NZOQ has provided professional certification for New Zealand quality practitioners through the Register of Certified Quality Professionals since 1999.
Each certification grade has defined requirements based on professional knowledge, training, qualifications, and experience.
Certification provides a structured way to demonstrate professional competence in internal auditing, quality assurance, or quality management.
Certification grades
NZOQ professional certification is available in three grades.
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.
Register of Certified Quality Professionals
The Register lists quality professionals who currently hold NZOQ professional certification.
Certified professionals receive a certificate, are listed on the public Register of Certified Quality Professionals, and may use the relevant title and post-nominal letters while their certification and NZOQ membership remain current.
Certified 1 July 2026
Certified 6 May 2026
Certified 17 April 2026
Certified 16 April 2026
Certification requirements
The register provides a mechanism for registering suitably experienced and qualified persons as having met the requirements for various levels of professional recognition within the field of quality management.
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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
Public register
Applicants must consent to their name being entered on the Register of Certified Quality Professionals, which is publicly available through NZOQ.
Browse the registerRenewal of certification
Certification is renewed every two years. Renewal requires payment of the applicable fee, current NZOQ membership, and evidence of ongoing professional development. Requirements vary by grade.
Apply for NZOQ professional certification.
Code of Ethics
Applicants must sign and practise the Code of Ethics as a condition of NZOQ professional certification.
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.