CANDIDATE HANDBOOK

AND APPLICATION PROCESS

ASQ Certification and

Certification Preparation
asq.org/cert
ASQ Candidate Handbook and Application Process

Table of Contents
Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Certification Scope and Requirements ................................................................................................... 4
Certification Application Process ........................................................................................................... 11
Special Accommodations ................................................................................................................. 12
Scheduling your Certification Exam ...................................................................................................... 13
Computer-Based Tests (CBT) ......................................................................................................... 13
Paper-Based Tests (PBT) ................................................................................................................ 14
Certification Fees ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Refund, Rescheduling, and Cancellation Policy.................................................................................. 16
Certification Exam Format ...................................................................................................................... 18
Computer-Based Tests (CBT) ......................................................................................................... 18
Paper-Based Tests (PBT) ................................................................................................................ 19
Certification Preparation .......................................................................................................................... 20
On Your Exam Day .................................................................................................................................. 21
Check-in Process ............................................................................................................................... 21
Identification ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Reference Materials .......................................................................................................................... 22
Calculators .......................................................................................................................................... 23
Pencil and Scratch Paper ................................................................................................................. 23
Inclement Weather ............................................................................................................................. 23
Test Incidences and Irregularities ................................................................................................... 23
Technology Failure/Lost Exams ...................................................................................................... 23
Exam Results ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Appeals Policy .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Recertification ........................................................................................................................................... 27
How to Recertify ................................................................................................................................. 27
Recertification Fees ........................................................................................................................... 28
Synchronizing Certifications ............................................................................................................. 28
Retire your Certification ........................................................................................................................... 29
Appendix A ................................................................................................................................................ 30

2
Overview

About ASQ
ASQ provides the global community with the expertise, tools, and solutions to help
organizations and individuals improve the products, services, and experiences we rely upon for
our safety, health, and daily lives. Our mission is to increase the use and impact of quality in
response to the diverse needs of the world.

Founded in 1946, ASQ has been at the forefront of the quality movement. We trace our
beginnings to the end of World War II, as quality experts sought ways to sustain quality
improvement. Today, we continue to support innovations in many fields.

Since 1968, when the first ASQ certification exam was given, more than 300,000 certifications
have been awarded through ASQ, including many professionals who have attained more than
one designation.

It is important to understand that ASQ certification is not a license or registration. It is peer

recognition that an individual has demonstrated proficiency in, and comprehension of, a
particular quality area at a specific point in time. ASQ certification is awarded to those who meet
three criteria: Candidates must: 1) have a specified level of education and/or experience; 2)
provide proof of professionalism; and 3) pass a standardized exam in the certification area.

Certification from ASQ is considered a mark of quality excellence

in many industries. It helps you advance your career and boosts your
organization’s bottom line through your mastery of quality skills.

3
Certification Scope and Requirements

EXAM SCOPE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The Certified Biomedical Candidates must have worked in a full-time, paid role. Paid intern,
Auditor is a professional who co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied toward the
understands the principles of work experience requirement. The CBA requires five years of
standards, regulations, work experience including one year in a decision-making position.
directives, and guidance for “Decision-making” is defined as the authority to define, execute,
auditing a biomedical system or control projects/processes and to be responsible for the
while using various tools and outcome. Candidates who have completed a degree from a
techniques to examine, question, college, university, or technical school with accreditation accepted
CBA evaluate, and report on that by ASQ will have part of the five-year experience requirement
system's adequacies and waived, as follows (only one of these waivers may be claimed):
deficiencies. A biomedical •Associate degree — one year waived
auditor analyzes all elements of •Bachelor's degree — three years waived
the system and reports on how •Master's or doctorate — four years waived
well it adheres to the criteria for Degrees or diplomas from educational institutions outside the
management and control of United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
process safety. educational institutions.

The Certified Calibration Candidates must have worked in a full-time, paid role. Paid intern,
Technician tests, calibrates, co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied toward the
maintains, and repairs electrical, work experience requirement. Candidates must have five years of
mechanical, electromechanical, on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the Certified
analytical, and electronic Calibration Technician Body of Knowledge. Candidates who have
measuring, recording, and completed a degree from a college, university, or technical school
indicating instruments and with accreditation accepted by ASQ will have part of the five-year
equipment for conformance to experience requirement waived, as follows (only one of these
CCT established standards. waivers may be claimed):
•Diploma from a technical, military, or trade school
two years waived
•Associate degree — two years waived
•Bachelor's degree — two years waived
•Master's or doctorate — two years waived
Degrees/diplomas from educational institutions outside the United
States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S. educational
institutions.

The Certified HACCP (Food Candidates must have worked in a full-time, paid role. Paid intern,
Safety) Auditor is a professional co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied toward the
who understands the standards work experience requirement. Candidates must have five years of
and principles of auditing an on-the-job experience in one or more areas of the Certified
HACCP-based (or process- HACCP (Food Safety) Auditor Body of Knowledge, with at least
safety) system. A HACCP (Food one year in a decision-making role. “Decision-making” is defined
Safety) auditor uses various tools as the authority to define, execute, or control projects/processes
and techniques to examine, and to be responsible for the outcome. Candidates who have
question, evaluate, and report on completed a degree from a college, university, or technical school
CHA that system's adequacies and with accreditation accepted by ASQ will have part of the five-year
deficiencies. The HACCP (Food experience requirement waived, as follows (only one of these
Safety) auditor analyzes all waivers may be claimed):
elements of the system and •Associate degree — one year waived
reports on how well it adheres to •Bachelor’s degree — three years waived
the criteria for management and •Master’s or doctorate — four years waived
control of process safety. Degrees or diplomas from educational institutions outside the
United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
educational institutions.

4
EXAM SCOPE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Manager of Candidates must have worked in a full-time, paid role. Paid intern,
Quality/Organizational co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied toward the
Excellence leads and work experience requirement. Candidates must have 10 years of
champions process improvement on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the Certified
initiatives—that can have Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Body of
regional or global focus—in Knowledge. A minimum of five years of this experience must be in
various service and industrial a decision-making position. "Decision-making" is defined as the
settings. A CMQ/OE facilitates authority to define, execute, or control projects/processes and to
and leads team efforts to be responsible for the outcome. This may or may not include
establish and monitor management or supervisory positions. If you have been certified
customer/supplier relations, by ASQ as a quality auditor, reliability engineer, software quality
supports strategic planning and engineer, or quality engineer, experience used to qualify for
deployment initiatives, and helps certification in these fields applies to certification as a manager of
CMQ/OE develop measurement systems quality/organizational excellence, as long as the 10-year minimum
to determine organizational requirement is met. Candidates who have completed a degree
improvement. from a college, university, or technical school with accreditation
accepted by ASQ will have part of the 10-year experience
requirement waived, as follows (only one of these waivers may be
claimed):
•Diploma from a technical or trade school — one
year will be waived
•Associate degree — two years waived
•Bachelor's degree — four years waived
•Master's or doctorate — five years waived
Degrees or diplomas from educational institutions outside the
United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
educational institutions.

