Comparison of ASQ CMQ/OE and the New CCQM Certification

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With the American Society for Quality (ASQ) recently launching the Certified Construction Quality Manager (CCQM) certification, professionals in quality management now have a new option to consider alongside the well-established Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE). Choosing between these two certifications depends on industry focus, career goals, and preferred areas of expertise. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine which certification aligns best with your professional objectives.


1. Certification Focus and Audience

  • CMQ/OE: The CMQ/OE certification is designed for professionals across various industries who lead process-improvement initiatives. It targets managers who handle organizational strategy, customer relations, and measurement systems in both service and industrial environments. The CMQ/OE focuses on broader organizational quality management, making it a versatile option for quality leaders.

  • CCQM: In contrast, the CCQM certification is industry-specific, tailored for professionals in the construction industry. This certification is meant for those managing quality throughout the lifecycle of construction projects, with a focus on contract management, project quality planning, and risk and safety management. It’s ideal for construction professionals looking to apply quality control principles in a construction-specific context.


2. Core Knowledge and Skills Covered

  • CMQ/OE Body of Knowledge (BoK): The CMQ/OE BoK covers a wide range of quality management topics, such as strategic planning, customer focus, process improvement, quality tools, project management, and team leadership. The emphasis is on organizational quality, leadership skills, and the integration of quality into overall business strategy.

  • CCQM Body of Knowledge: The CCQM BoK is specifically crafted for construction quality management. It covers areas like contract management, quality planning, environmental governance, risk assessment, team building, and safety management specific to construction projects. This BoK is designed to address construction-specific challenges, such as aligning with regulatory standards, ensuring safety, and improving construction quality processes.


3. Experience Requirements

  • CMQ/OE: Candidates must have 10 years of experience in quality management, with at least five years in a decision-making role. This requirement can be reduced based on educational qualifications (e.g., four years waived with a bachelor’s degree).

  • CCQM: CCQM candidates need eight years of experience in construction quality management, with at least three years in a decision-making position. This experience requirement is also eligible for waivers based on educational achievements, allowing candidates with higher education to qualify with fewer years of professional experience.


4. Exam Format and Structure

  • CMQ/OE Exam: The CMQ/OE exam consists of a 180-question, multiple-choice test, with 165 scored questions and 15 unscored. Candidates have four hours and 18 minutes to complete the exam. The focus is on real-world application of quality principles, with questions covering both theoretical and practical aspects of quality management.

  • CCQM Exam: The CCQM exam, designed specifically for construction professionals, includes 165 multiple-choice questions (150 scored and 15 unscored) with a four-hour time limit. The exam tests knowledge in construction quality standards, tools, and techniques and is open-book, allowing candidates to bring relevant reference materials.


5. Differences in Professional Application

  • CMQ/OE: As a broad-based quality management certification, the CMQ/OE equips professionals to lead quality initiatives in various sectors. The emphasis on organizational excellence, strategic planning, and risk management makes it suitable for leaders in any industry aiming to integrate quality management within their organizational strategy.

  • CCQM: With its focus on the construction industry, the CCQM prepares professionals for quality assurance and project management in construction projects. The certification is particularly useful for those involved in construction planning, quality control, regulatory compliance, and managing construction-related risks and safety standards.


6. Who Should Choose Which Certification?

  • Consider CMQ/OE if:

    • You are seeking a generalist approach to quality management.
    • You work across various industries or sectors.
    • You aspire to leadership roles that emphasize organizational change, strategic quality management, and broad-based quality improvement.
  • Consider CCQM if:

    • You are already working in the construction industry and want a certification that focuses specifically on quality in construction.
    • Your role involves ensuring compliance with construction standards, contract management, safety requirements, and environmental regulations.
    • You want to demonstrate expertise in construction project management and quality assurance.

Conclusion

The CMQ/OE and CCQM certifications cater to different quality management roles. While the CMQ/OE is versatile and applicable across industries, the CCQM is tailored for the specific needs of construction quality management. For construction professionals, the CCQM certification offers a structured way to gain recognition in quality practices tailored to their industry. On the other hand, the CMQ/OE provides a broader, leadership-focused pathway for those aiming to lead quality initiatives across multiple sectors.

Both certifications offer valuable knowledge and credibility in the field of quality management, helping professionals excel in their chosen career paths by equipping them with the necessary tools, methodologies, and strategies for success.

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