Quality Assurance Certifications: Highest-Paying Certification, Exam Preparation, and Job Outlook

Quality assurance certifications help professionals validate their skills and stand out in a growing field where demand continues to rise. Employers across industries rely on QA professionals to ensure their products and services meet strict standards, and employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow by 15% percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹

These certifications don’t just show you can pass an exam, they signal to hiring managers that you’re serious about building expertise, whether in software testing, manufacturing, or process improvement. In this guide, you’ll find the highest-paying QA certifications, tips on choosing the right one for your goals, and the best ways to prepare for the exams.

Key Takeaways

• Quality assurance certifications validate your professional skills and strengthen credibility with employers.
• Salaries vary by certification, with leadership-oriented credentials like CMQ/OE offering some of the highest pay.
• Beginners can start with entry-level options such as ISTQB’s Certified Tester Foundation Level or ASQ’s CQPA.
• Many certifications require recertification every few years, so long-term costs and continuing education should be considered.
• QA certifications align with diverse industries, from software and IT to manufacturing and healthcare.
• Associations like ASQ, SQA, and CQI|IRCA provides valuable networking, study resources, and career support.

What Is a Professional Certification?

A professional certification in quality assurance validates your expertise through exams and ongoing renewal requirements. Professional certification is a validation of the professional efficiency of an individual in a specific skill. These credential programs prove that a person has developed the skills and expertise to perform a particular job. It helps professionals build the competency for highly specialized jobs, leading to faster career advancement.

Some certifications require ongoing renewal. For example, some ASQ credentials must be renewed every three years through continuing education or a retake exam. This ensures professionals stay current with evolving industry standards.

What’s the Difference Between a Certification and a Certificate?

The difference between a certification and a certificate lies in professional recognition and exam-based validation versus academic credit. A certificate represents the credits earned in a particular field of study as a result of the academic process. A certification is a representation of professional expertise in a field proven through an exam.

Quick rule of thumb:

• Certificate → Earned via classes at a college or training provider.
• Certification → Proctored exam with renewal cycle.

Why Is Certification in Quality Assurance Important?

Quality assurance certifications strengthen professional credibility and open doors to career opportunities across industries. Certification in quality assurance is important because it adds to the credibility and competence of beginners and experts in ensuring the highest quality standards. It serves as a proof that an individual is capable of working professionally in the quality assurance field.

Certifications also open doors to professional networks. Many organizations offer member communities where professionals share career advice and job leads. In regulated industries like healthcare or pharma, certifications aligned to compliance standards are particularly valued.

Best Quality Assurance Certifications by Salary

The highest-paying QA certifications can significantly boost your salary and career advancement potential.

Note: Salary and fee figures vary by industry and exam provider and are subject to periodic updates. Many providers also require renewal every few years, which may add recertification costs.

Certification Recertification & Maintenance Requirements (By Provider)

Most quality assurance certifications require renewal cycles to keep professionals current with evolving standards.

• ASQ certifications: Most require renewal every 3 years through Recertification Units (RUs) or retaking the exam
• Scrum Alliance (CSM): Certification valid for 2 years; renewal requires submitting Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and paying a renewal fee.⁴
• ISTQB CTFL: Lifelong validity.⁷
• AWS CWI: Renewal every 3 years with proof of continued work experience.⁸

These requirements help maintain credibility and up-to-date knowledge across industries.

Best Quality Assurance Certifications to Further Your Career

Each quality assurance certification offers unique benefits depending on your role, industry, and career goals.

Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Certification | American Society for Quality

Certified managers of quality/organizational excellence can lead improvement process initiatives for small businesses as well as for multinational corporations. They would be able to help in strategic planning, evaluating and determining risks, and managing projects.

Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Certification Overview
→ Requirements: 10 years of paid full-time job experience (5 years in a decision-making role)
→ Valid For: 3 years
→ Exam Length: Open book exam, 180 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours and 18 minutes (computer delivered), 165 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours (pencil and paper)
→ Best Suited For: Professionals who want to improve strategic planning and management skills

Potential Careers With Manager of Quality/Organizational Certification Excellence

• Quality Assurance Director
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Quality Manager

This credential is ideal for mid-career professionals aiming to transition into leadership or senior management roles, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, or service sectors.

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification | American Society for Quality

Six Sigma Black Belt certified professionals become experts in Six Sigma systems, principles, tools, and philosophies that can be applied to daily operations. Black belts can assign responsibilities to team members, as they best understand the dynamics of leading a team.

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Overview
→ Requirements: 3 years of professional experience, 2 complete projects with signed affidavit
→ Valid For: 3 years
→ Exam Length: Open book exam, 165-question exam in 4 hours and 18 minutes (computer-delivered), 150-question exam in 4 hours (pencil and paper)
→ Best Suited For: Best for the people who want to upgrade their operational business excellence through Six Sigma

Potential Careers With Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

• Director of Operations
• Continuous Improvement Manager
• Quality Manager

This certification suits professionals aiming to drive process optimization and business excellence projects. It is especially relevant in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics industries.

Certified ScrumMaster | Scrum Alliance

Anyone who has the ability to solve complex problems can take this certification. Whether you’re a human resources representative, marketer, or data scientist, you can be a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) to improve your leadership and organizational skills.

Certified ScrumMaster Overview
→ Requirements: Pass CSM test based on 50 questions in 1 hour
→ Valid For: 2 years
→ Exam Length: 50 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour
→ Best Suited For: People who want to become agile and intelligent through Scrum

Potential Careers With Certified ScrumMaster

• Data Scientist
• Scrum Master
• HR Representative

Quality Auditor Certification | American Society for Quality

Quality auditor certification proves that a professional understands the principles and techniques of auditing. Certified quality auditors can examine, report, evaluate, and determine the deficiencies, quality, and sufficiency of a system.

Quality Auditor Certification Overview
→ Requirements: 8 years of full-time paid job experience (3 years in a decision-making role)
→ Valid For: N/A
→ Exam Length: 165 multiple-choice questions in 5 hours and 18 minutes (computer-delivered), 150 multiple-choice questions in 5 hours (pencil and paper)
→ Best Suited For: Professionals who want to understand and apply auditing standards and principles

Potential Careers With Quality Auditor Certification

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• Quality Assurance Director
• Quality Manager
• Quality Assurance Manager

This certification is best for professionals who want to specialize in compliance and system auditing, particularly in regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or aerospace.

Quality Engineer Certification | American Society for Quality

Quality engineer certification holders understand the controlling and evolutionary principles of product and service. This certification emphasizes knowledge about quality cost, inspection process, and quality control system operations.

Quality Engineer Certification Overview
→ Requirements: 8 years of professional experience (3 years in a decision-making role)
→ Valid For: 3 years
→ Exam Length: Open book exam, 175 multiple-choice questions in 5 hours and 18 minutes (computer-delivered), 150 multiple-choice question in 5 hours (pencil and paper)
→ Best Suited For: Professionals who want to be in charge of product quality control

Potential Careers With Quality Engineer Certification

• Quality Manager
• Supplier Quality Engineer
• Quality Assurance Engineer

This credential is particularly suited for engineers in manufacturing or product development who want to validate their skills in inspection, reliability, and compliance.

Certified Tester Foundation Level | International Software Testing Qualification Board

The best QA certifications for beginners focus on foundational knowledge in software testing and process improvement. The Certified Tester Foundation Level certification covers basic knowledge about terminologies and practical testing. It also taps into the different approaches, practices, and the worldwide concepts of testing domains.

