PEX Guide: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certifications explained

What are Six Sigma certifications?

Six Sigma certification is a formal recognition of an individual's ability to manage process improvement projects and methodologies. The certification comes in various "belt" levels, starting from White and Yellow, progressing to Green and culminating in Black and Master Black Belts. Each level has its own set of competencies and project requirements.

The Black Belt certificate, the top tier of the Lean Six Sigma achievement structure, is only awarded to individuals that have significant experience leading large-scale continuous improvement initiatives. The certification often involves rigorous training, successful completion of a 150-question test and the submission of a high-impact process improvement project.

Organizations like the American Society for Quality (ASQ), Kaizen Institute and Villinova University not only adminster certifcations, but also offer comprehensive training programs that provide participants with a deep understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles, methodologies and tools.

How long does it take to become Six Sigma certified?

The duration to become Six Sigma certified can vary significantly depending on the level of certification, the training organization and the individual's prior experience.  For example, a Green Belt certification might require a week of full-time training, whereas a Black Belt certification could involve several weeks or even months of training and project work. Benchmark Six Sigma offers public training ranging from 6-12 days for Black Belt certification, while other programs run around 6-9 months. 

In addition to coursework, many certifications require the completion of at least two real-world process improvement projects, which could take several months to complete. 

It should also be noted that many Six Sigma certification programs have pre-requisites such as three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge or, in the case of Black Belt programs, previously attainment of Green and Yellow belts.

Is Six Sigma Black Belt certification worth it?

The value of a Six Sigma Black Belt certification largely depends on your career goals, the industry you're in, and your role within an organization. However, the certification is generally considered a valuable asset as it equips you with advanced skills in process improvement, statistical analysis and transformational change, making you an asset in any industry.

In terms of salary, the average salary for a Six Sigma Green Belt in the United States in 2022 was $110,500, with a range generally including $89,700 to $116,800.

Where can one earn a Black Belt?

American Society for Quality (ASQ)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a professional organization that aims to "empower individuals and communities of the world to achieve excellence through quality." With more than 800,000 members from over 130 countries, ASQ offers a variety of certifications in quality management and improvement. The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) program is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under the ISO 17024 standard.

Program details:

The CSSBB certification by ASQ is a gold standard in the industry, designed for professionals who can impart Six Sigma philosophies and principles onto others, including supporting systems and tools. The certification requires that you complete at least one Six Sigma project and submit a project affidavit. The program is accredited, ensuring it meets recognized national and international credentialing industry standards.

Website:
ASQ Website
 

Management and Strategy Institute (MSI)

The Management and Strategy Institute (MSI) is an online institute that focuses on professional development and certification programs. It aims to provide affordable, high-quality, and straightforward certification options for professionals.

Program details:

The program includes the Management and Strategy Institute’s exclusive BBsim™ Black Belt project simulation. This interactive component enables the student to walk through different stages of a Six Sigma project to and challenges them to select which tools a Black Belt they should use at different stages of the DMAIC process. The idea is to help them adopt the thought-process of a Black Belt as they conduct a project.

In addition to the MSI study material, this program now provides access to the college textbook Introductory Business Statistics and additional training on Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0.

Website:
MSI Website
 

Villanova University

Villanova University offers a highly respected educational institution that offers a variety of professional development courses. The university's Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certificate is one of the most useful business credentials today, designed to improve productivity, reduce waste, variation and defects.

Program details:

The program includes a required, simulated project that integrates critical topics into every phase of Six Sigma. It prepares students to lead top-quality improvement projects and mentor Green Belts in their organization. The course is designed for those who have completed the Lean Six Sigma and Six Sigma Green Belt courses, offering expanded alternatives on the use of Six Sigma tools.

Website:
Villanova University Website
 

Pyzdek Institute

The Pyzdek Institute is an accredited training organization that provides comprehensive and accredited training and certification programs in Lean Six Sigma. Led by Thomas Pyzdek, a globally recognised authority in Lean Six Sigma, the institute offers various belt levels, including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Program details:

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training is a comprehensive program designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles, methodologies, and tools. The training consists of a series of online modules that are completed in sequence. Each module includes a lesson, a quiz, and an assignment.

