GAIN CREDIBILITY

AND PRESTIGE

ASQ Certification and

Certification Preparation Tools
asq.org/cert
 ASQ Certification – Mark of Excellence
In today’s competitive market, it’s often difficult to differentiate yourself from others in
your industry. So why not stand out from the crowd? Get an ASQ certification! With
an ASQ certification next to your name, you demonstrate your pursuit of excellence in
quality. Acquire the knowledge to position yourself and your organization ahead of the
competition and get certified by ASQ today.

More than 300,000 ASQ

Benefits by the Numbers certifications have been issued

6 Number of annual exam administrations

per certification, increased from 2
worldwide. Those formally recognized
with the various certifications have
reported earning a 28 percent higher
salary than those without. They have
Number of available
days per year to take the
exam, increased from 4 102 used their certification as a
differentiator in the workplace,

2 Monthly time span allowing

for retesting between exams,
resulting in promotions and acting as
a stepping stone to their next career
move. ASQ certification not only
reduced from 6 months
increases your own personal value,

8,000 but also the value in your organization

Number of
testing locations,
increased from 350 as you implement the key knowledge
you’ll take away.

0-4 Number of days

until you receive your test results,
reduced from 10*
*With the exception of CMQ/OE and CMBB exam
results, due to short answer/essay responses.
For more information, visit
asq.org/cbt.

BIOMEDICAL AUDITOR – CBA

The Certified Biomedical Auditor (CBA) is a professional who understands the principles of
standards, regulations, directives, and guidance for auditing a biomedical system while using
various tools and techniques to examine, question, evaluate, and report on that system’s adequacy
and deficiencies. This individual analyzes all elements of the system and reports on how well it
adheres to the criteria for management and control of process safety.
Member Price: $348 • Nonmember Price: $498

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified Biomedical Auditor ■■The Biomedical Quality
Certification Preparation Auditor Handbook, Third
Edition
Location: Denver, CO
ASQ Biomedical Division
Date: September 11 – 13, 2017
and Heather Crawford,
Member Price: $1,199 editor
List Price: $1,399
Item: H1537
Certified Biomedical Auditor Question Bank Member Price: $89
Member Price: $99 List Price: $135
List Price: $109

2 ASQ CERTIFICATION asq.org/cert

 CALIBRATION TECHNICIAN – CCT
The Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) tests, calibrates, maintains, and repairs electrical,
mechanical, electromechanical, analytical, and electronic measuring, recording, and indicating
instruments, and equipment for conformance to established standards.
Member Price: $268 • Nonmember Price: $418

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified Calibration Technician ■■The Metrology
Certification Preparation Handbook,
Member Price: $299 Second Edition
List Price: $339 Jay L. Bucher, editor
Certified Calibration Technician Question Bank Item: H1428
Member Price: $99 Member Price: $99
List Price: $109 List Price: $145

HACCP (FOOD SAFETY) AUDITOR – CHA

The Certified HACCP (Food Safety) Auditor (CHA) is a professional who understands the standards
and principles of auditing a HACCP-based (or process-safety) system. A CHA uses various tools
and techniques to examine, question, evaluate, and report on that system’s adequacy and
deficiencies. The CHA analyzes all elements of the system and reports on how well it adheres to
the criteria for management and control of process safety.
Member Price: $348 • Nonmember Price: $498

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified HACCP Auditor ■■The Certified HACCP
Question Bank Auditor Handbook,
Member Price: $99 Third Edition
List Price: $109 Item: H1449
Certified HACCP Auditor (CHA) Member Price: $89
Certification Preparation List Price: $129
Member Price: $699
List Price: $799
Certified HACCP Auditor (CHA) Video
Preparation Course
Member Price: $249
List Price: $299

ASQ CERTIFICATION BRINGS VALUE

TO YOUR ORGANIZATION THROUGH ...
• Knowledgeable employees who ensure product and service quality.
• Internationally recognized credentials from the global voice of quality.
• Greater employee loyalty and retention.
• On-site group certification administrations.

