It depends on which body certified you. ASQ’s Black Belt and Master Black Belt require renewal every three years. ASQ’s Green Belt and Yellow Belt are valid for life. IASSC certifications are recognized perpetually but carry a “Current” status for three years. After three years, IASSC certifications move to “Elapsed” unless you recertify. CSSC certifications have no expiration date. Choose your certifying body carefully. The expiration policy is part of the decision.
Table of contents
- Why the Answer Depends on Who Certified You?
- ASQ Six Sigma Certifications: Which Expire and Which Do Not
- How ASQ Recertification Works?
- IASSC Six Sigma Certifications: Perpetual But Status-Based
- How IASSC Recertification Works
- CSSC: No Expiration
- Why Recertification Exists?
- What This Means for Your Certification Decision
- How SSDSI Prepares You to Stay Current?
Key Takeaways
- ASQ offers certifications with different expiration policies: Green and Yellow Belts are valid for life, while Black and Master Black Belts require renewal every three years.
- IASSC certifications are recognized perpetually but shift from ‘Current’ to ‘Elapsed’ after three years without recertification.
- CSSC certifications have no expiration and do not require renewal at any level.
- Recertification for ASQ involves earning recertification units or retaking the exam, while IASSC requires a proctored exam for renewal.
- Understanding these policies helps in choosing the right certification body based on renewal preferences.
Why the Answer Depends on Who Certified You?
Six Sigma certifications are issued by private organizations. Each body sets its own rules.
There is no single universal expiry policy. The answer differs depending on which body issued your credential.
The three most widely recognized bodies are ASQ, IASSC, and CSSC. Their policies differ significantly.
This post covers each body’s official policy. All information comes directly from ASQ’s and IASSC’s official websites.
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ASQ Six Sigma Certifications: Which Expire and Which Do Not
ASQ operates two distinct categories of certification. Some require renewal every three years. Others are valid for life.
ASQ Certifications That Do NOT Expire
According to ASQ’s official recertification FAQ, the following Six Sigma certifications are lifetime credentials:
- Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) — valid for life, no renewal required
- Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) — valid for life, no renewal required
ASQ states this directly: “If you’re asking, ‘Does Six Sigma Green Belt certification expire?’ it does not. This credential is valid for life.”
ASQ Certifications That DO Expire (Every Three Years)
The following ASQ Six Sigma certifications require recertification every three years:
- Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
- Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt (CMBB)
ASQ states directly: “Does Six Sigma Black Belt certification expire? The answer is yes. These credentials must be renewed on a regular cycle.” (Source: ASQ Recertification FAQ, asq.org)
If you hold an ASQ Black Belt, you must renew it every three years. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Failing to renew causes your credential to lapse.
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How ASQ Recertification Works?
ASQ gives you two options to renew your Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification.
Option 1: Recertify by Journal
You earn recertification units (RUs) through professional activities over your three-year cycle.
ASQ requires a minimum of 18 RUs within each three-year period. You record these in an ASQ recertification journal.
Activities that earn RUs include:
- Attending conferences, seminars, or workshops
- Completing training courses at an accredited facility
- Employment in a role related to your certification’s Body of Knowledge
- Teaching or training others in Six Sigma
- Authoring publications or delivering presentations
- Volunteer activities with ASQ or other professional associations
Activities can begin before you initially earn your certification. They must be completed before your recertification date. ASQ’s recertification journal specifies exactly how many RUs each activity type earns.
Option 2: Recertify by Exam
You retake the full certification exam. This option is available at any time during your three-year cycle.
After your expiration date, retaking the exam is the only option available. This applies if you miss the grace period deadline.
The Grace Period
ASQ provides a 60-day grace period after your certification expiration date.
During those 60 days, you may still submit a journal for recertification. After 60 days, you must recertify by exam only.
You may also submit your recertification journal up to six months before your expiration date. This early submission option lets you get ahead of the deadline.
What Happens If You Do Not Renew
ASQ is direct about the consequences. If you allow your certification to lapse, you must stop using the credential’s acronym immediately.
ASQ states: “If an individual allows their certification to fall into lapsed or expired status, he or she must immediately discontinue use of the associated acronym and is prohibited from stating or implying certification is current.”
