Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt credential artwork

Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) Exam Guide

Validates foundational knowledge of Six Sigma fundamentals, the DMAIC phases, basic quality tools and supporting improvement projects.

The exam checks that you understand the DMAIC method, basic lean and quality tools, and how a team member supports a project. It is open book, so learn the concepts first, then build a tabbed reference you can search quickly.

Understand the exam

Syllabus

ISix Sigma fundamentals20 questions
  1. ASix Sigma foundations and principles
  2. BLean foundations and principles
  3. CSix Sigma roles and responsibilities
  4. DTeam basics
  5. EQuality tools

Example scenario: A line produces 500 units with 25 defects across 5 opportunities per unit. Which metric would you report to compare it with another line, and how would you calculate it?

IIDefine phase14 questions
  1. AProject identification
  2. BProject management (PM) basics

Example scenario: A team wants to “fix customer complaints.” What would a usable problem statement, scope and goal look like in the charter?

IIIMeasure phase15 questions
  1. ABasic statistics
  2. BData collection
  3. CMeasurement system
IVAnalyze phase17 questions
  1. AProcess analysis tools
  2. BRoot cause analysis
  3. CCorrective action
  4. DPreventive action
  5. EData analysis
  6. FCorrelation and regression
  7. GHypothesis testing

Example scenario: Two failure modes have the same risk priority number, but one has a severity of 9. Which would you address first, and why?

VImprove and control phases14 questions
  1. AImprovement techniques
  2. BControl tools and documentation

Official CSSYB Body of Knowledge · 2022 BoK

Format

Questions
90
Duration
2h 18m
Passing score
550 / 750
Delivery
Test centre or online
Languages
English

Question types

Multiple choice. Choose the single best answer from four options.

CertUp example

A team wants to see every step, wait and handoff between receiving an order and shipping it so it can find waste. Which tool fits?

  1. Value stream map
  2. Pareto chart
  3. Scatter diagram
  4. Control chart
Show answer

A. Value stream map. It lays out the whole flow of work and information, showing where time and waste build up.

Eligibility and booking

No required prerequisites. CSSYB has no education or work experience requirement.

Apply on asq.org for a testing window and pay the fee. After approval, ASQ emails a Prometric eligibility ID so you can book a test centre or remote appointment. CSSYB runs in odd-numbered months, and your eligibility covers three consecutive windows from the one you choose. The next window is January 2027; apply by December 7, 2026.

Apply and see testing windowsComputer-based testing

Make a study plan

Read the Body of Knowledge and try a short practice set first, so you know which sections are new to you.

Most candidates spend 15–40 hours. Plan for the low end if you already work with process improvement; add time if basic statistics is unfamiliar.

5 weeksto be ready
  1. 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.1 h
  2. 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.15 h
  3. 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.8 h
  4. 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.1 h

Learn the core concepts

Pick one main source. The ASQ handbook doubles as your open-book reference; add a video course if you prefer guided lessons.

Best official courseCSSYB Exam Preparation e-learningASQ · $424 · $324 for ASQ members · 365 daysBest low-cost video courseCertified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt TrainingQuality Gurus · $130 · lifetime accessBest exam-day referenceASQ CSSYB Handbook, 2nd editionASQ Quality Press · $150 · $105 for ASQ members · hardcover
See all 3 CSSYB courses →

Tab before you test. Mark formulas, tool definitions and control-chart rules in your bound reference; sticky tabs must be attached before you arrive.

Practice with mock exams

Use practice questions to find weak sections, then return to the handbook. Time at least two full sets.

Official question bankASQ CSSYB Question BankASQ · $119 ($109 ASQ member) · 365 daysCSSYB Free Practice TestsQuality Gurus · Free · no signupASQ Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt Study Guide, 2nd EditionASQ Quality Press · $60 ($42 ASQ member) · softcover
See all 5 CSSYB practice tests →

Are you ready?

  • You can explain each DMAIC phase and the tools used in it.
  • You can calculate DPU, DPMO and RTY without looking up the formula.
  • You can find any BoK topic in your reference within a minute.
  • You finish a timed 80-question set with time to review.

Prepare for exam day

Bring accepted ID and bound references, and follow the checklist for your delivery route.

Before travelling to Prometric

  • Arrive 30 minutes early. Late arrivals cannot test and lose the fee.
  • Bring one valid government-issued photo ID with a signature that matches your application.
  • Bring bound references only; staff inspect them before you enter.
  • Bring a silent, non-programmable calculator or use the on-screen one.
  • Belongings go in a locker; scratch paper and pencils are provided.
ASQ exam policies

Remote proctoring is not available in China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar or Pakistan.

ASQ computer-based testing

Advice from exam takers