Prices and dates in this catalog are subject to change without notice.
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.asq.org.

asq.org/cert ASQ CERTIFICATION 3

 MANAGER OF QUALITY/
ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE – CMQ/OE
The Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) leads and champions
process improvement initiatives—that can have regional or global focus—in various service and
industrial settings. A CMQ/OE facilitates and leads team efforts to establish and monitor
customer/supplier relations, supports strategic planning and deployment initiatives, and helps
develop measurement systems to determine organizational improvement.
Member Price: $418 • Nonmember Price: $568

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational ■■The Certified Manager
Excellence Certification Preparation of Quality/
Organizational
Location: Denver, CO
Excellence Handbook,
Date: September 11 – 14, 2017
Fourth Edition
Classroom Member Price: $1,399 Russell T. Westcott, editor
Classroom List Price: $1,699
Item: H1447
Self-Paced Member Price: $699 Member Price: $99
Self-Paced List Price: $799 List Price: $139
Dates: October 17 – December 5, 2017
Virtual Member Price: $699
Virtual List Price: $799
Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational
Excellence Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109

VISIT ...
asq.org/learninginstitute for more information on ASQ training.
asq.org/quality-press for complete publication information.
asq.org/cert for more information on certification.

Note: Certification preparation recommendations do NOT

guarantee that you will pass your ASQ certification exam.

4 ASQ CERTIFICATION asq.org/cert

 MASTER BLACK BELT – CMBB
The ASQ Master Black Belt (CMBB) certification is a mark of career excellence and aimed at
individuals who possess exceptional expertise and knowledge of current industry practice. Master
Black Belts have outstanding leadership ability, are innovative, and demonstrate a strong
commitment to the practice and advancement of quality and improvement. Obtaining an ASQ
MBB is acceptance and recognition from your peers. Please note that you must be a current ASQ
CSSBB and that your portfolio must be approved in order to register for this exam.
Portfolio Member Price: $495 • Nonmember Price: $650
Exam Member Price: $2,074 • Nonmember Price: $2,229

Quality Press Publication

■■The Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt Handbook
T.M. Kubiak
Item: H1404
Member Price: $99
List Price: $145

PHARMACEUTICAL GMP PROFESSIONAL – CPGP

The Certified Pharmaceutical GMP Professional (CPGP) understands the GMP principles as
regulated and guided by national and international agencies for the pharmaceutical industry. This
covers finished human and veterinary drugs and biologics, ectoparasitacides, dietary supplements
(alternatively called nutraceuticals where regulated as drug products), as well as their component
raw materials (includes active pharmaceutical ingredients [APIs] and excipients), and packaging
and labeling operations.
Member Price: $348 • Nonmember Price: $498

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified Pharmaceutical GMP Professional ■■The Certified
Question Bank Pharmaceutical
Member Price: $99 GMP Professional
List Price: $109 Handbook, Second
Edition
FDC Division and
Mark A. Durivage,
editor
Item: H1511
Member Price: $89
List Price: $135

Prices and dates in this catalog are subject to change without notice.
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.asq.org.

asq.org/cert ASQ CERTIFICATION 5

 QUALITY AUDITOR – CQA
The Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional who understands the standards and
principles of auditing and the auditing techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating, and
reporting to determine a quality system’s adequacy and deficiencies. The CQA analyzes all
elements of a quality system and judges its degree of adherence to the criteria of industrial
management and quality evaluation and control systems.
Member Price: $348 • Nonmember Price: $498

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified Quality Auditor ■■The ASQ Auditing
Certification Preparation Handbook,
Fourth Edition
Location: Memphis, TN
J.P. Russell, editor
Date: August 21 – 23, 2017
Item: H1435
Location: San Francisco, CA
Member Price: $89
Date: November 13 – 15, 2017
List Price: $135
Location: Baltimore, MD
Date: May 21 – 23, 2018
Classroom Member Price: $1,099
Classroom List Price: $1,399
Self-Paced Member Price: $699
Self-Paced List Price: $799
Certified Quality Auditor Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109

TRANSLATED CERTIFICATION EXAMS

ASQ offers all of our certification exams worldwide in English.
Several of the certification exams have been translated into:

