You are on page 1of 24

Certification Makes Sense

From Any Perspective!


Employee Employer
• Realize your salary goals Incorporate ASQ certification in your
strategic plan
• Advance within your organization
Initiate your quality improvement
projects by certifying your employees
• Enhance your career and self-esteem
Create a quality system with quality tools
Provide your employees with the tools
• Gain recognition for performance
excellence they need to do quality work
Organizational excellence starts with
• Affirm your commitment to quality ASQ certification
Table of Contents
I. Introduction to ASQ Certification Programs. . . . . . 1 II. Top 10 Myths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
A. The Many Phases of Exam Development
III. Test-Taking Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1. Job Analysis and Survey (the foundation
for the examinations) IV. Application Process
2. Advisory Committee (identified job A. Submitting an Application
responsibilities and knowledge of field) B. Exam Sites
3. Member Input (who decides what will V. Refund / Reschedule / Retake Policies . . . . . . . . . 6
be in the BOK?)
VI. What Can and Cannot Be
4. The Body of Knowledge (BOK) Committee
Brought into Exam Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
(how does the content get organized?)
5. Question-Writing Committee (how do they VII. Exam Results and Exam Result Notification . . . . 6
write questions?) VIII. ASQ Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6. Question Review Committee (verification
IX. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Information . . . . . 8
and review)
A. Education and/or Experience Requirements
7. Testing the Test (the last question check before
the exam) B. Examination
8. Exam Statistics (post-exam question verification) C. Body of Knowledge
B. Grading Process (how ASQ examinations are graded) D. Reference Materials
1. Cut-Score Process (the process to determine the X. Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
passing score) A. Section List
2. Scaled Scores (how results are reported) B. International Contacts
C. Endorsing Companies

ASQ Certification Programs


o

Since 1968, when the first ASQ certification exam was given, certification is a mark of excellence. It demonstrates that the
t

more than 85,000 individuals have become certified through certified individual has the knowledge to ensure the quality
ASQ, including many who have attained more than one of products and services. Certification is an investment in
designation. In addition, an increasing number of companies, your career and in the future of your employer.
n

some 125 at last count, have formally recognized ASQ’s


But for many, the process of becoming certified remains
o

certification as verification of an individual’s knowledge


of quality theory and techniques. A recent search on something of a mystery. Frequently questions come up about
i

www.monster.com, an Internet job listings site, resulted in how the exams are put together, how they are scored, and
more than 575 job postings calling for an ASQ certification. how best to prepare for taking the test. In this brochure we
t

These statistics demonstrate the increasing value of ASQ will attempt to address many of these issues.
c

certification as perceived in the marketplace. ASQ welcomes your interest in becoming certified and hopes
u

It’s important to understand that ASQ certification is not a that this brochure will aid you in preparing for this important
license or registration. It is peer recognition that an individual career achievement. Although ASQ membership is not a
d

has demonstrated a proficiency in and comprehension of prerequisite for certification, most of the people who hold
o

a particular quality area at a specific point in time. ASQ one of these designations do belong to the Society. In fact
certification is awarded to those who meet three criteria: certification ranks as one of the top benefits of membership.
r

Candidates must 1) have a specified level of education and/or If you have any questions about becoming a member of
experience, 2) provide proof of professionalism, and 3) pass
t

ASQ, or if you would like information on any of our other


a standardized examination in the certification area. certification programs, call Customer Service at ASQ
n

In today’s world, where competition is a fact of life and headquarters, 800-248-1946 (United States, Canada, and
I

the need for a work force proficient in the principles and Mexico) or 414-272-8575. You can also visit our Web site
practices of quality is a central concern of many companies, at www.asq.org.
1
g
The Exam and the Questions

n
The ASQ certification exams are not created in an ivory tower or by a computer program that randomly generates

i
questions. Their development relies heavily on the efforts of ASQ members. During the course of any given year,

p
approximately 300 volunteers are involved in some phase of exam development, ranging from developing a body
of knowledge (BOK), to writing questions, to ensuring the validity of an exam through a variety of review processes.
o Volunteers travel to ASQ headquarters in Milwaukee for up to three days at a time. During that period, they are
expected to put in long, fast-paced days that may keep them occupied for up to 10 hours at a stretch. These are
l
intense sessions with lots of questioning and interaction. In return the volunteers get to sharpen their skills, network
e

with peers, and come away with the knowledge that they have contributed to the development of the quality field.
v

The ASQ Certification Board has oversight responsibility for the exams, and the board’s top priority is to ensure the
e

integrity of the exam development process. Toward that end, the board has mandated that anyone involved in the
development of an exam must refrain from having anything to do with helping others prepare for the test, either
D

formally or informally, for a period of two years.

The Many Phases of Exam Development


To ensure that ASQ certification retains its status as a hallmark So while the sponsoring division and Certification Board
of excellence, the Certification Board uses continuous improve- approve the results of the job analysis, it is really the ASQ
ment processes and formally reexamines each certification members who answer the survey who truly determine what
program on a five-year cycle to ensure continued relevance. should be in the BOK and, ultimately, what material should
be covered in the exam itself.
 Job Analysis and Survey (the foundation for the examinations)
Whether a program is new or has been available for many  The Body of Knowledge (BOK) Committee (how does the
years, the starting point for the exam development process content get organized in the BOK? )
is with a job analysis. This tool is developed as a survey and After the approval process, a BOK committee is formed. This
is used to identify the skills and knowledge areas currently committee includes some members of the advisory committee
being used in the field to be tested. and other qualified individuals who have subject matter expertise
and represent a wide demographic and industry spectrum.
 Advisory Committee (identifies job responsibilities and The BOK committee meets for two days, and its primary task is
knowledge of field) to translate the job analysis results into meaningful categories
In order to create an appropriate survey instrument, an that can be tested. As part of this process, the committee deter-
advisory committee is appointed by the sponsoring ASQ mines how many questions will be asked in each area of the
division. This committee, like all of the subsequent exam BOK, based on the importance of the topic (as indicated in the
development committees, is composed of ASQ members who job analysis) and the depth of testable material for each subtopic.
work in the area to be tested and are already certified. (In the
case of brand-new certification exams, ASQ volunteers who  Question-Writing Committee (how do they write questions?)
are subject matter experts in the field to be tested serve on The next step is the actual writing of the exam questions. This
the committee.) The volunteers for the advisory committee task is handled by a group of 25 certified volunteers who attend
meet for two days, and their primary goals are to identify a two-day question-writing workshop. The volunteers are given
typical job responsibilities (what people do on the job) extensive training in a variety of exam development issues,
and the knowledge required (what people need to know in including how to avoid writing trick questions and how to
order to perform their job). The result of this meeting is a develop thought-provoking questions and answers. The
questionnaire that asks respondents to rate each item in processes used in this and other exam-development workshops
the survey in terms of criticality (“How important is this are driven by internationally recognized standards for the
task or knowledge?”) and frequency (“How often is this development of assessments.1 In keeping with those standards,
task performed or knowledge used?”). and as a means of ensuring the validity of the exam, each
question must be linked to a reference book from the bibliography
 Member Input (who decides what will be in the for that certification. (The bibliography for each exam is listed in
Body of Knowledge?) the “Reference Materials” section of this brochure.) This “linkage
Once the survey instrument has been approved by the requirement” means that the question-writers must document
advisory committee, it is sent to a sample of certified or support for the correct answer, down to the specific page number,
otherwise qualified ASQ members who either work in the in their reference for each question. Once a question-writer or a
area to be tested (as identified by job title) or supervise team has finished writing a complete item, the other members of
employees who perform the tasks identified in the survey. the team review it for completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness.
Except for the deliberate job-title selection, the 2,000 plus Only after approval by one or more reviewers at the question-
certified ASQ members who receive the survey are randomly writing session can it be data-entered into the exam bank as a
selected across geographic locations and industry types to “raw” item.
ensure that no one industry or region skews the results of the  Question Review (verification and review)
survey. The data from the survey are then analyzed and a set The next stage in the exam development process is to
of recommended tasks and knowledge areas are presented to convene another panel of 12 subject matter experts who
the sponsoring division, which approves the results. This meet for two days to review those raw questions, verify the
same report is then submitted to the Certification Board for references and the BOK classification, and, most important,
2 final approval. agree that there is one, and only one, correct answer.
The Many Phases of Exam Development (continued)
This additional, intensive process of review, revision, and group reviews each question for clarity and correctness.
rework is designed to ensure that all language ambiguities By the time an exam makes it through this process, each
have been eliminated and that the questions have been phrased question on the test has been reviewed and approved by
and presented as clearly as possible. The questions are also dozens of qualified professionals.
reviewed to ensure that they aren’t biased in favor of any
particular industry. A question can be selected for use in  Exam Statistics (post-exam question verification)
a test only if it has survived these two initial phases of Despite the best efforts of all of these individuals, there
development. are questions on the test that do not perform well. These
problem items are identified through a statistical analysis
 Testing the Test (the last check before the exam) that is conducted after each administration of a test. Also,
The next phase in the process is the exam review meeting at comments from examinees and proctors let us know if they
which another 12 volunteers are asked to participate, first by think a question is bad: i.e., is confusing, tricky, or has more
actually taking the exam and submitting their comments and than one correct answer. These questions are checked again.
answers before coming to the meeting. At the meeting, the 1
The Standards for Education and Psychology Testing

The Grading Process (how ASQ examinations are graded)