Certified Tester Foundation Level Overview
→ Requirements: Basic IT knowledge
→ Valid For: Lifelong validity
→ Exam Length: 40 questions in 60 minutes
→ Best Suited For: Professionals interested in basic software testing

Potential Careers With Certified Tester Foundation Level

• Senior Test Quality Assurance Engineer
• Quality Assurance/Test Automation Engineer
• Test/Quality Assurance Analyst

Certified Welding Inspector | American Welding Society

Certified welding inspectors are aware of the materials and process of welding and its limitations. They know the dangers of welding operations. They can make responsible reports and judgments.

Certified Welding Inspector Overview
→ Requirements: 1 year of welding-based work experience if you have a bachelor’s degree or higher in welding engineering or related field, or a minimum of 5 years of welding-based work experience if you have a high school diploma but no technical degrees or courses
→ Valid For: 3 years
→ Exam Length: 3 sections with a 2-hour time limit each (part A fundamentals, part B practical exam and part C code book exam)
→ Best Suited For: Professionals interested to become skilled welding inspector

Potential Careers With Certified Welding Inspector

• Welding Engineer
• Welding Inspector

This program is ideal for professionals pursuing inspection and compliance in construction, energy, or manufacturing, where welding safety and quality standards are critical.

Quality Improvement Associate Certification | American Society for Quality

Quality improvement associate certification is a proof of basic and important knowledge about quality tools and their specific usage. Certified professionals must be well adept at how these quality tools help improve project quality.

Quality Improvement Associate Certification Overview
→ Requirements: Associate degree or 2 years of working experience
→ Valid For: 3 years
→ Exam Length: Open book exam, 110 questions in 3 hours and 18 minutes (computer-delivered exam), 100 questions in 3 hours (pencil and paper)
→ Best Suited For: Professionals interested in applying quality improvement tools

Potential Careers With Quality Improvement Associate Certification

• Quality Engineer, Medical Devices
• Quality Assurance Specialist
• Quality Manager

A great entry point for individuals starting in QA roles or transitioning from other industries. It is especially helpful for those moving into process improvement and compliance-focused roles.

How to Choose the Best Quality Assurance Certification for Your Career

Choosing the right QA certification depends on your career goals, industry needs, and exam scheduling options. Before enrolling for a quality assurance certification exam, you must ensure that it aligns with your career goals and needs. Keep reading for some tips that can help you choose the best quality assurance certification for you.

Consider your Career Goals

The foremost tip to consider is going through your career goals. Do you want to land the best quality assurance remote jobs or want to level up from your current job position? Be clear on what you want to achieve with your prospective certifications, then choose according to your overall career goals.

Check the Scope

Another thing to consider is the scope of the certification you plan to earn. Will the certification be useful in the future while also complying with the latest trends in the market? Your certification is an investment, so it’s important to keep the long-term impact in mind.

Check for Industry Recognition

It’s no use investing your time and money in a certification that is not recognized in the relevant industry. Whether you are pursuing a software quality assurance certification or a quality auditor certification, make sure that the certification and the provider are credible and have a good industry recognition.

Most providers publish annual exam windows or continuous scheduling via partners like Prometric. To choose wisely:

• Industry (Software, Manufacturing, Healthcare)
• Preferred methodology (Agile, Lean Six Sigma, Auditing)
• Role (Analyst, Engineer, Manager)

From there, match credentials like CTFL for entry-level testing, CQE for product engineers, or CMQ/OE for managers.

Which Quality Assurance Certifications Pay the Most?

The quality assurance certifications that pay the most are mentioned in the list below. All these certifications help professionals get hands-on quality assurance training in the latest skills they need. This way, they can earn higher in the quality assurance and quality management field.

Highest-Paying Quality Assurance Certifications

1. Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence: $115,000
2. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification: $106,000
3. Certified ScrumMaster: $103,000
4. Quality Auditor Certification: $93,000
5. Quality Engineer Certification: $92,000

Which Quality Assurance Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?

The best QA certifications for beginners focus on foundational knowledge in software testing and process improvement. The quality assurance certifications that are the best for beginners are Certified Associate in Software Testing and Certified Tester Foundation Level. These certifications are good for beginners because they are basic level certifications. They deal with fundamental concepts and practices that help beginners develop basic knowledge in quality assurance.