• Korean
• Mandarin
• Portuguese
• Spanish

6 ASQ CERTIFICATION asq.org/cert

 QUALITY ENGINEER – CQE
The Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional who understands the principles of product
and service quality evaluation and control. This body of knowledge and applied technologies
include, but are not limited to, development and operation of quality control systems; application
and analysis of testing and inspection procedures; the ability to use metrology and statistical
methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices; an understanding of human
factors and motivation; familiarity with quality cost concepts and techniques; and the knowledge
and ability to develop and administer management information systems and to audit quality
systems for deficiency identification and correction.
Member Price: $348 • Nonmember Price: $498

ASQ Training Quality Press Publications

Certified Quality Engineer ■■The Certified Quality
Certification Preparation Engineer Handbook,
Fourth Edition
Location: Denver, CO
Sarah E. Burke and
Date: September 11 – 15, 2017
Rachel T. Silvestrini
Location: San Francisco, CA
Item: H1518
Date: November 13 – 17, 2017
Member Price: $99
Location: Baltimore, MD List Price: $145
Date: May 21 – 25, 2018
Classroom Member Price: $1,599
Classroom List Price: $1,899
Self-Paced Member Price: $699 ■■The ASQ CQE
Self-Paced List Price: $799 Study Guide
Connie M. Borror
Certified Quality Engineer Question Bank and Sarah E. Burke
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109 Item: H1496
Member Price: $30
List Price: $50

Prices and dates in this catalog are subject to change without notice.
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.asq.org.

asq.org/cert ASQ CERTIFICATION 7

 QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATE – CQIA
The Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) has a basic knowledge of quality tools and
their uses, and is involved in quality improvement projects, but doesn’t necessarily come from a
traditional quality area.
Member Price: $244 • Nonmember Price: $394

ASQ Training
Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) Quality Press Publication
Certification Preparation – ASQ’s Quality 101
■■The Certified Quality
Location: San Francisco, CA Improvement Associate
Date: November 14 – 15, 2017 Handbook, Third Edition
Classroom Member Price: $1,299 ASQ Quality
Classroom List Price: $1,499 Management Division,
Grace L. Duffy and
Self-Paced Member Price: $299 Russell T. Westcott,
Self-Paced List Price: $349 editors
Certified Quality Improvement Item: H1470
Associate Question Bank Member Price: $69
Member Price: $99 List Price: $105
List Price: $109

QUALITY INSPECTOR – CQI

The Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is an inspector who, in support of and under the direction
of quality engineers, supervisors, or technicians, can use the proven techniques included in the
body of knowledge. Under professional direction, the CQI evaluates hardware documentation,
performs laboratory procedures, inspects products, measures process performance, records
data, and prepares formal reports.
Member Price: $268 • Nonmember Price: $418

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified Quality Inspector ■■The Certified Quality
Certification Preparation Inspector Handbook,
Second Edition
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
H. Fred Walker, Ahmad
Date: September 12 – 13, 2017
K. Elshennawy, Bhisham
Classroom Member Price: $799 C. Gupta, and Mary
Classroom List Price: $999 McShane Vaughn
Self-Paced Member Price: $399 Item: H1427
Self-Paced List Price: $449 Member Price: $89
Certified Quality Inspector List Price: $135
Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109

8 ASQ CERTIFICATION asq.org/cert

 QUALITY PROCESS ANALYST – CQPA
The Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) is a paraprofessional who, in support of quality
engineers or supervisors, analyzes and solves quality problems 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.
Member Price: $244 • Nonmember Price: $394

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified Quality Process Analyst ■■The Certified Quality
Certification Preparation Process Analyst
Member Price: $399 Handbook, Second
List Price: $449 Edition
Chris Christensen,
Certified Quality Process Analyst
Kathleen M. Betz, and
Question Bank
Marilyn S. Stein
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109 Item: H1457
Member Price: $69
List Price: $99

QUALITY TECHNICIAN – CQT

The Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is a paraprofessional who, in support of and under the
direction of quality engineers or supervisors, analyzes and solves quality problems, prepares
inspection plans and instructions, selects sampling plan applications, prepares procedures, trains
inspectors, performs audits, analyzes quality costs and other quality data, and applies fundamental
statistical methods for process control.
Member Price: $268 • Nonmember Price: $418

