GAIN CREDIBILITY

AND PRESTIGE

ASQ Certification and

Certification Preparation Resources
asq.org/cert
 ASQ CERTIFICATION
MARK OF EXCELLENCE FOR 50 YEARS
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.

2 ASQ CERTIFICATION | asq.org/cert

 Benefits by the Numbers
More than 300,000 ASQ certifications have been
issued worldwide. Those formally recognized with
the various certifications have reported earning a
28 PERCENT HIGHER SALARY than those without.
They have used their certification as a DIFFERENTIATOR
IN THE WORKPLACE, resulting in promotions and
acting as a STEPPING STONE to their next career
move. ASQ certification not only INCREASES YOUR
OWN PERSONAL VALUE, but also the value in your
organization as you implement the key knowledge you’ll
take away. Plus, you will get INSTANT RESULTS
for multiple-choice exams.

For more information, visit asq.org/cert.

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

LEARN MORE:
asq.org/cert/dates-translated

Prices in this catalog are subject to change without notice. For the most
up-to-date
 information, including training dates and locations, visit asq.org. ASQ CERTIFICATION 3
 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

Certified Biomedical Auditor PUBLICATION
Certification Preparation The Biomedical Quality Auditor
Member Price: $1,199 Handbook, Third Edition
List Price: $1,399 ASQ Biomedical Division
and Heather Crawford, editor
Certified Biomedical Auditor
Question Bank Item: H1537
Member Price: $89
Member Price: $99
List Price: $135
List Price: $109

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

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

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.

4 ASQ CERTIFICATION | asq.org/cert

 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

Certified HACCP Auditor (CHA) PUBLICATION
Certification Preparation The Certified HACCP Auditor
Member Price: $699 Handbook, Third Edition
List Price: $799 FDC Division and
John G. Surak and
Certified HACCP Auditor Steven Wilson, editors
Question Bank
Item: H1449
Member Price: $99 Member Price: $89
List Price: $109 List Price: $129
Certified HACCP Auditor (CHA)
Video Preparation Course
Member Price: $249
List Price: $299

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

Certified Manager of Quality/ PUBLICATION
Organizational Excellence The Certified Manager of
Certification Preparation Quality/Organizational
Classroom Member Price: $1,399 Excellence Handbook,
Classroom List Price: $1,699 Fourth Edition
Self-Paced Member Price: $699 Russell T. Westcott, editor
Self-Paced List Price: $799 Item: H1447
Virtual Member Price: $699 Member Price: $99
Virtual List Price: $799 List Price: $139

Certified Manager of Quality/

Organizational Excellence
Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109

Prices in this catalog are subject to change without notice. For the most
up-to-date
 information, including training dates and locations, visit asq.org. ASQ CERTIFICATION 5
 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

LEARN MORE AT
asq.org/membership.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

Looking for
Looking for professional
even more professional
developmentdevelopment
opportunities?opportunities?
Becoming
Becoming
an an ASQis member
ASQ member is the
the answer. answer.
Gain Gain access
extended extended access
to the
Knowledge Center—a resource full of books, case studies, studies,
to ASQ’s Quality Resources, where you’ll find books, case and
and more
more thathelp
that will will help
you fiyou find solutions.
nd solutions. You’llYou’ll
also also
havehave
accessaccess
to the
to the Career Center to post your résumé and and view
view more
more than
than
1,000 job
1,000 job postings. Get a members-only discount and save! save!

6 ASQ CERTIFICATION | asq.org/cert

 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

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

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

Certified Quality Auditor PUBLICATION
Certification Preparation The ASQ Auditing
Classroom Member Price: $1,099 Handbook, Fourth Edition
Classroom List Price: $1,399 J.P. Russell, editor
Self-Paced Member Price: $699 Item: H1435
Self-Paced List Price: $799 Member Price: $89
List Price: $135
Certified Quality Auditor
Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109

Prices in this catalog are subject to change without notice. For the most
up-to-date
 information, including training dates and locations, visit asq.org. ASQ CERTIFICATION 7
 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

Certified Quality Engineer PUBLICATIONS
Certification Preparation The Certified Quality
Classroom Member Price: $1,599 Engineer Handbook,
Classroom List Price: $1,899 Fourth Edition
Self-Paced Member Price: $699 Sarah E. Burke and
Self-Paced List Price: $799 Rachel T. Silvestrini
Item: H1518
Certified Quality Engineer Member Price: $99
Question Bank List Price: $145
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109
The ASQ CQE Study Guide
Connie M. Borror
and Sarah E. Burke
Item: H1496
Member Price: $30
List Price: $50

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A CERTIFIED

QUALITY ENGINEER TO YOU?

