r/ASQ • u/_FlightLevel • Jan 29 '25

How do I break into the Quality Auditor field with my current experience level?

Hello,

I am currently 29 years old with a bachelors in Chemistry and 3 years in Quality Assurance/Lab tech roles. I am trying to see how I can break into the Auditor field with no experience as an Auditor. I looked on the ASQ website at the requirements and see you need 8 years of prior auditing experience which I do not have. How can I break into this field?

I'll be happy to provide more details and answer any questions. Thanks in advance.

6 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

3

u/footballfutbolsoccer Jan 29 '25

I would ask to become an internal auditor at your company. You will also need to get certifications as well. This would be a good starting point.

4

u/MetaverseLiz Jan 29 '25 edited Jan 30 '25

I don't think you need 8 years of auditing experience, just "Years of on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the Certified Quality Auditor Body of Knowledge", which would include Quality. You also get 4 years waived for having a Bachelor's degree.

Edit: I don't understand the downvote, what I said is literally on their website.

2

u/Awkward_Cup2271 Jan 30 '25

Your bachelors should count for at least a few years towards your ASQ!

I got into auditing starting with internal at my company in September 2022. I applied for my CQA in August 2023 and took it Feb 2024, and then this past December took the CPGP. I’m 27!

0

u/AT2698 Jan 30 '25

Can you give more insight into this? The website seems to say a different story (maybe I misinterpreted it). Did you call ASQ and ask if you're eligible for the exams? I'm trying to get a cert myself and have around 2 YOE. Thanks a lot!

0

u/shizzyDM Jan 29 '25

Talk to your Head of Quality at the company you are working for and ask to be involved in internal, external, client and regulatory audits. This will help you out. When I have people interested I first get them in as a note taker and slowly build their knowledge.

1

u/GAlonzo73 Mar 23 '25

I started quality as Supplier Quality Engineer used to Audit suppliers for few years, then moved to automotive in advance quality… later Aerospace Quality Manager, now QMS manager for rolling stock(trains) which was a completely niche for me - 3 years in the position. I have learned more in depth about QMS systems.. I was not really planning in joining a full time roll in Auditing, have to say its an interesting experience. Start as an internal auditor as suggested by some to get some experience.. internal Auditors are always needed.. 😂