NZOQ Certification

NZOQ certification provides independent recognition of your quality expertise through the Register of Certified Quality Professionals, New Zealand’s recognised platform for quality professionals since 1999.

The Register provides a framework for acknowledging individuals with the qualifications and experience required for grades of professional recognition in quality management.

NZOQ certification strengthens your credibility, career prospects, and professional standing within the quality community—both in New Zealand and internationally.

Grades of recognition

The Register of Certified Quality Professionals provides recognition for three grades of professionalism in quality practice.

Certified Quality Internal Auditor

CQIA recognises practical competence in internal auditing.

Certified Quality Practitioner

CQP recognises professional knowledge and experience in quality assurance.

Certified Quality Manager

CQM recognises advanced professional and managerial competence in quality management.

Certification requirements

To apply for NZOQ certification, you must be a financial member of NZOQ and meet the professional knowledge and work experience requirements outlined in the Criteria for Registration of Certified Quality Professionals.

Certified Quality Internal Auditor (CQIA)

To become a Certified Quality Internal Auditor, you must:

be a member of the New Zealand Organisation for Quality
have completed Internal Auditor training
have completed the CQIA workbook assessment (including evidence of internal audit activity for review by an NZOQ-approved assessor)

Certified Quality Practitioner (CQP)

To become a Certified Quality Practitioner, you must:

be a member of the New Zealand Organisation for Quality
have professional knowledge (Certificate or Diploma in Quality Assurance, or equivalent)
have professional work experience (at least three years of work experience in a quality-related role)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

To become a Certified Quality Manager, you must:

be a member of the New Zealand Organisation for Quality
have professional knowledge (Certificate or Diploma in Quality Assurance, or equivalent)
have professional work experience (at least five years of work experience in quality-related roles, with at least two of these years in a management role)

Code of Ethics

All applicants are required to sign and practise the NZOQ Code of Ethics, maintaining the professional standing of the quality management field.

Public register

Applicants must consent to their name being entered on the Register of Certified Quality Professionals, which is publicly available through NZOQ.

Renewal of certification

Certification must be renewed every two years and requires: payment of the renewal fee; ongoing financial membership of NZOQ; and proof of ongoing professional development. The requirements for renewal differ by grade.

Code of Ethics

All applicants are required to maintain and advance the standing of the quality management profession by signing and practising the Code of Ethics.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the process for evaluating candidates for certification is effective, NZOQ does not accept liability for the conduct of persons certified under the scheme.

To act professionally, accurately, and in an unbiased manner.
To strive to increase the competence and prestige of quality management.
To assist those in my employ or under my supervision in developing their management, professional, and quality management skills.
Not to represent conflicting or competing interests and to disclose to any client or employer any relationships that may influence my judgement or the exercise of my professional duties.
Not to discuss or disclose any information relating to an employer, past employer, or client unless required by law or authorised in writing by the affected party.
Not to accept any inducement, commission, gift, or other benefit from any individual or organisation, in return for making decisions or judgements that may be of advantage to the individual or organisation.
Not to intentionally communicate false or misleading information.
Not to act in any way that would prejudice the reputation of NZOQ, the Register of Certified Quality Professionals, or the quality profession; and to cooperate fully with an enquiry in the event of any alleged breach of this code.

Professional Recognition

Demonstrate excellence with NZOQ certification

Showcase your skills with certification

Grades of recognition

Register of Certified Quality Professionals

Certification requirements

Code of Ethics

Application documents

Showcase your skills with certification