ASQ Exams

The Post-War Origins of Quality Control

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) traces its roots to 1946. Founded by quality experts returning from World War II, the organization originally focused on maintaining the statistical manufacturing standards developed for wartime production. Over the decades, ASQ dropped "Control" from its name and expanded its focus. Today, the organization supports tens of thousands of members and administers the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

While IT professionals often default to cloud or cybersecurity credentials, ASQ certifications hold distinct value in environments where process failure carries high risk. Aerospace, medical device manufacturing, automotive, and heavily regulated software sectors treat these credentials as proof of statistical competence.

How ASQ Tests Candidates

ASQ does not use a strictly linear tier system. Instead, the organization builds its exams around specific job roles and methodologies. You choose a certification based on your daily responsibilities - whether you audit processes, manage teams, or engineer software.

Most ASQ exams share a few distinct characteristics. First, the exams are open-book. Candidates must supply their own hardcopy reference materials for use during the test. Second, the scoring system uses a cut-score method. You typically need 550 out of 750 possible points to pass. Third, many of the advanced certifications require proof of real-world experience, often verified through signed affidavits from employers.

You cannot bypass the experience requirements. If you do not meet the minimum work history, you cannot sit for the exam.

The Six Sigma Path

Six Sigma focuses on reducing process variation and eliminating defects. ASQ offers multiple belts, but the two most relevant to enterprise IT and operations are the Green Belt and the Black Belt.

The CSSGB (Six Sigma Green Belt) targets employees who spend some of their time on process improvement but do not lead Six Sigma projects full-time. It requires three years of work experience. The exam tests your ability to apply the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology to existing processes.

The CSSBB (Certified Six Sigma Black Belt) is a different tier of difficulty. Candidates must demonstrate team leadership and a deep understanding of the DMAIC model. To qualify, you must submit a signed affidavit proving you completed at least one Six Sigma project combined with three years of work experience, or two projects with no experience minimum.

The CSSBB exam contains 165 questions and runs for four and a half hours. It tests advanced statistical techniques and team dynamics. Historical data from ASQ shows the CSSBB pass rate hovers around 67 percent for the general testing population. It demands rigorous preparation.

Engineering and Software Credentials

For IT professionals, the engineering track often provides the most direct career translation.

The CSQE (Certified Software Quality Engineer) validates your ability to manage software development lifecycles, run inspections, and handle verification and validation. The exam contains 175 questions over four and a half hours. It requires eight years of on-the-job experience, though degrees can waive up to five years of that requirement. Three of those years must be in a decision-making role. A candidate with a CSQE proves they understand configuration management, defect tracking, and software metrics at an architectural level.

For professionals dealing with physical infrastructure, hardware, or blended systems, the CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) is the broader alternative. It focuses heavily on reliability, sampling, and statistical process control. Like the CSQE, it requires eight years of work experience.

Auditing and Management Roles

Quality systems require constant verification. The CQA (Certified Quality Auditor) targets professionals who evaluate compliance against established standards. IT auditors, compliance officers, and governance teams use this credential to prove they can objectively measure a system's adherence to internal or external rules.

For leadership, the CMQ-OE (Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence) sits at the top of the management track. It targets professionals who lead process-improvement initiatives across multiple departments. This exam requires ten years of experience, including five years in a primary leadership role. It tests strategic planning, quality models, and team building.

If you are just starting in the quality field, the CQIA (Certified Quality Improvement Associate) requires only two years of work experience or an associate degree. It covers foundational quality tools and concepts, making it a practical starting point before committing to the engineering or management tracks. The exam format consists of 110 questions, providing a baseline measurement of your familiarity with quality philosophies.