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Quality Control Analysts

Quality Control Analysts is the O*NET name for people who conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. With a code of CIR, this is mostly a job for people drawn to orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. Investigative interests also help, rated 4.9 out of 7. The preparation level is medium preparation, typically one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. O*NET’s skill data points to quality control analysis, reading comprehension, and monitoring as the ones to build. Expect to conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.

Main tasks

  • Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
  • Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
  • Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
  • Perform visual inspections of finished products.
  • Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.

Skills

  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Monitoring
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Listening
  • Writing

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on quality control analysis and reading comprehension.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CIR takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Lab Analyst
  • Lab Technician (Lab Tech)
  • Laboratory Analyst
  • Microbiology Lab Analyst
  • QA Auditor (Quality Assurance Auditor)

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.