📋 Unified Examination & Assessment Policy
1. Overview
Quality Progress Certification Board is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and rigor across all certification programs. Our examinations align with the Body of Knowledge standards of ASQ, IASSC, CSSC, CLSSC, ILSSI, and ISSAC, and incorporate robust security measures to protect the value of your credential.
All certifications — CLSS (CLSSY, CLSSGB, CLSSBB, CLSSMBB), TQM/CQMSA, CEP, and Certified Lean (CLP, CLM, CLE, CLS, CLC) — are exam-based. Quality Progress does not provide specific study materials or mandatory training. Candidates prepare through self-study, work experience, or prior learning.
2. Examination Structure by Certification
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| Certification | Designation | Total Questions | Duration | Passing Score | Question Format | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | CLSSY | 60 | 2 Hours (120 min) | 70% (42/60) | Multiple Choice | Unlimited |
| Lean Six Sigma Green Belt | CLSSGB | 100 | 2 Hours (120 min) | 70% (70/100) | Multiple Choice + Scenario | Unlimited |
| Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | CLSSBB | 150 | 3 Hours (180 min) | 75% (113/150) | Multiple Choice + Case Studies | Unlimited |
| Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt | CLSSMBB | 200 | 4 Hours (240 min) | 80% (160/200) | Multiple Choice + Case Analysis | Unlimited |
| Certified TQM / CQMSA | TQM / CQMSA | 100 | 2.5 Hours (150 min) | 70% | Multiple Choice + Scenario | Unlimited |
| Certified Excellence Practitioner | CEP | 80 | 2 Hours (120 min) | 70% | Multiple Choice + Scenario | Unlimited |
| Certified Lean Practitioner | CLP | 60 | 2 Hours (120 min) | 70% (42/60) | Multiple Choice | Unlimited |
| Certified Lean Manager | CLM | 80 | 2 Hours (120 min) | 70% (56/80) | Multiple Choice + Scenario | Unlimited |
| Certified Lean Expert | CLE | 100 | 2.5 Hours (150 min) | 70% (70/100) | Multiple Choice + Case Studies | Unlimited |
| Certified Lean Specialist | CLS | 120 | 3 Hours (180 min) | 75% (90/120) | Multiple Choice + Case Analysis | Unlimited |
| Certified Lean Coach | CLC | 150 | 4 Hours (240 min) | 80% (120/150) | Multiple Choice + Case Analysis + Coaching Scenario | Unlimited |
3. Examination Content Distribution
3.1 Lean Six Sigma — Yellow Belt (CLSSY) — 60 Questions | 8 Knowledge Areas
- Six Sigma Fundamentals & Yellow Belt Role: 7 questions (~12%)
- Lean Fundamentals & Waste Elimination: 9 questions (~15%)
- Define Phase — Project Identification: 7 questions (~12%)
- Measure Phase — Data & Process Mapping: 9 questions (~15%)
- Analyze Phase — Root Cause Analysis: 9 questions (~15%)
- Improve Phase — Solution Development: 7 questions (~12%)
- Control Phase — Sustaining Improvements: 7 questions (~12%)
- Yellow Belt Project Essentials: 5 questions (~7%)
3.2 Lean Six Sigma — Green Belt (CLSSGB) — 100 Questions | 14 Knowledge Areas
- Six Sigma Fundamentals: 7 questions (~7%)
- Lean Principles & Tools: 7 questions (~7%)
- Define Phase: 8 questions (~8%)
- Measure — Basic Statistics: 8 questions (~8%)
- Measure — MSA & Process Capability: 8 questions (~8%)
- Analyze — Hypothesis Testing: 10 questions (~10%)
- Analyze — Root Cause & FMEA: 7 questions (~7%)
- Improve — DOE Introduction: 7 questions (~7%)
- Improve — Advanced Lean Tools: 7 questions (~7%)
- Control — SPC: 10 questions (~10%)
- Control — Sustainment: 7 questions (~7%)
- Project Management: 5 questions (~5%)
- Statistical Software: 4 questions (~4%)
- Green Belt Project: 5 questions (~5%)