Just as great care is taken in developing an exam, ASQ goes of the exam is presented as the recommended cut point for
to great lengths to ensure that the grading process provides the exam. Once that raw cut-score point is established by
an accurate assessment of a candidate’s proficiency. ASQ board approval, it is converted to a scaled score (550), which
uses procedures that meet the Standards for Educational becomes the minimum score necessary to earn certification
and Psychological Testing, which were developed jointly by in that BOK.
the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the  Scaled Scores (how results are reported)
American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Although the raw cut-score is established for a specific
Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) number of questions correct for the first exam under a BOK,
 Cut-Score Process (the process to determine the passing score) the scaled score is what is reported to the candidates.
Since the whole point of taking an ASQ certification exam This scale score allows adjustments for exam difficulty on
is to pass it, many questions arise about how the passing subsequent forms of the test, while maintaining a scaled
grade for any given exam is determined and what adjust- score of 550. This is the minimum standard of perfor-
ments are made to ensure that one version of an exam is mance for all ASQ certification exams.
no harder, or easier, than any other. The goal of ensuring that two versions of the same
The passing grade, or cut point, is established through exam have the equivalent degree of difficulty is achieved
a cut-score study. The methodology used on ASQ exams is through a process known as common item equating.
called a Modified Angoff and is based on the work of the Here ASQ selects a set of questions from the previous
late William Angoff, a renowned measurement research exam and embeds them in the next exam. This set of
statistician in Princeton, NJ. questions, called equaters, is a kind of mini-exam in that
The cut point for an ASQ exam is established each time the questions are representative of the previous exam’s
a body of knowledge (BOK) is created or revised. For this difficulty level (some easy, some hard, some in the middle)
process, a panel of 12 to 15 subject matter experts, also and cover areas of the BOK proportionately. ASQ then
called judges, is convened. The panel’s first task is to set develops the rest of the test with different questions,
the performance standard for the exam. Through consensus some new and some previously used. This way ASQ can
they determine a set of characteristics that they expect of administer almost entirely new tests each time and still
a minimally qualified or “borderline” candidate in relation to maintain the established standard of performance.
the BOK. The distinction regarding borderline candidates is For example, on Test 1, the mean score of the
key to understanding the cut-score process, as it ultimately candidates is 111; on Test 2, their mean score is 108. All
draws a very fine line between candidates who are qualified of which could mean either that Test 1 was a lot easier
to be certified and those who are not. The expectations than Test 2, or that the candidates who took Test 1 were
for performance, therefore, need to be clearly stated and significantly better prepared than the candidates who
agreed to by all of the participants in the study. took Test 2. Before making any adjustments to the cut
Once that list of characteristics is developed, the subject point based on differences in exam difficulty, more
matter experts use it as a guide to help them rate each information is needed about the two candidate groups.
question on the test in terms of what proportion of 100 To gather that information, comparisons are made
such borderline candidates will get the answer right. For between the performances of the two groups on the
example, the judges may agree that borderline candidates common items (equaters) in the two tests. If the two
will know a particular topic in the BOK very well when groups perform equally well on the equaters, then it is
asked a definition question, and therefore they may safe to conclude that Test 2 is in fact harder than Test 1.
estimate that 85% to 90% will get it right. But the Only then is the cut point adjusted to offset the effects
same candidates will be much more challenged in that of that more difficult exam. Through this method, both
topic when required to apply a specific formula to get tests will fairly assess the candidates’ abilities while
the correct answer (resulting in estimates of 35% to maintaining a consistent scaled score of 550 to pass.
45% correct). Candidates shouldn’t worry about whether they will
The results of this two-day cut-score study are then get a hard test or an easy test. If they get a hard test,
presented to the Certification Board. Along with the written they won’t have to get as many questions right to meet
expectation of performance that the panel developed, the the standard. If they get an easy test, they will have to
summary of the judges’ combined estimate of the difficulty get more of the easy questions right in order to meet 3
the standard.
Top 10 Myths of Certification
Myth: If an answer is obvious it must be a trick question.
FACT: Just because an answer is obvious to you doesn’t mean it is obvious to everyone. Don’t let the fact that this is
a test question get in the way of your knowledge. Answer it and move on. Don’t read more into the question
in an effort to make it harder.

Myth: Guessing wrong can hurt your score more than leaving an answer blank.
FACT: There is no penalty for guessing, and you have a 25% chance of getting it right. Although some tests use
“formula scoring” methods, ASQ certifications do not. You get one point for each question you answer
correctly and zero points for those you get wrong or leave blank.

Myth: The passing score for all ASQ exams is 70%.


FACT: The passing score for each ASQ exam is established as a minimum performance standard during the cut-score
process, which is detailed on p. 3.
s

Myth: Taking a section refresher course or buying ASQ exam prep material is a sure way to pass.
h

FACT: Section refresher courses and the self-directed products are excellent ways to prepare for the examinations,
but using them does not guarantee that you will pass. Refresher courses are meant to renew your knowledge,
t

not to instruct you in areas that aren’t familiar to you. Questions from the self-directed products will assist you
in becoming familiar with how to answer certain questions, but they are not the same questions that you will
y

see on the exams. Individual study is also a critical element for success.
M

Myth: If you do poorly on one area of the body of knowledge, you automatically fail the test.
FACT: Your total score on the examination determines whether you pass or fail, not your score on any one portion of
the test. Even in the certified quality manager’s exam it is possible to pass if you do poorly on the constructed
n

response portion, as long as your overall score is at or above the passing grade.

Myth: ASQ limits the number of people who pass.


o

FACT: Anyone who meets or exceeds the passing score (cut point) passes the examination. ASQ does not set a passing rate.
i

Myth: The grading of the constructed response portion of the certified quality manager exam is very subjective.
t

FACT: The constructed response portion of the exam is designed to test the candidate’s ability to respond to real-
a

world situations. The responses are scored by certified quality managers who have been trained in the
evaluation techniques used for the scoring process. In addition, all the scorers judge the papers against a
c

standard of performance that is specific to each essay question. That standard is neither arbitrary nor
subjective, but is developed on the basis of sound quality practices, as described and prescribed in major
i

textbooks in the field of quality. The essay questions are pretested on a group of certified quality managers,
f

so the development of the question includes a reality check to make sure that the committee’s expectation
of performance matches actual responses.
i

Myth: It takes a long time to receive exam results.


t

FACT: ASQ works very hard to provide exam results as quickly as possible and is very aware that the examinees are
r

anxious to learn whether they have passed or failed. As a direct result of bringing the exam development in
house, ASQ has recently reduced the exam turnaround time from eight weeks to two weeks, and to three and
e

one-half weeks for the quality manager results.


C

There are many steps that have to be completed, verified, and checked prior to sending out the results:
The answer sheets are sent back to ASQ headquarters and scanned; statistics must be run and reviewed by
the test development staff and appropriate volunteers. The results are then scored, verified, and uploaded to
a computer before any result letters can be generated. ASQ is continuously working to reduce this cycle time.

Myth: Test questions are deliberately tricky.


FACT: ASQ goes through an extensive process to ensure that examination questions are as accurate, clear, and
concise as possible. (Please see p. 2 of this brochure.)

Myth: I can’t learn from my mistakes if I don’t get my scored test back.
FACT: Because of its policy to reuse examination questions, ASQ cannot release copies of the examinations. Releasing
tests would give the retake applicants an unfair advantage over candidates taking the examinations for the first
time. The integrity of the examination process is of paramount importance to ASQ. Besides, it would not support
the underlying premise of the certification program for candidates to just study the questions they got wrong,
as it would not ensure that they would understand the material any better. It is more appropriate for the retake
candidates to use the diagnostic information to identify the areas where they are weak and improve their
knowledge in those areas.
4
Study Guide Test-Taking Tips

s
We should say at the outset that
Test takers are also advised to keep in mind these general pointers about

p
preparing to take an exam is a
personal matter and highly standardized exams:

i
dependent on an individual’s  Read all of the questions on the first page of the test so you realize that you do know

T
personal learning methods. For the material. In other words, relax.
some, a careful reading of the
texts in the reference bibliography  Read each question thoroughly. Don’t assume you know what’s being asked.

g
will be most helpful, while others  Eliminate implausible answers and move quickly past the obviously wrong choices.
may find value in purchasing study
 Keep in mind that an answer may be a correct statement in itself but may not answer
n
guides, taking a local ASQ section
the question. Two answers may say exactly the opposite things or may be very similar.
refresher course, or forming a i Read them again to decide what makes one correct and the other wrong.
study group with other quality
k
professionals. All certification  ASQ does not subtract points for incorrect answers. Answer every question. There is no
candidates are responsible for penalty for guessing, and you have a 25% chance of getting it right.
T a

their own study and preparation


 Go through and answer the questions you know. Then go through and read the ones
for the examination. No specific
you’re unsure of. Mark those you are still uncomfortable with. You will narrow the
set of courses or curriculum of
field down to just a few questions you will need to spend more time on. These are
-

study is required as part of the the questions you might want to use your reference books for.
t

certification process. Likewise,


ASQ makes no representation  Be aware of the time available for the exam and the remaining time as you work
s

that completion of any specific through the exam.


T e

course or program of study will  Do not double-bubble your response for a question. If you do, it will be scored as a “blank.”
significantly enhance a person’s For example, you think that both A and C are correct answers. Bubble in only one answer
chance of passing a certification and use the comment sheet supplied with your test to point out why you think both
examination. A and C are correct. Your comments will be reviewed before results are reported.

