Certified Quality Manager

1. Quality Management Principles Core principles of quality, customer focus, and continuous improvement.

2. Quality Management Systems (QMS) ISO 9001 framework, documentation, and integration into organizational processes.

3. Quality Planning and Strategy Strategic quality planning, policy development, and alignment with business goals.

4. Quality Assurance and Control QA/QC methodologies, inspection systems, and compliance verification.

5. Quality Improvement Techniques Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and problem‑solving tools for process improvement.

6. Statistical Process Control (SPC) Control charts, process capability studies, and data‑driven decision making.

7. Quality Auditing and Compliance Internal/external audits, compliance frameworks, and certification processes.

8. Supplier Quality Management Supplier evaluation, audits, contracts, and performance monitoring.

9. Risk Management and Continual Improvement FMEA, risk‑based thinking, and embedding continual improvement culture.

10. Leadership and Communication in Quality Management Leading quality teams, stakeholder communication, and change management.

• Builds competence in strategic quality leadership and management

• Enhances compliance with ISO 9001 and international quality frameworks

• Strengthens skills in auditing, supplier management, and risk‑based thinking

• Provides tools for continuous improvement and organizational excellence

• Offers recognized certification to support careers in quality leadership, consultancy, and executive management

• Senior quality managers and directors

• Professionals in manufacturing, engineering, and service industries

• Consultants and auditors specializing in QMS and compliance

• Individuals progressing from Certified Quality Engineer (CQEN‑515) or equivalent qualifications

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

• Format: Essay‑style questions, applied case analysis, and project submission

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

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 6–8 days (45–50 hours total)

• Certification: Certified Quality Manager (CQMG)

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.

Future Progression

Successful completion of the Certified Quality Manager qualification can support professional development and progression into quality-focused management and supervisory roles across a wide range of industries.

Graduates may progress towards roles such as:

• Quality Manager

• Quality Assurance Manager

• Quality Control Manager

• Quality Systems Manager

• Quality Assurance Specialist

• Quality Improvement Manager

• Quality Auditor

• Compliance Manager

• Operations Quality Manager

• Management Systems Coordinator

The Certified Quality Manager qualification can also provide a foundation for further study in areas such as Quality Management, Total Quality Management (TQM), ISO Management Systems, Quality Auditing, Business Management, Risk Management, and Continuous Improvement.

Depending on the learner's academic background and the admission requirements of the receiving institution, the qualification may also support progression to higher-level professional qualifications or related degree-level studies.