3.3 Lean Six Sigma — Black Belt (CLSSBB) — 150 Questions | 14 Knowledge Domains
- Enterprise-Wide Six Sigma Deployment: 12 questions (8%)
- Organizational Process Management: 9 questions (6%)
- Advanced Team Management: 6 questions (4%)
- Advanced Define Phase: 9 questions (6%)
- Advanced Probability & Statistics: 15 questions (10%)
- Advanced Hypothesis Testing: 15 questions (10%)
- Advanced Regression Analysis: 12 questions (8%)
- Design of Experiments (DOE): 15 questions (10%)
- Advanced Improve Phase: 9 questions (6%)
- Lean Enterprise Transformation: 9 questions (6%)
- Advanced SPC & Control Phase: 12 questions (8%)
- Design for Six Sigma (DFSS): 12 questions (8%)
- Financial Analysis & Project Management: 8 questions (5%)
- Training, Coaching & Leadership: 7 questions (5%)
3.4 Lean Six Sigma — Master Black Belt (CLSSMBB) — 200 Questions | 16 Knowledge Domains
- Enterprise Six Sigma Strategy & Governance: 16 questions (8%)
- Advanced Leadership & Organizational Change: 16 questions (8%)
- Program & Portfolio Management: 12 questions (6%)
- Advanced Financial Analysis for LSS: 12 questions (6%)
- Advanced DOE — RSM, Taguchi & Robust Design: 16 questions (8%)
- Multivariate Analysis & Advanced Regression: 16 questions (8%)
- Advanced SPC & Process Control Systems: 12 questions (6%)
- Design for Six Sigma — Advanced Applications: 16 questions (8%)
- Lean Enterprise & Digital Transformation: 12 questions (6%)
- Innovation & TRIZ Advanced Methods: 10 questions (5%)
- Advanced MSA & Measurement Uncertainty: 10 questions (5%)
- Reliability Engineering & Life Data Analysis: 10 questions (5%)
- Coaching & Curriculum Development: 12 questions (6%)
- Consulting & Client Engagement: 10 questions (5%)
- Ethics, Governance & Professional Practice: 10 questions (5%)
- Capstone: Enterprise Deployment Case Study: 10 questions (5%)
3.5 Certified TQM / CQMSA — 100 Questions | 10 Knowledge Areas
- Total Quality Management Fundamentals: 12 questions (12%)
- Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001): 12 questions (12%)
- Quality Planning & Deployment: 10 questions (10%)
- Quality Control & Assurance: 12 questions (12%)
- Quality Improvement Methodologies: 10 questions (10%)
- Customer Focus & Satisfaction: 10 questions (10%)
- Leadership & Strategic Quality Management: 10 questions (10%)
- Quality Auditing & Assessment: 8 questions (8%)
- Statistical Quality Control: 8 questions (8%)
- Quality Culture & Organizational Excellence: 8 questions (8%)
3.6 Certified Excellence Practitioner (CEP) — 80 Questions | 8 Knowledge Areas
- Business Excellence Frameworks (EFQM, Baldrige): 12 questions (15%)
- Excellence Models & Criteria: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Self-Assessment & Benchmarking: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Leadership for Excellence: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Strategy & Business Planning: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Customer & Stakeholder Excellence: 8 questions (10%)
- Process & Operational Excellence: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Continuous Improvement & Innovation: 10 questions (12.5%)
3.7 Certified Lean — Practitioner (CLP) — 60 Questions | 6 Knowledge Areas
- Lean Fundamentals & Principles: 12 questions (20%)
- The 8 Wastes & Value Stream: 10 questions (17%)
- 5S & Visual Management: 10 questions (17%)
- Kaizen & Continuous Improvement: 10 questions (17%)
- Standard Work & Flow: 10 questions (17%)
- Lean Culture & Mindset: 8 questions (13%)
