Last Update: 11 June 2024
Updated - Where can I read the updated policy?
Qualification Program Reference Document (QPRD) v3 can be found here: QPRDv3.
Updated - When will the new policy go into effect?
Qualification Program Reference Document (QPRD) v3 will go into effect on 1 July 2024 UTC.
Will there be any changes to qualification fees?
There will be no changes to the qualification fees. There will only be a terminology change; Product Qualification Fee will replace Declaration Fee.
How will I qualify my Product under the new policy?
Members will complete the following steps to qualify their product(s)
Members have several options for specifying the Design. The option applicable for your product depends on whether new features were implemented and whether any existing Designs were used. The QPRD and the new qualification tool will help you determine the proper option. Please refer to QPRD Section 3.2 to read more about the options.
I previously qualified my product(s) under Program Reference Document (PRD) version 2.3, do I need to change anything?
When QPRD goes into effect on 1 July, products that previously completed the Bluetooth Qualification Process correctly will not be impacted and will still be displayed in the Qualified Product database.
How will specification deprecation and withdrawal impact product qualification?
Members will be permitted to qualify their product using Designs that implement deprecated specifications as long as the deprecated layers are not modified during the Bluetooth Qualification Process. Suppose a member uses a Design that implements a deprecated specification that requires modification to the impacted layer’s ICS to reflect additional features added. In this scenario, the deprecated layer must be updated to an active specification during the qualification process through the "Create a New Design" option (QPRD Section 3.2.2.2).
Designs that implement withdrawn specifications cannot be used in the “Use a Single Existing Design” option. Designs that implement withdrawn specifications can be used in the “Create a New Design” option, but the member must remove the impacted layer or update the layer to an active specification.
As a supplier, what should I be providing to my customers, and what do they need to know to qualify their own product?
As a supplier of Bluetooth technology solutions, there are some things you should know about the new policy to prepare your customers.
The identifying number for a Design will change from Qualified Design ID (QDID) to Design Number (DN). A DN can be referenced by other members completing the Bluetooth Qualification Process like QDIDs are today. It is crucial that, as a supplier, you provide the DN(s) for any Qualified Products sold to customers so they can complete the Bluetooth Qualification Process for their products.
Product Types will no longer supported. Designs will have core configurations that determine permitted combinations.
In addition to the removal of Product Types, we have also removed the rules regarding Component reassessment every 3 years.
I have additional questions; where can I get answers?
If you have additional questions about the QPRD, please submit them to our support staff via a support request here: Submit a Support Request
New - To prepare you for the upcoming process and tool enhancements, we are hosting a webinar on 24 June 2024. The webinar aims to address common questions and demonstrate how to complete the Bluetooth Qualification Process using Qualification Workspace. Even if you are unable to join us live, the webinar will be recorded and shared with all registered participants. Register here.