The Certified Pharmaceutical Work experience must be in a full time, paid role. Paid intern, co-
GMP Professional understands op, or any other course work cannot be applied toward the work
the good manufacturing practices experience requirement. Candidates must have five years of on-
(GMP) as regulated and guided the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the Certified
by national and international Pharmaceutical GMP Professional Body of Knowledge. A
agencies for the pharmaceutical minimum of three years of this experience must be in a decision-
industry. This covers finished making position. "Decision-making" is defined as the authority to
human and veterinary drugs and define, execute, or control projects/processes and to be
biologics, ectoparasiticides, and responsible for the outcome. This may or may not include
CPGP dietary supplements management or supervisory positions. There are no education
(alternatively called waivers for this exam.
nutraceuticals) where regulated
as drug products, as well as their
component raw materials
(includes active pharmaceutical
ingredients (APIs) and
excipients), packaging, and
labeling operations.

5
EXAM SCOPE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Quality Auditor is a Candidates must have worked in a full-time, paid role. Paid
professional who understands the intern, co-op or any other course work cannot be applied
standards and principles of auditing toward the work experience requirement. Candidates must
and the auditing techniques of have eight years of on-the-job experience in one or more of
examining, questioning, evaluating, the areas of the Certified Quality Auditor Body of
and reporting to determine a quality Knowledge. A minimum of three years of this experience
system's adequacy and deficiencies. must be in a decision-making position. "Decision-making" is
The Certified Quality Auditor analyzes defined as the authority to define, execute, or control
all elements of a quality system and projects/processes and to be responsible for the outcome.
judges its degree of adherence to the This may or may not include management or supervisory
criteria of industrial management and positions. For candidates who were certified by ASQ as a
quality evaluation and control systems. quality engineer, reliability engineer, supplier quality
professional, software quality engineer, or quality manager,
CQA the experience used to qualify for certification in these fields
applies to certification as a quality auditor. Candidates who
have completed a degree from a college, university or
technical school with accreditation accepted by ASQ, part of
the eight-year experience requirement will be waived, as
follows (only one of these waivers may be claimed):
•Diploma from a technical or trade school — one
year will be waived
•Associate degree — two years waived
•Bachelor’s degree — four years waived
•Master’s or doctorate — five years waived
Degrees/diplomas from educational institutions outside the
United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
educational institutions.

The Certified Quality Engineer is a Candidates must have eight years of on-the-job experience
professional who understands the in one or more of the areas of the Certified Quality Engineer
principles of product and service Body of Knowledge. A minimum of three years of this
quality evaluation and control. This experience must be in a decision-making position.
Body of Knowledge and applied "Decision-making" is defined as the authority to define,
technologies include, but are not execute, or control projects/processes and to be responsible
limited to, development and operation for the outcome. This may or may not include management
of quality control systems, application or supervisory positions. Candidates must have worked in a
and analysis of testing and inspection full-time, paid role. Paid intern, co-op, or any other course
procedures, the ability to use work cannot be applied toward the work experience
metrology and statistical methods to requirement. For candidates who were certified by ASQ as a
diagnose and correct improper quality quality auditor, reliability engineer, supplier quality
control practices, an understanding of professional, software quality engineer, or quality manager,
CQE human factors and motivation, the experience used to qualify for certification in these fields
familiarity with quality cost concepts applies to certification as a quality engineer. For candidates
and techniques, and the knowledge who have completed a degree from a college, university, or
and ability to develop and administer technical school with accreditation accepted by ASQ, part of
management information systems and the eight-year experience requirement will be waived, as
to audit quality systems for deficiency follows (only one of these waivers may be claimed):
identification and correction. •Diploma from a technical or trade school — one
year will be waived
•Associate degree — two years waived
•Bachelor’s degree — four years waived
•Master’s or doctorate — five years waived
Degrees/diplomas from educational institutions outside the
United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
educational institutions.

6
EXAM SCOPE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Quality Inspector is an Work experience must be in a full-time, paid role. Paid
inspector who, in support of and under intern, co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied
the direction of quality engineers, toward the work experience requirement. Two years of on-
supervisors, or technicians, can use the-job experience in mechanical inspection or a related
the proven techniques included in the field OR successful completion of an *ASQ-approved
Body of Knowledge. Under accredited technical/apprenticeship training course
CQI professional direction, the quality (*Requires pre-approval -please contact cert@asq.org for
inspector evaluates hardware more details). A high-school diploma or GED or an
documentation, performs laboratory additional three years of related on-the-job experience is
procedures, inspects products, necessary. Degrees or diplomas from educational
measures process performance, institutions outside the United States must be equivalent to
records data, and prepares formal degrees from U.S. educational institutions.
reports.

The Certified Quality Improvement Candidates must have two years of work experience, an
Associate has a basic knowledge of associate degree, or two years of equivalent higher
quality tools and their uses and is education.
CQIA involved in quality improvement
projects but does not necessarily come
from a traditional quality area.

The Certified Quality Process Candidates must have two years of work experience, an
Analyst is a paraprofessional who, in associate degree, or two years of equivalent higher
support of and under the direction of education. Work experience must relate to one or more
quality engineers or supervisors, areas of the CQPA Body of Knowledge.
analyzes and solves quality problems
CQPA and is involved in quality improvement
projects. A CQPA may be a recent
graduate or someone with work
experience who wants to demonstrate
his or her knowledge of quality tools
and processes.

The Certified Quality Technician is a Candidates must have worked in a full-time, paid role. Paid
paraprofessional who, in support of intern, co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied
and under the direction of quality toward the work experience requirement. Candidates must
engineers or supervisors, analyzes have at least four years of higher education and/or work
and solves quality problems, prepares experience in one or more areas of the Certified Quality
inspection plans and instructions, Technician Body of Knowledge. For candidates who were
selects sampling plan applications, previously certified by ASQ as a quality engineer, quality
prepares procedures, trains auditor, reliability engineer, software quality engineer, or
inspectors, performs audits, analyzes quality manager, experience used to qualify for certification
quality costs and other quality data, in those fields applies to certification as a quality technician.
and applies fundamental statistical Candidates who have completed a degree from a college,
methods for process control. university, or technical school with accreditation accepted by
CQT ASQ will have part of the four-year experience requirement
waived, as follows (only one of these waivers may be
claimed):
•Certification through the Quality Technology
program of a community college or vocational
school — one year will be waived
•Associate degree — two years waived
•Bachelor's, master's, or doctorate — three years
waived
Degrees or diplomas from educational institutions outside
the United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
educational institution

