Understanding ASQ Certification Tracks for Succeeding as Quality

Professionals

Minnesota Section 1208American Society for Quality

Bill Hamann March 13th, 2018

Speaker Bio• 25 years Medical Device Manufacturing

Boston Scientific - 15 ½ years Gyrus/ACMI/Olympus - 3 ½ years RTI Remmele Medical (Contract Manufacturing) - 3 ½ years St. Jude Medical / Abbott - 2 ½ years

• Senior ASQ member • Member since 1992• CQE – 1998• Certified Lead Auditor – 2004• Certified Manager Quality & Organizational Excellence – 2008• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt – 2017• Recently joined Education Committee and Instructor group

Existing ASQ Certification Career Tracks

Agenda

• Ice Breaker-Why get ASQ Certified?• Background/History of ASQ Certs• Who, What, Why, When, Where (How to become certified?)• Traditional vs. Make your own path• Bodies of Knowledge (BOKs)• Fact Sheets / Inserts• Examples-how I have used the ASQ Cert Tracks

References• ASQ website• Wikipedia website• Quality Progress March 2018• Quality Digest• Quality Council of Indiana Primers• MN ASQ Website

Why get ASQ Certified?

• Taking credit for work accomplishments/experience• Training and Development

• Staying current with Industry/Technology• Exploring related positions

• Growth Opportunities-promotion, new positions• Competing with others• Discovering other industry options and tools• Increased salary/wages

Quality Digest Article – Are you Certifiable?

• “According to the latest ASQ salary survey, those with certificates earn considerably more than those without. "For example, the average salary for quality engineers without certification is $52,600, and it's just under $60,000 for those who are Certified Quality Engineers," explains Harthun.” "The largest difference is with reliability engineers. Without ASQ certification, the average salary is $59,500, and with certification it's $82,500." – Quality Digest

Background/History of ASQ Certs*Year

created Certification ASQ initials Covers Comments

1968 Engineer CQE Principle of product and service, quality evaluation, and control.

1970 Technician CQT Quality problem, analysis, inspection sampling plans and statistical process control applications.

1972 Reliability Engineer CRE Principles of performance evaluation for product

and system safety, reliability, and maintainability.American Society for Quality Reliability Division

1984 Inspector CQIHardware documentation, lab, and calibration procedures, inspection, process performance, data collection, and reports.

Initially known as mechanical inspector (CMI).

1987 Auditor CQAStandards and principles of auditing, questions, evaluations and reports for quality system adequacy.

* Info taken from Wikipedia and ASQ websites

Background/History of ASQ CertsYear

created Certification ASQ initials Covers Comments

1995 Manager

CMQ/OE (CQM: 1995-2005)

Champions process improvement initiatives and supports strategic planning and deployment initiatives.

Changed to Certified Manager of Quality/ Organizational Excellence in 2006 to reflect the broader scope of the quality manager's position.

1996Software Quality Engineer

CSQE

Development of software processes, measurement, verification, and validation, analytical methods, and quality management.

1996 CQA-HACCPCHA since 2004

Developed to test applicants knowledge of the HACCP standards.

Changed to Certified HACCP Auditor in 2004.

2000 Improvement Associate CQIA

Designed to test basic knowledge of quality tools and their uses, along with involvement in quality improvement projects.

Background/History of ASQ CertsYear

created Certification ASQ initials Covers Comments

2001 Six SigmaBlack Belt CSSBB To demonstrate competency in Six Sigma

methods.

2002 CQA-biomedical

CBA since 2005.

Understands principles of standards, regulations, directives, and guidance for auditing a biomedical system.

Changed to Certified Biomedical Auditor in 2005.

2003 Calibration Technician CCT

Tests, maintains, and repairs electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, analytical, and electronic measuring/ recording equipment for conformance to established standards.

2005 Process Analyst CQPA Paraprofessional who analyzes and solves quality

problems and is quality improvement projects.

Background/History of ASQ CertsYear

created Certification ASQ initials Covers Comments

2006 Six Sigma Green Belt CSSGB

Paraprofessional who works with process development and documentation, collects, and summarizes data, and creates, and interprets multivar studies.

2009

Pharmaceuticalgood manufacturing practicesprofessional certification

CPGPTests applicant knowledge of principles as regulated and guided by national and international agencies.

2010Six Sigma Master Black Belt

CMBB To demonstrate master competency in six sigma methodology.

Background/History of ASQ CertsYear

created Certification ASQ initials Covers Comments

2016Supplier Quality Professional

CSQP

Works with an organization's supply chain and suppliers to continuously improve the performance of key system components by implementing process controls and developing quality assurance plans.

unknown Six Sigma Yellow Belt CSSYB

Entry-level employees who seek to improve their world or executive champions who require an overview of Six Sigma and the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) model.

Existing ASQ Certification Career Tracks

Who should become certified?

