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What is a quality assurance technician?

A quality assurance technician's primary job is to ensure the products and services a company offers meet corporate, industry, and government standards. In this critical role, you may examine products, inspect the equipment, talk with employees, and write reports.

You may notice that some companies use the terms quality assurance technician and quality control technician interchangeably. This occurs because the roles share similar responsibilities. However, they may have different levels of responsibility within an organization. A quality assurance technician typically has a broader role within the company and may oversee facets like the production process or testing equipment. In contrast, a quality control technician may focus more on the quality of specific products.

What does a quality assurance technician do?

Quality assurance technicians' daily tasks consist of performing quality checks at various stages of development. You will find that the responsibilities can vary and include the following:

• Verify employees are following standards set by the company, industry regulators, and government agencies.

• Ensure the company's processes and systems comply with local, state, and federal laws.

• Inspect products and services during all stages of production.

• Write reports to share observations about compliance and recommend changing the systems and processes as necessary.

• Calibrate quality control measures to make sure they function properly.

• Identify ways to improve existing processes and systems to improve quality and consistency.

• Train employees to understand regulations, follow procedures, and work within systems.

Where do quality assurance technicians work?

Quality assurance technician jobs can be found across various fields, including manufacturing, technology, food service, and science. Some quality assurance technicians choose to specialize in a particular product and work in a related field. For example, a quality assurance technician in the food service industry may work in a restaurant as an expeditor, in a chain restaurant's corporate office, or in a food manufacturing facility as a food inspector. In each role, you're responsible for making sure the finished product (in this case, food) meets quality standards.

You can find quality assurance technicians at work in many different types of companies. The list below underscores the wide range of their work.

• Agriculture: In agricultural companies, quality assurance technicians may inspect farms and ranches to verify that the food produced uses proper equipment and sanitary conditions. They also may confirm details like the weight and nutrient content printed on food labels.

• Manufacturing: A quality assurance technician may examine products after they come off the assembly line to verify that they are safe for the consumer. They also may inspect the equipment and systems used in the production process to ensure they work correctly and comply with regulations.

• Restaurants and food service: Quality assurance technicians work at all levels of the food service industry, from manufacturing facilities to corporate offices and restaurants. Typically, their job is to ensure the food they serve is consistent and the food they produce is safe for consumption.

• Services: Businesses sometimes rely on quality assurance technicians to monitor the quality of their services. In these roles, they may contact clients to discuss their experience with the company or train employees to follow specific procedures when performing services.

Can I work in quality assurance without a degree?

Yes, you may pursue a career in quality assurance without completing a formal degree. While some employers may expect you to have a bachelor’s degree, others may consider you for a role based on your skills and professional experience. QA techs also decide to earn a certification, such as the Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ), which can help you acquire a position in the industry.

How to become a quality assurance technician

To become a quality assurance technician, you’ll likely need some education and work experience in a position that requires similar skills. Some companies hire quality assurance technicians with a high school diploma or GED, offering job training for entry-level roles. Others may expect you to have a bachelor's degree related to the industry you plan to work in. For example, a computer science degree may be helpful if you plan to work as a software quality assurance technician or a QA automation tester.

Quality assurance technicians work in many different departments outside the factory floor. You can find jobs in customer service, marketing, product design, training, and more. As you browse jobs, you may notice that many employers ask that you have at least a year of experience in the industry you are seeking to work in. Your experience working as a customer service representative can come in handy for a job that has you evaluating the scripts and flowcharts used in a customer service department.

Quality assurance skills

The following list includes quality assurance skills you should know or have in order to pursue this career:

• Collaboration

• Written and verbal communication

• Data analysis, data collection, data visualization

• Attention to detail

• Organization

• Problem-solving

• Time management