Last Update: 2 April 2024
Where can I read the updated policy?
The latest draft of Qualification Program Reference Document (QPRD) v3 can be found here: QPRD_PROC_d3r15
New - When will the new policy go into effect?
Qualification Program Reference Document (QPRD) v3 is planned to go into effect on 1 July 2024 UTC after the final Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors approval, which is planned for 11 June 2024.
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 later in the year, 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Designs that implement withdrawn specifications cannot be used in the “Use a Single Existing Design” option. Designs that implement withdrawn specifications can be used in the “Create a New Design” option, but the member must remove the impacted layer or update the layer to an active specification.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. The mapping of Product Types to Core Configuration can be found in QPRD Appendix B, Table B.1. Permitted combinations can be found in QPRD Section 3.2.2.1, Table 3.1.
In addition to the removal of Product Types, we have also removed the rules regarding Component reassessment every 3 years (QPRD Appendix B).
Updated - What is the difference between QPRDv3 and QPRD_PROC_d3r15?
QPRD_PROC_d3r15 is the latest draft of the QPRD. The Board of Directors on 30 January 2024 authorized and directed the SIG to begin preparation and educate members on the new process before it takes effect. The final draft will become QPRDv3 when the policy is approved by the Board of Directors (planned for 11 June 2024). The policy is planned to become effective 1 July 2024 UTC.
Updated - 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
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