7
EXAM SCOPE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
A Certified Reliability Engineer is a Candidates must have worked in a full-time, paid role. Paid
professional who understands the intern, co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied
principles of performance evaluation toward the work experience requirement. Candidates must
and prediction to improve have eight years of on-the-job experience in one or more of
product/systems safety, reliability, and the areas of the Certified Reliability Engineer Body of
maintainability. This Body of Knowledge. A minimum of three years of this experience
Knowledge and applied technologies must be in a decision-making position. "Decision-making" is
include, but are not limited to, design defined as the authority to define, execute, or control
review and control; prediction, projects/processes and to be responsible for the outcome.
estimation, and apportionment This may or may not include management or supervisory
methodology; failure mode effects and positions. Candidates who were previously certified by ASQ
analysis; the planning, operation, and as a quality engineer, quality auditor, software quality
analysis of reliability testing and field engineer, or quality manager, experience used to qualify for
CRE failures, including mathematical certification in these fields often applies to certification as a
modeling; understanding human reliability engineer. Candidates who have completed a
factors in reliability; and the ability to degree from a college, university, or technical school with
develop and administer reliability accreditation accepted by ASQ will have part of the eight-
information systems for failure year experience requirement waived, as follows (only one of
analysis, design and performance these waivers may be claimed):
improvement, and reliability program •Diploma from a technical or trade school — one
management over the entire product year will be waived
life cycle. •Associate degree — two years waived
•Bachelor’s degree — four years waived
•Master’s or doctorate — five years waived
Degrees or diplomas from educational institutions outside
the United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
educational institutions.
The Certified Software Quality Work experience must be in a full-time, paid role. Paid
Engineer understands software quality intern, co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied
development and implementation, toward the work experience requirement. Candidates must
software inspection, testing, have eight years of on-the-job experience in one or more of
verification and validation, and the areas of the Certified Software Quality Engineer Body of
implements software development and Knowledge. A minimum of three years of this experience
maintenance processes and methods. must be in a decision-making position. "Decision-making" is
defined as the authority to define, execute, or control
projects/processes and to be responsible for the outcome.
This may or may not include management or supervisory
positions. For candidates who were certified by ASQ as a
quality auditor, reliability engineer, supplier quality
professional, quality engineer, or quality manager, the
experience used to qualify for certification in these fields
CSQE applies to certification as a software quality engineer.
Candidates who have completed a degree from a college,
university, or technical school with accreditation accepted by
ASQ will have part of the eight-year experience requirement
waived, as follows (only one of these waivers may be
claimed):
•Diploma from a technical or trade school – one
year will be waived
•Associate degree – two years waived
•Bachelor's degree – four years waived
•Master's or doctorate – five years waived
Degrees or diplomas from educational institutions outside
the United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
educational institutions.

8
EXAM SCOPE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Supplier Quality Work experience must be in a full-time, paid role. Paid
Professional works with an intern, co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied
organization's supply chain and toward the work experience requirement. Candidates must
suppliers to continuously improve have eight years of on-the-job experience in one or more of
performance of key system the areas of the Certified Supplier Quality Professional Body
components (increase life cycle, of Knowledge. A minimum of three years of this experience
reduce scrap, improve repair must be in a decision-making position. "Decision-making" is
processes) by implementing process defined as the authority to define, execute, or control
controls and developing quality projects/processes and to be responsible for the outcome.
assurance plans. The Certified This may or may not include management or supervisory
Supplier Quality Professional tracks positions. For candidates who were previously certified by
data, identifies improvement projects, ASQ as a quality engineer, quality auditor, software quality
and manages cross-functional engineer, or quality manager, experience used to qualify for
CSQP implementation to improve certification in these fields often applies to certification as a
performance of key components and Supplier Quality Professional. Candidates who have
suppliers. completed a degree from a college, university, or technical
school with accreditation accepted by ASQ will have part of
the eight-year experience requirement waived, as follows
(only one of these waivers may be claimed):
•Diploma from a technical or trade school — one
year will be waived
•Associate degree — two years waived
•Bachelor’s degree — four years waived
•Master’s or doctorate — five years waived
Degrees/diplomas from educational institutions outside the
United States must be equivalent to degrees from U.S.
educational institutions.

The ASQ Master Black Belt To become certified as an ASQ MBB, a candidate must
certification is a mark of career successfully meet all requirements. To be eligible to apply
excellence and aimed at individuals for the MBB exam, a candidate must hold a current ASQ Six
who possess exceptional expertise Sigma Black Belt certification (CSSBB) and pass the MBB
and knowledge of current industry portfolio review process. Within the portfolio, a candidate
practice. Master Black Belts have must have one of the following experience levels:
outstanding leadership ability, are 1) At least five years of experience in the role of a
innovative, and demonstrate a strong SSBB or MBB.
commitment to the practice and OR
advancement of quality and 2) Completion of 10 Six Sigma Black Belt projects.
CMBB improvement. Obtaining an ASQ MBB Candidates must be able to meet these minimum eligibility
is acceptance and recognition from requirements in order to have their portfolio reviewed.
your peers. The target audience for the
ASQ MBB certification are candidates
who are or have been employed as
MBBs within their organization, or well-
qualified certified Six Sigma Black
Belts (CSSBB) who have substantial
experience in each of the major topic
areas within the portfolio.

9
EXAM SCOPE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is Six Sigma Black Belt requires two completed projects with
a professional who can explain Six signed affidavits or one completed project with signed
Sigma philosophies and principles, affidavit and three years of work experience in one or more
including supporting systems and areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge. For more
tools. A Black Belt should demonstrate information, please see the list of Six Sigma Project Affidavit
team leadership, understand team FAQs. You do not need to be a Certified Six Sigma Green
dynamics, and assign team member Belt. Work experience must be in a full time, paid role. Paid
roles and responsibilities. Black Belts intern, co-op, or any other course work cannot be applied
CSSBB have a thorough understanding of all toward the work experience requirement.
aspects of the define, measure,
analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC)
model in accordance with Six Sigma
principles. They have basic knowledge
of lean enterprise concepts, are able to
identify non-value-added elements and
activities, and are able to use specific
tools.
The Six Sigma Green Belt operates Six Sigma Green Belts are employees who spend some of
in support of or under the supervision their time on process improvement teams. They analyze and
of a Six Sigma Black Belt, analyzes solve quality problems and are involved with Six Sigma,
and solves quality problems, and is lean, or other quality improvement projects. The Six Sigma
involved in quality improvement Green Belt certification requires three years of work
CSSGB projects. A Green Belt is someone with experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Green
at least three years of work experience Belt Body of Knowledge. Candidates must have worked in a
who wants to demonstrate his or her full-time, paid role. Paid intern, co-op, or any other course
knowledge of Six Sigma tools and work cannot be applied toward the work experience
processes. requirement.

