Frequently Asked Questions
Hey There,
I frequently get asked questions about the ASQ CSSGB Exam, timings, application process, etc., and I wanted to put together some information that you can refer back too.
If you have a question that you cannot find an answer to, please use the contact form and I’ll do my best to respond as soon as I can.
General Questions
#What are the costs associated with CSSGB Certification?
If you are not an ASQ member, the fee for the CSSGB exam is currently $438.
If you are an ASQ member, the fee is $338 – a $100 discount! But note: this discount is only for the initial examination!
To become an ASQ member, it costs $169 annually. Here is a link to ASQ’s membership page.
And yes – I would highly recommend you become an ASQ member beyond the obvious reason of saving money on the certification.
# Do CSSGB’s typically get paid more?
Yes! According to the most recent survey conducted by ASQ, U.S. respondents who’ve earned any Six Sigma Belt earned, on average, $116,052, a sizable boost of $16,193 over those without Six Sigma training.
Also, in 2021, people with Six Sigma Green Belt Certification make on average $102,617, which is $5,640 more than their non-certified peers, or 5.8% more.
I do want to strongly stress that in my opinion, becoming a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt means nothing!
Becoming a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt and leveraging your new knowledge & tools to make a tangible difference, means everything!
You have to use the skills & tools that you learn about before someone will pay you more!
It is very difficult to leverage a CSSGB certification into more pay, if the certification is not bearing fruit for your organization. As you study, you must, must, must be looking for ways to leverage your new information into tangible results.
# How long has the certification existed?
ASQ itself was established in 1946 and traces its roots to the end of World War II.
Since then, ASQ has played a key role in maintaining and continually improving Quality standards.
# What Industries Employ CSSGB and What do they Do?
If you’re familiar with the GB Body of Knowledge, you know that a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt’s job can range widely from continuous improvement to operational excellence, to project management, to developing new products or services, to control products/processes or improving processes & ensuring quality.
Certified Green Belts are often called upon to use their knowledge in many different industries including:
- Automotive
- Aviation, Space & Defense
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biomedical (Medical Devices)
- Industrial Equipment
- Energy Industry (Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Chemical, etc)
- Engineering & Construction Firms
- Food, Drug & Cosmetics
Have I truly answered the question in the heading? No, I was vague on purpose.
This is because the Certified Six Sigma Green Belt can end up doing many different things, in many different industries!
# Will Becoming a CSSGB Grow my Career?
# Should You Actually Sit for the CSSGB Exam?
Application Process
Many of the frequently asked questions I get about becoming a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) have to do with the application & the application process!
# How do I apply to take the CSSGB Exam?
ASQ provides two different methods for application. You can either apply on-line (which is what I did) or complete a hardcopy and mail it in.
Here is link to the ASQ CSSGB Online Application page to find more details and apply for the exam.
# Is there a deadline for my application?
Yes – you must apply in advance of your exam date.
If you’re running late, ASQ does accept late application, but there is an extra fee for those who do.
The CSSGB exams are usually on even months (February, April, June, etc), and the application deadline is usually the 8th of the previous month.
Here is a link to the ASQ CSSGB Exam Date page for more information.
# How will I know my application has been accepted?
Regardless of your method of application (online v. hardcopy) ASQ will email you once they have reviewed and approved your application.
Bonus: ASQ will also send you an email confirming your exam location 2 – 3 weeks before the exam.
# Does my Degree have to be in an engineering related field?
Not at all!
ASQ Stresses that CSSGB’s are Professionals who have demonstrated a proficiency in the principles and tools outlined in the Body of Knowledge.
Nowhere do they state that you are required to have an engineering related degree, although it certainly helps.
All they require is 3 years of full time and paid on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the CSSGB body of knowledge.
Exam Questions
Many of the frequently asked questions about becoming a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) are related to the actual exam.
ASQ has moved to a computer based test that’s hosted by Prometrics and I’ve included some details on this new process.
# What is the CSSGB exam?
Before you can become certified as a six sigma green belt, you must pass the CSSGB Exam that is proctored by ASQ.
The exam is meant to challenge your understanding of the CSSGB Body of Knowledge.
# Is the Exam Timed?
Yes, ASQ gives you 4 hours and 18 minutes (258 minutes) to take the CSSGB exam.
That’s nearly 2 minutes and 20 seconds per question, so you’ll have to move quickly!
# What’s the CSSGB exam format?
The test is a 110 question multiple choice exam.
There are 100 scored questions that make up the actual exam, and these questions are distributed across the Body of knowledge.