3.8 Certified Lean — Manager (CLM) — 80 Questions | 8 Knowledge Areas
- Lean Leadership & Strategy: 12 questions (15%)
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM): 10 questions (12.5%)
- Flow & Pull Systems: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Just-in-Time (JIT) & Kanban: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Lean Metrics & Performance Management: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Lean Management Systems: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Coaching & Developing Teams: 10 questions (12.5%)
- Lean Transformation & Change Management: 8 questions (10%)
3.9 Certified Lean — Expert (CLE) — 100 Questions | 10 Knowledge Areas
- Advanced Lean Implementation: 12 questions (12%)
- Kanban & Pull Systems: 10 questions (10%)
- Takt Time & Heijunka (Leveling): 10 questions (10%)
- Advanced VSM & Process Analysis: 10 questions (10%)
- Lean Product Development: 10 questions (10%)
- Lean Supply Chain & Logistics: 10 questions (10%)
- Lean Accounting & Financial Analysis: 10 questions (10%)
- Lean Six Sigma Integration: 10 questions (10%)
- Lean Digital Transformation: 10 questions (10%)
- Lean Culture & Leadership Excellence: 8 questions (8%)
3.10 Certified Lean — Specialist (CLS) — 120 Questions | 12 Knowledge Areas
- SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die): 10 questions (8%)
- TPM (Total Productive Maintenance): 10 questions (8%)
- Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing): 10 questions (8%)
- Jidoka (Autonomation): 10 questions (8%)
- A3 Thinking & Problem Solving: 10 questions (8%)
- Gemba & Genchi Genbutsu: 10 questions (8%)
- Advanced Kaizen & Rapid Improvement: 10 questions (8%)
- Lean Leadership & Coaching: 10 questions (8%)
- Hoshin Kanri (Policy Deployment): 10 questions (8%)
- Lean Systems Thinking: 10 questions (8%)
- Lean Innovation & R&D: 10 questions (8%)
- Lean Assessment & Audit: 10 questions (8%)
3.11 Certified Lean — Coach (CLC) — 150 Questions | 14 Knowledge Areas
- Lean Coaching Fundamentals: 12 questions (8%)
- Advanced Coaching Competencies: 12 questions (8%)
- Lean Leadership Development: 12 questions (8%)
- Continuous Improvement Culture: 12 questions (8%)
- Lean Transformation Strategy: 12 questions (8%)
- Executive Coaching & Advisory: 10 questions (7%)
- Team Coaching & Facilitation: 10 questions (7%)
- Change Management & Organizational Development: 12 questions (8%)
- Lean Training & Curriculum Design: 10 questions (7%)
- Mentoring & Knowledge Transfer: 10 questions (7%)
- Lean Assessment & Maturity Models: 10 questions (7%)
- Enterprise Lean Deployment: 10 questions (7%)
- Ethics & Professional Coaching Standards: 8 questions (5%)
- Capstone: Coaching Case Study & Defense: 10 questions (7%)
4. Examination Security
To ensure fairness and integrity across all QPCB certifications, we enforce strict security protocols. All candidates must acknowledge and adhere to the following policies.
🔒 Examination Rules
- Closed-book environment; no external resources unless explicitly permitted (e.g., standard calculator for CLSSGB and above).
- No mobile phones, smartwatches, or secondary screens.
- Candidate must remain alone in a quiet, well-lit room.
- Communication with others is strictly prohibited.
- Browser lockdown prevents navigation away from the test.
⏰ Time Limits
- CLSSY / CLP: 2 Hours (120 min)
- CLSSGB / CEP / CLM: 2 Hours (120 min)
- TQM / CQMSA / CLE: 2.5 Hours (150 min)
- CLSSBB / CLS: 3 Hours (180 min)
- CLSSMBB / CLC: 4 Hours (240 min)
- Timer visible throughout; auto-submit when time expires.
