Method - American Quality Institute

OUR METHOD

AQI reviews the course offerings and consultancies available to the quality professional and provides certification to those that meet our rigorous standards and will help the course participants and their organizations create a prevention oriented environment. For individuals interested in furthering their position in industry, we review their training, business experience and other certifications to determine if they qualify for certification by AQI.

CERTIFICATIONS

AQI offers numerous certifications and the list is growing, with many organizations wishing to have their courses or consultancies certified. However, our certification offerings will proceed at a measured pace as we critically evaluate each for their ability to efficiently and effectively help the practitioner improve their personal performance and that of their organization. At this time AQI offers the following certifications:

Certified Quality Trainer – certified trainers have obtained the appropriate instruction in the concepts, tools and implementation methods necessary to educate others at all levels of an organization. They have demonstrated proficiency in delivering proven course materials that enable others to successfully implement a quality improvement process in their job.

Certified Master Trainer – master trainers have a training background but acquire additional training skills so that they are able to instruct others to become trainers. Each master trainer must be able to move beyond a capable delivery of training materials; they must be able to answer specific questions about the concepts and methods being taught and tailor them to the specific needs of the audience.

Certified Director of Quality – directors of quality have extensive experience in developing and implementing a quality management process at a corporate level. Directors of quality are typically certified master trainers, have acquired specialized problem solving training (Six Sigma, FMEA, etc.), conflict resolution skills, communication skills and have served on at least one quality implementation team and established proven results (reduced price of non-conformance, streamlined workplace processes, engaged management team in quality process, etc.).

Certified Quality Manager – a quality manager has similar responsibilities to that of a director of quality, but focused on a strategic business unit, department or location as opposed to an entire organization. Subsequently, required skills are the same; difference is in experience and scope of implementation.

Certified Quality Implementation Team Member – implementation team members are responsible for deploying a quality management process in their area of responsibility and providing feedback and new ideas to the overall team to ensure the process works successfully in their area. An implementation team member is the expert on the process in their department, establishing the need for improvement in their area, targeting improvement opportunities for action, identifying and assigning action items to appropriate staff, monitoring results, adjusting the process to ensure results. Training requirements include obtaining quality management skills training, communication skills, plus problem solving and decision making skills.

Certified Continuous Improvement Professional – a continuous improvement professional deploys the quality improvement process in their area, taking guidance and direction from their manager or the implementation team member and providing feedback on the process in order to help the team tailor the process as required to ensure success. They must participate in appropriate training in order to obtain needed skills in requirement setting, process flow, measurement, problem solving, and continuous improvement.

Six Sigma Certification – graduates of a six sigma course who have demonstrated proficiency in converting problems into results can obtain AQI certification.

FMEA Certification – graduates of a FMEA course who have demonstrated proficiency in solving a problem or using FMEA to prevent future problems can obtain AQI certification.

Certified Communication Specialist – the purpose of communication is to create understanding. When people fully understand a concept, tool or method, they are more likely to implement it which produces results. Communication skills training with a focus on quality management is required training for the communication specialist certification.

Problem Solving Certification – 98% of the time, problems do not require the sophisticated tools of Six Sigma. Practitioners who can demonstrate proficiency in a proven problem solving methodology (e.g. problem identification/definition, gather/analyze information, identify potential root causes, determine appropriate solution, evaluate solution/integrate into process) and who have produced measurable results qualify for this certification.

Supplier Quality Management (CSQM) – designed for those tasked with managing and improving incoming goods and services to an organization as well as improving the business relationship between customers and suppliers. This 7 module training process prepares participants to become a certified supplier quality manager. Graduates are prepared to develop a supplier evaluation system, help install a Zero Defects management style into supplier companies and improve work process between supplier and customer to reduce costs and errors for both parties.