The Six Sigma Yellow Belt The Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt has no experience or
certification is aimed at those new to education requirements. The Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt
the world of Six Sigma who have a is aimed at candidates who have a small role, interest, or
small role, interest, or need to develop need to develop foundational knowledge.
foundational knowledge. Yellow Belts
can be entry-level employees who
seek to improve their world or
CSSYB executive champions who require an
overview of Six Sigma and define,
measure, analyze, improve, and
control model (DMAIC). This
certification adopts the approach of
advancing the concept and potential of
using Six Sigma tools and
methodologies within an organization.

10
Certification Application Process

The following are the steps of the certification application process:

1. Submit your application online or via paper along with the required documents and fee
by the specified deadline.
2. Within 14 business days of receiving your application, ASQ will email you a notification
indicating your application status.
3. If you applied for a computer-based test, once you are approved to sit for the exam,
ASQ will email you an eligibility email, which will include your eligibility ID and a link to
schedule your exam appointment directly through Prometric.
OR
4. If you applied for a Special Administration or a Translated exam, ASQ will email you your
seating letter, which includes the date, time, and location of your paper-based test.
5. Take your exam at your confirmed location date and time.
6. Candidates who take a computer-based exam receive a pass/fail notification at the test
center the day they sit for the exam. Candidates who take a paper-based exam receive
a pass/fail notification via email approximately two weeks after the day they sit for the
exam. Exams that require essay scoring can take up to four weeks. ASQ exam results
for pilot exams and exams with updated bodies of knowledge will be available
within four weeks.

Each of these steps is explained in greater detail below.

Certification Application (Checklist)

A completed application will require the following:
 Contact information (name, address, phone number, and email)
 Education, work experience/résumé (CV)
 Desired testing window (computer-based testing)
 Location of exam (paper-based testing)
 Completed affidavit (required for Six Sigma Black Belt exam only)
 ADA accommodation with documented support (if necessary)
 Read and agree to ASQ Testing Agreement
 Read and agree to ASQ Code of Ethics
 Payment and billing information

If submitting a paper application, your application must be postmarked or emailed by the

application deadline. Applications received after the deadline will automatically be processed for
the next exam date or window. Visit our website to view deadlines, as they vary by certification;
links are provided on page 13 and 14 of this handbook.

11
Special Accommodations
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended), it is the policy of ASQ to
provide accommodations in testing conditions to applicants with disabilities who are qualified
candidates for our certification exams to the extent such accommodations are requested on a
timely basis, reasonable, not unduly burdensome, and consistent with the nature and purpose of
the exam and necessitated by the applicant's disability.

A Documentation of Disability Form must be completed and signed by a licensed professional

for all special accommodations. Documentation in electronic format can be uploaded when
applying for your exam online or emailed to cert@asq.org. Supporting medical or other
appropriate documentation must be submitted prior to scheduling your exam appointment
through Prometric. Please keep a copy of all submitted forms for your records.

Once you have been approved for special accommodations from ASQ, you will receive an
eligibility email to schedule your online appointment through Prometric, or depending on the
accommodation needed, you may need to contact Prometric to arrange the accommodations. If
you are in North America, contact Prometric at 800-967-1139. If you are outside of North
America, please visit the Prometric testing accommodations website for regional contact
information.

12
Scheduling your Certification Exam

Computer-Based Tests (CBT)

ASQ computer-based tests are delivered through our partner, Prometric. Please visit our
certification website for a list of testing window dates, application deadlines, and to apply for a
computer-based exam.
Annual Certification Testing Windows:
TESTING WINDOWS EXAMS OFFERED
CBA, CHA, CMQ/OE, CQI, CQT, CRE, CSQP,
January, March, May, July, September, November
CSSBB, CSSYB
CCT, CPGP, CQA, CQE, CQIA, CQPA, CSQE,
February, April, June, August, October, December
CSSGB
*CMBB testing windows are July and November

Scheduling Online
Once you are approved to sit for the exam, ASQ will email you an eligibility email, which will
include your eligibility ID and a link to schedule your exam directly through Prometric. Please
save your ASQ eligibility ID in a safe place; you will not be able to schedule your exam without
it. Eligibility emails are sent six months prior to the exam window you applied for. If you are
currently within six months of your window, you will receive your eligibility email within 48 hours
after you receive this email notification. Please visit Prometric’s website for a listing of all
Prometric testing centers near you.
Scheduling by Telephone
• If you live in North America, you can use the Prometric Telephone System, an interactive
voice response system that enables you to use a touch-tone phone to schedule,
reschedule, cancel, or confirm existing exam appointments. Test center information
(phone number, address, and directions) can also be obtained over the telephone or
online.
• If you live in North America, you can contact Prometric at 800-369-5949 Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time).
• If you live outside of North America, please visit Prometric’s contact website for your
region-specific phone number.
When contacting Prometric’s Candidate Care Center, they will ask for the program (ASQ), the
name of the certification exam you are scheduling, and your ASQ Eligibility ID (e.g., 12345678).
If you do not schedule your exam appointment with Prometric by the last day of your eligibility
period, you will forfeit your fees. You will not receive a refund. You will not be able to use the
initial fees for anything else. If you still wish to obtain the certification, you will have to reapply
and submit all associated fees again. (Your eligibility period is 150 days, starting with the exam
window you selected during the application process.)

After scheduling your exam appointment with Prometric, you will receive an email confirmation
of your scheduled certification date, time, and location.

*ASQ cannot guarantee seating at the testing centers and recommends that you schedule the exam as soon
as you select a date on which you want to take it. For step-by-step instructions to schedule your exam
through Prometric, please visit the following link:
http://asq.org/public/scheduling_prometric_appointment.pdf.

13
Paper-Based Tests (PBT)
Special administrations of PBT exams for select certifications will be available during special
occasions such as conferences via paper-based testing. Please visit our special administrations
webpage to view the certification exam dates, application deadlines, and to apply for an exam.

Permanent paper-based sites are also available at certain locations where there is not a
Prometric testing center available. Please visit our permanent paper-based testing webpage to
view the certification exam dates, application deadlines, exams offered, and to apply for an
exam.

Translated exams are offered only via paper-based testing and specific locations internationally.
ASQ translates some certifications into Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and Portuguese. Translated
exams are exclusively offered as paper-based tests. Please visit our translated exam webpage
to view languages offered, certification exam dates, applications deadlines, and to apply for a
translated exam.

NOTE: For all paper-based tests, a candidate will NOT need to schedule an exam appointment
through Prometric. ASQ will email you your seating letter approximately two to three weeks prior
to your exam date, which includes the date, time, and location of your paper-based test.

