QUICK START guide
Bluetooth Qualification Process
Published – 21 November 2025
Overview
This quick start guide is intended to provide members with helpful links, tips, and information on completing each phase of the Bluetooth Qualification Process in our tool, Qualification Workspace.
Disclaimer: Please refer to the Qualification Program Reference Document for the official policy document.
The Bluetooth Qualification Process consists of following 5 phases:
1. Provide product details
Common terms and definitions
See QPRD Section 1.1 for more terms and definitions.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Knowledge Base Article (KBA) | Informational articles found on our website that provide more in-depth detail regarding a specific topic. |
| Qualification Workspace | The designated online tool where members will submit their products to complete the Bluetooth Qualification Process for their products. |
| Design | An implementation of one or more Bluetooth Specifications. |
| Complete Layer | An implementation contains a complete layer if the implementation includes, for that layer, all mandatory features, all the mandatory elements of any optional feature that is included, and any features that are conditionally required. See Volume 0, Part D, Section 1 of the Bluetooth Core Specification for more information. |
| Design Number (DN) | A reference number issued for each unique Design that is issued the first time a Product using that Design completes the Bluetooth Qualification Process. Members can often get this number from their supplier. |
| Qualified Design ID (QDID) | This legacy term is a unique identifier referencing a qualified design prior to 1 July 2024. Members can often get this number from their supplier. |
| Receipt Number | A unique reference number issued as proof of payment of an administrative fee paid by a member to complete the Bluetooth Qualification Process. |
| Implementation Conformance Statement (ICS) | The document produced by the Bluetooth SIG for each Bluetooth Specification that identifies the features of that Bluetooth Specification. |
| Unmodified Design | An existing design where the member has made no changes to the Implementation Conformance Statement (ICS). |
| Interoperability Testing (IOPT) | A collection of test cases, based on the ICS Form for the Design intended to verify interoperability for X2Core Layers. |
| X2Core Layer | A single Bluetooth Specification that is not a Bluetooth Core Specification. |
What do I need to know before starting?
ALL Bluetooth® products must be qualified.
The Bluetooth Qualification Process can be completed in as little as ten minutes. The time it takes to complete the process depends on various factors including, payment method, testing requirements, communications with design suppliers, etc.
The Product Qualification Fee is determined by membership level. The Product Qualification Fee is charged for the first product using a specific design (or combination of designs) and does not apply to any subsequent products qualified using the same unmodified design.
Helpful resources to review prior to qualification
- Qualify Your Product Webpage
- Qualification Program Reference Document (QPRD): The Bluetooth SIG’s governing Qualification policy document.
- Knowledge Base: This is a library of articles maintained by the Qualification team that provides more in-depth information on various Qualification topics.
The Bluetooth Qualification Process
To begin the Bluetooth Qualification Process, log in to your Bluetooth SIG user account and select, “Start the Bluetooth Qualification Process.”
1. Provide product details
In this phase, you will enter general product details such as product names and model numbers. For more detailed information regarding this phase of the Bluetooth Qualification Process, please refer to the Product Details – Qualification KBA and QPRD.
Commonly asked questions
My product comes in different models (color, trim, etc.). Do I need to include them all in my submission?
Members should qualify all marketed variants of your product in the listing. It is important all product(s) can be clearly identified, therefore all variants with differing model numbers and product names must be added to represent the most accurate listing of your qualified Bluetooth products in our Qualified Product database. For more information, please view the Product Name and Model Number Requirements.
What is the difference between the “Product Qualification Date” and the “Product Publication Date”?
The Product Qualification Date is the date your submission has been approved by the SIG. The Product Publication Date is the date you choose to have your product’s information visible to the public and other members in the Qualified Public Database. This date cannot be more than 180 days after submission.
2. Specify the design
In this phase, you will specify the Design(s) used in your product. This phase can consist of the 5 steps listed below.
- Step 1: Identify your option. There are 3 options available to qualify your product. Members do not need to choose the option themselves. Qualification Workspace will do this for them based on the design details entered. Options available are listed below:
- Option 1 Use a single existing Design: In this option, you must reference a single QDID or DN. In a majority of cases, this will be a Core Complete configuration. Layer/ICS selections do not need to be selected, and no testing is required.
- Option 2a Create a New Design that combines multiple existing Designs: In this option, you can remove unused layers. Testing may be applicable.
- Option 2b Create any other new Design: In this option, you will complete all 5 steps as described below.
- In this step, you will be able to enter the QDID(s)/DN(s) used in your product.
- Step 2: Specify the layers/ICS selections.
- Only applicable for submissions qualifying with Option 2
- Step 3: Complete the Consistency Check.
- Step 4: Qualification Workspace will generate a test plan.
- Step 5: Complete testing and upload your test reports.
