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 Green Belts, and are expected to use advanced statistics (DOE, ANOVA, regression) plus enterprise deployment and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Questions
165
150 scored
Testing time
18
minutes
Sections
5
Delivery
Computer-based via Prometric (test center or remote proctored)
Passing score
550
Cost
$585 USD ($100 less for ASQ members); retakes $385
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What the 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)
About the Six Sigma Black Belt certification
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.
- Testing time
- 4 hours 18 minutes (within a ~4.5-hour appointment)
- Passing score
- 550 out of 750 (scaled)
- 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
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
File project affidavits early — eligibility is more than just sitting an exam.
02
Master advanced stats: full and fractional factorial DOE, ANOVA, hypothesis tests, and MSA.
03
Study deployment, team leadership, and DFSS, which Green Belt does not emphasize.
04
Assemble a well-tabbed bound reference for the open-book exam.
05
Take timed 165-question practice exams targeting the 550/750 scaled threshold.
FAQ
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.
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