Becoming a CQE provides you with an

internationally recognized credential, and
validates your expertise and knowledge. CQEs
earn an average of almost $10,000 more than
those who are not certified.

Source: Quality Progress Salary Survey, December 2017.

8 ASQ CERTIFICATION | asq.org/cert

 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 QUALITY PRESS

Certified Quality PUBLICATION
Improvement Associate (CQIA) The Certified Quality
Certification Preparation – Improvement Associate
ASQ’s Quality 101 Handbook, Third Edition
Classroom Member Price: $1,299 ASQ Quality Management
Classroom List Price: $1,499 Division, Grace L. Duffy and
Self-Paced Member Price: $299 Russell T. Westcott, editors
Self-Paced List Price: $349 Item: H1470
Member Price: $69
Certified Quality List Price: $105
Improvement Associate
Question Bank
Member Price: $99
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

Certified Quality Inspector PUBLICATION
Certification Preparation The Certified Quality
Classroom Member Price: $799 Inspector Handbook,
Classroom List Price: $999 Second Edition
Self-Paced Member Price: $399 H. Fred Walker,
Self-Paced List Price: $449 Ahmad K. Elshennawy,
Bhisham C. Gupta, and
Certified Quality Inspector Mary McShane Vaughn
Question Bank Item: H1427
Member Price: $99 Member Price: $89
List Price: $109 List Price: $135

Prices in this catalog are subject to change without notice. For the most
up-to-date
 information, including training dates and locations, visit asq.org. ASQ CERTIFICATION 9
 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

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

Certified Quality Technician PUBLICATION
Certification Preparation The Certified Quality
Classroom Member Price: $999 Technician Handbook,
Classroom List Price: $1,299 Second Edition
Self-Paced Member Price: $399 Donald W. Benbow,
Self-Paced List Price: $449 Ahmad K. Elshennawy,
and H. Fred Walker
Virtual Member Price: $599
Virtual List Price: $699 Item: H1422
Member Price: $89
Certified Quality Technician List Price: $135
Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109

10 ASQ CERTIFICATION | asq.org/cert

 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

Certified Reliability Engineer PUBLICATION
Question Bank The Certified Reliability
Member Price: $99 Engineer Handbook,
List Price: $109 Third Edition
Mark Allen Durivage, editor
Item: H1535
Member Price: $89
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

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt PUBLICATIONS
Certification Preparation The Certified Six Sigma
Classroom Member Price: $1,799 Black Belt Handbook,
Classroom List Price: $1,999 Third Edition
T. M. Kubiak and
NEW! Donald W. Benbow
Self-Paced Member Price: $999 Item: H1494
Self-Paced List Price: $1,099 Member Price: $99
Virtual Member Price: $999 List Prist: $145
Virtual List Price: $1,199

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt The ASQ CSSBB

Question Bank Study Guide
Member Price: $99 Mark Allen Durivage
List Price: $109 and Shawn Findlater
Item: H1536
Member Price: $30
List Prist: $50

Prices in this catalog are subject to change without notice. For the most
up-to-date
 information, including training dates and locations, visit asq.org. ASQ CERTIFICATION 11
 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

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt PUBLICATIONS
Certification Preparation The Six Sigma Green Belt
Check the ASQ website for upcoming dates. Handbook, Second 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 The ASQ CSSGB

Question Bank Study Guide
Member Price: $99 Roderick A. Munro,
List Price: $109 Daniel J. Zrymiak,
and Elizabeth J. Rice
Item: H1528
Member Price: $30
List Price: $50

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

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt PUBLICATIONS
Classroom Member Price: $899 The Certified Six Sigma
Classroom List Price: $999 Yellow Belt Handbook
Self-Paced Member Price: $299 Govindarajan Ramu
Self-Paced List Price: $349 Item: H1493
Member Price: $69
Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt List Price: $105
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