There are also another 10 unscored questions that are considered “pretest” questions that do not affect your score.
These questions are used to test future exam questions.
These questions are placed randomly throughout the exam, so do NOT just skip the first or last 10 questions!
# What is the computer-based exam like?
The CSSGB Exam is proctored by a company called Prometric where they take testing very seriously!
To experience a Prometric Exam Demo click here.
I got to experience this new computer based exam and I was generally pleased.
The exam application allows you to strike-through answers you know are wrong, and it allows you to highlight questions that you’d like to come back to review.
The software also has a clock and a calculator which helped me pace myself and do some simple math.
# What Is the Exam Day Experience Like at Prometric?
Prometric has a very strict security policy meant to deter and detect any inappropriate behavior. This is great because they’re protecting the integrity of the exam and the certification.
Having said that. . . They mean business! I was definitely blown away by their security policies, and you should definitely be prepared for the exam day experience.
Here’s a link to the Prometric Test Center Security Policy, which I’ll summarize below.
The following items are prohibited in the testing center:
- food
- water/drinks
- cell phones
- electronic devices
- iPods/music players
- bags/luggage
- coats
- watches
- medication
- jewelry
- ornate clips, combs, headbands, etc.
You’ll be given a locker at the test center where you’ll have to store this stuff.
You can get up during the exam to get a drink or a snack, but the exam clock does not stop, so plan your breaks accordingly.
When you arrive at the test center you’re going to be wanded with a metal detector before getting into the testing center.
I had to pull up my pant legs and turn my pockets inside out. They inspect all eyeglasses, jewelry and other accessories where they’re looking for camera devices!
Like I said, they mean business!
ASQ also provides some details here on the new computer based test.
# Are there any important details I must know?
Show up early and DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID!
You’ll have to check-in before the exam and provide your ASQ Eligibility ID, so show up early.
Your ID is the most important thing that you must bring with you on exam day.
They will send you home if you forget your ID.
Your ID must be current (not expired) and contain a photo of you and your name. They accept any valid form of driver’s license, military ID, passport or national identification card.
# Can I bring anything to the exam?
Yes – the CSSGB exam is open book but they’ve recently changed the policy to where it’s not necessarily “open notes” anymore.
All references must be bound; no loose leaf paper is allowed.
So if you’re going to print out any material from GB Academy, you’re going to want to put that into a 3-ring binder for the exam.
You cannot bring any practice exams in that you’ve completed.
If you plan on using the Primer, you’ll be asked to remove the practice quizzes within the primer. These are the pages in blue.
You are allowed to have “post-it” notes on your open book material, but they can be only used as “tabs” within the book, and nothing else.
# What is the Calculator Policy?
You’re only allowed to bring a non-programmable calculator for the exam, like the TI-30XS from Texas Instruments.
Programmable calculators like the TI-89 or similar calculators are NOT allowed.
The good news is that the exam only requires simple math, so you don’t need any of those programmable functions.
If you forget your calculator, you can ask Prometric and they will provide you one. Also, the computer based exam has a basic calculator on-screen that I used during my exam.
# What’s the best way to study for the exam?
I got this question so much, that I created a whole separate page for it!
I call it my GB Academy 16 Week Study Plan and it’s my personal study strategy to help you get certified.
# How often do they schedule exams?
Check out the ASQ CSSGB schedule here which includes upcoming Certified Six Sigma Green Belt exams along with the exam application deadline.
You may get lucky and find that a special exam has been scheduled in your area at a different point in the year.
# Where is the CSSGB exam held?
The Exam is hosted by Prometric, and when you sign up for the exam, ASQ will send you a link to Prometric.com to find testing center near you.
This is one of the reasons that ASQ went to Prometric because they have facilities all over the U.S., so the location will likely be convenient for you.
If you’re international, you’ll need to check here to find your international exam location.
# Can I retake the exam?
Yes, ASQ will allow you to retake the exam as many time as you like. Hopefully with my help, you’ll never have to.
Bonus – The exam fee is reduced for those who are retaking, but be sure to re-take within 2 years of your last attempt or this discount expires!
# What about practice exams?
The absolute best way to study for the CSSGB Exam is to take a practice exam.
Here’s a link to all of the Free Practice Exams on the GB Academy.
You’ll have access to much more quiz questions and video lectures if you enroll for The Green Belt Master Class!
# Will the CSSGB Certificate Expire?
No! Unlike some other ASQ Certifications (such as CQE), the CSSGB certificate is a lifetime certification and does NOT have any expiry date, and hence, it does NOT require any recertification! That’s awesome!