Manufacturing

How to become a Quality Engineer

From quality inspector: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–4 years

Typical pay

$72k–$100k

Starting from

Quality inspector

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from quality inspector and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–3 years

   Start as a quality inspector or technician

   Measuring parts teaches you what a specification actually means.

   Course that covers thisQuality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC)Udemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   1–2 years

   Learn the quality system

   ISO 9001 or IATF 16949, plus root cause analysis and corrective action.

3. 3

   6–12 months

   Learn SPC and measurement systems analysis

   The statistics behind knowing whether a process is actually in control.

   Course that covers thisGet Your Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certificate in 2 HoursUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   Certify with ASQ

   CQE is the recognised credential and needs documented experience behind it.

   ◆ CQE (ASQ)

5. ✓

   Destination

   Quality Engineer

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