For more detailed information regarding this phase of the Bluetooth Qualification Process, please refer to the Specify the Design- Qualification KBA and the QPRD.
Commonly asked questions
Where can I get a Qualified Design ID (QDID) or Design Number (DN) for my product?
In most cases, your supplier can provide you with the correct QDID(s)/DN(s) to use in your product. Additionally, a new Design Number(DN) may be issued if your design was qualified using Options 2a or 2b.
How do I know which option to choose when qualifying my product?
Members do not need to choose the option when qualifying their product. The Qualification Workspace tool will do this for them based on the design details entered.
What is a Host and Controller?
Bluetooth® technology is implemented through a combination of software and hardware. This is often referred to as the Bluetooth Host (software) and Controller (hardware). To have a working Bluetooth implementation your product will need both a Host and a Controller.
What does it mean to “modify” my design in Qualification Workspace?
Modifying your design in Qualification Workspace includes either adding or removing layer/ICS selections from an included design. While there are modifications that can be made outside of Qualification Workspace (for example, antenna positioning), these modifications are not in scope of the Bluetooth Qualification Process. To learn more about this, see QPRD Section 3.2.2.5.
Will my submission require testing?
Testing may be required for your submission based on the design details entered in Qualification Workspace. For example, IOPT test cases are generated when one or more of the following conditions are met:
- A new X2Core Layer is added
- An X2Core Layer from an included Design is either modified or that included Design doesn’t have a Core Configuration
- Any Core Layer from an included Design is modified
If testing is required, Qualification Workspace will generate a test plan for you.
3. Pay an administrative fee
In this phase, you will pay the Product Qualification fee using a Receipt Number. For more detailed information regarding this phase of the Bluetooth Qualification Process, please refer to the Product Qualification Fee and Receipt Number – Qualification KBA and QPRD.
Commonly asked questions
How do I pay the Product Qualification Fee?
There are several ways to pay the fee. You may pay with a credit card at the time of qualification. If paying by credit card, a Receipt Number will be issued upon successful completion of the credit card transaction. You may also pay by invoice. If paying by invoice, Qualification Workspace will generate a downloadable invoice based on the information you provide. A Receipt Number will be issued once Bluetooth SIG receives payment.
I submitted an invoice, what happens next?
It may take 1-2 weeks for the SIG to process an invoice, if you would like to check on the status of your invoice, you may submit a support request.
How can I get a Receipt Number?
Once payment of the Product Qualification Fee has been paid, either by invoice or credit card, members will receive a Receipt Number within their Bluetooth SIG user account. Members can manage Receipt Numbers from the “Pay Product Qualification Fee” page in Qualification Workspace.
What do I do with my Receipt Number?
Once a Receipt Number is issued, you may use it to complete your qualification submission in Qualification Workspace. Please note, unused Receipt Numbers will expire. For more information, please refer to the Product Qualification Fees – Qualification KBA.
4. Submission
In this phase, you will review and confirm all previously entered product information before submitting your qualification. For more detailed information regarding this phase of the Bluetooth Qualification Process, please refer to the Submission – Qualification KBA and QPRD.
Commonly asked questions
My page shows a yellow icon, can I still submit? What does this mean?
The yellow caution icon indicates your submission will be reviewed by SIG staff before it can be approved. You may still submit, however it is recommended to review the flagged item(s) before submitting.
What if I find a mistake in my listing after my product submission has been approved?
If you have identified an error in your product listing, you may submit a support request, and the SIG will assist you with a correction.
5. Verification
In this phase, the SIG will review the submission. In some cases, submissions can be approved as quickly as one business day. For more detailed information regarding this phase of the Bluetooth Qualification Process, please refer to the QPRD.
Commonly asked questions
How will I know if my submission has been approved?
If your submission has been approved the member will be notified via email. For submissions qualified using Option 2a or 2b, a Design Number will be assigned to your listing.
What if my submission is rejected?
If your submission has been rejected you will be notified via email with a description of the reason for rejection. For additional questions or details about a rejection, please submit a support request.
Other commonly asked questions
Can other members in my company work together on a listing?
You may use the “Import” and “Export” feature available in Qualification Workspace to share a submissions draft file for collaboration within your company.
Can I add multiple products to my listing?
If you are using the same, unmodified Design in your product(s), you may qualify (add) those products to an existing listing. For more information on how to complete this in our tool, please refer to the Qualifying Additional Products that use an Existing Design KBA.
What are Bluetooth Qualification Consultants?
Bluetooth® Qualification Consultants (BQCs) are independent consultants who have met certain requirements and are permitted to call themselves “Bluetooth Qualification Consultants” when they assist members with submission of their products for qualification. Members may, but are not required to, engage Bluetooth Qualification Consultants to provide qualification-related services and guidance. Please visit this link for more information and a list of currently available BQCs.
