I agree on the value of the Body of Knowledge in the CQE - it really embodies all the skills and knowledge to perform Quality Operations.
Let me put in a bid for those who have multiple certifications. My two ASQ Sections each have several folks who hold ALL the certifications. These guys are not only the living Body of Knowledge within the Section, but in their workplaces (two are now consultants.) They are deeply involved in imparting that knowledge throughout the organization(s), not just to the quality wonks in one department.
Although I have a very thinly disguised prejudice against various charlatans who hold themselves out to charge folks for "learning" Six Sigma, I have respect for the intent of the ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt (versus others who confer it based on the candidate's check clearing) in requiring somebody to attest to the experience of people in the field BEFORE conferring the SSBB to those aspirants.
I regret that SS has put CQE in its shadow in many organizations, but it's really only our own fault as professionals that we don't do more to educate the industry leaders on the reality of quality tools beyond the PR hype SS enjoys.
Quality Managers would do well to study the BOK for the QM certification even if they never bother to actually get certified to it.
Quality Managers would do well to study the BOK for the QM certification even if they never bother to actually get certified to it.
, one of the other people there was a girl who had been an inspector for about a year. She joined because she thought ASQ was an organization of her peers. She also told me that she wouldn't be coming back, too intimidating and there were no other inspection personnel there, just mostly people with letters behind their names. (except for me, and I intimidated her too because I was a QM) My point is this, I've never needed certifications to get an interview at any level of my career. I've never needed them to keep one. When I've had to hire people I take an ASQ certification into consideration as just another aspect of experience and not a requirement. I've hired a couple in my time with mixed results so it's not a slam dunk in itself. I find that some people with the letters behind their name value them...alot. Me, I prefer experience and common sense. Just my take.