Application Process
Submitting an Application submit a written report. The Code of Ethics, which is binding
Complete and submit the application included in this brochure for all ASQ members and certificate holders, defines the respon-
along with supporting documentation for all qualifying work sibilitiesand obligations of a quality professional. It is strictly
history (resume, job description, Six Sigma Black Belt Affidavit, forbidden for either examinees or proctors to make any copies of
etc.) and the correct fee to ASQ headquarters. You may also any questions or answers that appear on an actual examination.
apply online at www.asq.org. If such unauthorized copying is detected, the examinee will
be disqualified from the examination and will not be certified
Applications must be postmarked or faxed on or before the
by ASQ.
deadline date. Applications postmarked after the deadline date
will be scheduled for the next subsequent exam. If you are
applying for certification through your ASQ section or company, Exam Sites—Domestic and International
you are still responsible for submitting the application by the Examination sites are hosted by local ASQ sections and by
deadline. You will not be allowed to take an examination unless international organizations (please refer to the section list on
you have paid all fees. ASQ certification is not restricted to ASQ p. 15 and the list of international organizations on p. 16). You
members. Nonmembers may apply by submitting the nonmember will be asked to designate a preferred examination site on your
fee. To become a member of ASQ, please complete the member- application form. If at all possible, ASQ will assign you to your
ship application included in this brochure. You can mail your preferred location. If this is not possible, ASQ will assign you
membership and certification applications together and pay the to the site nearest your preferred location. You will be notified
approximately two weeks before the examination date of your
member rate for certification. Or, you may call and join over the
assigned testing location. If for some reason you do not receive
phone using your credit card—800-248-1946 or 414-272-8575.
a seating letter one week before the exam, please call our
Applicants should indicate their preferred site on the application Customer Service Center to inquire. International notification
form. A list of possible sites begins on p. 15. Each examination will be by e-mail, fax, or mail through local exam proctors in
is conducted on prescribed dates, as listed on the application. your country.
In submitting an application for certification, applicants agree If you live in a country other than the United States, Canada,
to uphold the security of the examination itself while complying or Mexico, please check the list of established international
with the ASQ Code of Ethics (see p. 7). This includes comply- organizations on p. 16. If your country is not listed, please
ing with the proctor’s instructions and not discussing the contact ASQ headquarters for details. You may be required to
content of the examination with anyone except the proctor. provide your own proctor. Proctors may be from professional
Problems with the content or administration of the examination societies, government agencies, educational institutions, or
5
should be reported only to the proctor, who is required to employers of the applicants.
Refund / Reschedule / Exam Results
Retake Policies Examination results for pilot exams and exams with updated
BOKs are mailed within six weeks. Otherwise, examination
 Refund: If you are not approved to sit for a particular certi-
fication examination, you may obtain a partial refund of the results are mailed about two weeks (three and a half weeks
fee if you write or phone the Certification Department at ASQ for quality manager results) after the examination date (delays
headquarters. The $50.00 application fee is not refundable. may occur with international mail). We recognize that prompt
Once the exam has been held, or you have taken the examination, notification of examination results is important and we will
no refunds will be granted. make every effort to provide results as soon as possible. Results
 Absence: Notification of reschedule or cancellation must be will not be given over the telephone. Information about
postmarked, faxed, telephoned, or e-mailed six business days certification is never divulged to third parties except at the
prior to the exam or you will forfeit all fees and need to reapply. written request of the person who took the examination.
 Reschedule: You are allowed to reschedule once within a Your examination results are kept in strict confidence.
one-year period. If you do not take the exam during that
one-year period, you will forfeit all fees and must reapply.
 Retake: There is no limit to the number of times you may
retake an examination; however, you will be charged a fee
each time. You must retake the examination 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 fees.

Exam Result
What Can and Notification
Cannot be Brought If you pass the examination you will receive a letter
into the Exam Site of congratulations from the Certification Board, a wallet
card and certificate showing your certificate number.
What You Can Bring into the Exam Site: Your name will be published in On Q and your local
 PICTURE IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED FOR ASQ section will be notified. If you are certified as a
ADMITTANCE. Your seating letter is only exam site and
proctor contact information. Quality Manager, CQE, CQA, CSQE, Six Sigma Black
n

 You will need at least two soft-lead (no. 2) pencils with erasers. Belt, or CRE, you must participate in the Maintenance
 The multiple-choice portion of the exam is an open-book exami-
o

of Certification program to keep your certification


nation and personally generated materials/notes from training current. The recertification journal provided with
i

or refresher courses are allowed with the following conditions:


your certificate gives complete details.
– Each examinee must make his/her reference materials
t

available to the proctor for review.


ASQ certification is not a license. It is peer recog-
a

– Calculator Policy: With the introduction of palmtop


computers and the increasing sophistication of scientific nition of proficiency within the prescribed body of
c

calculators, ASQ has become increasingly aware of the need knowledge. In order to avoid misunderstanding, the
to limit the types of calculators that are permitted for use
i

during examinations. Any silent, hand-held, battery-operated Certification Board requires that certified persons
calculator without an alphabetic keyboard will be permitted.
f

always refer to ASQ in citing their certification,


All programmable memory must be cleared before you e.g., “ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.”
i

enter the exam room. If you bring an alphabetic keyboard


calculator into the exam room, it will be confiscated by the
t

proctor, and returned after the exam. It is the obligation ASQ may withdraw formal recognition and any current
of ASQ to ensure that everyone is treated equitably. The
o

ASQ certification for falsification of credentials and/or


examination is written so that a simple calculator will
be sufficient to perform all calculations. unethical behavior. Such action may be taken by the
N

– The proctor for the exam site will make the final determina- Certification Board or, in the case of an ethics action,
tion of appropriateness of any electronic device. by the ASQ board of directors or its designee. In such
cases, due process will be afforded to the individual
What You Cannot Bring into the Exam Site:
against whom the action is directed. A copy of the
 No laptops, palmtop computers, cell phones, headphones, or
pagers are allowed. ASQ Code of Ethics is supplied to all certified persons.
 You may not share reference materials or calculators. By applying for certification, you pledge to uphold
 Absolutely no collections of questions and answers or weekly this code.
refresher course quizzes are permitted. Reference sources that
contain such copy are not allowed unless the questions are If you don’t pass the examination you will receive an
removed or obscured. Examples of such sources include, but
6 are not limited to, refresher and preparatory primers. analysis of the exam to assist you in further studies.
ASQ Code of Ethics
To uphold and advance the honor and dignity of the profession, and in keeping with high standards of ethical conduct,
I acknowledge that I:

Fundamental Principles

I. Will be honest and impartial; will serve with devotion my employer, my clients, and the public.

II. Will strive to increase the competence and prestige of the profession.

III. Will use my knowledge and skill for the advancement of human welfare and in promoting the safety and
reliability of products for public use.

IV. Will earnestly endeavor to aid the work of the Society.


s

Relations With the Public


c

1.1 Will do whatever I can to promote the reliability and safety of all products that come within
my jurisdiction.
i
h

1.2 Will endeavor to extend public knowledge of the work of the Society and its members that relates
to the public welfare.
t

1.3 Will be dignified and modest in explaining my work and merit.


E

1.4 Will preface any public statements that I may issue by clearly indicating on whose behalf they are made.
f

Relations With Employers and Clients


o

2.1 Will act in professional matters as a faithful agent or trustee for each employer or client.
e

2.2 Will inform each client or employer of any business connections, interests, or affiliations that might
influence my judgment or impair the equitable character of my services.
d

2.3 Will indicate to my employer or client the adverse consequences to be expected if my professional
o

judgment is overruled.
C

2.4 Will not disclose information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present
or former employer or client without his or her consent.

2.5 Will not accept compensation from more than one party for the same service without the consent of
all parties. If employed, I will engage in supplementary employment of consulting practice only with
the consent of my employer.

Relations With Peers


3.1 Will take care that credit for the work of others is given to those to whom it is due.

3.2 Will endeavor to aid the professional development and advancement of those in my employ or under
my supervision.

3.3 Will not compete unfairly with others; will extend my friendship and confidence to all associates
and those with whom I have business relations.

7
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Information
Certified Six Sigma 2. Registration as a Professional Engineer
Black Belt Certification Requirements:
3. The signatures of two persons—ASQ members, members
The application as a Six Sigma Black Belt... of an international affiliate society, or members of another
recognized professional society—verifying that you are
...requires two completed Six Sigma projects documented by
a qualified practitioner of the quality sciences
signed affidavits or one project, with a signed affidavit and
three years of work experience, as it pertains to the BOK.
Examination
No education waiver is given.
Each certification candidate is required to pass a written
Proof of Professionalism examination that consists of multiple-choice questions
Proof of professionalism may be demonstrated in one of measuring comprehension of the BOK examination. The
three ways: Six Sigma Black Belt certification examination is a four-hour,
150 multiple-choice question examination. It is offered in
1. Membership in ASQ, an international affiliate society of the English language only.
ASQ, or another society that is a member of the American
Association of Engineering Societies or the Accreditation
Board for Engineering and Technology

Black Belt Body of Knowledge


The topics in this BOK include additional detail in the form of subtext explanations and the cognitive level at which the questions
will be written. This information will provide useful guidance for both the Examination Development Committee and the 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 meant to clarify the type of content to be included in the exam. The descriptor in parentheses at the end of each entry
refers to the maximum cognitive level at which the topic will be tested. A more complete description of each cognitive level is
a

provided at the end of this document.


m

I. Enterprisewide Deployment (9 questions) C. Organizational Goals and Objectives


g

A. Enterprise View Understand key drivers for business; understand key


metrics/scorecards
i

1. Value of six sigma


Understand the organizational value of six sigma 1. Linking projects to organizational goals
S

and its philosophy, goals, and definition. Describe the project selection process including
(Comprehension) knowing when to use six sigma improvement
methodology (DMAIC) as opposed to other
2. Business systems and processes problem-solving tools, and confirm link back to
x

Understand and distinguish interrelationships organizational goals. (Comprehension)


between business systems and processes.
i

(Comprehension) 2. Risk analysis


Describe the purpose and benefit of strategic risk
S

3. Process inputs, outputs, and feedback analysis (e.g., strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
Describe how process inputs, outputs, and feedback threats (SWOT), scenario planning), including the
of the system impact the enterprise system as a risk of optimizing elements in a project or process
whole. (Comprehension)
Q

resulting in suboptimizing the whole.