🎯 Passing Score
- CLSSY / CLSSGB / TQM / CEP / CLP / CLM / CLE: 70%
- CLSSBB / CLS: 75%
- CLSSMBB / CLC: 80%
- No partial credit for incomplete answers.
🔄 Retake Policy
- ALL levels: UNLIMITED FREE retakes within 6 months.
- Mandatory 14-day cooling-off period between attempts.
- Topic-wise feedback provided after a failed attempt.
- A different exam form is issued for each retake.
- No additional fee for any retake attempt.
🔀 Question Randomization
- Questions drawn from a large, secure item bank.
- Random ordering of questions and answer choices per candidate.
- No two exams are identical, minimizing predictability.
- Ensures equitable difficulty across multiple forms.
👤 Identity Verification
- Government-issued photo ID upload required before exam start.
- Facial recognition scan via webcam (CLSSGB, CLSSBB, CLSSMBB, CLE, CLS, CLC).
- Live proctor review of ID and testing environment.
- ID must match registered candidate name exactly.
👁 Proctoring & Monitoring: All exams above Foundation level (CLSSGB, CLSSBB, CLSSMBB, CLE, CLS, CLC, TQM/CQMSA) are remotely proctored using AI-assisted live monitoring. CLSSMBB and CLC use dual proctoring (Live + AI). Behaviors such as looking away repeatedly, talking, or another person's presence will flag the session and may result in immediate termination and forfeiture of the attempt.
5. Project & Portfolio Requirements
Project and portfolio requirements vary by certification family. The table below summarises requirements across all programs.
| Certification | Project / Portfolio Required? | Details | Review Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLSSY | No | Exam only — knowledge-based | — |
| CLSSGB | Yes — 1 DMAIC Project | 15–25 page report; 5+ tools; measurable improvement; manager sign-off or approved case | 5–7 business days |
| CLSSBB | Yes — 2 Major Projects | Full DMAIC/DFSS documentation; measurable business results; stakeholder sign-off; panel review | 10–15 business days |
| CLSSMBB | Yes — Portfolio + Panel Defense | 3 major projects ($100K+ impact); coaching portfolio; deployment artifact; 60-min live defense | 10–15 business days |
| TQM / CQMSA | No | Exam only — knowledge-based | — |
| CEP | No | Exam only — knowledge-based | — |
| CLP | No | Exam only — knowledge-based | — |
| CLM | No | Exam only — knowledge-based | — |
| CLE | No | Exam only — knowledge-based | — |
| CLS | No | Exam only — knowledge-based | — |
| CLC | No | Exam only — knowledge-based; includes coaching scenario questions | — |
5.1 Detailed Project Requirements — CLSSGB, CLSSBB, CLSSMBB
Green Belt (CLSSGB) — 1 DMAIC Project
- Project report: 15–25 pages documenting all 5 DMAIC phases
- At least 5 statistical/analytical tools demonstrated
- Measurable improvement (cost, quality, time, or customer satisfaction)
- Workplace project with manager sign-off, OR approved case scenario with provided datasets
Black Belt (CLSSBB) — 2 Major Projects (MANDATORY)
- Demonstrate full DMAIC or DFSS methodology application
- Show measurable business results (financial or operational)
- Documented in formal project reports
- Include stakeholder sign-off confirming results
- Reviewed by a panel of certified Master Black Belts
- Project 1: Complete DMAIC or DFSS project with full documentation
- Project 2: Second DMAIC/DFSS project, OR enterprise deployment project, OR coaching/mentoring project
Master Black Belt (CLSSMBB) — Portfolio + Panel Defense (MANDATORY)
- 3 Major Projects: Completed DMAIC/DFSS projects with $100K+ cumulative documented financial impact
- Coaching Portfolio: Documented mentoring of 2+ Green Belts or 1 Black Belt through certification, with minimum 40 hours of training delivery
- Deployment Artifact: Six Sigma program design document, enterprise deployment roadmap, or published case study
- Panel Defense: 60-minute live video defense with 2 certified Master Black Belts
6. Pass/Fail Criteria — All Programs
- CLSSY / CLP: Score ≥ 70% on written examination (no project required)