Best College Certificate Programs

College certificate programs can prepare students for industry QA certifications by covering essential quality management skills. Unlike certification exams, these programs provide academic coursework that may also transfer into a degree. Below are some of the best verified online certificate programs that are available in 2025.

• Mount St. Mary’s University – Online Quality Assurance and Regulatory Science Certificate
  Provides training in QA and regulatory science for biotech, pharma, and medical device industries. 100% online.
• Northeastern University – Graduate Certificate in Quality Assurance Compliance (Online)
  Emphasizes compliance standards and regulatory frameworks in biomedical and healthcare fields.
• University of Wisconsin – Online Capstone Certificate in Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs
  A 9-credit online program focused on QA/RA roles in biotechnology and regulated industries.
• UC San Diego Extended Studies – Software Quality Assurance Certificate (Online)
  Covers software testing, QA methodologies, test automation, and Agile practices. Delivered fully online or live-online.
• Bowling Green State University – Online Quality Systems Certificate Graduate-level program teaching continuous improvement and QA system practices. 100% online.

How to Prepare for Your Quality Assurance Certification Exam

Preparing for a QA certification exam requires planning around exam windows, official resources, and retake policies. To acquire certification in quality assurance, one must pass the qualifying exam to prove their expertise. Quality assurance exam prep becomes easy when you have access to all the helpful resources to aid you in learning for the examination. Below are some of the courses and other resources that can help you prepare.

Certification exams are usually delivered through Prometric or Pearson VUE centers with online scheduling. Planning ahead for exam windows and retake policies ensures you won’t miss critical deadlines.

Best Courses to Prepare for Quality Assurance Certification Exams

Several training programs, from ASQ question banks to Udemy courses, help Several training programs, from ASQ question banks to Udemy courses, help professionals prepare for QA exams. For those seeking to pass a quality assurance certification exam, quality assurance prep courses can serve as a useful resource. Many associations, organizations, and platforms offer the best courses to prepare for quality assurance certification exams. Following are some of them.

• Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Question Bank | American Society for Quality
• MasterClass Software Testing with Jira and Agile | Udemy
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Preparation | American Society for Quality
• The Complete Quality Assurance Course | Udemy
• ISTQB Certified Tester-Foundation Level 2022 | Udemy

When preparing, confirm whether the provider requires training via authorized partners.

Other Resources to Prepare for Your Quality Assurance Certification Exams

Free and paid resources, including glossaries, handbooks, and communities, support QA certification exam prep. Besides quality assurance certification courses, there are also some other resources to aid your quality assurance exam prep. Some of these resources are available for free and open to all students, while others might require a fee and a membership to an association. Following are some of the best resources to prepare for your quality assurance certification exams.

• Many ASQ certifications also publish sample questions and handbooks.
• Community forums and LinkedIn groups can provide peer support.

Best Online Quality Assurance Programs

• UCF Online: Graduate Certificate in Quality Assurance
  Fully online certificate focusing on engineering statistics, reliability engineering, quality design, and more. Aimed at working professionals.
• Mount St. Mary’s University: Online Quality Assurance and Regulatory Science Certificate
  Fully online program in QA/regulatory science, designed for working adults in biotech, pharma, medical device sectors.
• Northeastern University: Online Graduate Certificate in Quality Assurance Compliance
  Online certificate emphasizing regulatory and compliance standards in biomedical and healthcare products.
• University of Wisconsin: Online Capstone Certificate in Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs
  A 9-credit, fully online certificate geared toward QA/RA roles in biotech and regulated industries.
• UC San Diego Extended Studies: Software Quality Assurance Certificate (Online / Live-Online)
  Online certificate covering software testing methodologies, test automation, QA processes, Agile, and industry practices.
• Bowling Green State University (BGSU): Quality Systems Certificate (Online)
  Graduate certificate delivered 100% online, focusing on quality systems and continuous improvement.
• Greensboro College: Online Quality Assurance Technician Certificate
  Short online certificate designed for QA technician roles, emphasizing inspection, evaluation, and process controls.