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified Quality Technician ■■The Certified Quality
Certification Preparation Technician Handbook,
Second Edition
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Donald W. Benbow,
Date: September 11 – 13, 2017
Ahmad K. Elshennawy,
Classroom Member Price: $999 and H. Fred Walker
Classroom List Price: $1,299
Item: H1422
Self-Paced Member Price: $399 Member Price: $89
Self-Paced List Price: $449 List Price: $135
Virtual Member Price: $599
Virtual List Price: $699
Certified Quality Technician
Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109

Prices and dates in this catalog are subject to change without notice.
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.asq.org.

asq.org/cert ASQ CERTIFICATION 9

 RELIABILITY ENGINEER – CRE
The Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who understands the principles of
performance evaluation and prediction to improve product/systems safety, reliability, and
maintainability. This body of knowledge and applied technologies include, but are not limited to,
design review and control; prediction, estimation, and apportionment methodology; failure mode
and effects analysis; the planning, operation, and analysis of reliability testing and field failures,
including mathematical modeling; understanding human factors in reliability; and the ability to
develop and administer reliability information systems for failure analysis, design, and performance
improvement; and reliability program management over the entire product life cycle.
Member Price: $348 • Nonmember Price: $498

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Certified Reliability Engineer ■■The Certified Reliability
Certification Preparation Engineer Handbook,
Self-Paced Member Price: $699 Third Edition
Self-Paced List Price: $799 Mark Allen Durivage,
editor
Certified Reliability Engineer
Question Bank Item: H1535
Member Price: $99 Member Price: $89
List Price: $109 List Price: $135

SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT – CSSBB

The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional who can explain Six Sigma
philosophies and principles, including supporting systems and tools. A Black Belt should
demonstrate team leadership, understand team dynamics, and assign team member roles and
responsibilities. Black Belts have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the DMAIC model in
accordance with Six Sigma principles. They have basic knowledge of lean enterprise concepts,
are able to identify nonvalue-added elements and activities, and are able to use specific tools.
Member Price: $388 • Nonmember Price: $538

ASQ Training Quality Press Publications

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt ■■The Certified Six Sigma
Certification Preparation Black Belt Handbook,
Third Edition
Location: Baltimore, MD
T. M. Kubiak and Donald
Date: May 21 – 25, 2018
W. Benbow
Classroom Member Price: $1,799
Item: H1494
Classroom List Price: $1,999
Member Price: $99
Self-Paced Member Price: $1,099 List Prist: $145
Self-Paced List Price: $1,299
Virtual Member Price: $999
Virtual List Price: $1,199 ■■The ASQ CSSBB Study Guide
Mark Allen Durivage and
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
Shawn Findlater
Question Bank
Member Price: $99 Item: H1536
List Price: $109 Member Price: $30
List Prist: $50

10 ASQ CERTIFICATION asq.org/cert

 SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT – CSSGB
The Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) operates in support of, or under the supervision of a
Six Sigma Black Belt, analyzes and solves quality problems, and is involved in quality improvement
projects. A Green Belt is someone with at least three years of work experience who wants to
demonstrate his or her knowledge of Six Sigma tools and processes.
Member Price: $288 • Nonmember Price: $438

ASQ Training Quality Press Publications

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt ■■The Six Sigma Green
Certification Preparation Belt Handbook, Second
Check the ASQ website for upcoming dates. Edition
Classroom Member Price: $1,399 Roderick A. Munro,
Classroom List Price: $1,599 Govindarajan Ramu,
and Daniel J. Zrymiak
Self-Paced Member Price: $699
Self-Paced List Price: $799 Item: H1469
Member Price: $89
Virtual Member Price: $699 List Price: $135
Virtual List Price: $799
Certified Six Sigma Green Belt
Question Bank ■■The ASQ CSSGB
Member Price: $99 Study Guide
List Price: $109 Roderick A. Munro,
Daniel J. Zrymiak, and
Elizabeth J. Rice
Item: H1528
Member Price: $30
List Price: $50

CERTIFICATION CAN ...

• Differentiate you.
• Enhance career opportunities and earning capacity.
• Help you evaluate people and opportunities.
• Increase peer and leadership confidence in you.
• Demonstrate mastery of best practices.
• Expand your social network.

