that experience. It was not easy. Back in the day when I graduated, the economy wasn’t doing that well.
When i did qualify to write the exam I discovered it wasn’t easy. Back in that day, ASQ had two parts to the exam. The Theory portion was 3 hours and the Application portion was another 3 hours written in the afternoon.
The reason why they want 8 years of experience is because the exam tests your knowledge in various areas and it would take about 8 years to get that kind of experience outside an educational institution.
If ASQ waived the experience requirement I suspect many people would find the exam difficult.
Thanks a lot. can i used the CQE certification with MBA in quality management to apply for a doctorate programme in industrial engineering eventhough i studies Publishing Studies in my First degree?
Hello Elijah, the CQE is a peer-to-peer recognition designation that is sponsored by ASQ. To the best of my knowledge, an academic institution won’t consider CQE status towards a doctorate program in Industrial Engineering.
Best Regards,
Andrew