Bluetooth Qualification Certification (BQB) Cost

Mandatory BQB Certification: 

Bluetooth Qualification Certification (BQB) is mandatory for all Bluetooth products to enter the market. According to the Bluetooth Patent and Copyright License Agreement, products using Bluetooth technology must comply with qualification and compliance procedures.

BQB Certification Process: 

The final result is that the product information can be found on the Bluetooth SIG website. 

BQB Process Steps:

1. Documentation: Application form, user manual, RF test description.

2. Testing: Provide one finished product and two engineering samples for testing arranged by BQTF.

3. Results: If qualified, a confirmation letter is issued. After signing, the lab prepares the official report, which is reviewed by BQC and listed on the Bluetooth SIG website. If testing fails, non-conformance data is provided, and the manufacturer must rectify and retest until it passes.

4. Submission to Bluetooth SIG: Product schematic, circuit block diagram, PCB layout, and Bill of Materials are required.

Factory Requirements: 

If the factory does not have a Bluetooth SIG account, it must be registered before starting the process. A registered email and financial audit report are needed to upgrade to a paid membership, which offers benefits like discounted DID purchases. Contact the lab for registration assistance.

Product Information: 

Confirm the Bluetooth core version and configuration (single mode or dual mode). Single mode includes BR/EDR for classic Bluetooth and LE for low energy. Dual mode supports both.

Documentation Requirements:

- Product User Guide

- Schematic Circuit Diagram

- Circuit Block Diagram

- PCB Layout

- Bill of Materials

- Technical Data Sheet of Bluetooth Antenna (optional for PCB antennas)

BQB Certification Timeline:

- 15 working days total: 10 days for test results, 5 days from draft to listing completion.

Bluetooth Standard Deprecation and Cancellation Plan:

- From January 28, 2019: Only products supporting Bluetooth core version 4.2 and above can complete qualification.

- From January 28, 2019: No new product models can be added to listings based on version 2.0 QDID.

- From July 1, 2020: No new product models can be added to listings based on version 2.1/3.0 QDID.

- From February 1, 2022: No new product models can be added to listings based on version 4.0 QDID.

- From February 1, 2023: No new product models can be added to listings based on version 4.1 QDID.

Support for Deprecated and Canceled Standards:

- Certified products can continue to be sold.

- New qualification listings are not allowed for deprecated or canceled standards.

- Updates to existing listings are restricted based on the standard status.

Membership and Listing Fee Policy:

- Membership Fees:

  - Adopter Member: $0 annually, DID fee $9600

  - Associate Member: $9000 annually, DID fee $4800

  - Promoter Member: $42000 annually, DID fee $4800

BQB Cost Composition: 

Testing + DID = BQB = QDID

Latest BQB Standards:

- BR/EDR RF: RF.TS.p33

- BLE RFPHY: RFPHY.TS.p20

- Profile: Refer TCRL-2023-1