IQF Certification Exam FAQ

System Requirements (Interactive Software only):

Pentium II 400 megahertz, 256 MB RAM, and 50MB available disk space.

Operating System(s)
Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows NT, Windows 2000
Note: Both 32 bit and 64 bit versions of MS Windows are supported.

Note on Installations: Any computer using Windows Vista or later operating systems (i.e. Windows 7 or 8) must run the setup.exe installation executable using the Run As Administrator option from the right mouse menu.

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.

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!) by completing the application on the IQF web site. Once you have your IQF member number, contact Quality America to register your member number for an exam sitting. An exam code will be provided, which is valid for one 'sitting' of the exam. (Note that we only provide exam codes for exams purchased as part of our Black Belt training and certification program, or through one of our training affiliates).
  • The exam is structured in two sections (Fundamentals and Applications).
  • 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. 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.
  • Results are available on the IQF website after completion of both sections.

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 provided by the software.

If conflicts exist, contact the IQF.

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. Additional requirements for the Master Black Belt status include documentation of two years of teaching and mentoring including 8 mentored projects and 80 hours of teaching.

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?

You can submit projects to the IQF to receive the “complete” certification at any time after successful completion of the certification exam. Project submittal for certification should include a focused summary of the tools, techniques and results of each stage of the DMAIC methodology, as well as IQF Assessment Forms completed by project team members and sponsors. 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 webmaster@iqf.org.