ASQ CQA Certification vs. RABQSA or IRCA Lead Auditor Certification

[gahran]

As I start to set my goals for 2012, I’m considering pursuing a certification as an auditor. My options are to test for ASQ CQA or work towards a RABQSA or IRCA certificate. To me, I don't see a benefit to pursue the ASQ CQA if I want to become a RABQSA or IRCA certified auditor. I would like to get some opinions about this.

Thanks,

Andy

[Ted Schmitt]

Andy,

Check the bottom of this page, there are links to other posts with similar topic.

What is your final goal ? Do you want to audit for a CB? or just have the qualification ? If you want to go for a CB and audit in the US, then I would say go for RAB qualification. If you want to go International, then go for IRCA.

If you just want the training and knowledge, then I would say either one...

[Coury Ferguson]

In Reply to Parent Post by gahran

As I start to set my goals for 2012, I’m considering pursuing a certification as an auditor. My options are to test for ASQ CQA or work towards a RABQSA or IRCA certificate. To me, I don't see a benefit to pursue the ASQ CQA if I want to become a RABQSA or IRCA certified auditor. I would like to get some opinions about this.

Thanks,

Andy

My opinion on this is that if you are deciding to seek the RAB-QSA and/or IRCA certification, then proceed. If you decide to get your CQA at a later date that is just fine. If you can pass the RAB-QSA and/or IRCA you will be able to pass the CQA when you feel the need. It really depends on your desires and your future goals.

Just my opinion.

[gahran]

Thanks for the response. I would like to work for a registrar as a lead auditor in the future.

[Randy]

Your certification could be a partial determiner of your auditing scope...national or international, you choose. Many of the best auditors I've seen and worked with have none at all

[Ajit Basrur]

Very true, Randy !

[tomvehoski]

Back under ISO 9001:2000, if you had a CQA you could get lead auditor by taking a two day course instead of a four day course. Not sure if that is still the case, but the 1/2 day I spent on the CQA exam saved me 1.5 days in lead auditor training, and was also cheaper in the long run. Less money, less time, two certificates.

Again verify this is still allowed under current rules. The company that did my two day training was out of Minneapolis I think - been too many years to remember.

[Frank Oros]

I obtained my RAB cert first, which served well for a while. Then I completed the IRCA certification for QMS/Lead Auditor. The only 'restriction' I found with IRCA is that there are approximately thirty (30) certification categories and you have to be careful about which one you select. Review the content of each course carefully before you decide to proceed for certification. Good Luck and Merry Christmas!