B. Leadership (Comprehension)
S

1. Enterprise leadership 3. Closed-loop assessment/knowledge management


Understand leadership roles in the deployment of Document the objectives achieved and manage the
A

six sigma (e.g., resources, organizational structure). lessons learned to identify additional opportunities.
(Comprehension) (Comprehension)
2. Six sigma roles and responsibilities D. History of Organizational Improvement/Foundations
Understand the roles/responsibilities of black belt, of Six Sigma
master black belt, green belt, champion, executive, Understand origin of continuous improvement tools
and process owners. (Comprehension) used in six sigma (e.g., Deming, Juran, Shewhart,
Ishikawa, Taguchi). (Comprehension)
8
ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt BOK (continued)

II. Business Process Management (9 questions) III. Project Management (15 questions)
A. Process vs. Functional View A. Project Charter and Plan
1. Process elements 1. Charter/plan elements
Understand process components and boundaries. Compare, select, and explain elements of a project’s
(Analysis) charter and plan. (Analysis)
2. Owners and stakeholders 2. Planning tools
Identify process owners, internal and external Plan the project using tools such as Gantt chart,
customers, and other stakeholders. (Analysis) PERT chart, planning trees, etc. (Application)
3. Project management and benefits 3. Project documentation
Understand the difference between managing Create data-driven and fact-driven project
projects and maximizing their benefits to the documentation using spreadsheets, storyboards,
business. (Analysis) phased reviews, management reviews, presentations
4. Project measures to the executive team, etc. (Synthesis)
Establish key performance metrics and appropriate 4. Charter negotiation
project documentation. (Analysis) Create and negotiate the charter, including
B. Voice of the Customer objectives, scope, boundaries, resources, project
transition, and project closure. (Analysis)
1. Identify customer
Segment customers as applicable to a particular B. Team Leadership
project; list specific customers impacted by project 1. Initiating teams
within each segment; show how a project impacts Know the elements of launching a team and
internal and external customers; recognize the why they are important: clear purpose, goals,
financial impact of customer loyalty. (Analysis) commitment, ground rules, roles and
2. Collect customer data responsibilities of team members, schedules,
Use various methods to collect customer feedback support from management, and team
(surveys, focus groups, interviews, observation, empowerment. (Application)
etc.) and understand the strengths and weaknesses 2. Selecting team members
of each approach; recognize the key elements that Select team members who have appropriate skills
make surveys, interviews, and other feedback tools sets (e.g., self-facilitation, technical/subject-matter
effective; review questions for integrity (bias, expertise), and create teams with appropriate
vagueness, etc.). (Application) numbers of members and representation.
3. Analyze customer data (Application)
Use graphical, statistical, and qualitative tools to 3. Team stages
understand customer feedback. (Analysis) Facilitate the stages of team evolution, including
4. Determine critical customer requirements forming, storming, norming, performing,
Translate customer feedback into strategic project adjourning, and recognition. (Application)
focus areas using quality function deployment C. Team Dynamics and Performance
(QFD) or similar tools, and establish key project 1. Team-building techniques
metrics that relate to the voice of the customer and Recognize and apply the basic steps in team
yield process insights. (Analysis) building: goals, roles and responsibilities,
[NOTE: The analysis of QFD matrices is covered in introductions, and both stated and hidden agendas.
section X. A.] (Synthesis)
C. Business Results 2. Team facilitation techniques
1. Process performance metrics Apply coaching, mentoring, and facilitation
Calculate DPU, RTY, and DPMO sigma levels; techniques to guide a team and overcome problems
understand how metrics propagate upward and such as overbearing, dominant, or reluctant
allocate downward; compare and contrast participants; the unquestioned acceptance of
capability, complexity, and control; manage the use opinions as facts; group-think; feuding;
of sigma performance measures (e.g., PPM, DPMO, floundering; the rush to accomplishment;
DPU, RTY, COPQ) to drive enterprise decisions. attribution; discounts and plops; digressions and
(Analysis) tangents; etc. (Application)
2. Benchmarking 3. Team performance evaluation
Understand the importance of benchmarking. Measure team progress in relation to goals,
(Knowledge) objectives, and metrics that support team success.
3. Financial benefits (Analysis)
Understand and present financial measures and 4. Team tools
other benefits (soft and hard) of a project; Define, select, and apply team tools such as
understand and use basic financial models (e.g., nominal group technique, force-field analysis,
NPV, ROI); describe, apply, evaluate, and interpret multivoting, and conversion/diversion.
cost of quality concepts, including quality cost (Application)
categories, data collection, reporting, etc.
(Application)

9
ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt BOK (continued)

D. Change Agent B. Probability and Statistics


1. Managing change 1. Drawing valid statistical conclusions
Understand and apply techniques for facilitating or Distinguish between enumerative (descriptive)
managing organizational change through change and analytical (inferential) studies, and distinguish
agent methodologies. (Application) between a population parameter and a sample
2. Organizational roadblocks statistic. (Evaluation)
Understand the inherent structures of an 2. Central limit theorem and sampling distribution of
organization (e.g., its cultures and constructs) that the mean
present basic barriers to improvement; select and Define the central limit theorem and understand
apply techniques to overcome them. (Application) its significance in the application of inferential
3. Negotiation and conflict resolution techniques statistics for confidence intervals, control charts,
Define, select, and apply tools such as consensus etc. (Application)
techniques, brainstorming, effort/impact, 3. Basic probability concepts
multivoting, interest-based bargaining to help Describe and apply concepts such as independence,
conflicting parties (e.g., departments, groups, mutually exclusive, multiplication rules, comple-
leaders, staff) recognize common goals and how mentary probability, joint occurrence of events, etc.
to work together to achieve them. (Application) (Application)
4. Motivation techniques C. Collecting and Summarizing Data
Define, select, and apply techniques that support 1. Types of data
and sustain team member participation and Identify, define, classify, and compare continuous
commitment. (Application) (variables) and discrete (attributes) data, and
5. Communication recognize opportunities to convert attributes data
Use effective and appropriate communication to variables measures. (Evaluation)
techniques for different situations to overcome 2. Measurement scales
organizational barriers to success. (Application) Define and apply nominal, ordinal, interval, and
E. Management and planning tools ratio measurement scales. (Application)
Define, select, and use: 1) affinity diagrams; 3. Methods for collecting data
2) interrelationship digraphs; 3) tree diagrams; Define and apply methods for collecting data such
4) prioritization matrices; 5) matrix diagrams; as check sheets, coding data, automatic gauging,
6) process decision program charts (PDPC); and etc. (Evaluation)
7) activity network diagrams. (Application)
4. Techniques for assuring data accuracy and integrity
IV. Six Sigma Improvement Methodology and Define and apply techniques for assuring data
Tools – Define (9 questions) accuracy and integrity such as random sampling,
A. Project Scope stratified sampling, sample homogeneity, etc.
Determine project definition/scope using (Evaluation)
Pareto charts, top-level process (macro) maps, 5. Descriptive statistics
etc. (Synthesis) Define, compute, and interpret measures of
B. Metrics dispersion and central tendency, and construct and
Establish primary and consequential metrics interpret frequency distributions and cumulative
(quality, cycle time, cost). (Analysis) frequency distributions. (Evaluation)
[NOTE: Measures of the geometric and harmonic
C. Problem Statement mean will not be tested.]
Develop problem statement, including baseline and
improvement goals. (Synthesis) 6. Graphical methods
Depict relationships by constructing, applying, and
V. Six Sigma Improvement Methodology and interpreting diagrams and charts such as stem-and-
Tools – Measure (30 questions) leaf plots, box-and-whisker plots, run charts,
A. Process Analysis and Documentation scatter diagrams, etc., and depict distributions by
1. Tools constructing, applying, and interpreting diagrams
Develop and review process maps, written such as histograms, normal probability plots,
procedures, work instructions, flowcharts, etc. Weibull plots, etc. (Evaluation)
(Analysis) D. Properties and Applications of
2. Process inputs and outputs Probability Distributions
Identify process input variables and process output 1. Distributions commonly used by black belts
variables, and document their relationships through Describe and apply binomial, Poisson, normal,
cause-and-effect diagrams, relational matrices, etc. chi-square, Student’s t, and F distributions.
(Evaluation) (Evaluation)
2. Other distributions
Recognize when to use hypergeometric, bivariate,
exponential, lognormal, and Weibull distributions.
(Application)

10
ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt BOK (continued)