• Anybody that is not certified that could stand to benefit from certification

• Quality and non-Quality people• “According to the latest ASQ salary survey, those with certificates earn

considerably more than those without. "For example, the average salary for quality engineers without certification is $52,600, and it's just under $60,000 for those who are Certified Quality Engineers," explains Harthun.” "The largest difference is with reliability engineers. Without ASQ certification, the average salary is $59,500, and with certification it's $82,500." – Quality Digest

What certification is appropriate?

• Each person has a unique background• Either for current or future position• Stepping stone to newer level in a progression of jobs

• CQI -> CQT -> CQE -> CMQ&OE• CSSYB -> CSSGB -> CSSBB -> CMBB

When should I start the journey to certification?• Review your Individual Development Plan (0-1, 2-5, >5 years)• Focus on your strengths and interests• Find your aim point• Review the relevant Body of Knowledges (BOKs) to see what level you

are at and where to start

Where do I take the exam? (How do I get Certified?)• Historically, the exams were conducted two times per year at specific

Sites based on which Certification you were attaining• Exams are proctored today in various test centers and are done

throughout the year (Prometric, on-site) • Look for the nearest site and correct timing based on your goals and

preparation

Why is re-certification important?

• Staying current in your profession• Saving time to not retake 3-5 hour exams• Re-certification with multiple certifications (combined dates)• Using ASQ to replace/update non-ASQ Certifications

Traditional Career Tracks

March 2018 Quality Progress Article

Make Your own Career TrackTYPE Track: Initial (Vocational) Certifications Follow-On (Professional) Certifications

TechnicalTechnician CQI CQT CCT

Engineer CQE CRE

Lean/SS CSSYB CSSGB CSSBB CMBB

Speciality

Supplier CQSP

Software CQSE

Food CHA

Pharma CPGP

LeadershipAnalyst CQIA CQPA

Auditor CQA CBA

Manager CMQ/OE

Find an aimpoint and make a path

Bodies of Knowledge (BOKs) subject areas

I will go through 5

examples in some detail

CQIA (2014) 4 BOK subject areas (100* questions – 3 hours)I Quality Concepts (30 Questions)

-Terms, concepts, and principles-Benefits of quality -Quality philosophies

II Team Basics (20 Questions) -Team organization-Roles and responsibilities-Team formation & group dynamics

III Continuous Improvement Techniques (30 Questions)

-Continuous improvement-Process improvement -Quality improvement tools

IV Customer-Supplier Relations (20 Questions)

-Internal and external customers and suppliers -Customer satisfaction -Supplier management

* 110 questions with 10 additional ‘pilot’ questions on computer based test

CQT (2012) 6 subject areas (100* questions –4 hours) I Quality Concepts and Tools (22 Questions)

-Quality Concepts-Quality Tools-Team Functions

II Statistical Techniques (18 Questions)

-General Concepts -Calculations-Control Charts

III Metrology and Calibration (17 Questions)

-Types of measurement and test equipment (M&TE)-Control and maintenance of M&TE-Calibration of M&TE

* 110 questions with 10 additional ‘pilot’ questions on computer based test

CQT (2012) subject areas (continued)

IV Inspection and Test (23 Questions)

-Blueprint Reading and Interpretation-Inspection Concepts-Inspection Techniques and Processes-Sampling-Nonconforming material

V Quality Audits (11 Questions) -Audit types and terminology-Audit components-Audit tools and techniques-Audit communication tools

VI Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) (9 Questions)

-Corrective action -Preventive action

CQA (2013) 5 subject areas (165* questions –5 hours)I Auditing Fundamental (27 Questions)

-Types of Quality Audits-Purpose and Scope of Audits-Criteria to Audit Against-Roles and Responsibilities of Audit Participants-Professional Conduct and Consequences for Auditors

II Audit Process (42 Questions)-Audit Preparation and Planning-Audit Performance-Audit Reporting-Audit Follow-Up and Closure

* 150 questions with 15 additional ‘pilot’ questions on computer based test

CQA (2013) subject areas (continued)

III Auditor Competencies (25 Questions)

-Auditor Characteristics-On-Site Audit Resource Management-Conflict Resolution-Communication and Presentation Techniques-Interviewing Techniques-Team Dynamics

IV Audit Program Management and Business Applications (30 Questions)

-Audit Program Management-Business and Financial Impact-Audit Follow-Up and Closure

CQA (2013) subject areas (continued)

V Quality Tools and Techniques (26 Questions)

-Basic Quality and Problem-solving Tools-Process Improvement Techniques-Basic Statistics-Process Variation-Sampling Methods-Change Control and Configuration Management-Verification and Validation-Risk Management Tools

CQE (2016) 8 subject areas (175* questions –5 1/2 hours)I Management and Leadership (18 Questions)

-Quality Philosophies and Foundations-The Quality Management System (QMS)-ASQ Code of Ethics for Professional Conduct-Leadership Principles and Techniques-Facilitation Principles and Techniques-Communication Skills-Customer Relations-Supplier Management-Barriers to Quality Improvement