Prices and dates in this catalog are subject to change without notice.
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.asq.org.

asq.org/cert ASQ CERTIFICATION 11

 SIX SIGMA YELLOW BELT – CSSYB
The Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) certification will be aimed at those new to the world of
Six Sigma who have a small role, interest, or need to develop foundational knowledge. Yellow Belts
can be entry-level employees who seek to improve their world or executive champions who require
an overview of Six Sigma and DMAIC. This certification will adopt the approach of advancing the
concept and potential of using Six Sigma tools and methodologies within an organization.
Member Price: $244 • Nonmember Price: $394

ASQ Training Quality Press Publications

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt ■■The Certified Six Sigma
Location: Phoenix, AZ Yellow Belt Handbook
Date: February 23 – 24, 2018 Govindarajan Ramu
Classroom Member Price: $899 Item: H1493
Classroom List Price: $999 Member Price: $69
List Price: $105
Self-Paced Member Price: $299
Self-Paced List Price: $399
Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109 ■■The ASQ CSSYB
Study Guide
Erica L. Farmer and
Grace L. Duffy
Item: H1525
Member Price: $30
List Price: $50

SOFTWARE QUALITY ENGINEER – CSQE

The Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) understands software quality development and
implementation, software inspection, testing, verification, and validation, and implements software
development and maintenance processes and methods.
Member Price: $348 • Nonmember Price: $498

ASQ Training Quality Press Publication

Software Quality Engineering ■■The Certified Software
Certification Preparation Quality Engineer
Handbook, Second
Location: San Francisco, CA
Edition
Date: November 13 – 17, 2017
Linda Westfall
Location: Baltimore, MD
Item: H1516
Date: May 21 – 25, 2018
Member Price: $99
Classroom Member Price: $1,999 List Price: $145
Classroom List Price: $2,299
Certified Software Quality Engineer
Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109

Prices and dates in this catalog are subject to change without notice.
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.asq.org.

12 ASQ CERTIFICATION asq.org/cert

 SUPPLIER QUALITY PROFESSIONAL – CSQP
The Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) understands the principles of product and
service quality evaluation and control. This body of knowledge and applied technologies include,
but are not limited to, development and operation of quality control systems, application and
analysis of testing and inspection procedures, the ability to use metrology and statistical methods to
diagnose and correct improper quality control practices, an understanding of human factors and
motivation, familiarity with quality cost concepts and techniques, and the knowledge and ability to
develop and administer management information systems and to audit quality systems for
deficiency identification and correction.
Member Price: $348 • Nonmember Price: $498
ASQ Training Quality Press Publication
Certified Supplier Quality ■■The Certified Supplier
Professional Preparation Quality Professional
Handbook
Location: San Antonio, TX
Mark Allen Durivage,
Date: October 4 – 6, 2017
editor
Classroom Member Price: $1,299
Item: H1520
Classroom List Price: $1,599
Member Price: $89
Virtual Member Price: $699 List Price: $135
Virtual List Price: $799

LEARN MORE AT
asq.org/membership.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

Looking for professional development opportunities? Becoming
an ASQ member is the answer. Gain extended access to the
Knowledge Center—a resource full of books, case studies, and
more that will help you find solutions. You’ll also have access
to the Career Center to post your résumé and view more than
1,000 job postings. Get a members-only discount and save!

asq.org/cert ASQ CERTIFICATION 13

 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN
ASQ CERTIFICATION AND A
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING

An authentic professional certification is formal recognition by a respected, recognized,

and established professional organization that an individual has demonstrated a
proficiency within, and comprehension of, a specified body of knowledge.

An ASQ certification, like most authentic professional certifications, requires that

individuals demonstrate these competencies by passing an exam and having a track
record of expertise in one of the specified quality disciplines, such as Six Sigma. ASQ
does not require you to take the ASQ training—or any other particular courses—as a
condition of awarding such certifications.

There has been a great deal of confusion as to the true meaning of certification,
especially recently, as individuals and companies strive to achieve and validate
competencies in a competitive job market. Numerous training companies, educational
institutions, and even individual training consultants are competing to sell training
courses that purportedly include “certification.”

In many cases, these are not certifications based on a noncommercial standard body of
knowledge as developed by objective third-party entities, but rather paper certificates
awarded for participating in specific training.

While there is nothing wrong with providing evidence of a course completion (whether
through a document and/or accredited continuing education units), this should not be
confused with the rigor and achievement of a professional certification.

