Lean Six Sigma certifications can help you improve your quality control and management skills. The Six Sigma belts indicate different degrees of expertise in efficiency and waste reduction. You may show your expertise in these areas and assist your business or group by seeking a green or black belt. Lean six sigma green belt and black belt are discussed in this article, as well as the distinctions between the black and green belts along with the processes to earning them.
Meaning: Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a set of data-driven and statistics-driven company management methods and procedures. Six Sigma is typically used in the industrial and technology industries, although it applies to many businesses. Six Sigma seeks to enhance a company’s operational efficiency and capabilities, with the ultimate objective of boosting profitability and customer satisfaction. Six Sigma can help firms decrease or eliminate defects and improve quality consistency via reducing variation methods. Six Sigma employs a five-step procedure known as DMAIC, which stands for:
- Define
- Measure
- Analyse
- Improve
- Control
Six Sigma certification might help you improve your abilities in identifying and resolving inefficiencies. Six Sigma is divided into traditional Six Sigma and lean Six Sigma. There are multiple “belts” or certification levels in Six Sigma. Colours like white, yellow, green, black, and master black represent each belt. Each belt colour denotes a higher degree of knowledge and responsibility.
Six Sigma Black Belt
A Six Sigma black belt is a certification level that denotes a person’s credentials and ability to pass the Six Sigma black belt certification test. Six Sigma black belts have all of the skills of a green belt and more significant comprehension of the Six Sigma methodology. These personnel are usually in charge of Six Sigma initiatives inside their organisations. They also oversee, teach, and advise Six Sigma specialists at lower levels.
Green belts are delegated tasks and assigned to particular projects by Six Sigma black belts. They are then in charge of following up with the green belts and keeping track of the different initiatives’ development. On behalf of project teams, black belts are also responsible for engaging with senior leadership. The Six Sigma master black belt is the highest degree of qualification. Six Sigma black belts may be supervised by a master black belt, although they often operate independently.
Six Sigma Green Belt
A Six Sigma green belt is a level of Six Sigma certification that denotes a person’s credentials and ability to pass the Six Sigma green belt certification test. They have the expertise and skills to use the Six Sigma approach to assess and solve quality issues and improve processes. A Six Sigma green belt demonstrates a desire to advance professionally.
Green belts are in charge of specific Six Sigma projects assigned to black belts and are updated regularly. Six Sigma green belts are seldom those people who contribute to a project’s data collecting and analysis procedures. Six Sigma yellow belts may be supervised and trained by green belts. They may also acquire black belt certification to assume more leadership roles within their organizations.
How to acquire Six Sigma black and green belts?
The following stages will walk you through the process of earning your Six Sigma green and black belt:
- Pick a training program
Consider enrolling in a Six Sigma training program that is accredited. Although no worldwide organization certifies Six Sigma training programs, two domestic organizations, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) for Six Sigma and the International Association of Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) for lean Six Sigma, have a strong reputation in certification standards. Although attending an approved program is not required, it is crucial to verify that your training meets these organizations’ criteria. There are a few other things to think about while choosing a training program:
- Delivery method: In-person, online with live sessions, online, and self-paced.
- Course duration: Some courses last as little as two days, while others last up to a week.
- Requirements for completion: Some programs may need you to complete a project.
- Decide which Six Sigma belt you want to acquire
Next, evaluate if you need a Six Sigma green belt or whether a black belt would be a better fit for you. One factor is the cost. Green Six Sigma training programs are often less costly than black Six Sigma training programs. The Six Sigma black belt may be more suited for you if you wish to take on leadership duties. It’s also vital to think about the requirements you’ll need to pass the test, such as specified job experience or a set amount of completed projects.
Black belt standards are often greater than green belt requirements, with master black belt requirements being the most severe. The IASSC does not have any prerequisites for the green or black belt lean Six Sigma exams. You may either take the exam that is most appropriate for your present level of expertise, or you can obtain additional experience before testing for the belt of your choosing.
- Attempt your certification exam
Depending on the belt and whether you’re seeking Six Sigma or lean Six Sigma certification, the layout of your certification exam may differ. Multiple-choice, true-false, and essay-style questions may be included in your exam. The exam normally has a time restriction of three to five hours, depending on the complexity of the test.
Advantages of Six Sigma Black or Green Belt
The Six Sigma Black and green belt can help you advance professionally while also benefiting your business or group. Consider the advantages of obtaining a Six Sigma certification:
- Obtain practical experience
When studying for your Six Sigma exams or receiving Six Sigma training, you may be required to complete one or more real-world projects.
- Become useful for a broader range of businesses
Because Six Sigma isn’t limited to a single sector, it may help you gain a competitive advantage in various industries.
- Improve your qualifications
Hiring managers concerned with quality control may search for candidates who have earned Six Sigma certifications.
- Boost chances of promotion
Your Six Sigma belt demonstrates a certain degree of knowledge and skill, as well as your leadership experience. A company may consider these factors when deciding whether or not to promote you over other candidates.
Conclusion
Both Green Belt and Black Belt perform critical responsibilities within an organization and on a project team. While there are some variations between the two, they both play an essential role in ensuring the success of a project. Earning a Green or Black Belt certification verifies your dedication to excellence and may help you make more money, advance in your profession, and be more marketable at work.