E. Measurement Systems VI. Six Sigma Improvement Methodology and


1. Measurement methods Tools—Analyze (23 questions)
Describe and review measurement methods A. Exploratory Data Analysis
such as attribute screens, gauge blocks, calipers, 1. Mutli-vari studies
micrometers, optical comparators, tensile strength, Use multi-vari studies to interpret the difference
titration, etc. (Comprehension) between positional, cyclical, and temporal
2. Measurement system analysis variation; design sampling plans to investigate the
Calculate, analyze, and interpret measurement largest sources of variation; create and interpret
system capability using repeatability and multi-vari charts. (Application)
reproducibility, measurement correlation, bias, 2. Measuring and modeling relationships between variables
linearity, percent agreement, precision/tolerance
(P/T), precision/total variation (P/TV), and use a. Simple and multiple least-squares linear regression
both ANOVA and control chart methods for Calculate the regression equation; apply and
nondestructive, destructive, and attribute systems. interpret hypothesis tests for regression statistics;
(Evaluation) use the regression model for estimation and
prediction, and analyze the uncertainty in the
3. Metrology estimate. (Models that have nonlinear
Understand traceability to calibration standards, parameters will not be tested.) (Evaluation)
measurement error, calibration systems, control
and integrity of standards and measurement devices b. Simple linear correlation
(Comprehension) Calculate and interpret the correlation
coefficient and its confidence interval; apply
F. Analyzing Process Capability and interpret a hypothesis test for the correlation
1. Designing and conducting process capability studies coefficient; understand the difference between
Identify, describe, and apply the elements of correlation and causation. (Serial correlation will
designing and conducting process capability not be tested.) (Evaluation)
studies, including identifying characteristics, c. Diagnostics
identifying specifications/tolerances, developing Analyze residuals of the model. (Analysis)
sampling plans, and verifying stability and
normality (Evaluation) B. Hypothesis Testing
2. Calculating process performance vs. specification 1. Fundamental concepts of hypothesis testing
Distinguish between natural process limits and a. Statistical vs. practical significance
specification limits, and calculate process Define, compare, and contrast statistical
performance metrics such as percent defective and practical significance. (Evaluation)
(Evaluation) b. Significance level, power, type I and type II errors
3. Process capability indices Apply and interpret the significance level, power,
Define, select, and calculate Cp, Cpk, and assess type I and type II errors of statistical tests.
process capability (Evaluation) (Evaluation)
4. Process performance indices c. Sample size
Define, select, and calculate Pp, Ppk, Cpm, and Understand how to calculate sample size for any
assess process performance (Evaluation) given hypothesis test. (Application)
5. Short-term vs. long-term capability 2. Point and interval estimation
Understand the assumptions and conventions Define and interpret the efficiency and bias
appropriate when only short-term data are collected of estimators; compute, interpret, and draw
and when only attributes data are available; conclusions from statistics such as standard error,
understand the changes in relationships that occur tolerance intervals, and confidence intervals;
when long-term data are used; interpret relation- understand the distinction between confidence
ships between long-term and short-term capability intervals and prediction intervals.(Analysis)
as it relates to technology and/or control problems. 3. Tests for means, variances, and proportions
(Evaluation) Apply hypothesis tests for means, variances, and
6. Non-normal data transformations (process capability proportions, and interpret the results. (Evaluation)
for non-normal data) 4. Paired-comparison tests
Understand the cause of non-normal data and Define, determine applicability, and apply paired-
determine when it is appropriate to transform. comparison parametric hypothesis tests, and
(Application) interpret the results. (Evaluation)
7. Process capability for attributes data 5. Goodness-of-fit tests
Compute sigma level and understand its Define, determine applicability, and apply
relationship to Ppk (Application) chi-square tests and interpret the results.
(Evaluation)

11
ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt BOK (continued)

6. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) B. Response Surface Methodology


Define, determine applicability, and apply ANOVAs 1. Steepest ascent/descent experiments
and interpret the results. (Evaluation) Construct these experiments and apply
7. Contingency tables computational and graphical methods to analyze
Define, determine applicability, and construct a the significance of results. (Analysis)
contingency table and use it to determine statistical 2. Higher-order experiments
significance. (Evaluation) Construct experiments such as CCD, Box-Behnken,
8. Nonparametric tests etc., and apply computational and graphical
Define, determine applicability, and construct methods to analyze the significance of results.
various nonparametric tests including Mood’s (Analysis)
Median, Levene’s test, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann- C. Evolutionary Operations (EVOP)
Whitney, etc. (Analysis) Understand the application and strategy of EVOP.
VII. Six Sigma Improvement Methodology and (Comprehension)
Tools—Improve (22 questions) VIII.Six Sigma Improvement Methodology and
A. Design of Experiments (DOE) Tools—Control (15 questions)
1. Terminology A. Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Define independent and dependent variables, 1. Objectives and benefits
factors and levels, response, treatment, error, and Understand objectives and benefits of SPC (e.g.,
replication (Comprehension) controlling process performance, distinguishing
2. Planning and organizing experiments special from common causes). (Comprehension)
Describe and apply the basic elements of 2. Selection of variable
experiment planning and organizing, including Select critical characteristics for monitoring by
determining the experiment objective; selecting control chart. (Application)
factors, responses, and measurement methods;
choosing the appropriate design, etc. (Evaluation) 3. Rational subgrouping
Define and apply the principle of rational
3. Design principles subgrouping. (Application)
Define and apply the principles of power and
sample size, balance, replication, order, efficiency, 4. Selection and application of control charts
randomization and blocking, interaction, and Identify, select, construct, and apply the following
confounding. (Application) types of control charts: x-bar and R, x-bar and s,
individual and moving range (ImR / XmR), median,
4. Design and analysis of one-factor experiments p, np, c, and u. (Application)
Construct these experiments such as completely
randomized, randomized block, and Latin square 5. Analysis of control charts
designs, and apply computational and graphical Interpret control charts and distinguish between
methods to analyze and evaluate the significance common and special causes using rules for
of results. (Evaluation) determining statistical control. (Analysis)
5. Design and analysis of full-factorial experiments 6. PRE-control
Construct these experiments and apply Define and explain PRE-control and perform
computational and graphical methods to analyze PRE-control calculations and analysis. (Analysis)
and evaluate the significance of results. B. Advanced Statistical Process Control
(Evaluation) Understand appropriate uses of short-run SPC,
6. Design and analysis of two-level fractional factorial EWMA, CuSum, and moving average
experiments (Comprehension)
Construct experiments (including Taguchi designs) C. Lean Tools for Control
and apply computational and graphical methods to Apply appropriate lean tools (e.g., 5S, visual factory,
analyze and evaluate the significance of results; kaizen, kanban, poka-yoke, total productive main-
understand limitations of fractional factorials due tenance, standard work) as they relate to the control
to confounding. (Evaluation) phase of DMAIC (Application)
7. Taguchi robustness concepts [NOTE: The use of lean tools in other areas of
Apply Taguchi robustness concepts and techniques DMAIC is covered in section IX. C.]
such as signal-to-noise ratio, controllable and noise D. Measurement System Reanalysis
factors, and robustness to external sources of Understand the need to improve measurement system
variability. (Analysis) capability as process capability improves; evaluate the
8. Mixture experiments use of control measurement systems (e.g., attributes,
Construct these experiments and apply variables, destructive); and ensure that measurement
computational and graphical methods to analyze capability is sufficient for its intended use.
and evaluate the significance of results. (Analysis) (Evaluation)

12
ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt BOK (continued)

IX. Lean Enterprise (9 questions) D. Design for X (DFX)


A. Lean Concepts Understand design constraints such as design for cost,
design for manufacturability and producibility, design
1. Theory of constraints for test, design for maintainability, etc.
Describe the theory of constraints (Comprehension)
(Comprehension)
E. Special Design Tools
2. Lean thinking Understand the concept of special design tools such
Describe concepts such as value, value chain, flow, as the theory of inventive problem-solving (TRIZ),
pull, perfection, etc. (Comprehension) axiomatic design (conceptual structure robustness),
3. Continuous flow manufacturing (CFM) etc. (Knowledge)
Describe the concept CFM. (Comprehension)
4. Nonvalue-added activities Six Levels of Cognition
Identify these activities in terms inventory, space, Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy (1956)
test inspection, rework, transportation, storage, etc. In addition to content specifics, the subtext detail also indicates
(Application) the intended complexity level of the test questions for that
5. Cycle-time reduction topic. These levels are based on “Levels of Cognition” (from
Describe how cycle-time reduction can be used Bloom’s Taxonomy, 1956) and are presented below in rank
to identify defects and nonvalue-added activities order, from least complex to most complex.
using kaizen-type methods to reduce waste of
space, inventory, labor, and distance. Knowledge Level
(Comprehension) (Also commonly referred to as recognition, recall, or rote
B. Lean Tools knowledge.) Being able to remember or recognize terminology,
Define, select, and apply tools such as visual factory, definitions, facts, ideas, materials, patterns, sequences,
kanban, poka-yoke, standard work, SMED, etc., in methodologies, principles, etc.
areas outside of DMAIC-Control. (Application)
[NOTE: The use of lean tools in DMAIC-Control Comprehension Level
is covered in section VIII. C.] Being able to read and understand descriptions,
communications, reports, tables, diagrams, directions,
C. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) regulations, etc.
Understand the concept of TPM. (Comprehension)
X. Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) (9 questions) Application Level
Being able to apply ideas, procedures, methods, formulas,
A. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) principles, theories, etc., in job-related situations
Analyze a completed QFD matrix. (Analysis)
B. Robust Design and Process Analysis
1. Functional requirements Being able to break down information into its constituent parts
Understand functional requirements of a design. and recognize the parts’ relationship to one another and how
(Comprehension) they are organized; identify sublevel factors or salient data
from a complex scenario
2. Noise strategies
Develop a robust design using noise strategies. Synthesis
(Application) Being able to put parts or elements together in such a way as
3. Tolerance design to show a pattern or structure not clearly there before; identify
Understand the concepts of tolerance design and which data or information from a complex set are appropriate
statistical tolerancing. (Analysis) to examine further or from which supported conclusions can
4. Tolerance and process capability be drawn
Calculate tolerances using process capability data. Evaluation
(Analysis) Being able to make judgments regarding the value of proposed
C. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) ideas, solutions, methodologies, etc., by using appropriate
Understand the terminology, purpose, and use of scale criteria or standards to estimate accuracy, effectiveness,
criteria (RPN) and be able to apply it to a process, economic benefits, etc.
product, or service; understand the distinction
between and interpret data associated with DFMEA
and PFMEA (Analysis)

13
Reference Materials
These books cover significant parts of the BOK. The ASQ Certification Board does not endorse any one particular reference source.

