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Learn how to maintain your ASQ certification by earning recertification units. Understand ASQ recertification requirements and strategies to make certification renewal effortless.
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Imagine you've just passed your ASQ certification exam—whether it's CQE, CSSBB, CMQ/OE, or any of the other valuable credentials. The sense of accomplishment is immense. But the work doesn't stop there. Maintaining your certification requires deliberate effort every three years through ASQ recertification.
In a dynamic engineering environment, staying current with best practices, evolving standards, and emerging technologies is crucial. ASQ recertification ensures that certified professionals like you continue to demonstrate competence and commitment to quality. Neglecting this step can risk lapsing your certification, potentially impacting your career trajectory and professional credibility.
Failing to maintain your ASQ certification can have multiple consequences:
By understanding and meeting the ASQ recertification requirements, you protect your investment and stay competitive in your field.
ASQ certifications require renewal every 3 years. During each 3-year recertification cycle, you must earn a minimum number of Recertification Units (RUs) to qualify for renewal.
Recertification Units are credits earned by participating in professional development activities that enhance your knowledge and skills in quality-related disciplines.
For most ASQ certifications, the requirement is 18 RUs per 3-year cycle. Some certifications may have slight variations, so always verify with the latest ASQ guidelines.
ASQ accepts a variety of activities to earn RUs, broadly grouped as follows:
Professional Development
Teaching and Mentoring
Publications
Professional Membership
Presentations
Exam Re-take Option
Tip: Always retain documentation (certificates, agendas, publications) for each activity to support your recertification application.
ASQ provides a certification portal where you can log and track your RUs throughout your recertification cycle.
Many engineers and quality professionals stumble on recertification due to:
Avoid these pitfalls by planning your professional development calendar early and integrating it seamlessly into your work routine.
Recertification requires a fee, which varies by certification and ASQ membership status.
Budget for these fees ahead of time to ensure smooth renewal.
Holding multiple ASQ certifications (e.g., CQE and CSSBB) means you must meet recertification requirements for each separately.
Strategy: Coordinate your professional development activities to maximize RU credit across certifications efficiently.
Integrate Learning Into Daily Work
Plan Ahead
Leverage ASQ Resources
Document Everything
Scenario: Jane earned her CSSBB certification in January 2021. Her 3-year recertification cycle ends January 2024.
| Activity Type | Activity Description | RUs Earned | Date Completed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Development | Completed a 2-day Six Sigma workshop | 4 | March 2022 |
| Teaching | Led an internal Six Sigma training session | 3 | September 2022 |
| Publication | Authored an article on process improvement | 2 | November 2023 |
| Professional Membership | Maintained ASQ membership (3 years) | 3 | January 2024 |
| Presentation | Presented at ASQ local chapter meeting | 2 | October 2023 |
Total RUs: 14
Jane still needs 4 more RUs before January 2024. She plans to attend an ASQ webinar series in December 2023 to fulfill the requirement.
Understanding ASQ recertification is directly relevant to several certification bodies of knowledge (BoK):
The recertification process reinforces the commitment to lifelong learning that these certifications represent.
Start early to avoid last-minute pressure and make your certification maintenance routine.
If you're ready to formalize your quality expertise into a credential employers respect, our comprehensive ASQ certification courses cover these recertification essentials and the full body of knowledge. Explore our certification programs to find the path that suits your career goals.
Maintaining your ASQ certification is not just a requirement—it's a strategic investment in your professional growth and industry leadership.
Written by
John Lee
Founder & Lead Instructor, Alpha Training & Consulting
John Lee is the founder of Alpha Training & Consulting, holds 19 ASQ certifications, an MBA in Quality Systems, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He is a Shingo Prize-winning author and has trained over 2,500 engineers and quality professionals across 25+ years, with students achieving a 93% pass rate on ASQ certification exams.
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