What Does a Certified Quality Manager (CQM) Do?
A certified quality manager (CQM) not only manages a team of workers, but also leads and motivates workers to ensure the company is producing the best products or services. Here, you'll find relevant information about the career duties, educational requirements, and the certification processes for certified quality managers.
Duties and Responsibilities
<p>A certified quality manager (CQM) supervises and leads a team to improve development systems within the company and monitor customer satisfaction with outside suppliers. Such managers also conduct strategic planning so the company can operate more effectively. CQMs may also be responsible for maintaining and implementing the company's quality management systems (QMS). Certified quality managers evaluate and develop new techniques for reliability and quality control for processes and products. They also establish procedures and analyze data to ensure quality and reliability of every product.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutCertifiedQualityManagers">Important Facts About Certified Quality Managers</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Work Environment</td><td>Office setting, with time also spent in the production area</td></tr>
<tr><td>Average Salary (2022)*</td><td>$118,913 <i>(quality control managers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)**</td><td>3% <i>(industrial production managers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills</td><td>Leadership, Attention to detail, Organization, Interpersonal communication</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td>Industrial Productions Manager, Quality Control Inspector</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *Salary.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
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<h3 id="section---EducationalRequirements">Educational Requirements</h3>
<p>Depending on the employer's preference, certified quality managers should have at least an associate's degree in quality management or similar training. CQMs with a bachelor's degree in engineering or business can obtain more job opportunities due to their four-year degree. Some of the college courses that students can take include math, statistics, computer-aided design, and science. It also helps if CQMs have some experience on a production floor analyzing quality control methods.
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<h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3>
<p>According to the American Society for Quality (<i>www.asq.org</i>), certified quality managers should obtain certification to develop their professional skills. Quality managers without a degree who are looking to get certified should have at least ten years of professional experience. Managers with a degree need to prepare for the exam by studying the body of knowledge. The exam consists of two parts, an essay response and multiple-choice, and takes about four hours to complete. ASQ offers practice exams, reference lists, books, and training to help individuals prepare for the exam. It is also recommended that certified quality managers be re-certified every three years to keep their skills current.</p>