Breyfogle, Forrest, Implementing Six Sigma: Smarter Solutions Using TPM:


Statistical Methods, John Wiley & Sons, 1998. P782
Camp, Robert, Benchmarking: The Search for Industry Best Practices
Brassard, Michael, Memory Jogger Plus+, Goal/QPC, 1989. P448 That Lead to Superior Performance, ASQC Quality Press, 1989.
Brassard, Michael, and Diane Ritter, The Memory Jogger II, H0575
Goal/QPC, 1994. P834 Imai, Masaaki, Kaizen: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success,
r

Harry, Mikel, The Vision of Six Sigma (eight volume set), 5th ed., McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 1986. P374
Sigma Publishing Co., 1997. ISBN 0964355574. LEAN REF:
e

Harry, Mikel, and Rich Schroeder, Six Sigma: The Breakthrough Dettmer, H. William, Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints: A Systems
g

Management Strategy Revolutionizing the World’s Top Corporations, Approach to Continuous Improvement, ASQC Quality Press, 1996.
Doubleday, 2000. P785 H0935
a

Hutton, David, Change Agent’s Handbook: A Survival Guide for Goldratt, Eliyahu M., and Jeff Cox, The Goal, 2nd ed., revised,
Quality Improvement Champions, ASQC Quality Press, 1994.
n

North River Press Publishing, 1992. P470


H0842
Grief, Michel, The Visual Factory: Building Participation Through
a

Kotter, John P., Leading Change, Harvard Business School Press, Shared Information, Productivity Press, 1991. ISBN 0915299674.
1996. ISBN 0875847471.
M

Productivity Press Development Team, 5 S for Operators


Naumann, Earl, and Steven Hoisington, Customer Centered Six Learning Package (Shopfloor Series), Productivity Press, 1998.
Sigma: Linking Customers, Process Improvement, and Financial ISBN 1563271249.
Results, ASQ Quality Press, 2001. H1080
Productivity Press Development Team, Cellular Manufacturing:
y

Rath & Strong’s Six Sigma Pocket Guide, Rath & Strong Inc., 2000. One-Piece Flow for Workteams (Shopfloor Series), Productivity
ISBN 0970507909. Press, 1999. ISBN 156327213X.
t

Scholtes, Peter R., Brian L. Joiner, and Barbara J. Streibel, Productivity Press Development Team, Shigeo Shingo, Quick
i

The Team Handbook, 2nd ed., revised, Oriel Inc., 1996. P662 Changeover for Operators: The Smed System (Shopfloor Series),
l

DFSS: Productivity Press, 1996. ISBN 1563271257.


a

Cooper, Robert Gravlin, Winning at New Products: Accelerating Shimbun, Nikkan Kogyo, Poka-Yoke: Improving Product Quality by
the Process from Idea to Launch, 2nd ed., Perseus Press, 1993. Preventing Defects, Productivity Press, 1989. ISBN 0915299313.
u

ISBN 0201563819.
Suh, Nam P., The Principles Of Design (Oxford Series on
Q

Advanced Manufacturing, 6), Oxford University Press, 1990.


ISBN 0195043456.
Taguchi, Genichi, Subir Chowdhury, and Shin Taguchi, Robust
d

Engineering: Learn How to Boost Quality While Reducing Costs &


Time to Market, McGraw-Hill Publishing, 1999. P824
e
i
f
i
t
r
e
C

Books with item numbers in BOLD


can be purchased from ASQ.

14
ASQ Section Numbers
United States GEORGIA MICHIGAN OHIO VERMONT
1502 Greater Atlanta 1000 Greater Detroit 0800 Cleveland 0112 Vermont
ALABAMA 1519 Greater Savannah 1001 Grand Rapids 0801 Columbus
1501 Birmingham 1525 Middle Georgia 1002 Greater Muskegon 0805 Youngstown-Warren
1529 West Georgia 1003 Battle Creek-Kalamazoo 0808 Central NW Ohio VIRGINIA
1503 Huntsville 1104 Richmond
1520 Dothan 1533 Valdosta 1004 Saginaw Valley 0810 Akron-Canton
1007 St. Joseph-Benton Harbor 0811 Mansfield 1107 Radford-Roanoke
1522 Central Alabama 1108 Blue Ridge
1523 Northeast Alabama 1008 Lansing-Jackson 0812 Ashtabula
HAWAII 1010 Ann Arbor 0814 Elyria-Lorain 1114 Hampton Roads
1527 Shoals 0623 Hawaii 1120 Lynchburg
1532 Mobile 1012 Holland-Zeeland 0815 Scioto Valley
1013 Blue Water 0900 Cincinnati 1128 Tidewater
1534 Montgomery 0511 Northern Virginia
IDAHO 0909 Dayton
0603 Eastern Idaho 1006 Toledo
ALASKA MINNESOTA 1009 Top of Ohio: Bryan
0621 Western Idaho 1203 Minnesota (Minneapolis/ WASHINGTON
0608 Alaska 0803 Mid-Ohio Valley 0606 Seattle
St. Paul)
1214 Hiawatha 0619 Spokane
ILLINOIS 0614 Columbia Basin
ARIZONA 1200 Central Illinois 1216 LaCrosse-Winona OKLAHOMA
0704 Phoenix 1408 Oklahoma City 0627 Southwest Washington:
1201 Chicago Vancouver
0707 Tucson 1213 Illiana 1409 Tulsa
MISSISSIPPI
1205 Rockford 1504 Central Mississippi
ARKANSAS 1208 Fox Valley 1526 Mississippi Gulf Coast OREGON WASHINGTON, DC
1407 Central Arkansas 1209 Danville 0607 Portland 0509 Washington, DC
1413 Northwestern Arkansas 1211 Heart of Illinois 0624 Southern Oregon
1415 Northeast Arkansas 1212 Northeastern Illinois MISSOURI
1301 Kansas City WISCONSIN
1421 South Arkansas 1202 Milwaukee
1419 Arko (Fort Smith) 1304 St. Louis PENNSYLVANIA
INDIANA 1305 Quinsippi 0203 Allegheny Mountain 1204 Racine-Kenosha
1428 North Central Arkansas 0903 Indianapolis 1206 Winnebago
1306 Joplin-Springfield 0209 Northeastern
0904 East Central Indiana 1310 Mid-Missouri Pennsylvania 1215 Northwest Wisconsin
CALIFORNIA 0905 Northeastern Indiana 1315 West Plaines 0500 Lehigh Valley 1216 LaCrosse-Winona
0604 San Francisco 0915 Evansville-Owensboro 0501 North Central PA 1217 Madison
0605 Sacramento 0917 Lafayette 0503 Harrisburg
0613 Santa Clara Valley 0918 North Central Indiana NEBRASKA 0505 Philadelphia
0919 Wabash Valley 1302 Nebraska PUERTO RICO
0616 San Luis Obispo 0510 Reading 1500 Puerto Rico
0617 Redwood Empire 0920 South Central Indiana 0802 Pittsburgh
0618 Golden Gate 1005 Michiana 0809 Erie
1011 Northwest Indiana NEVADA
0622 Southern San Joaquin 0705 Las Vegas MEXICO
Valley 0625 Northern Nevada 1403 Mexico City
0626 Central California RHODE ISLAND 0712 Tijuana
IOWA 0107 Rhode Island
0700 Los Angeles 1303 State University of Iowa
0701 Orange Empire 1308 Central Iowa NEW HAMPSHIRE
0702 San Gabriel Valley 0104 Granite State Canada
SOUTH CAROLINA
0703 San Diego 1111 Palmetto
0706 San Fernando Valley KANSAS ALBERTA-B.C.
NEW JERSEY 1102 Columbia 0408 Vancouver
0708 Palomar 1307 Wichita 1112 Central Savannah River
0304 North Jersey 0409 Calgary
0709 Channel Cities 1122 Carolina Low Country
0307 Princeton 0410 Edmonton
0711 Inland Empire 1123 Carolina: Greenwood
KENTUCKY 0508 Southern Jersey
0911 Lexington 1124 Florence-Pee Dee
1130 Olde English MANITOBA
COLORADO 0912 Louisville SASKATCHEWAN
1300 Denver 0914 South Central Kentucky NEW MEXICO
0916 Jackson Purchase 1400 Albuquerque 0406 Manitoba
1309 Northern Colorado TENNESSEE
0921 Central Kentucky 0414 Saskatchewan
1312 Pikes Peak 1100 Memphis
1313 Boulder 0922 Pennyrile NEW YORK 1101 Chattanooga
1314 Western Colorado 0200 Hudson-Mohawk 1105 Tennessee: Knoxville ONTARIO
LOUISIANA 0201 Buffalo 1106 NE Tennessee 0400 Hamilton
1410 Shreveport-Bossier City 0202 Corning-Elmira 1118 Middle Tennessee 0402 Toronto
CONNECTICUT
1423 Southwest Louisiana 0204 Rochester 1121 West Tennessee 0403 London
0101 Naugatuck Valley
1518 New Orleans 0205 Binghamton 1125 Highland Rim 0405 Kitchener
0103 Hartford
1521 Baton Rouge 0206 Syracuse 0407 Ottawa Valley
0301 Southern Connecticut:
0207 Central Mohawk Valley 0415 Windsor
Bridgeport TEXAS
0208 Jamestown
0305 New Haven 1402 Dallas
0306 Greater Danbury
MAINE 0210 Cortland/Ithaca
0105 Pine Tree State 0300 Metropolitan 1404 San Antonio QUEBEC
0308 Thames Valley 1405 Greater Houston 0401 Montreal
0302 Mid-Hudson
0303 Long Island 1406 Central Texas 0404 Quebecoise
DELAWARE MARYLAND 0309 Tappan Zee 1412 West Texas
0502 Baltimore 1414 Austin Area
0506 Delaware ATLANTIC PROVINCES
0512 Delmarva 1416 Greater Fort Worth
NORTH CAROLINA 0411 Nova Scotia
1418 Brazosport
MASSACHUSETTS 1103 Carolina High Country 0412 New Brunswick
1420 Southeast Texas
0100 Boston 1109 Central North Carolina
FLORIDA 1422 Bay Area
0102 Merrimack Valley 1110 Charlotte
1506 Jacksonville-NE Florida 1424 Texoma FOREIGN COUNTRIES
0106 Berkshire 1113 Raleigh
1507 Pensacola 1425 Lower Rio Grande 2500 International Chapter
0109 Western Massachusetts 1115 Wilmington
1508 St. Petersburg-Tampa 1426 North Central Texas
0110 Worcester 1126 Eastern Carolina
1509 Orlando 1401 Greater El Paso
0111 Olde Colony 1127 Sandhills
1510 Southeast Florida-Miami
1512 Cape Canaveral 1129 North Carolina Foothills
1515 Greater Palm Beach UTAH
1524 Greater Melbourne 0615 Salt Lake
1528 Ocala 0620 Golden Spike
1530 Manasota

