(ASQ: Milwaukee, Wisconsin) -- In the world of quality improvement, achieving certification is viewed as a major source of personal accomplishment as well as a stepping stone to job advancement and higher salary. This year, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) celebrates its 40th year of providing certification to quality professionals around the world.

Since 1968, ASQ has certified more than 160,000 professionals in a diverse range of industries. Certification, as defined by ASQ, recognizes that an individual has demonstrated proficiency within and a comprehension of a specific body of knowledge at a point in time. Applicants for certification must meet criteria specific to the exam they’re taking. The work experience requirements vary depending on the type of certification.

The most popular certification is the Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), which ASQ began offering in 1968, closely followed by auditor and Black Belt certifications. While most certifications take place in the manufacturing industry, certifications within the service sector and of quality professionals located outside of the United States are growing as well as individuals working within those professions begin to realize the value of continuous improvement. Likewise, health care professionals and educators at all levels are becoming more interested in certification.

According to Sally Harthun, ASQ certification manager, the value of certifications can’t be underestimated. “More quality professionals have learned that certification not only provides them with new skills and a higher proficiency level in their career, but they also look at it as a worthwhile investment in their organization’s future.”

Xhemile Heidenreich, a Six Sigma Green Belt at Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin, agrees. “Getting this certification not only allowed me to better learn how to streamline a process and improve overall work performance, but also how to help my team members reach their highest potential.”

An annual survey conducted by Quality Progress magazine also indicates that U.S. quality engineers who have achieved ASQ CQE status earn, on average, $3,718 more than their counterparts without a CQE certification. In addition, reliability engineers who are ASQ-certified earn, on average, $12,083 more than their counterparts who aren’t certified.

Certification has been one of the top-rated ASQ benefits since 1991 and is endorsed by more than 125 corporations worldwide. For more information on the benefits of certification, visit www.asq.org/certification/.

For more information, visit www.asq.org/media-room/press-releases/2008/20080424-certification-40.html.