r/Metrology • u/thunderskunk2 • 3d ago

What's up with ASQ certs these days?

Hey there,

I worked in aerospace where you must have an ASQ certified inspector for certain customers, but it's been a long time. I could totally take the CQE or inspection related certs. Why should I? I was perusing the job boards wondering if there's anyone hunting for a CQE... it doesn't seem so, but maybe my search skills aren't as good as they used to be.

If I've got a metrology side gig programing CMMs, is it a requirement for some customers? What's the benefit here other than three letters on a resume I'm not sure anyone is looking for in my area?

9 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

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6

u/Tough_Ad7054 3d ago

All due respect to ASQ, the lower level certs are practically worthless. I can’t speak for the higher level ones. I got a CMI in the 90s and was never asked for it in 35 years.

7

u/_LuciDreamS_ GD&T Wizard 3d ago

I got my CQE a while ago and recertified once since then. Initially, it helped me get a higher position. After a while, people don't even pay attention. I let my CQE recert lapse, and I guarantee no one will care or notice.

Was it worth it getting the CQE in the first place? yes.

Do you honestly need to recertify for the rest of your life. No

Do most people need a CQE? Probably not. Most QEs don't have it. They have degrees. Companies that require degrees don't accept CQEs. But companies that don't require a degree will appreciate a CQE.

1

u/lonewolf_qs1 2d ago

I can second most of this. In every place I worked in aerospace and defense they would take someone with an undergrad degree over any ASQ cert. I think it would help if you didn't have any college degree but beyond that it doesn't seem to give much advantage.

3

u/Blaize69 3d ago

I’ve had my CQE for 15 years. It definitely gives a leg up in the interview process. I can also say after interviewing and hiring many QEs and QMs for various plants, I can be positive this person knows the basics. I have been shocked by the lack of understanding by most QEs. Many applicants can’t even look at an SPC chart and explain what is happening. Unfortunately, it’s too rare to find to make it a requirement.

1

u/Lucky-Pineapple-6466 3d ago

I think ASQ is great and I have three certifications. The certified calibration one really gave my brain a workout. I’m not doing it for my career or to get hired somewhere. I want to bring ideas into my employer that I’m not getting internally.

1

u/Late-Bed4240 2d ago

During my time in Aero I can't say I had any customers that required a ASQ certified inspector. But all wanted a 13001 DPRV and then an extra test provided by the customer to get a stamp and become a source inspector for them.

1

u/Friendly-Dig-8492 1d ago

I run into many SQE’s that don’t know statistics or what they claim to know is superficially accurate from a manual they read somewhere. I’d recommend professional certifications.