The certification involves 180 hours of intensive online training, comprehensive homework assignments, passing a rigorous timed online exam and presenting a real-world project to a Certified Master Black Belt or to Thomas Pyzdek himself. 

Website:
Pyzdek Institute Website

Benchmark Six Sigma

Benchmark Six Sigma is a leading provider of Lean Six Sigma training and certification in India. Established in 2003, the organization has trained over 40,000 professionals across various industries. They offer both public and corporate training programs and have a large network of Black Belt certified professionals.

Program details:

Benchmark Six Sigma's Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program is designed for professionals equipped for taking up cross-functional projects for solving business problems. The program aims to build not only problem-solving competence but also leadership and change management skills. Completion of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training is a prerequisite for most people. The program is flexible, with durations ranging from 6-12 days for public training and 6-16 days for in-company training, depending on various factors like statistical rigour and inclusion of action learning workshops.

Website:
Benchmark Six Sigma Website
 

6SigmaCertificationOnline

6SigmaCertificationOnline offers an advanced management-level program designed to prepare professionals to manage project teams and lead significant Lean Six Sigma projects. The course is 100% online, self-paced, and mobile-friendly.

Program details:

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt course by 6SigmaCertificationOnline covers a wide range of topics, including DMAIC, process design and improvement, sampling and process control, and more. The program is a PMI® (Project Management Institute) Authorized Training Partner (ATP) and a SHRM® (Society for Human Resource Management) Recertification provider. Upon completion, you can claim 91 PDUs and 45 PDCs, making it a strong choice for those looking to add valuable credentials to their profile.

Website:
6SigmaCertificationOnline Website
 

The Lean Six Sigma Company

The Lean Six Sigma Company is a specialized provider of Lean Six Sigma training. They offer two types of Black Belt courses tailored to different sectors: the service sector and the industrial sector. Both courses meet international standards and are designed to equip professionals with the skills to execute process improvement projects at the highest level.

Program details:

The Lean Six Sigma Company offers a modular approach to their Black Belt courses. over 10 lessons you will be acquainted with the most important continuous imprvement methods, techniques and definitions. Furthermore, you will learn the technical jargon and you will know more about the business application of Lean Six Sigma within organizations.

Website:
The Lean Six Sigma Company Website
 

Six Sigma UK

Six Sigma UK is a specialist in providing Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen training. The organization offers a comprehensive Black Belt course that combines the foundational elements of Green and Yellow Belt courses. The course is designed for professionals who aim to lead teams in implementing Six Sigma methodologies and focuses on planning, running teams and using control charts among other tools. The course does not require prior Six Sigma experience, but some pre-course reading is expected.

Program details:

Six Sigma UK offers a variety of training methods including classroom, virtual and onsite training, making it flexible for different learning preferences. The trainers have over twenty years of experience and have worked in various sectors, ensuring a rich learning experience. The course also has a high exam pass rate and is trusted by leading companies for staff training.

Website:
Six Sigma UK Website
 

Kaizen Institute

The Kaizen Institute is a global organization specializing in Lean Six Sigma training and consultancy. Their Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Program is the final course in their three-part progressive belt training series. The program is designed to develop students into Continuous Improvement leaders and internal trainers within their organizations.

Program details:

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Program by Kaizen Institute teaches advanced Lean concepts and tools, focusing on fostering a culture of Continuous Improvement. After successful completion, participants will be able to lead, guide and direct projects that align with corporate initiatives and manage company-wide Lean transformations. The course culminates with a formal exam and students must demonstrate proficiency in the concepts taught. They must also provide proof of a minimum of US$100,000 in savings they have brought to their organization by utilizing the Lean methodology within a year from the end of the course.

Website:
Kaizen Institute Website