How to Be Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 16, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) designation is a mark of excellence in the engineering industry. It is achieved by demonstrating a high level of knowledge and competency in quality engineering principles and practices. Becoming a CQE means that engineers have acquired the necessary skills to assure product and service quality, while reducing costs and improving customer satisfaction.

As a result, CQE-certified engineers are highly sought after by employers and can enjoy higher salaries, better job security, and greater career advancement opportunities. they are able to use the designation to demonstrate their technical proficiency and commitment to quality engineering, which can help increase their chances of success on any project or task.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a degree in quality assurance. Quality assurance covers a wide range of topics, including problem solving, statistics, and process improvement. Many employers require that applicants have a bachelors degree in engineering, industrial technology, or a related field.
Obtain certifications or training in quality assurance. Certification or training in quality assurance can help you stand out to employers. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers several certifications, such as the Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
Gain experience in quality assurance. Most employers require at least three years of experience in quality assurance for CQE certification. You can gain experience in quality assurance through internships, volunteer work, and entry-level positions.
Apply for the CQE. Once you have the necessary experience and credentials, you can apply for the CQE certification through ASQ. You will need to submit a resume and proof of experience, as well as pass an exam.
Renew your CQE certification. The CQE certification must be renewed every three years. You must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education, participate in professional development activities, and pay a renewal fee.

The Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification that demonstrates the individual's skill and knowledge in quality engineering principles and practices. Having a CQE demonstrates a commitment to quality engineering, which is an essential part of any successful product or service. The CQE provides the skills and knowledge required for developing and implementing high-quality products and services that are reliable and efficient.

CQE holders are qualified to understand customer requirements and convert them into product specifications, develop process control plans, and design quality assurance plans. they can identify potential problems, establish corrective actions, and evaluate system performance. With these skills, CQE holders are able to ensure that products and services are designed, manufactured, and delivered in accordance with customer requirements, industry standards, and government regulations.

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Job Description

Develop and implement quality assurance plans and procedures.
Monitor and review product performance against established quality standards.
Develop and analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine present standards and establish proposed quality and reliability expectancy of finished product.
Assess customer requirements and make sure they are met.
Investigate customer complaints and non-conformance issues.
Devise sampling procedures and directions for recording and reporting quality data.
Develop, recommend, and monitor corrective and preventive actions.
Ensure all quality documentation meets requirements of applicable ISO and other standards.
Develop, maintain, and audit procedures for inspection, testing, and evaluation.
Monitor product conformity to applicable laws and regulations.
Prepare reports to communicate outcomes of quality activities.
Evaluate audit findings and implement appropriate corrective actions.
Serve as a liaison between suppliers, customers, and internal departments to ensure quality requirements are met.
Oversee development of new products to ensure quality standards are met.
Train, coach, and mentor other quality engineers.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of Quality Concepts: Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Improvement, 5S, Lean, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management
Understanding of Statistical Analysis
Ability to Develop Quality Standards
Ability to Develop and Implement Quality Auditing
Ability to Develop and Implement Quality Systems
Understanding of Product and Process Design and Development
Knowledge of Quality Tools: Flowcharts, Fishbone Diagrams, Pareto Charts, Control Charts, Cause-and-Effect Diagrams
Understanding of Problem Solving Techniques
Knowledge of Regulatory Requirements and Standards
Project Management Skills

Having a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification is an essential skill for any employee in the quality engineering field. This certification demonstrates a commitment to quality assurance and provides employers with assurance that the engineer is properly trained to perform quality engineering tasks. With this certification, engineers become more knowledgeable in quality engineering principles, standards, and processes, which can lead to improved product performance, increased customer satisfaction, and ultimately greater profitability for the organization.

having a CQE certification can open up more job opportunities in the quality engineering field and provide engineers with the opportunity to work in various industries. obtaining a CQE certification is a great way to demonstrate a commitment to quality assurance and increase the chances of success in the quality engineering field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Certified Quality Engineer?
How have your past roles enabled you to develop your skills as a CQE?
How do you ensure that quality standards are met in production processes?
What strategies do you use to analyze and improve the efficiency of production processes?
How do you stay up to date on the latest advances in quality engineering?
How do you handle conflicting demands between customer requirements and production constraints?
What methods do you use to ensure that quality requirements are met during product development?
Describe a challenging quality issue you faced and how you addressed it.
What techniques do you use to identify root causes of quality problems?
Describe a successful project you have completed as a CQE.

Common Tools in Industry

Root Cause Analysis (RCA). A systematic approach for identifying the underlying cause of a problem or issue. (eg: 5 Whys)
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). A method used to identify potential risks and evaluate the severity of those risks. (eg: Risk Priority Number)
Process Mapping. A visual representation of the steps and activities involved in a process. (eg: Value Stream Mapping)
Statistical Process Control (SPC). A system of monitoring and control that uses statistical methods to detect changes in a process. (eg: Control Charts)
Design of Experiments (DOE). A structured approach to designing experiments to identify the most important variables that affect a system or process. (eg: Taguchi Method)
Quality Function Deployment (QFD). A tool used to analyze customer requirements and translate them into product or process design criteria. (eg: House of Quality)
Six Sigma. A set of techniques and tools for process improvement focused on reducing variation and eliminating defects. (eg: DMAIC)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
International Quality Federation (IQF)
Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA)
International Network for Quality Assurance Professionals (INQAP)
European Organization for Quality (EOQ)
The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI)
American Society for Quality Control (ASQC)
Quality Management Institute (QMI)
International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

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Common Important Terms

Six Sigma. A business management strategy used to improve the quality of products and services by identifying and reducing defects and variation.
Quality Assurance (QA). A set of activities that ensure products meet customer requirements and are fit for purpose.
Quality Control (QC). A process of verifying that products meet established quality standards.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA). A process used to identify the underlying cause of a problem or defect.
Statistical Process Control (SPC). A process of monitoring and controlling the production process to ensure it is operating within acceptable limits.
Total Quality Management (TQM). A business management strategy used to improve the quality of products and services by continuously improving processes and customer satisfaction.
Lean Manufacturing. A business management strategy used to reduce waste and improve efficiency by eliminating non-value-adding steps in the production process.
Design of Experiments (DOE). A technique used to optimize a process by systematically varying the input factors and measuring their effects on the output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Certified Quality Engineer? A1: A Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional designation awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) to individuals who demonstrate a mastery of the body of knowledge in the field of quality engineering. Q2: What is required to become a Certified Quality Engineer? A2: To become a Certified Quality Engineer, applicants must have a minimum of 8 years of work experience in quality engineering, with at least 3 years in a decision-making role, and pass the CQE exam administered by ASQ. Q3: How many questions are on the CQE exam? A3: The CQE exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions. Q4: What topics are covered on the CQE exam? A4: The CQE exam covers topics such as quality concepts and principles, quality assurance, quality control, statistical analysis, product design and development, and process improvement. Q5: How much does it cost to take the CQE exam? A5: The cost to take the CQE exam is $449 for ASQ members and $554 for non-members.