Continuing to use a lapsed credential is a violation of ASQ’s certification policy.
IASSC Six Sigma Certifications: Perpetual But Status-Based
IASSC takes a different approach. Their official policy draws a clear distinction.
IASSC states on each belt certification page: “IASSC Certification is recognized perpetually.”
That means your IASSC certification does not technically expire. It is always on record.
However, IASSC introduced a Certification Classification System in March 2017. Under this system, certifications carry a status. That status affects how employers and verifiers see your credential.
“Current” Status
IASSC grants “Current” status for three years from the date you earned or last recertified your credential.
Employers and hiring managers who verify IASSC credentials see this status directly in IASSC’s official certification database.
“Elapsed” Status
After three years without recertification, IASSC applies an “Elapsed” status to your certification.
Your certification is still on record. It is recognized perpetually. But it no longer shows as “Current.”
IASSC’s official recertification page states: “A Current status is granted to IASSC Certifications for a period of three years from the time the Professional has received the Certification. After that time, an Elapsed status will be applied to the Certification unless the Professional has successfully Recertified.”
Also Read: What Is the Difference Between LSS Certification and Training?
How IASSC Recertification Works
IASSC recertification requires a proctored, closed-book exam. There is no journal or continuing education option.
Here are the official recertification exam details from IASSC’s website:
| Belt Level | Questions | Time Allowed | Passing Score | Recertification Fee |
| Yellow Belt | 30 questions | 1 hour | 70% | $115 |
| Green Belt | 50 questions | 1.5 hours | 70% | $175 |
| Black Belt | 75 questions | 2 hours | 70% | $235 |
(Source: IASSC Recertification page, iassc.org)
IASSC Recertification Deadline
You must take your recertification exam before your “Elapsed” date. IASSC allows up to 90 days after the Elapsed date.
IASSC states: “Recertification Exams must be conducted prior to the date of Elapse or no longer than 90 days after the Elapse.” (Source: IASSC Recertification page, iassc.org)
If you miss this 90-day window, IASSC applies a permanent Elapsed status to your certification. Your credential is not revoked. But it will not return to “Current” through a recertification exam.
In that case, you must sit for a full new certification exam. Passing that exam earns a new IASSC certification. The new credential then carries “Current” status for another three years.
IASSC Recertification Exam Attempts
IASSC limits recertification to two attempts per professional. The two attempts must be separated by at least two weeks.
A failed recertification attempt results in an Elapsed status. The certification is not revoked. But to regain “Current” status, you must pass the full certification exam.
CSSC: No Expiration
The Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) issues credentials with no expiration date.
CSSC states: “You won’t have to recertify or pay anything more to keep your CSSC SSBB certification active.” (Source: CSSC official blog)
CSSC certifications at all belt levels are issued as lifetime credentials. No renewal fees or recertification exams apply.
CSSC is an independent US-based certifying body. It is recognized by many organizations, though it carries less employer name recognition than ASQ or IASSC in some industries. Check your employer’s or industry’s preferred certification body before choosing.
Comparison: Expiry Rules by Certification Body
| Body | Yellow Belt | Green Belt | Black Belt | Master Black Belt |
| ASQ | Lifetime | Lifetime | 3-year renewal required | 3-year renewal required |
| IASSC | Perpetual, “Current” for 3 years | Perpetual, “Current” for 3 years | Perpetual, “Current” for 3 years | Not offered |
| CSSC | No expiration | No expiration | No expiration | No expiration |
Key distinction to understand:
ASQ Green Belt and Yellow Belt never expire. ASQ Black Belt and Master Black Belt require renewal every three years.
IASSC certifications never technically expire. But they move from “Current” to “Elapsed” after three years. This status is visible to anyone who verifies your credential in IASSC’s database.
Why Recertification Exists?
Both ASQ and IASSC build recertification into their programs for a documented reason.
ASQ states this on its official recertification page: “ASQ requires that you recertify certain professional certifications once every three years to ensure that you maintain the same level of knowledge demonstrated in your first exam.” (Source: ASQ Recertification, asq.org)
ASQ also cites the ISO 17024 standard for conformity assessment. This international standard requires periodic reassessment to confirm continuing competence of certified individuals.
