We Host Certification Examinations

Certification examinations can be stressful.  I asked Dan Dickinson, our Certification Chair, for a few words to help address some of the more frequent questions and issues that arise prior to and during exam day.

First, and most important, visit the ASQ National website for information about certifications.  Go Here:  http://www.asq.org/certification/index.html

Additionally, here are a few quick points:

Prior to Exam Day

1 - Register for Exams via the National Website.  No local registrations take place.  They ship lists and materials to us, and to you.

2 - The National Website Frequently Asked Questions addresses most of the questions Dan and I receive.  It helps to read them.  (Please, read them?)

3 - You receive specific testing information (location, materials, etc.) prior to the exam, once you are registered.

4 - Prepare for the exam.  The exam should be all about revealing what You Know.  Make sure you study, do some practice exams, trace (and drive) to the exam location before hand.  Be prepared, so you can relax, some.

That covers about 98% of the questions we get about exams.  The other 2% ("How do I pay?":  Through National, and "Will you be there?": I hope I'm not, but I really hope Dan is) are outliers.

Exam Day

A few salient points to remember: 

1 - There are no cell phones allowed. (National needs to be a bit more robust on this; I suggested larger and bolder print in the exam package sent to the Examinee's homes.)

2- There are no MP3 players allowed.  If you can't stand the sound of quiet thought, pages turning and pencils being used, please bring earplugs.

3 - There are no programmable, graphing calculators allowed. (There are very good examples of what is allowed and what is not in the instructions.)

4 - Only #2 pencils will be accepted.

5 - Answer all questions, even if you have to guess.

6 - There are no "breaks", anytime away from the exam is time you forfeit. Exams have set durations.

7 - Write legibly for essay responses, someone has to read your thoughts!

8 - Proctors cannot provide numbers to call to see if you passed the exam. Pass or fail notices will be mailed in about two to three weeks, or you can check the National website for a more timely notice.

We hope this helps take a small measure of stress out of the process. 

-Garth Smitman, webguy; Dan Dickinson, Certification Chair