Name Change Procedure

If the name in your email confirmation or seating letter does not match your government-issued
photo identification, you need to submit a request for a name change. Contact cert@asq.org
with your request detailing the following information exactly as it appears on the government-
issued identification you bring to the Prometric testing center:
• First name (Given name)
• Middle name
• Last name (Family name/Surname)

Contact ASQ with name change requests as soon as possible, as ASQ cannot guarantee name
changes can be processed within five business days of your scheduled exam appointment.

14
Certification Fees

The following table can be used to determine your ASQ certification fee. With the exception of
the Master Black Belt, there is no difference in retake price for members or nonmembers. To
receive the discounted ASQ member rate, you must be a current member of ASQ. Retake fees
for ASQ certifications apply to additional attempts to pass the exam. If your eligibility period
expires without you passing the exam, you must reapply for the certification.

Nonmember ASQ Member

Certification Exam Price Exam Price Retake Price
CBA $498 $398 $298
CCT $418 $318 $208
CHA $498 $398 $298
CMQ/OE $568 $468 $368
CPGP $498 $398 $298
CQA $498 $398 $298
CQE $498 $398 $298
CQI $418 $318 $208
CQIA $394 $294 $184
CQPA $394 $294 $184
CQT $418 $318 $208
CRE $498 $398 $298
CSQE $498 $398 $298
CSQP $498 $398 $298
CSSBB $538 $438 $338
CSSGB $438 $338 $238
CSSYB $394 $294 $184
*Prices are subject to change without notice.

To be eligible for the Master Black Belt exam, a candidate must meet the minimum eligibility
requirements and submit a portfolio review. For more information on the portfolio review
process, visit the Master Black Belt webpage. The table below lists the prices for the Master
Black Belt certification.
Master Black Belt Certification Prices
Nonmember ASQ Member
Price Price
Portfolio $650 $545
Exam $2229 $2124
Retake $2074 $2074
*Prices are subject to change without notice.

Forms of Payment
Payment for ASQ certification exams is due at time of application submission. ASQ certification
exam applications will not be reviewed without payment. Online certification applications must
be paid for with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express). Paper applications can
be paid by a check or money order made payable to ASQ, or by credit card (Visa, MasterCard,
or American Express). All payments must be in U.S. dollars. If the payment amount submitted is
incorrect or a price increase occurs, we will bill you accordingly to charge your credit card the
appropriate amount.

15
Refund, Rescheduling, and Cancellation Policy

Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

• Refunds: If your application is not approved, you will obtain a partial refund. The $70
processing fee is not refundable.
• Appointment Reschedule/Cancellation: If you wish to change your exam appointment
date or time, you must do so at least five days prior to your appointment using the
Reschedule/Cancel option on Prometric's website, or by contacting Prometric's automated
voice response system at 1-800-369-5949 (in North America) or Prometric's Regional
Registration Center (outside North America); the website is available 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. Due to limited seating availability at Prometric Testing Centers, there is a $70
fee for changing an appointment. No change may be made within five days of your
appointment without forfeiting the test fee and needing to reregister and repay the test fee.
• Requests for Refund: If you have cancelled your exam appointment with Prometric (or if
you have not scheduled your exam appointment) and wish to receive a refund on your exam
application fees, you must contact the ASQ Certification Department at cert@asq.org.
Requests for a refund must be received at least five days prior to the start of your exam
window. Requests received after this date will not be accepted. To apply for a future exam
after cancelling and receiving a refund, you must submit a new application and pay full
costs.
• Note: Please be aware a $70 processing fee will not be refunded to candidates
who did not schedule an exam appointment with Prometric.
• Failure to Schedule Exam Appointment: If you do not schedule your exam appointment
by the last day of the exam window you selected during the application process, you will
forfeit your fees. You will not receive a refund. You will not be able to use the initial fees for
anything else. If you still wish to obtain the certification, you will have to reapply and submit
all associated fees again. ASQ cannot guarantee seating at the testing centers and
recommends that you schedule the exam as soon as you receive your eligibility notification.
• Absence: Failure to notify Prometric or ASQ at least five days before your exam
appointment and failure to make a scheduled examination appointment will result in a no-
show status. If you reach a no-show status, you will forfeit the exam fee and have to pay the
full reexamination fee in order to schedule another examination.

Paper-Based Testing (PBT)

• Refunds: If your application is not approved, you will obtain a partial refund. The $70
processing fee is not refundable. Once the exam has been held, or you have taken the
exam, no refunds will be granted.
• Reschedule: You are allowed only one opportunity to reschedule your initial exam
application or retake. The fee to request rescheduling is $70 and is not refundable. You may
reschedule an exam date up to one year after the originally scheduled date. Reschedule
requests must be made by phone or email five business days prior to the exam. If you do
not take the exam on your rescheduled date, you will forfeit all fees and must reapply.
• Cancellation: You must submit your request to cancel your exam to ASQ headquarters.
Cancellation requests must be postmarked, telephoned, or emailed to ASQ no later than five
business days prior to the exam. If you have not used your one-time opportunity to
reschedule, you will receive a refund minus a $70 nonrefundable processing charge.

16
• Absence: Notification to reschedule or cancel must be postmarked, telephoned, or emailed
to ASQ no later than five business days prior to the exam or you will forfeit all fees and need
to reapply.
• Late Registration Fee (PBT ONLY): Your application must be postmarked or emailed by
the extended application deadline. Applications sent after the extended deadline will
automatically incur an additional, nonrefundable $70 late registration fee. Applications
received after the late application deadline will automatically be processed for the next exam
date.

CBT and PBT Cancellation by Employer

Certification exams paid for by an employer can be cancelled and refunded at the employer's
request. Employers seeking refund/cancellation must send a completed cancellation request
document to cert@asq.org. The employer must request a cancellation and agree to a refund
minus a $70 processing fee. The document must be signed by an authorized member of the
employer's staff. Once received, ASQ will review, and if approved, begin the refund process.
Please note that no refunds will be issued within five days of an exam appointment.

CBT and PBT Extenuating Circumstances Policy

If you are unable to adhere to the ASQ cancellation and/or reschedule policy due to an
unforeseen circumstance, and you are forced to miss your scheduled exam/appointment,
please contact cert@asq.org no later than 14 days of the missed exam/appointment. You will be
asked to provide an explanation along with supporting documentation (e.g., accident report,
medical documentation, etc.) if approved by ASQ. These circumstances include:
• Medical emergencies
• Military deployment
• Death in immediate family
• Natural disasters

**Extenuating circumstances do not include work-related situations**

If the requirements above are met and ASQ approves your request, you may choose one of the
following two options:
1. You will be allowed to reschedule your exam to the window/date of your choice (based
on availability) at no charge.
2. ASQ will cancel your exam and refund your exam fee. ASQ is not responsible for any
cancellation or reschedule fees incurred through Prometric.

If your extenuating circumstance claim is not approved, no refunds or retakes will be allowed,
and you will be required to pay the full examination fee to sit for the exam. Failure to notify ASQ
within the specified time periods to reschedule or cancel your exam will result in a no-show
status. Candidates who have a no-show status forfeit their exam fee and must pay the full
examination fee to schedule a future exam.