IASSC states on its recertification page: “The IASSC Recertification Exam’s intention is to measure retained subject matter knowledge of previously demonstrated and certified knowledge.” (Source: IASSC Recertification, iassc.org)
Both organizations frame recertification as a quality measure. It signals to employers that certified professionals maintain current knowledge.
What This Means for Your Certification Decision
Expiry policy is a real factor when you choose a certifying body. Consider the following.
- If you want a credential that never requires renewal: Choose ASQ Green Belt or Yellow Belt, or CSSC at any belt level. These carry no renewal requirements.
- If you want the credential with the highest employer recognition: ASQ Black Belt is widely respected, especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and regulated industries. Renewal is required every three years by journal or exam.
- If you want a clear, verifiable “Current” status system: IASSC uses a transparent database that employers can query. Keeping your IASSC credential “Current” requires passing a recertification exam every three years.
- If renewal cost matters to your decision: ASQ renewal through journal submission avoids a full re-exam and focuses on professional development activities. IASSC recertification always requires a paid exam. CSSC requires no renewal at any belt level.
FAQ: Do Six Sigma Certifications Expire?
Does ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt certification expire?
No. According to ASQ’s official recertification FAQ, the Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a lifetime credential. It does not require renewal. ASQ states directly: “If you’re asking, ‘Does Six Sigma Green Belt certification expire?’ it does not. This credential is valid for life.”
Does ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt certification expire?
Yes. ASQ’s Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) requires recertification every three years. You can renew by earning 18 recertification units through professional activities and submitting a journal, or by retaking the certification exam. Failing to renew causes your credential to lapse. ASQ requires you to stop using the credential’s acronym if your certification is in lapsed status.
Does IASSC Six Sigma certification expire?
IASSC certifications are recognized perpetually and are always on record. However, IASSC assigns a “Current” status for three years from the date of certification. After three years without recertification, IASSC applies an “Elapsed” status. The credential is not revoked. But it will no longer show as “Current” in IASSC’s official certification database. To maintain “Current” status, you must pass an IASSC recertification exam before or within 90 days of your Elapsed date.
How much does IASSC recertification cost?
As of IASSC’s official recertification page, recertification exam fees are: Yellow Belt $115, Green Belt $175, and Black Belt $235. You must score at least 70% to pass. Each recertification exam is closed book and proctored.
What happens if I miss my ASQ recertification deadline?
ASQ provides a 60-day grace period after your certification expiration date. During those 60 days, you may still submit a recertification journal. After 60 days, journal submission is no longer accepted. You must retake the full certification exam. If you allow your credential to lapse, ASQ requires you to immediately stop using the certification acronym.
What happens if I miss my IASSC recertification window?
IASSC allows you to recertify up to 90 days after your Elapsed date. If you miss that 90-day window, IASSC applies a permanent Elapsed status to that certification. Your credential is not revoked. But to regain “Current” status, you must pass a full IASSC certification exam, not a recertification exam. Passing the full exam earns a new credential with “Current” status for another three years.
Does CSSC Six Sigma certification expire?
No. CSSC certifications at all belt levels are issued as lifetime credentials. CSSC states: “You won’t have to recertify or pay anything more to keep your CSSC SSBB certification active.” No renewal fees or recertification exams apply.
How SSDSI Prepares You to Stay Current?
At Six Sigma Development Solutions Inc, we train professionals at the Green Belt, Black Belt, and Yellow Belt levels. We offer onsite, live virtual, and online programs.
Every SSDSI program aligns with the IASSC Body of Knowledge. Our graduates earn IASSC accredited credentials from an IASSC Accredited Training Organization.
If your IASSC credential is approaching its three-year “Current” window, structured refresher training helps you prepare for the recertification exam. Our online and live virtual formats let you review the full body of knowledge on your schedule.
Staying current takes planning. We help you stay ahead of your renewal date.
Ready to explore certification or renewal options?
Contact Six Sigma Development Solutions Inc to discuss onsite, live virtual, or online training that fits your timeline.
About Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc.
Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc. offers onsite, public, and virtual Lean Six Sigma certification training. We are an Accredited Training Organization by the IASSC (International Association of Six Sigma Certification). We offer Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, and Yellow Belt, as well as LEAN certifications.
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