15
International Certification Examination Contacts
ARGENTINA INDIA/Bangalore JAPAN PERU SRI LANKA
Fundacion Empresaria para Indian Statistical Institute International QA Institute Pontificia Univ. Catolica del Peru Sri Lanka Assoc. for Quality
la Calidad y la Excelencia SQC Unit 3-24-14-703 Shimo megura Av. Universitana Cdra 18-Lima 32 49 Jayalilake-Mewa Tha
Bouchard 644 1-C 8th Mile, Mysore Rd., Meguroku P.O. Box 261 Panadura, SRI LANKA
1106 Capital Buenos Aires, R.V. College Post Tokyo 153, JAPAN Lima 100, PERU, SOUTH AMERICA phone: 94 34 34033
ARGENTINA Bangalore 560 059, INDIA phone: 81 3 37126776 (7311 NW 12th Street, Ste. 7, fax: 94 34 580046
phone: 54 11 4311 2055 phone: 91 80 8483007 fax: 81 3 37123399 Miami, FL 33126) e-mail: lissk@visual.lk
fax: 54 11 4315 3492 fax: 91 80 8484265 e-mail: a-miura-qad- phone: 51 1 4622540 ext. 324/246
e-mail: fundacion@fundece.org.ar e-mail: kkc@isibang.ernet.in iqai@mwa.biglobe.ne.jp fax: 51 1 4611785/51 1 4618253 SWITZERLAND
e-mail: quality@oucp.edu.pe Apex Conseillers D’Enterprise
AUSTRALIA/Adelaide INDIA/Chennai KOREA 33-35, Rue du Lac
The Australian Organisation Centre for Reliability MoaSoft Corp. PHILIPPINES 1800 Vevey, SWITZERLAND
for Quality Stqc Directorate BackAm B/D Suite 700 Philippine Society for phone: 41 21 923 8000
South Australian Quality Centre Ministry of Information Technology Karak-Dong 123 Songpa-Ku Quality Control fax: 41 21 923 8001
P.O. Box 309 Government of India Seoul, KOREA Suite 3-2 Sunshine Condominium e-mail: conseil@iprolink.ch
Walkerville, SOUTH AUSTRALIA V.S.I. State, Thruvamiyur phone: 82 2 420 3203 9633
5081 Chennai 600 041, INDIA e-mail: jsjang@moasoftware.co.kr Kamagong St. P.O. Box 2569 TAIWAN
phone: 618 8 344 8233 phone: 91 44 492 5479 Makati City, PHILIPPINES Chinese Society for Quality
fax: 618 8 344 8976 fax: 91 44 492 6419 MALAYSIA/Penang phone: 632 896 4465 10th Floor 75 Roosevelt Rd. Sec. 2
e-mail: djs@cobweb.com.au Quality Management Consultants fax: 632 896 4464 Taipei, TAIWAN
INDIA/Mumbai 11-3-3, New Bob Centre e-mail: psq@tpl.net phone: 886 2 732 2272
AUSTRALIA/Melbourne National Centre for Quality Jalan Gottlieb 10350 fax: 886 2 362 7663
The Australian Organisation Management Penang, MALAYSIA SAUDI ARABIA/Dhahran e-mail: leuan@csq.org.tw
for Quality The Tarun Plastic Industrial Estate phone: 60 4 229 5110 Saudi Arabia Quality Control
Victoria Division 17-B, 3rd floor, Mogra Lane fax: 60 4 229 9727 c/o Saudi Aramco THAILAND
4 Cromwell Road Andheri(East) E 1340 A, Engineering Building Excel Quality International
South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Mumbai 400-068, INDIA MALAYSIA/Selangor Dhahran 31311, SAUDI ARABIA SEACON Square, Room 2001
AUSTRALIA phone: 91 22 8221106 CAI phone: 966 3 8746599 904 Srinakarin Rd., Praves:
phone: 61 3 9824 0177 fax: 91 22 8343721 Suite 811, Blk E, Pusat Dagangan fax: 966 3 8731648 Bangkok 10260, THAILAND
fax: 61 3 9824 0199 e-mail: ncqm@bom5.vsnl.net.in Philio Damansara 1 e-mail: mubaycsk@aramco.com.sa phone: 662 7218800
46350 Petaling Java, Selangor, fax: 662 7218893
BRAZIL INDIA/New Delhi MALAYSIA SAUDI ARABIA/Riyadh e-mail: excel@loxinfo.co.th
Brazilian Society for Quality Control Indian Institute of Technology phone: 60 3 754 5823 Saudi Arabia Quality Control
Av. Indico, 30-3rd Floor, Mechanical ENGG Department, fax: 60 3 754 5823 c/o Lucent Technologies TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Rooms 35/36 Hauz Khas e-mail: gbchua@pc.jaring.my P.O. Box 4945(Quality) Trinidad & Tobago Bureau
009750-903 Sao Bernardo do New Delhi 110016, INDIA Riyadh 11412, SAUDI ARABIA of Standards
Campo, SP, BRAZIL phone: 91 11 6591056 or MAURITIUS phone: 966 1 2398444 Century Drive, Macoya Road
phone: 55 11 4125 0533 91 11 6581206 Mauritius Quality Institute fax: 966 1 2397603 Trincity Industrial Estate
fax: 55 11 4123 2085 or 1st Floor, Unicorn House e-mail: aalazzam@lucent.com Tunapuna, TRINIDAD, W.I.
55 11 4123 6169 INDONESIA 5 Royal St. phone: 868 662 8827
e-mail: abcq@sti.com.br Aims Consulting Port Louis, MAURITIUS SINGAPORE fax: 868 645 8879
AKR Bldg., 3rd Floor phone: 230 211 1476 Singapore Quality Institute e-mail: james@trinidad.net
EGYPT/Cairo JL. Panjang No. 5 fax: 230 212 1853 Blk 52 #03-12
Institute of Quality Management Jakarta 11530, INDONESIA e-mail: dsmepza7@intnet.mu Ngee Ann Polytechnic UNITED ARAB EMIRATES/
Janeel Center phone: 62 21 531 1077 535 Clementi Rd. Abu Dhabi
22 Youssef El Guindi St. fax: 62 21 5311078 THE NETHERLANDS 599-489, SINGAPORE ADNOC-FOD
Bab El Louk e-mail: nugroho@indosat.net.id Quality Institute ISW/Opleidingen phone: 65 4674225 Business Support Division
Cairo, EGYPT Postbus 2100, 399 fax: 65 4674226 Al Salam St. P.O. Box 4188
phone: 20 2 357 6811 IRAN DeMolen 49, 3994, NETHERLANDS e-mail: sqinst@singnet.com.sg Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB
fax: 20 2 355 7546 Industries Management Services phone: 31 30 6344500 EMIRATES
Center (IMSC) fax: 31 30 6344599 SOUTH AFRICA phone: 971 2 622 5903
FRANCE No. 63, Third Fl. Mansour Alley, Industrial Training & fax: 971 2 728 742
Bureau Veritas Mottahari Ave. NORWAY Quality Assurance e-mail: thawani@emirates.net.ae
Cedex 92400, FRANCE Tehran, IRAN Norsk Forening for Kvalitet og 154 Hugh Street
phone: 33 1 42915428 phone: 98 21 8721406 Lederskap(NFKL) 34797 Sunnyside, Pretoria 0002, UNITED ARAB
fax: 33 1 42915292 fax: 98 21 8722793 P.b. 370 Skoyen SOUTH AFRICA EMIRATES/Dubai
e-mail: imsc.com@tavana.net N-0213 Oslo, NORWAY phone: 27 12 344 0934 British Council
GREECE phone: 47 22 51 78 00 fax: 27 12 3434797 Near Rashid Hospital
UniconR Consultants Group IRELAND/Cork fax: 47 22 51 78 01 Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
#14 Demokratias St. Centre of Advanced Mfg. & e-mail: tor-olav-foss@nfkl.no SPAIN/Barcelona phone: 971 4 370109
Pefki, GREECE Mgmt. Systems Quality Management School fax: 971 4 370703
phone: 30 1 6120679 Dept. of Mechnical & Mfg. OMAN Gran Via Carlos III 61, 1-2 e-mail: lorraine.sequeira@
fax: 30 1 8052874 Engineering The British Council 08028 Barcelona, SPAIN britishcouncil.org.ae
e-mail: info@unicon.gr Regional Technical College Rd. One Medinat Al-Suldan phone: 34 93 3305761
Rossa Ave., Bishoptown Qaboos West fax: 34 93 4112711 ZIMBABWE
HONG KONG Cork, IRELAND P.O. Box 73 Postal Code 115 e-mail: qms@lix.intercom.es Standards Association of Zimbabwe
Hong Kong Polytechnic University phone: 353 21 542162 Medinat Al-Suldan Qaboos, Northend Close, Northridge Park,
Dept. of Mfg. Engineering fax: 353 21 546468 SULTANATE of OMAN SPAIN/Madrid Borrowdale
Hung Hom phone: 968 600548 Fundacion Confemetal P.O. Box 2259
Kowloon, HONG KONG IRELAND/Galway fax: 968 695284 Principe de Vergara 74 Harare, ZIMBABWE, AFRICA
phone: 852 2 766 6591 M.N. Associates Madrid 28006, SPAIN phone: 263 4 882017/9
fax: 852 2 362 5267 23 Ard Fraoigh PAKISTAN/Karachi phone: 34 91 2625590 fax: 263 4 882020
e-mail: mfalbert@polyu.edu.hk Clybourn Rd. Pakistan Institute of Quality Control fax: 34 91 5631741
Galway, IRELAND D-63 Block 8 Gulshan-E-Iqbal
HUNGARY phone: 353 6568 35333 Karachi , PAKISTAN SPAIN/Valencia
Hungarian Society for Quality fax: 353 6568 35392 phone: 92 21 4948784 Univ. Politecnica de Valencia
(Magyar Min Seg Tarsasag) e-mail: noonemichael@eircom.net fax: 92 21 4990775 Dept. Estadistica E Investigacion
Ulloi Ut 25 e-mail: piqc@cyber.net.pk Operativa
H-1901 Budapest, HUNGARY ISRAEL Camino de Vera, S/N
phone: 36 1 319 9145 Israel Society for Quality PAKISTAN/Lahore 46020 Valencia, SPAIN
fax: 36 1 319 9145 3, Hamezudah St. Pakistan Institute of Quality Control phone: 34 96 1400012
e-mail: quality@free-mail.hu P.O. Box 11491 325, 3rd Floor, Eden Centre fax: 34 96 1400634
Azor 58001, ISRAEL 43 Jail Road e-mail: j.hercules@vic.servicom.es
phone: 972 3 604 8154 Lahore, PAKISTAN
fax: 972 3 556 8134 phone: 92 42 7552656
fax: 92 42 7552656
e-mail: km@piqc.brain.net.pk
16
Endorsements
While numerous organizations utilize ASQ certification in their personnel practices, we have received formal written
endorsement from these firms:

