Maintaining Certification - Do you need to take the test again?

[holly21]

I've noticed in some of the discussion here that people mention that their certifications expire. To maintain certification, do you need to take the test again, or do you need to just take some sort of refresher course? I haven't really found any information on the ASQ page about this. How long do certifications last before they expire?

[Marc]

You're referring to ASQ certifications like the CQE, CQM, CQT, etc., etc.?

[Craig H.]

Form your posts in another thread, Holly, I am assuming you are still talking about the CQT.

You can recertify every 3 years by taking the test, but I don't know of anyone who willingly takes that path. Ask the ASQ for a recertification journal and you can see what you have to do to keep your certificate current. You get credit for ASQ meeting attendance, classes within the body of knowledge, and employment in the quality field.

Really, if you make an effort to keep current, the hardest thing about it is remembering to document what you do.

Now, if we could just get ASQ to recognize Cove participation!!!

Hope this helps.

[holly21]

Yes, Craig, I was talking about ASQ certifications. Thanks!

From the ASQ website: "Please note that the CQT, CMI, & CQIA do not require recertification. The Biomedical add-on certification to the CQA will automatically be recertified each time your CQA is recertified. Otherwise, your Biomedical add-on will be decertified, along with your CQA, if your CQA is not maintained."

Other ASQ certifications require earning 18 recertification units (RUs) in a 3-year time frame. There are many ways to do this, including publishing, serving on ASQ committees, attending local section meetings, taking training courses, etc. You earn about 1/2 the required points by simply working in a field that is related.

For more info see: http://www.asq.org/cert/recert/rucredits/index.html

[Jeff Frost]

You do not need to take an examination as long as you have obtaining a minimum of 18 recertification units (RUs) within your three-year certification period. CQT and CMI are permanent certifications if you have a CQA; CQE etc these certifications require recertification.

Go to www.asq.org click on the certification tab and scroll down to bottom of page and click on the RU/Credits/Journal link which will take you to a discussion. If you are planning to recertify by RU you will need to download the Journal from this page.

My recommendation if you have time before certification expires. Join your local ASQ Section and attend their meetings and seminars to obtain needed RU’s. Also the Journal contains other applicable information on what can be used to satisfy the 18 RU requirements.

Jeff