17
Certification Exam Format
Computer-Based Tests (CBT)
ASQ certification exams delivered via CBT consist of 85 to 180 multiple-choice questions with
the exception of the CMBB exam. Each multiple-choice question has only one correct answer.
Of the total questions presented to candidates, 10-15 are considered pretest questions.
Pretest questions do not affect your score and are used to collect statistics on questions to be
used on future exams. All questions will be in random order. These questions will be presented
in addition to the number of questions defined in each unique program's BoK. The pretest
questions will cover all areas of the BoK for each program. For more information on the use of
pretest questions, visit this Prometric website.
Computer-Based Test Exam Time
The time given to candidates for each exam program has been established using the total
number of exam questions including the pretest questions and a short tutorial. The clock
will start once you are seated at your exam computer and your exam is launched by
Prometric staff. (The exam time does not include the check-in process.)
There are no planned breaks while you are taking the exam. Candidates are allowed to take a
break during the exam; however, the clock on the exam will not be paused. The table below
details the breakdown of time allotted for each exam program.
Computer-Based Testing Exam Information
Scored MC* Pretest MC* Total MC* Exam Time
Certification Questions Questions Questions (Hours)
CBA 135 10 145 4hrs.30m
CCT 125 10 135 4hrs.30m
CHA 135 10 145 4hrs.30m
CMQ/OE 165 15 180 4hrs.30m
CPGP 150 15 165 4hrs.30m
CQA 150 15 165 5hrs.30m
CQE 160 15 175 5hrs.30m
CQI 100 10 110 4hrs.30m
CQIA 100 10 110 3hrs.30m
CQPA 100 10 110 4hrs.30m
CQT 100 10 110 4hrs.30m
CRE 150 15 165 4hrs.30m
CSQE 160 15 175 4hrs.30m
CSQP 150 15 165 4hrs.30m
CSSBB 150 15 165 4hrs.30m
CSSGB 100 10 110 4hrs.30m
CSSYB 75 10 85 2hrs.30m
CMBB** 100 10 110 5hrs.30m

*MC = Multiple choice

**The CMBB exam is split into two parts. The first portion consists of a 110-question multiple-choice test
and is two hours and 30 minutes long. The second portion is a performance-based assessment that
measures comprehension of the CMBB BoK and is three hours long.

18
Paper-Based Tests (PBT)
ASQ certification exams delivered via PBT consist of 75 to 165 multiple-choice questions with
the exception of the CMBB exam. Each multiple-choice question has only one correct answer.
Paper-based tests do not have any pretest questions.

Paper-Based Test Exam Time

The time given to candidates for each exam program has been established using the total
number of exam questions. There are no planned breaks. Candidates are allowed to take a
break during the exam; however, the clock on the exam will not be paused. The table below
details the breakdown of time allotted for each exam program.

Paper-Based Testing Exam Information

Certification Scored MC* Questions Exam Time (Hours)
CBA 135 4
CCT 125 4
CHA 135 4
CMQ/OE 165 4
CPGP 150 4
CQA 150 5
CQE 160 5
CQI 100 4
CQIA 100 3
CQPA 100 4
CQT 100 4
CRE 150 4
CSQE 160 4
CSQP 150 4
CSSBB 150 4
CSSGB 100 4
CSSYB 75 2
CMBB** 100 5
*MC = Multiple choice

**The CMBB exam is split into two parts. The first portion consists of a 100-question
multiple-choice test and is two hours and 30 minutes long. The second portion is a
performance-based assessment that measures comprehension of the CMBB BoK, is
closed-book, and is two hours and 30 minutes long.

19
Certification Preparation

Body of Knowledge
Each certification has a Body of Knowledge (BoK) that describes in detail each subject and
subtopic related to that certification. This information provides useful guidance for candidates
preparing to take the exam. The subtext is not intended to limit the subject matter or be all-
inclusive of what might be covered in an exam. It is intended to clarify the type of content to be
included in the exam. The BoK also details the number of questions contained in each subject.
The descriptor in parentheses at the end of each entry refers to the highest cognitive level at
which the topic will be tested. A more comprehensive description of cognitive levels will be listed
at the end of each BoK. Please visit the ASQ certification webpage to view the BoK specific to
your certification.

References
Each certification exam program has books and materials listed under “references” that are
used to create the exam questions on the preparation page for each exam. There is no one
resource. The subjects you need to know are listed in the BoK. A thorough understanding of the
BoK and the subjects it covers are the basic requirements for passing the exam. ASQ offers
several certification preparation resources, available on each certification page. The ASQ
Certification Board does not endorse any one reference source and is impartial.

20
On Your Exam Day

Check-in Process
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in
procedures. If you are late in arriving, you will not be allowed to test and will forfeit your exam
fee.

Prometric takes their role of providing a secure test environment seriously. During the check-in
process, all of your personal belongings need to be placed in your temporary Prometric locker
during your time in the test center. You will be permitted to keep your ID and your locker key
with you at all times.

The test center administrator will ask you to raise your pant legs above your ankles, empty and
turn your pockets completely inside out, and raise shirt sleeves above your wrists prior to every
entry into the test room. Any and all eyeglasses, jewelry, ties, bowties, hair accessories, and
other accessories will be inspected to look for camera devices that could be used to capture
exam content. Jewelry outside of wedding and engagement rings is prohibited. As a final step in
the process, you will be scanned with a metal detector wand prior to entry into the test room.

All exams are monitored by continuous audio and video recording. If you experience any issues
while taking an exam, please raise your hand to inform the test center administrator.

Unauthorized personal items may not be brought into the test room. Such items include, but are
not limited to:
• Outerwear • Hats • Food
• Beverages • Purses • Briefcases
• Notebooks • Watches • Cell phones
• Electronic devices • Wearable technology • Medication
• Wallets • Bags

If you have a medical condition that requires medication, food, beverages, or similar items, you
must obtain authorization from ASQ before scheduling your appointment with Prometric. For
more information, please view the Special Accommodations section of this guide on page 12.

Identification
In order to be admitted into the Prometric testing center, you must bring a valid and current
(nonexpired) form of government-issued identification (e.g., driver's license or passport). Your
name on the ID must match the name on your scheduling notification. If you are testing outside
of your country of citizenship, you must present a valid passport. For candidates testing within
their country of citizenship, you must present a valid passport, driver's license, national ID, or
military ID. Your identification must include:
• English characters/translation
• Your photograph
• Your signature

21
If your government-issued identification does not display a photograph or a signature, a
secondary form of identification may be used, which includes a photograph and/or signature
(whichever is missing from the government-issued identification), and your name printed on the
identification. All identification must be current (nonexpired).