AI Corp. General Services Administration-Federal Supply Moog, Inc.


& Services Div.
Abbott Laboratories Morrison Knudsen Co., Inc.
The Gillette Co.
Aerojet General Corp. NASA
Grumman Aerospace Corp.
Aerojet Solid Propulsion Co. NCR Canada, Ltd.
Hallmark Cards
Allied Corp. North American Rockwell Corp.-Aerospace Div.
Hart and Cooley
Allied-Signal Inc. Northern Telecom Ltd.
Haworth, Inc.
Allied-Signal Inc.-Garrett Engine Division Northrop Corp.
Hoffmann La Roche, Inc.
American National Can Co. Norton Co.
Honeywell, Inc.-Military Avionics Div.
AMPEX Corp. Olin Corp.-Winchester Group
Hughes Aircraft Co.
Analogic Corp. Outboard Marine Corp.
ITT Corp.
Atlantic Research Corp. Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corp.
Intertek Services Corp.
BDM International Parker Hannifin Corp.-Aerospace
James River Corp.
Beckman Instruments, Inc. The Jim Pattison Group
Johnson & Johnson Products, Inc.
Bell Aerospace-Textron Pepsico, Inc.
The Kelly Springfield Tire Co.
Bharat Electronics, Ltd. Perini Corp.
Kirsch Company
C & D Power Systems Philip Morris
KPMG Peat Marwick
Carboline Co. Phillips Chemical Corp.
Lear Siegler, Inc.-Instrument Div.
The Carborundum Company Quality Management Associates, Inc.
Eli Lilly & Co.
Carpenter Technology Corp.-Carpenter Steel Div. Rockwell International Corp.-Aerospace Div.
Thomas J. Lipton, Inc.
Carter-Wallace Inc. Rockwell International Corp.-Automotive Div.
Litton Systems-AMECOM Div.
Case Corp. Sandoz Nutrition Corporation
Lockheed Aircraft Service Co.
Caterpillar Tractor Co. Schering-Plough Corp.
Lockheed Air Terminal, Inc.
Celanese Fibers Operations SCM Metal Products, Inc.
Lockheed Cal Comp., DPD
Central Switchboard Corp. Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc.
Lockheed California Co.
Chrysler Corp. Stanley Tools
Lockheed Electronics Co.
The Coca-Cola Co. Stone & Webster Engineering Corp.
Lockheed Georgia Co.
Computervision Corp. TRW Systems, Inc. & Ross Gear
Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.
Defense Supply Agency Tecumseh Products Co.
Lockheed Propulsion Co.
Dow Chemical U.S.A. Texas Instruments Inc.
Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction
Dresser Industrial Inc.-Marion Power Shovel Div. The Trane Co.
Marion Technical College
Eagle Industries, Inc.-Hart & Cooley Div. U.S. Air Force
Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
Fairchild Semiconductors U.S. Dept. of Transportation-
McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Co. Federal Aviation Administration
The Foxboro Co.
McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. Unisys Corp.
GPU Nuclear Corp.
McElrath and Associates, Inc. United Technologies-Pratt & Whitney Aircraft
GenCorp
McNeil Pharmaceutical Vendor Surveillance Corp.
General Dynamics-Convair Div.
Memorex Corp. Wagner Spray Tech Corp.
General Dynamics-Electronics Div.
Mercury Marine-A Brunswick Co. Warner-Lambert Co.
General Dynamics-Fort Worth Div.
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Webb Forging Co.
General Dynamics-Land Syst. Div.
Microdot, Inc. Westinghouse Electric Corp.-Defense Group
General Mills-Packaged Food Div.
Millipore Corp. Whirlpool Corp.
General Motors Corp.
The Woodbridge Group

17
Thank You
We wish to thank the following ASQ members, as well has their companies, for their support of the Six Sigma examination
improvement process this past year.

Michael B. Adams Jim E. Humble Jim McLinn


Brazeway Inc. The Timken Co. Rel Tech

Ron Atkinson Clark E. Humphrey Becki Meadows


General Motors Nokia Smarter Solutions, Inc.

Christopher M. Carlson Gary G. Jing Rick Murrow


Global Productivity Solutions Seagate Technology Air Academy Associates

Gary A. Cone Kevin L. Johnson Janet R. Raddatz


Gary Cone Inc. Sony Sargento Foods Inc.

Aimee Cowher Michael D. Jones Ilona Rosen


Gary Cone Inc. PQR Inc. Breakthrough Management Group

Betsi Harris-Ehrlich Samuel Keene Carl J. Saunders


Ocwen Financial Corp. Seagate Technology Caterpillar Inc.

Michael J. Fisher Paul Keller Timothy Sheppard


PHH Quality America Dana Corporation

Phil R. Flories Patricia Zander-Klossner Mary Beth Soloy


Motorola Inc. Oriel Inc. Ford Motor Company

David S. Foxx Thomas M. Kubiak W. Walter Tarpley


El Paso, TX Honeywell Inc. PACCAR

Yavuz Goktas Pat La Londe Moshen Vaheb


Ford Motor Company ALARIS Medical Systems, Inc. JDS Uniphase

Brian Green Madeleine Lamothe J. Eric Whichard


Breakthrough Management Group Juran Insitute W.R. Grace & Co.

Charles T. Hamilton John A. Lupienski David Wilkerson


Corning Inc. Motorola University Price Waterhouse Coopers

Samuel L. Hartley E. Michael Malcos Terry L. Ziemer


Austin, TX Polaroid Corp. Six Sigma Academy Inc.

Min Xiang (Matthew) Hu Stan Marash


Ford Motor Company Stat-A-Matrix

18
Notes

19
Why Become Certified?
2 0 0 0 S a l a r y S u r v e y*
Without ASQ With ASQ Salary
Certification Certification Difference

Reliability Engineer $59,527.00 $82,489.00 $22,962.00


Quality Manager $61,386.00 $70,051.00 $8,665.00
Quality Engineer $52,598.00 $59,769.00 $7,171.00
Quality Auditor $48,609.00 $54,335.00 $5,726.00
Quality Technician $32,856.00 $38,359.00 $5,503.00
Software Quality Engineer $60,789.00 $65,050.00 $4,261.00
Mechanical Inspector $36,514.00 $40,482.00 $3,968.00
*November 2000, Quality Progress

The salary survey is based on self-identification of respondents.


The survey does not capture certification differences among industries.
600 N. Plankinton Avenue
P.O. Box 3005
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53201-3005
414-272-8575
800-248-1946
Fax 414-272-1734
Web site www.asq.org
Revised 7-01
Item B1226

You might also like