Six Sigma Black Belt

Six Sigma Black Belt

Offered by ASQ (American Society for Quality)

The ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional-level process-improvement credential. Black Belts lead complex DMAIC projects, mentor...

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Six Sigma Black Belt exam at a glance

Format

165 questions on computer (150 scored + 15 unscored); multiple choice; open book (bound references allowed)

Duration

4 hours 18 minutes (within a ~4.5-hour appointment)

Delivery

Computer-based via Prometric (test center or remote proctored)

Passing score

550 out of 750 (scaled)

Exam cost

$585 USD ($100 less for ASQ members); retakes $385

Validity

3-year recertification cycle with recertification units (RUs)

Prerequisites

3 years of experience in one or more CSSBB Body of Knowledge areas and one completed project with signed affidavit, or two completed projects with signed affidavits

About the Six Sigma Black Belt certification

The ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional-level process-improvement credential. Black Belts lead complex DMAIC projects, mentor Green Belts, and are expected to use advanced statistics (DOE, ANOVA, regression) plus enterprise deployment and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).

ASQ requires either three years of on-the-job experience in the Body of Knowledge plus one completed project (signed affidavit) or two completed projects with affidavits.

Who it’s for: Quality and operations leaders who run enterprise improvement projects and coach Green Belts.

Official exam page· Details verified 2026-08

What the Six Sigma Black Belt exam covers
  • Organization-wide Planning and Deployment
  • Organizational Process Management and Measures
  • Team Management
  • Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC)
  • Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)
How to study for the Six Sigma Black Belt
  1. 1File project affidavits early — eligibility is more than just sitting an exam.
  2. 2Master advanced stats: full and fractional factorial DOE, ANOVA, hypothesis tests, and MSA.
  3. 3Study deployment, team leadership, and DFSS, which Green Belt does not emphasize.
  4. 4Assemble a well-tabbed bound reference for the open-book exam.
  5. 5Take timed 165-question practice exams targeting the 550/750 scaled threshold.
Six Sigma Black Belt — frequently asked questions

Is the Black Belt exam open book?

Yes, for ASQ's CSSBB. You may bring bound references. Loose notes and electronics are not allowed.

How is Black Belt different from Green Belt?

Green Belt supports or leads smaller DMAIC projects. Black Belt leads complex projects, coaches others, and is tested on advanced statistics, enterprise deployment, and DFSS. ASQ also requires project affidavits for CSSBB.