Quality Assurance Job Outlook and Average Salary

The job outlook for QA analysts and testers shows strong growth and competitive wages across industries. Quality assurance has applications in a range of industries, contributing to its broader job outlook. Once you develop proficiency, you can find jobs in healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and other sectors. One of the highest-paying quality assurance jobs, software quality assurance analysts, has a growth projection of 15 percent over the next decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹

There is a high earning potential in this field with a professional certification. The Bureau of Labor Statistics combines software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers into a single occupation group in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, and the median salary for these roles is $131,450 nationally.¹ Readers should review both OOH and OEWS wage tables for detailed information.

Best Quality Assurance Jobs After Certification

Earning a QA certification can prepare you for high-paying roles like analysts, engineers, and managers. Getting a quality assurance certification improves your job prospect with the availability of high-paying quality assurance jobs. For instance, you can find many Six Sigma Black Belt Certification jobs after completing this certification. Listed below are some of the best quality assurance jobs that you might qualify for after certification.

Software Quality Control Analyst | Average Salary: $131,450¹⁰
Software quality control analysts maintain long-term quality sustainability in different software programs. The required competencies for this job include analytical, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and interpersonal skills. Getting a certification in quality assurance develops soft skills besides training in performing technical tasks efficiently.

→ Best Certification for the Job Role: Certified Software Quality Analyst. This certification offers the basic knowledge and skills needed for this job position.

Quality Assurance Analyst | Average Salary: $131,450¹⁰
Quality assurance analysts must be detail-oriented with strong business skills. Having a professional certification in quality assurance not only brings in knowledge but also provides opportunities to develop and polish the analytical skills and business acumen needed to succeed in this position.

→ Best Certification for the Job Role: Quality Improvement Associate Certification. This certification develops creativity and analysis skills that are helpful to perform a job as a quality assurance analyst.

In highly regulated environments such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, or medical devices, certifications tied to compliance (e.g., ASQ CQE, SQA for GxP) can be especially valuable.

Best Quality Assurance Associations

QA associations like ASQ, SQA, and CQI|IRCA provides networking, study groups, and career resources. Quality assurance associations provide students and professionals with a platform to learn about quality assurance firsthand from industry experts and professionals. These associations provide knowledge through training programs, certifications, and communities to help people excel in quality assurance. Following are some of the best quality assurance associations.

• American Society for Quality – The American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a globally recognized organization. It aims to help individuals and industries to achieve excellence in quality through its solutions. Members get an opportunity to become a part of the ASQ, which has a community of quality professionals to help you learn and grow from experience.
• Society of Quality Assurance – The Society of Quality Assurance is an organization consisting of many professionals. They work collectively to promote high quality standards in the laboratory, manufacturing, and healthcare industry. The organization offers several opportunities for the career growth of all its members.
• CQI | IRCA (Chartered Quality Institute / International Register of Certificated Auditors) – CQI | IRCA is a UK-based global body recognized for advancing quality management and auditing standards. It provides training, certifications, and networking opportunities to thousands of members worldwide.

These associations provide strong career development opportunities and networking credibility.

Are Quality Assurance Certifications Worth It?

Yes, QA certifications are worth it for career advancement, though they require renewal and continuing education. Yes, quality assurance certifications are worth it because they provide you with a quick route for advancing your career. They keep you updated with the latest advancements in the field and provide opportunities through practical experience and exams. If you plan on becoming a quality assurance manager, you can do that by getting a quality assurance certification.

Be mindful that many certifications require renewal through continuing education or exam retakes, which may involve added time and cost. While certifications can boost credibility, outcomes vary by individual. They are valuable signals of skill but do not guarantee employment.

Quality Assurance Certifications FAQ

Common questions about QA certifications cover demand, prerequisites, eligibility, and application areas.

Sources

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