14 ASQ CERTIFICATION asq.org/cert

 COMPARING CERTIFICATION WITH CERTIFICATES
The following summary comparison is provided for purposes of clarification:

ASQ Certification (Training) Certificate

Basis for • Requires passing an exam reflecting • Attending a particular
award professional consensus and expertise. training session and/or
– Experience and/or educational prerequisites. completing a course or
specified courses.
– Exam is proctored and expertly developed
to evaluate competency in a particular field
of knowledge.
• Not awarded for completing any specific course.

Awarded by • An established independent professional associa- • An educational institution or

tion not affiliated with any commercial entity. commercial entity.

What it • Subject mastery of an objective and consistent • Completion of a course or

recognizes body of knowledge based on expert several courses offered by a
consensus and objective and research-based particular training provider
job analysis. offered at a particular point
in time.

Source of the • ASQ members who are recognized subject • The course content is
body of matter experts and practitioners in the field of the developed and offered by
knowledge/ particular certification. the provider the same time
skill sets it’s offered to, and attended
referenced by, the student.

Standards for • Technically rigorous exam questions and • Course content as

granting the grading structure to which a systematically demonstrated by the student’s
award developed knowledge content is applied. participation and/or the
• Use of professional testing experts and content specific provider’s knowledge
subject matter experts. assessment method.
• Exam formally administered under scheduled
and prescribed conditions to ensure integrity.
• Adherence to ISO 17024.

Professional • ASQ trademarked certifications can be listed • N/A, but the course
credentialing after one’s name and used on business cards. attended/completed can
• Many job postings ask specifically for be referenced as an
ASQ certifications. educational qualification on
employment applications.
• ASQ certifications are recognized by more
than 125 corporations. • Employers’ recognition of
the completed training
mostly based on familiarity
with the training provider.

Duration of the • Like most professional certifications, ASQ • Generally no expiration date
credential certifications must be renewed by is applicable because the
demonstrating continued competency to reflect certificate verifies the
the knowledge updates that take place at least completion of a specific
every three years. course of instruction on a
• A formal recertification process ensures that the certain date.
certification holder has maintained the appropri-
ate level of competency and is up to date.

asq.org/cert ASQ CERTIFICATION 15

Frequently Asked Questions
About ASQ Certification
Here are commonly asked questions about ASQ certification. Should you have any
further questions, please visit asq.org/cert or call 800-248-1946.

WHAT IS CERTIFICATION?
Certification is formal recognition by ASQ that an individual has proficiency within, and
a comprehension of, a specified body of knowledge (BoK). It is peer recognition, not
registration or licensure.

WHY BECOME CERTIFIED?

Quality competition is a fact of life, and the need for a workforce proficient in the principles
and practices of quality control is a central concern of many companies. Certification is a
mark of excellence. It demonstrates that the certified individual has the knowledge to ensure
quality of products and services. Certification is an investment in your career and in the
future of your employer.

I DON’T HAVE THE REQUIRED EXPERIENCE. CAN I STILL GET CERTIFIED?

For those certifications with education waivers, you may waive some of the required work
experience if you have a degree, diploma, or certificate beyond high school.
If you do not have the education and work experience required to sit for a particular
certification exam, you may obtain a partial refund of your exam fee by contacting ASQ.
ASQ will not waive the exam requirements. If you are short on work experience, you may sit
for the next exam, as long as you meet the requirement by the time you apply for the exam.

WHAT CAN I STUDY TO HELP ME PASS THE EXAM?

There’s no one resource. The books that are used to create the exam questions are under
“references” on the preparation page for each exam. 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 tools.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATION EXAM?

There are several ways to apply. You can apply online. You can download an exam
application for mailing or faxing. You will need your résumé and credit card to complete
the application. Or you can request a free certification brochure by contacting ASQ
Customer Care at 800-248-1946 (United States and Canada only), 414-272-8575,
or help@asq.org.

WHAT ARE THE UPCOMING EXAM DATES?

For a list of exam dates and locations, visit asq.org/cert/dates. Special administrations are
possible. Permanent special administration sites for paper-based tests will continue to be
offered twice a year in certain regions where Prometric does not offer a testing center.

WHAT IS COMPUTER-BASED TESTING?