Your identification documents must be in good condition and cannot be bent, frayed, taped,
cracked, or otherwise damaged in any way. The identification documents must be the originals
and cannot be photocopies. You will not be permitted to test if the name on your identification
documents does not exactly match the name on your scheduling notification, or if your
identification is damaged. Neither ASQ nor Prometric will make any exceptions to this policy.

If you do not provide the appropriate and/or matching identification, you will not be permitted to
test. If you still wish to take the exam, you will be required to apply for re-exam and pay the re-
exam fee to take the exam at a later date, when valid identification is available.

The following are acceptable forms of government-issued identification:

• Valid driver's license
• Valid military ID
• Valid passport
• Valid national identification card

The following are acceptable forms of secondary identification:

• Valid employee ID
• Valid credit card with signature
• Valid bank (ATM) card

The following are NOT acceptable forms of identification:

• Social Security cards
• Library cards

Reference Materials
All ASQ exams are open-book.

All reference materials (e.g., including all forms of notes) must be bound and remain bound
during the exam. Bound refers to material permanently bound by stitching or glue and material
fastened securely in its cover by fasteners, which penetrate all papers (e.g., ring binders, spiral
binders, plastic snap binders, brads, or screw posts). Manually or hand-stapled documents that
are not securely fastened in their covers are not allowed. The size of workspace area at
Prometric test centers is limited. The approximate desk dimensions are 48in in length and 24in
in width.

Before you enter the exam room, the test center administrator will inspect all references. "Post-
it® notes" will be permitted as book tabs only (must be attached prior to entering the test
center). The following items are strictly prohibited in the exam area: hand-stapled materials,
blank writing tablets or tablets containing blank pages, unbound tablets, unbound notes, slide
charts, and/or wheel charts (hand-held cardboard or plastic calculating devices with rotating or
sliding pieces).

22
Absolutely no collections of questions and answers or weekly refresher-course quizzes are
permitted. Reference sources that contain such copies are not allowed unless the questions are
removed or obscured. Examinees are responsible for abiding by applicable copyright laws.

Calculators
All computer-based exams feature a basic scientific calculator on-screen in the exam. Test
center administrators can provide you with a basic calculator upon request.

With the introduction of tablets and palmtop computers and the increasing sophistication of
scientific calculators, ASQ has become increasingly aware of the need to limit the types of
calculators permitted for use during the exams. Any silent, hand-held, battery-operated
calculator without an alphabetic keyboard will be permitted; however, all programmable memory
must be cleared before entering the exam room.

Calculators such as the Texas Instruments TI-89 or similar are absolutely NOT allowed because
they contain alphabetic keyboards. The exam is written so a simple calculator will be sufficient
to perform all calculations. Examinees are allowed to have a backup calculator if necessary.

Pencil and Scratch Paper

Certain certification exams may include mathematical calculations. Prometric will provide each
candidate with a pencil and scratch paper to use during the exam.

Inclement Weather
If any candidate is unable to arrive to the designated exam site or testing center because of
inclement weather, natural disasters, and unforeseen emergencies beyond control of the
candidate, the candidate will be allowed to reschedule the exam at the next available date
without being charged. If you are registered for a paper-based test, the proctor in conjunction
with the ASQ certification exam coordinator will notify you of all applicable changes. If you are
registered for a computer-based test, Prometric staff will contact you for your exam reschedule.
For a list of Prometric testing center closures click here.

If for any reason the exam is unable to be administered, the candidate will be rescheduled to the
next available date without being charged.

Test Incidences and Irregularities

Any problems, suspected instances of cheating, alleged inappropriate exam administration or
candidate behavior, environmental testing conditions severe enough to cause disruption of the
process, or other irregularities related to test administrations should be addressed to the onsite
Proctor/test center administrator. All such matters will be reported, investigated, and subject to
further action based on ASQ policies and procedures.

Technology Failure/Lost Exams

ASQ, in conjunction with its partners, takes all available precautions to ensure appropriate and
secure availability of online and handling of completed tests. In the rare and extreme case in
which the candidate experiences a technology issue or the test becomes lost or unreadable,
candidates will be required to undergo retesting without being charged an exam fee. ASQ will
not be responsible for candidate travel-associated expenses for future testing.

23
Exam Results

ASQ recognizes that prompt notification of exam results is important. We make every effort to
provide results as soon as possible. Your exam results are confidential. We will not give results
over the phone. We do not give information about certification to third-parties except at the
written request of the person who took the exam.

Computer-Based Tests
You will be presented with your test results at the Prometric testing center on your screen as
well as a follow-up email with your test results (from Prometric), with the exception of the CMBB
and any exams piloting a new BoK. In approximately seven days, you will receive your official
ASQ results email notification as well as a short survey about your exam experience.

ASQ emails exam results for CMBB, pilot exams, and exams with updated BoK within four
weeks.

Paper-Based Tests
Your exam proctor will mail your completed paper-exam documents back to ASQ to be graded.
In approximately two weeks, you will receive your official ASQ exam results email as well as a
short survey about your exam experience.

ASQ emails exam results for the CMBB, pilot exams, and exams with updated BoK within four
weeks.

I passed my exam…
If you passed the exam, you will receive a hard copy of your certificate in approximately two
weeks. International mail will take longer. Any candidate who passed will not receive the
number of questions he or she got correct but will be notified that he or she has achieved the
passing exam score of 550. ASQ certification exams are not designed to "rank compare" the
relative performance of successful candidates. Rather, the exams are designed specifically to
differentiate between competent and not-competent test takers. If we were to report the
scale scores to successful candidates, we would be violating a specific area of the assessment
standards called "Test Use" – i.e., it would be a misuse of the ASQ exams if someone who
scored a 580 claimed to be "more competent" than someone who scored a 560 or a 570. The
ASQ exams would require a different basic design (and would serve a very different purpose)
for that kind of statement to be valid.

I did not pass my exam…

If you did not pass the exam, you can review a detailed analysis of your exam results by logging
into your ASQ account after receiving your official ASQ results email notification. A detailed
analysis breaks down the number of correct and incorrect answers in each subtopic of the BoK
related to your certification exam. You may retake the exam at the retake rate. See Certification
Fees for specific retake fees (page 15 of handbook). There is no limit to the number of times
you may retake an exam. You will, however, be charged a retake fee each time. You must
retake the exam within two years of your last attempt. If you do not retake within this period, you
will have to submit a new application with full certification fees. You may NOT retake your exam
within the same window that you took your initial exam.

24
Are My Exam Results Final?
ASQ certification exam development relies heavily on the efforts of ASQ certified members.
During the course of a year, approximately 300 subject-matter experts (SMEs) are involved in
some phase of exam development. The ASQ Certification Board, which is composed of
volunteer SMEs, has oversight responsibility for the exams, and its top priority is to ensure the
integrity of the exam development process. For more information regarding the exam
development process, please contact cert@asq.org.

