Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
What is an Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, and Weigher?
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers are professionals who play a crucial role in quality control and assurance processes across various industries, including manufacturing, food production, and pharmaceuticals. Their primary responsibility is to examine products or materials to ensure they meet specified standards and regulations. Inspectors evaluate finished goods or raw materials for defects and adherence to specifications, while testers conduct experiments and assessments to measure various attributes such as strength, durability, and performance. Sorters categorize items based on defined criteria, ensuring that only products that meet quality standards proceed through the production line. Samplers take representative samples from larger batches for testing and analysis, which helps in monitoring quality variations over time. Weighers utilize precision scales to determine the mass of products, contributing to accurate production outcomes and compliance with shipping and inventory requirements. These roles are essential in maintaining product integrity, enhancing customer satisfaction, and reducing waste in production processes.
Tasks
- Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
- Mark items with details, such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.
- Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Notify supervisors or other personnel of production problems.
- Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Desktop communications software
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Analytical or scientific software
- Data analysis software
- Minitab 21
- MATLAB R2023b
- Tolerance analysis software
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Data base user interface and query software
- Data entry software
- Database software
- Microsoft Access 365
- Structured query language SQL
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Industrial control software
- Coordinate measuring machine software
- GAGEtrak 7
- Verisurf 2023
- PC-DMIS 2023
Tools Used
- Integrated circuit testers
- Accelerometers
- Calibrated resistance measuring equipment
- Leak testing equipment
- Eddy current examination equipment
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
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Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Perceptual Speed
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
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Flexibility of Closure
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Detailed Work Activities
- Evaluate quality of materials or products.
- Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
- Record operational or production data.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$31950.0 - $72210.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.