While applying Six Sigma to solve workplace challenges is a good strategy, it must start with employees professionally trained in the process improvement methodology. However, many companies may not know where exactly to start or how far to take their training.
Six Sigma training divides into different levels designated by a colored belt, much like in martial arts. Each belt represents a different level of expertise in process improvement.
For those new to Six Sigma, it’s helpful to look at the various belts they can earn through online certificate programs. Before committing to a specific program, it’s important to compare Six Sigma certifications and consider the program’s quality and reputation, among other issues.
Why Seek Six Sigma Certification?
Six Sigma is a proven, successful process improvement methodology. Practitioners first put it to use on the manufacturing floor. Now, organizations ranging from universities and hospitals to U.S. Army depots and logistics operations put process improvement to use.
While training in Six Sigma can help organizations increase the bottom line, it can also help boost an individual’s career potential. Knowledge in Six Sigma can lead to important roles in high-level projects and participation in decisions on business culture and strategy. It also may lead to better chances for a pay raise.
Ed Hayes, a legal staff professional who had 35 years of professional experience before deciding to earn his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, said that learning the concepts of Lean and Six Sigma can help people across all industries.
“Lean Six Sigma will open up your mind to a new way of solving problems and bringing about improvement,” he said in an interview. “It has opened up opportunities to me that I had never considered… [and I] wish I had studied it years sooner.”
What Are the Belt Levels for Six Sigma?
As you ascend through the belt levels, you acquire more knowledge about Lean Six Sigma. The very first level, called the White Belt, involves learning the basic concepts and vocabulary of Six Sigma. It’s most often offered through a company that wants its employees to understand the basics of continuous process improvement. Typically, it’s not delivered in a certification program, but in one course.
Six Sigma Yellow Belt
The Yellow Belt offers an education in the various tools and techniques used to put Six Sigma philosophy into strategic action. A Yellow Belt usually learns enough to function as an important team member on a process improvement project. They support those with higher level belts, including compiling data and preparing reports.
The Yellow Belt works well for those who want to play an important, supportive role on project teams. It also offers the opportunity to learn the system without taking on the responsibility of leadership.
Six Sigma Green Belt
This is the level where you will start to earn belts through certification programs. Green Belts learn how to solve complex challenges by applying Six Sigma and the details of important process improvement frameworks such as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control), the creation of flowcharts and more advanced tools. They may get the chance to lead certain aspects of a project.
The Green Belt works well for those who want to improve their performance in areas such as finance, administration or project management. They learn to use tools that allow them to make data-driven decisions and understand how to create consistent operations with limited variability.
Six Sigma Black Belt
A Black Belt learns the details on all the important Six Sigma tools and techniques, as well as when and how to apply them to complex projects. They become leaders in creating a new culture of continuous process improvement for organizations. They lead project teams, create project charters and often directly report to executive teams. Earning a Black Belt usually requires completing a complex process improvement project.
A Black Belt works best for someone who wants to achieve mastery over statistical analysis and tools and provide leadership to teams of Green Belts and Yellow Belts.
Six Sigma Master Black Belt
This is the highest belt level. Those who earn the Master Black Belt are charged with coordinating all Six Sigma-related projects in a way that provides the biggest positive impact for an organization. They oversee Black Belts and all projects. They focus on developing a strategy for using Six Sigma across an operation to achieve company goals.
The Master Black Belt is for those who want to use their expertise to help guide a company’s business strategy. Top executives often earn this belt to learn how to make better decisions on strategy and operations. A Master Black Belt also may work as a consultant to organizations.