Statistical analysis is conducted on a regular basis to identify exam items that do not perform as
well as expected. Once identified, these items are reviewed by the appropriate members of the
certification board as well as the ASQ certification test development staff. If a question is
determined to be unfair or inaccurate, all examinees will be given credit for that question on the
exam. Any changes to exam results will be determined and communicated to candidates no
later than 30 days from the close of the testing window.

Online Verification Registry

Once you pass your exam, your first name, last name, city, state, and credential status will
appear in our Certification Registry on the ASQ website. You will have the ability to opt out of
inclusion on the credential registry by logging into your ASQ account and editing your account
preference options. Customers located in Europe will be opted out by default due to GDPR law
and will need to opt in to be included on the registry.

25
Appeals Policy

Candidates have the right to appeal their exam results. Candidates shall follow the procedures
for addressing that appeal. This policy applies to the administration of all ASQ
certification exams. Appeals must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the examination date
to be considered. Please complete the appeals form with the following information and submit
by email to: cert@asq.org.

Appeals Information shall include:

• Postal address of appellant
• Email address of appellant
• Telephone contact number(s) of appellant (if available)
• Exam Taken
• Exam Location
• Exam Date
• Reason for Appeal
• Outcome Desired

Within 10-12 business days of receiving the appeal, the Appeals Board, which comprises the
Certification Board vice chair and exam chair of the exam in question, shall disposition the
appeal with one of the following actions:

• Grant the appeal and remedy sought

• Grant the appeal and give remedy deemed appropriate
• Deny the appeal

26
Recertification

Maintaining your ASQ certification is crucial to your professional growth. It demonstrates your
continuing commitment to quality initiatives and methodologies, provides you with enhanced
career opportunities, and, in some cases, could be a requirement from your current employer.
ASQ makes it easy for you to manage your recertification activities and ensure your certification
stays current, thus giving you a competitive edge in the employment marketplace.

To maintain the integrity of your certification, ASQ requires that you recertify every three
years—either by journal or by exam. If you do not recertify, your certification will lapse and ASQ
will no longer recognize you as “certified.”

Two Ways to Recertify

• Recertification journal: Obtain a minimum of 18 recertification units during your three-
year certification period. Document them in your recertification journal by clicking on the
following link: https://asq.org/cert/recertification and logging into your ASQ account
online.
• Exam: Sit for the exam by clicking on the following link: https://asq.org/cert/recertification
and logging into your ASQ account online to apply (required if your certification expired
and is past the six-month grace period).

Do I Need to Recertify?
ASQ requires that you recertify the following certifications every three years to ensure you
maintain the same level of knowledge demonstrated in your first exam.
• Biomedical Auditor (CBA)
• Calibration Technician (CCT)
• HACCP Auditor (CHA)
• Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)
• Master Black Belt (CMBB)
• Pharmaceutical GMP Professional (CPGP)
• Quality Auditor (CQA)
• Quality Engineer (CQE)
• Reliability Engineer (CRE)
• Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)
• Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
• Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP)
• ASQ/DON Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

The Quality Inspector (CQI), Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA), Quality Process Analyst
(CQPA), Quality Technician (CQT), Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB), and Six Sigma Yellow Belt
(CSSYB) are lifetime certifications. They have no recertification requirements.

Recertification by journal with RU credits is a simple process of obtaining a minimum of 18

recertification units (RUs) within your three-year certification period. You may accumulate the 18
RU credits from professional activities that either increase your knowledge of the Body of
Knowledge or are job enhancing. All activities can start before you initially obtain your ASQ
certification and must be completed within your three-year recertification period to qualify.

27
Recertification by Journal *Fees

Nonmember ASQ Member

Recertification Exam Price Exam Price
One certification $119 $79
Two or more
certifications $119 each $99 total
(Synchronization)

Recertification by Exam *Fees

Nonmember ASQ Member

Recertify by Recertify by
Certification Exam Price Exam Price
CBA $448 $348
CCT $368 $258
CHA $448 $348
CMQ/OE $518 $418
CPGP $448 $348
CQA $448 $348
CQE $448 $348
CRE $448 $348
CSQE $448 $348
CSQP $448 $348
CSSBB $498 $388
CMBB $2179 $2124
*Prices are subject to change without notice.

All payments must be in in U.S. dollars. If the payment amount submitted is incorrect or a price
increase occurs, we will bill you accordingly to charge your credit card the appropriate amount.

Synchronizing My Certifications
If you hold multiple ASQ certifications, you can "synchronize" them and renew them all at once
by submitting a single recertification journal instead of separately renewing different
certifications with different recertification dates.

To synchronize two or more certifications, all you need to include is documentation for the 18
RUs required to recertify the one certification that is currently due. You are not required to
provide additional evidence for any of the other certifications you are trying to synchronize. If the
certification that is currently due is approved, we will adjust all your other certifications to
recertify at the same time as the certification currently due. For future recertification, you only
need to provide a total of 18 RUs for all synchronized certifications.

For more information or to download the recertification journal, please visit the ASQ
Recertification webpage.

28
Retire your Certification

If you are an ASQ certified professional who has retired from full-time, active employment and
have reached age 59 1/2, you may request a “retired” status to be designated on your
certification wallet card(s) and other certification records.

You may apply for retired status up to one year before or after your certification(s) expiration
date.

Benefits of retiring your certification(s):

• You are not required to collect and submit the 18 RU credits or recertify by exam to retire
your certification.
• Your certification will be left in “good standing.”
• Your certification will not lapse and be deleted from your records (in case you need to
reinstate it).
• To reinstate your certification, you are not required to submit 18 RU credits or recertify
by exam.

The cost to retire your certification is the following:

• ASQ member: $20
• Nonmember: $40

For more information, please visit ASQ.org/cert/retirement.

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 Appendix A: Forms and Documents
Computer-based
https://p.widencdn.net/alrpxv/CBT-Certification-Exam-Application
Testing Application
Paper-based
https://asq.org/cert/resource/pdf/certification/CertExamApplication-PBT.pdf
Testing Application
Six Sigma Black
https://asq.org/cert/resource/docs/ssbb_affidavit.pdf
Belt Affidavit
Recertification
https://p.widencdn.net/ypbldu/40928_Recertification_Journal_B0525
Journal
ASQ Testing
https://asq.org/cert/faq/agreement
Agreement
ASQ Code of Ethics https://asq.org/about-asq/code-of-ethics
Employer Certification
https://asq.org/cert/resource/pdf/42052-Employer-certification-cancellation-form.pdf
Cancellation Request
Special Testing
Accommodation https://asq.org/cert/resource/docs/ADA%20Document%20of%20Disability%20Request.docx
Request
Exam Results
https://asq.org/cert/resource/docs/Appeal%20Submission%20Form.docx
Appeals Form

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