Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

Overview Nature of Work Knowledge Areas Skills Utilized Job Activities Abilities Job Conditions Work Satisfaction Education/Training

Educational Attainment Breakdown for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers College or Higher 13.8% Some College 33.1% High School or Less 53.1%

Most Significant Source of Postsecondary Education or Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Source: U.S. Department of Labor

Although a high school diploma is sufficient for the basic testing of products, complex precision-inspecting positions are filled by experienced workers.

Education and training. Training requirements vary with the responsibilities of the quality-control worker. For workers who perform simple "pass/fail" tests of products, a high school diploma generally is sufficient, together with limited in-house training. Training for new inspectors may cover the use of special meters, gauges, computers, and other instruments; quality-control techniques; blueprint reading; safety; and reporting requirements. There are some postsecondary training programs, but many employers prefer to train inspectors on the job.

The chances of finding work in this occupation can be improved by studying industrial trades, including computer-aided design, in high school or in a postsecondary vocational program. Laboratory work in the natural or biological sciences also may improve one's analytical skills and increase one's chances of finding work in medical or pharmaceutical labs, where many of these workers are employed.

As companies implement more automated inspection techniques that require less manual inspection, workers in this occupation will have to learn to operate and program more sophisticated equipment and learn software applications. Because these operations require additional skills, the need for higher education may be necessary. To address this need, some colleges are offering associate's degrees in fields such as quality control management.

Other qualifications. In general, inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers need mechanical aptitude, math and communication skills, and good hand-eye coordination and vision. Another important skill is the ability to analyze and interpret blueprints, data, manuals, and other material to determine specifications, inspection procedures, formulas, and methods for making adjustments.

Certification and advancement. The American Society for Quality offers 15 different types of certifications for workers in quality control. These certifications may assist workers in advancing within the occupation. They generally require a certain number of years of experience in the field and passage of an exam.

Advancement for workers with the necessary skills frequently takes the form of additional duties and responsibilities. Complex inspection positions are filled by experienced assemblers, machine operators, or mechanics who already have a thorough knowledge of the products and production processes. To advance to these positions, experienced workers may need training in statistical process control, new automation, or the company's quality assurance policies. Because automated inspection equipment and electronic recording of results are becoming common, computer skills also are important.

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