If you would like a job which allows you to examine products and identify problems in a manufacturing environment, you may want to become a quality inspector. To get a job in this field, you will likely need a high school diploma or its equivalent. As many employers train their inspectors on the job, you may not need a college-level education to become a quality inspector. Nevertheless, relevant class work and certification can help you distinguish yourself from other job applicants. In order to succeed in this position, you will likely also need a range of basic skills and personal traits.
Quality inspectors in many countries are required only to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. This is largely because many of the tasks attributed to a particular quality inspector job are specific to that job, and thus in general there is no college major that can prepare potential instructors for the exact demands of this career. Consequently, many employers train quality inspectors after they have been hired.
Despite the fact that additional qualifications may not be necessary to become a quality inspector, you may find that taking some post-secondary classes or earning quality inspector certification can help you set yourself apart from other job applicants and perform an inspector job well. For instance, if you would like to become a quality inspector in a facility that produces cleaning products, you might find it useful to take some basic chemistry classes. Some organizations offer certification in quality inspection, which may or may not be required by a particular employer. To earn this certification, you will likely need to gain one or more years of experience in the field and successfully complete an examination.
In general, succeeding as a quality inspector requires more than just a certain level of education. You will also need to have an eye for fine detail and, in some cases, a willingness to perform repetitive tasks and work night or weekend shifts. Depending on the nature of an individual job, you may need to stand on your feet for several hours at a time, handle heavy objects, or focus on very small objects. You will likely need the ability to effectively communicate quality issues verbally or in writing. Finally, you may need basic computer literacy so you can operate any software or equipment needed to take quality measurements.