II The Quality System (16 Questions)

-Elements of the Quality System-Documentation of the Quality System-Quality Standards and Other Guidelines-Quality Audits-Cost of Quality (COQ)-Quality Training

* 160 questions with 15 additional ‘pilot’ questions on computer based test

CQE (2016) subject areas (continued)

III Product, Process, and Service Design (23 Questions)

-Classification of Quality Characteristics-Design Inputs and Review-Technical Drawings and Specifications-Verification and Validation-Reliability and Maintainability

IV. Product and Process Control (25 Questions)

-Methods-Material Control-Acceptance Sampling-Measurement and Test-Metrology-Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

CQE (2016) subject areas (continued)

V. Continuous Improvement (27 Questions)

-Quality Control Tools-Quality Management and Planning Tools-Continuous Improvement Methodologies-Lean tools-Corrective Action-Preventive Action

VI. Quantitative Methods and Tools (36 Questions)

-Collecting and Summarizing Data-Quantitative Concepts-Probability Distributions-Statistical Decision Making-Relationships Between Variables-Statistical Process Control (SPC)-Process and Performance Capability-Design and Analysis of Experiments

CQE (2016) subject areas (continued)

VII Risk Management (15 Questions)

-Risk Oversight-Risk Assessment-Risk Control-Corrective Action-Preventive Action

VI. Quantitative Methods and Tools (36 Questions)

-Collecting and Summarizing Data-Quantitative Concepts-Probability Distributions-Statistical Decision Making-Relationships Between Variables-Statistical Process Control (SPC)-Process and Performance Capability-Design and Analysis of Experiments

CMQ & OE 7 subject areas (150* questions –4 hours)I Leadership (25 Questions)

-Organizational Structures-Leadership Challenges-Teams and Team Processes-ASQ Code of Ethics

II Strategic Plan Development and Deployment (18 Questions)

-Strategic Planning Models-Business Environment Analysis-Strategic Plan Deployment

III Management Elements and Methods (30 Questions)

-Management Skills and Abilities-Communication Skills and Abilities-Project Management-Quality System-Quality Models and Theories

IV Quality Management Tools (30 Questions)

-Problem-Solving Tools-Process Management-Measurement: Assessment and Metrics

* 165 questions with 15 additional ‘pilot’ questions on computer based test-4 1/2 hours

CMQ&OE subject areas (continued)

V Customer-Focused Organizations (17 Questions)

-Customer Identification and Segmentation-Customer Relationship Management

VI Supply Chain Management (15 Questions)

-Supplier Selection-Supplier Communications-Supplier Performance-Supplier Improvement-Supplier Certification, Partnerships, and Alliances-Supplier Logistics and Material Acceptance

VII Training and Development (15 Questions)

-Training Plans-Training Needs Analysis-Training Materials, Development, and Delivery-Training Effectiveness and Evaluation

Bloom’s Taxonomy Levels of CognitionRemember • Recall or recognize terms, definitions, facts, ideas, materials, patterns, sequences, methods, principles, etc. Understand • Read and understand descriptions, communications, reports, tables, diagrams, directions, regulations, etc. Apply • Know when and how to use ideas, procedures, methods, formulas, principles, theories, etc. Analyze • Break down information into its constituent parts and recognize their relationship to one another and how

they are organized; identify sublevel factors or salient data from a complex scenario. Evaluate • Make judgments about the value of proposed ideas, solutions, etc., by comparing the proposal to specific

criteria or standards. Create • Put parts or elements together in such a way as to reveal a pattern or structure not clearly there before;

identify which data or information from a complex set is appropriate to examine further or from which supported conclusions can be drawn.

Existing ASQ Certification Career Tracks

Fact Sheets / Inserts for different Certs

• Education, experience, previous certifications• Minimum thresholds for each are shown in the fact sheets/insertshttps://asq.org/cert/catalog• Qualification requirements• Core Competencies• Market Info• Testing details

Sample CMQ / OE Fact Sheet / Insert

Sample CMQ / OE Fact Sheet / Insert

Sample CMQ / OE Fact Sheet / Insert

Sample CMQ / OE Fact Sheet / Insert

Sample CMQ / OE Fact Sheet / Insert

Sample CMQ / OE Fact Sheet / Insert

Sample CMQ / OE Fact Sheet / Insert

Recent passing rates for various certifications

An approach

• Using Individual Development Plans (IDPs)• Budgeting annual training and development funds• Interest and career timing• This year / 1-2 years / 3-5 years• Staggering to make development funding stable and sustained• Other non-ASQ areas, clinical, Product knowledge, PMP

Successes

• CQEs (2)• CQTs (5)• CSSGB (2), CSSBB (4), CSSMBB (CMBB) (1)

• On-line• Classroom• Self-study• In-house / Group work

Open Discussion / Questions