CSSGB
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreKey terms
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ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a professional credential for practitioners who contribute to quality improvement projects, typically working alongside or under the guidance of a Six Sigma Black Belt. ASQ positions it for professionals with at least three years of full-time, paid work experience in areas covered by the CSSGB Body of Knowledge; educational waivers are not granted for this exam.
The exam is multiple choice and measures comprehension of the Body of Knowledge, which ASQ publishes as a downloadable PDF that lists subtext and cognitive levels for each topic. Treat that document as the syllabus rather than guessing at content.
Computer-delivered testing runs 110 questions, of which 100 are scored and 10 are unscored, in 4 hours 18 minutes of exam time within a four-and-a-half-hour appointment. All ASQ exams are open book, so preparation also means choosing which bound references to bring and how to tab and index them. An on-screen basic scientific calculator is provided; a silent, hand-held, battery-operated, non-programmable calculator is also permitted.
The exam fee is $483, with retakes at $283 for two years after an attempt. Online applications are typically reviewed in 1-2 business days, after which Prometric scheduling instructions arrive by email. The practice material on this page is independent study support and is not an ASQ product.
What you'll study
About CSSGB preparation
How many questions are on the CSSGB exam and how long do I have?
The computer-delivered exam is a one-part, 110-question test offered in English only. Of those, 100 questions are scored and 10 are unscored. Exam time is 4 hours and 18 minutes, and total appointment time is four-and-a-half hours, so budget a little time for check-in and instructions.
Is the exam really open book, and what materials can I bring?
Yes, all ASQ examinations are open book. Each candidate brings their own reference materials, and everything must be bound and stay bound: stitching, glue, ring binders, spiral binders, plastic snap binders, brads, or screw posts. Hand-stapled documents are not allowed, and Post-Its may be used only as book tabs attached before you enter.
What calculator can I use during the exam?
All computer-based exams include a basic scientific calculator on-screen, and test center administrators can provide a hand-held basic calculator on request. Any silent, hand-held, battery-operated calculator with no programmable memory is permitted. Programmable models such as the Texas Instruments TI-89 are absolutely not allowed.
What happens if I fail, and how much does a retake cost?
You receive a performance summary by email within 3-5 business days of your exam. For two years from your previous attempt you can apply at a significantly reduced retake rate of $283, versus the $483 initial exam fee. Paper-based results are slightly delayed compared with computer-based results.
How much work experience do I need to apply?
Candidates must have worked in a full-time, paid role and have three years of on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the CSSGB Body of Knowledge. ASQ states that educational waivers are not granted for this exam, so a degree cannot substitute for the experience requirement.
How quickly do I get my result?
If you take the computer-based exam you get your result immediately after submitting, and an email confirming the result follows within 3-5 business days. ASQ then sends a separate email explaining how to claim your digital certificate and badge through the Accredible platform. Pilot exams with new Bodies of Knowledge are communicated within five weeks.
Can I reschedule my appointment, and is there a penalty for arriving late?
Changes must be made at least five days before your appointment through Prometric's website or automated voice response system, and there is a $130 fee for changing an appointment. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in; if you arrive late you will not be allowed to test and will forfeit your exam fee.
What is the best way to prepare and in what order should I study?
Download the CSSGB Body of Knowledge and use its topics and subtext as your study outline, in the order ASQ lists them, since each entry states the highest cognitive level that will be tested. Because the exam is open book, also practice locating formulas and definitions quickly in the bound references you plan to bring.
How long does the application and scheduling process take?
Application review takes 1-2 business days for online applications and 3-5 for hardcopy. After approval, computer-based candidates receive an eligibility email within 1-2 business days with instructions for scheduling with Prometric inside the testing window they chose. Paper-based and translated candidates instead receive a seating letter about two weeks before the exam.
Are there different exam versions?
Yes. The computer-delivered version is a 110-question exam offered in English only. A paper-and-pencil version is a one-part, 100-question, four-hour exam offered in Mandarin in certain locations, with translated dates and locations listed separately by ASQ. Check which format and language your chosen window supports before applying.