- CLSSGB: Score ≥ 70% on written examination AND submit 1 approved DMAIC project
- CLSSBB: Score ≥ 75% on written examination AND submit 2 approved projects
- CLSSMBB: Score ≥ 80% on written examination AND approved portfolio AND pass panel defense
- TQM / CQMSA / CEP: Score ≥ 70% on written examination (no project required)
- CLM / CLE: Score ≥ 70% on written examination (no project required)
- CLS: Score ≥ 75% on written examination (no project required)
- CLC: Score ≥ 80% on written examination (no project required)
- Candidates who fail the exam may retake after a 14-day waiting period
- Project resubmission is allowed with detailed feedback incorporation
7. Examination Delivery & Technical Requirements
- Delivered exclusively through our secure online platform (latest Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser required).
- Stable internet connection (minimum 2 Mbps), functional webcam, and microphone mandatory for all levels.
- Identity verification (photo ID + facial match) must be completed 15 minutes prior to scheduled start for CLSSGB, CLSSBB, CLSSMBB, CLE, CLS, CLC, and TQM/CQMSA.
- Immediate score reporting upon completion with knowledge-area-wise breakdown.
- All sessions are recorded for audit and quality assurance.
- CLSSMBB and CLC use dual proctoring: Live human proctor + AI monitoring simultaneously.
8. Exam Retake Policy
All QPCB certifications include UNLIMITED FREE retakes within the 6-month enrollment period. There is no additional fee for any retake attempt at any level. A mandatory 14-day cooling-off period applies between attempts to ensure adequate preparation time.
| Certification | Designation | Max Attempts | Waiting Period | First Retake Fee | Second Retake Fee | Third Retake Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | CLSSY | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Lean Six Sigma Green Belt | CLSSGB | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | CLSSBB | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt | CLSSMBB | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Certified TQM / CQMSA | TQM / CQMSA | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Certified Excellence Practitioner | CEP | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Certified Lean Practitioner | CLP | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Certified Lean Manager | CLM | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Certified Lean Expert | CLE | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Certified Lean Specialist | CLS | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
| Certified Lean Coach | CLC | Unlimited | 14 days | $0 FREE | $0 FREE | $0 FREE |
Summary: All certification levels now offer UNLIMITED FREE retakes ($0) within the 6-month enrollment period. A mandatory 14-day cooling-off period applies between attempts. No retake fees are charged for any level. This policy ensures every candidate has ample opportunity to succeed without financial burden.
📜 Policy Alignment: This examination policy, including all security provisions, is aligned with ASQ, IASSC, CSSC, CLSSC, ILSSI, and ISSAC Body of Knowledge standards and is reviewed semi-annually by the Quality Progress Certification Board. Violation of any security rule leads to permanent disqualification and reporting to the certification body.
📚 Self-Study Pathway: Quality Progress Certification Board does not provide specific study materials or mandatory training. Candidates prepare independently using publicly available resources aligned with the Body of Knowledge. Any competent, self-motivated professional who feels exam-ready may register directly.
9. Contact for Examination Matters
📧 Email: admission@qualityprogressbd.com
📨 Support: support@qualityprogressbd.com
🌐 Website: www.qualityprogressbd.com
📱 WhatsApp: +880 1954-577058
⏱ Response time: Within 2 business days
Quality Progress Certification Board — Unified Examination & Assessment Policy v4.0 | Aligned with ASQ, IASSC, CSSC, CLSSC, ILSSI & ISSAC Standards