Certified Quality Engineer

1. Foundations of Quality Engineering Principles of quality, evolution of quality management, and role of quality engineers.

2. Statistical Process Control (SPC) Control charts, process capability analysis, and variation reduction.

3. Design of Experiments (DOE) Experimental design, factorial experiments, and optimization of processes.

4. Quality Management Systems (QMS) ISO 9001 requirements, documentation, and auditing practices.

5. Six Sigma Methodology DMAIC framework, Lean Six Sigma tools, and process improvement strategies.

6. Reliability and Maintainability Reliability testing, failure analysis, and maintainability planning.

7. Risk Management in Quality Engineering FMEA, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies.

8. Supplier Quality Management Supplier audits, quality agreements, and performance monitoring.

9. Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Problem‑solving tools, corrective/preventive actions, and continuous improvement.

10. Quality Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, and digital quality systems.

• Builds competence in statistical quality control and process optimization

• Enhances compliance with ISO 9001 and Six Sigma standards

• Strengthens skills in DOE, risk management, and supplier quality

• Provides tools for root cause analysis and continuous improvement

• Offers recognized certification to support careers in quality engineering, manufacturing leadership, and compliance auditing

• Quality engineers and supervisors

• Manufacturing and process engineers

• Professionals in supplier quality and compliance roles

• Individuals progressing from Level 4 Diplomas in Manufacturing or Engineering

• Assessment Type: Written exam + practical project + case study

• Format: MCQs, essay‑style questions, applied DOE/SPC tasks, and project submission

• Total Questions: 100 theory + 1 case study + 1 project submission

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 5–6 days (40–45 hours total)

• Certification: Certified Quality Engineer (CQEN)

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

After completing the Certified Quality Engineer qualification, learners may progress to:

• Level 7 Diploma in Quality Management
• Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Operations Management
• Master's Degree in Quality Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Engineering Management, subject to university entry requirements.
• Executive programmes in Operational Excellence, Business Improvement, or Engineering Leadership.

Professional Certifications

Graduates may further enhance their professional profile by pursuing:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
• Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certification
• Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor Certification
• Reliability Engineering Professional Certification
• Operational Excellence Professional Certification

Career Opportunities

The Certified Quality Engineer qualification prepares learners for advanced engineering and quality management roles, including:

• Quality Engineer
• Senior Quality Engineer
• Quality Assurance Engineer
• Supplier Quality Engineer
• Manufacturing Quality Engineer
• Process Improvement Engineer
• Quality Systems Engineer
• Continuous Improvement Engineer
• Quality Manager
• Engineering Quality Consultant