12 ASQ CERTIFICATION | asq.org/cert

 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

Software Quality Engineering PUBLICATION
Certification Preparation The Certified Software
Classroom Member Price: $1,899 Quality Engineer Handbook,
Classroom List Price: $2,199 Second Edition
Linda Westfall
Certified Software Quality Engineer
Question Bank Item: H1516
Member Price: $99
Member Price: $99
List Price: $145
List Price: $109

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

Certified Supplier Quality Professional PUBLICATION
Certification Preparation The Certified Supplier Quality
Classroom Member Price: $1,299 Professional Handbook
Classroom List Price: $1,599 Mark Allen Durivage, editor
Virtual Member Price: $699 Item: H1520
Virtual List Price: $799 Member Price: $89
List Price: $135
Certified Supplier Quality Professional
Question Bank
Member Price: $99
List Price: $109

VISIT ...
asq.org/training 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.

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

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.

Hear what others have said about the value of their ASQ certification:
asq.org/asqtv-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.

Prices in this catalog are subject to change without notice. For the most
up-to-date
 information, including training dates and locations, visit asq.org. 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 results 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 four 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.”
 YOUR 8 STEP GUIDE
TO ASQ CERTIFICATION
YOU MADE IT! SHARE AND
CONGRATULATIONS— STAY CURRENT
job well done!

GET RESULTS CHECK

You can get your results by PASS LISTS
email and/or mail.

TAKE EXAM SEE TIPS

You’re prepared and ready.

PREPARE
ASQ’s Body of Knowledge offers GET PREPARED
a variety of ways to prep.

APPLY
Your selected exam date has APPLY NOW
an application deadline.

CHOOSE
Check exam dates VIEW DATES
and deadlines.

SELECT
There’s at least one certification SEE OPTIONS
that’s just right for you.

DECIDE
How will ASQ certification boost your career?

YOUR Get ready for a career-boosting trek that will

JOURNEY validate your professional value and expertise. Earning

formal recognition with one of 18 ASQ certifications

BEGINS HERE. demonstrates your Body of Knowledge proficiency.

18 ASQ CERTIFICATION | asq.org/cert

 TESTIMONIALS
Now share your accomplishment with colleagues
and add it to your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and “Obtaining my CQIA
business card. Stay current with recertification certification has allowed for me
as required. to fully understand the basics
ASQ emails test takers within weeks with results. of quality and to be able to
Mailed results take two to four weeks after the use the tools and knowledge
exam date. CBT exams (with the exception of gained through the courses
CMQ/OE, CMBB, and pilot exams) receive
instant pass/fail notification at the test centers.
taken in preparation for this
certification in my current job.”
— KIRSTEN RYDER
Use our test taking pointers to prepare
for the big day.
“Most quality professionals don’t
hold a degree in quality, so this
Online, on paper, or in person, the ways certification provides both a
to prepare include assessments, reference standard and way to quickly tell
materials, practice exams, training, books, who has demonstrated mastery
and more.
of the basics of quality.”
— MATTHEW BARSALOU
Be sure to meet the application deadline.
There are no exceptions! “Being a Certified Quality
Engineer has provided the
tools and resources to be a
Each year, ASQ schedules exam dates
for each certification. Plan ahead to apply, credible authority on quality
prepare, and take the exam on your and influence my organization
own schedule.
for positive change.”
— RICH ALBERT
ASQ offers 18 certifications. Many
professionals earn two or more. Create “My certifications have been
a track that works for your career goals.
a testament to the experience
and drive needed to lead
ASQ certified professionals see immediate results
quality improvement initiatives
in terms of job promotions, higher salaries, and
new opportunities. And, 62 percent say their within our organization. From
employer pays the cost of ASQ certification. cost-reduction projects, Six
Sigma projects, root cause
investigation, and many
other opportunities, ASQ
Gain an advantage over your competition
and increase your potential for a higher certifications confirm my ability
salary—follow our step-by-step guide to apply quality experience
to reach your ASQ certification. and knowledge.”
— FERNANDO SERRANO

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

As a proud member of ICE, we stay informed on

best practices in developing and administering
quality certification programs so that we may
better serve you. ASQ is proud to be a member
of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence
in show of our support of the credentialing
community and our commitment to strive for
excellence in our certification programs.

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 April 2018