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Can I take the exam even though I haven't completed any Six Sigma projects?
You may take the exam before completing projects. For complete certification, the IQF requires Black Belts to lead two successful Six Sigma projects. The IQF also offers a Certification without Projects option for students who do not have access to suitable Six Sigma projects. Refer to the IQF Certification Requirements. for details.
What is the format of the exam?
The exam consists of 2 sections; a Fundamentals
section and an Applications section. The examinee is given 4 hours to complete each section of the exam. The Fundamentals section is design to test the examinee's
understanding of basic statistical methods. The Fundamentals section consists of the following types of
questions.
|
Question Type |
Number of Questions |
| Six Sigma Process |
5 |
| Discrete Distributions |
3 |
| Continuous Distributions |
3 |
| Statistical Inference |
3 |
| Measurement Assurance |
3 |
| SPC |
3 |
| Process Capability |
3 |
| Regression |
3 |
| One-Way ANOVA |
2 |
| Multi-Factor ANOVA |
2 |
The Applications section of the exam is designed to
test the examinee's business methods and problem solving capability. The problems in the Applications section are more involved and may
take up to an hour to complete. Because the questions in the Applications section vary in the level of
difficulty, the questions are weighted when the exam in scored. The Applications section consists of the following types of
questions.
Question Type |
Number of
Questions
|
Question
Weighting
|
| Process Cost Optimization |
1 |
5 |
| Process Target Optimization |
1 |
10 |
| Process Variance Optimization |
0 |
10 |
| Project Value |
3 |
1 |
| Project Management |
1 |
4 |
Do I need to purchase the Study Guide?
The Study Guide is not necessary, but highly recommended. It includes all the possible questions for the exam, although the actual questions you will see in the exam will use different data. In this way, the Study Guide will allow you to practice the methodology used to obtain the answers. Of course, just like in the exam and the real world, you'll be able to use computer software to obtain the results most efficiently.
Is there a central location I need to travel to in order to take the exam?
No, the IQF Six Sigma Certification Exam may be taken from the comfort of your own home or office, wherever you have access to a computer. (Neither the Exam nor the Study Guide can currently be run from a network or intranet).
What should I know before taking the exam?
- Before taking the exam, you must join the IQF (membership is free!) using the “Join IQF” button at the IQF web site. Once you have your IQF member number, contact Quality America to purchase the exam and register your member number for an exam sitting. An exam code will be provided, which is valid for one 'sitting' of the exam.
- The exam is structured in two sections (Fundamentals and Applications), as described above.
- You must take (and complete) the Fundamentals section before beginning the Applications section. Never start the Applications section if you have not completed the Fundamentals section of the exam.
- You do not need to take the Applications section immediately following the Fundamentals section.
- Each section of the exam (Fundamentals and Applications) must be completed within 4 hours.
- Skipped questions within a section can be revisited.
- Answer all questions. Be careful not to put spaces before or after your answers.
- If your computer crashes, batteries fail or for any other reason you were unable to complete either the Fundamentals or Applications section of the exam, you can restart the exam and will be presented with an option to resume the exam, such as shown here. The clock is not ticking during the downtime. When re-entering the exam, if you inadvertently select the wrong choice (either the “Applications” or “Fundamentals” button), you can exit then click the correct choice.
How can I be assured the software will run on my computer?
There aren't often problems, but you can run the "IQF Exam Software Check" (included in the installation) to ensure there are no software conflicts with the exam software.
If there are no conflicts, they will be able to view the sample screen within the software.
If conflicts exist, call your vendor for technical support. If purchased through Quality America, we can be reached at 1-800-643-9889 from inside the U.S. or 1-520-722-6154 from outside the U.S.
I'm ready to start the Fundamentals portion of the exam. What should I do?
- When you are ready to start (or resume) the exam, first reboot your computer, then click on the "IQF Six Sigma Exam" menu option that was added to your Start menu during installation. Use the "Code Check" button to enter your exam code (given at time of purchase), then use the "Click Here to Validate Your Exam Code" button to verify the code.
- Click the "Fundamentals" button to begin the exam. You will be given 4 hours to complete the fundamentals section of the exam. When you have completed the Fundamentals section, click the "Stop Exam" button and the exam software will be closed.
I'm ready to start the Applications portion of the exam. What should I do?
- If you have not completed the Fundamentals section, do not continue!! Return to the Fundamentals section (as described above) to complete that section. Once you begin the Applications section, you will not be allowed to resume the Fundamentals section.
- When you are ready to take the Applications portion of the exam, reboot your computer, then select the "IQF Six Sigma Exam" menu option from the Start menu.
- Click the "Code Check" button as you did when you took the Fundamentals portion of the exam to enter your exam code.
- Click the "Applications" button to begin the 2nd portion of the exam. You will be given 4 hours to complete the Applications section of the exam.
- When you have completed the Applications section, click the "Stop Exam" button and your exam score code will be displayed. Use your right mouse button to copy and paste this code to a convenient location. You will need this code to obtain your exam results.
How do I obtain my results?
You obtain your exam results from the IQF web site. Enter your IQF member number and the Exam Results code provided at the conclusion of your exam. Results include the number of answers correct and incorrect for each section, as well as the belt status you have qualified for.
What are the scores required for passing the certification exams?
Green Belts are required to achieve at least a 50% score in the Fundamentals section; they are not required to take the Applications section. Black Belts must achieve at least a 60% in Fundamentals and 50% in Applications. Those achieving a 75% score in both sections are eligible as Master Black Belt status on their exam. Note that additional requirements are necessary for the complete Master Black Belt status. Refer to the IQF Certification Requirements. for details.
Is there a certificate provided? How do I prove to others I have been certified?
Generally, you can direct others to the IQF web site where they can independently verify your certification status using your IQF member number. You may also request a printed certificate via email to G. Michael Smith at the IQF. Be sure to include the following information:
- Name of Applicant ( As it should appear in the certificate).
- IQF Membership number
- Mailing Address (where to send the certificate).
- Level of BB obtained (BB by exam; BB fully certified with projects; MBB by exam; MBB fully certified with projects).
- Sponsoring organization if applying for certified BB or MBB.
- Proctoring organization if by exam only.
Upon completion of the exam, how can I obtain complete certification with demonstrated project results?
Refer to the IQF Certification Requirements. for details. The IQF certification process generally requires your employer or trainer act as a Sponsor. Individuals without a Sponsor may submit two projects for consideration towards certification to criteria@iqfnet.org. Quality America also offers complete certification of their students and consulting clients using the IQF Black Belt exam as described at our Six Sigma Certification webpage.
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