To improve the certification process, paper-based exames are moving to computer-based
testing. Candidates can take ASQ Certification exams at a Prometric testing facility where
the test is delivered via computer in a Prometric proctored, secure environment. Visit
asq.org/cbt for more information.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE CERTIFICATION EXAM?
All exams consist of multiple-choice questions that are carefully designed, reviewed for
correctness, and computer-scored. The Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational
Excellence (CMQ/OE) exam also contains two constructed-response (essay) questions.
The Master Black Belt certification exam has a performance-based assessment that includes
situation-specific materials that candidates will be directed to evaluate and respond to.
The exams take two to five hours, depending on the certification.
All exams are given in English. Additionally, ASQ offers select translated exams in
some countries.

WHAT IS THE PASSING SCORE ON A CERTIFICATION EXAM?

ASQ certification exams use a “cut-score” process. You need a score of 550 points out of a
possible 750 to be certified. For more information on cut-scores, please visit asq.org/cert/
faq/exam-grading-process.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY EXAM RESULTS?

Candidates who take a computer-based examination* †receive the exam report at the
test center the day they sit for the examination. They can also access their exam results
on ASQ.org seven business days after your examination date.
*Exam results for the CMQ/OE and MBB will not be available on testing day due to the
written portion of the exams.
†ASQ exam results for pilot exams and exams with updated bodies of knowledge will be
communicated within two weeks. We recognize 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.

I DID NOT PASS. WHAT IS THE RETAKE POLICY?

You may retake any exam at the retake rate. See individual certifications for specific retake fees.
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.

WHY SHOULD I RECERTIFY?

You made the effort to pass the certification exam in the first place—now maintain it.
Maintaining your certification secures the investment you’ve already made in your career.
Quality competition is a fact of life, and the need for a workforce proficient in the principles
and practices of quality is a central concern of many organizations. Certification is a mark
of excellence. It demonstrates that the certified individual has the knowledge to ensure the
quality of products and services. Certification is an investment in your career and in the
future of your employer.

HOW CAN I USE CERTIFICATIONS ON MY BUSINESS CARDS?

Individuals with ASQ certification may indicate their certification(s) on their personal
business cards. Please refer to your certification in terms consistent with the legal
requirements found in many states.
Canadian Provincial and Territorial laws prohibit the use of the term “engineer” unless
an individual is registered in Canada as a Professional Engineer. However, ASQ-certified
individuals would not be in violation of this law if they use the acronyms “ASQ CQE,” as
appropriate, as a title instead of the word “engineer.”
 TESTIMONIALS

“Obtaining my CQIA certification has allowed for me to fully

understand the basics of quality and to be able to use the tools and
knowledge gained through the courses taken in preparation for this
certification in my current job.”

— KIRSTEN RYDER

“Most quality professionals don’t hold a degree in quality, so this

certification provides both a standard and way to quickly tell who
has demonstrated mastery of the basics of quality.”

– MATTHEW BARSALOU

“Being a Certified Quality Engineer has provided the tools and

resources to be a credible authority on quality and influence my
organization for positive change.”

— RICH ALBERT

18 ASQ CERTIFICATION asq.org/cert

 “Certification is an investment in my career and in the future
of my company. It is a mark of excellence. It demonstrates that
I have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the DMAIC
model in accordance with Six Sigma principles to ensure quality
of products and services.”

— MARIO PEREZ

“My certifications have been a testament to the experience and

drive needed to lead quality improvement initiatives within our
organization. From cost-reduction projects, Six Sigma projects,
root cause investigation, and many other opportunities, ASQ
certifications confirm my ability to apply quality experience and
knowledge.”

— FERNANDO SERRANO

asq.org/cert ASQ CERTIFICATION 19

ADVANCE
YOUR CAREER.
IMPROVE YOUR
ORGANIZATION.

Invest in yourself and your

career with this mark of
excellence. Gain an
advantage over your
competition, and increase
the potential of earning a
higher salary.

Certification is one of the

most valued benefits of
ASQ membership.

Visit asq.org/cert

600 N. Plankinton Ave.

Milwaukee, WI 53203-2914
t: 414-272-8575
800-248-1946
f: 414-272-1734
www.asq.org

PDF Only, Revised August 2017