Six Sigma Belt 101: Getting Certified

Six Sigma Belt in the Art of Continuous Improvement

Companies trying to improve themselves will be trying on quality programs. There are many options they can go about this: lean manufacturing, six sigma, re-engineering and many more. The most popular now, are lean manufacturing and six sigma. There are even sectors now going into lean six sigma -- a perfect marriage waiting to happen.

Let us, for this post, tackle on some aspects of six sigma, specifically six sigma belt.

In this quality program, a six sigma belt is awarded to specific individuals who have shown certain qualifications: includes passing an exam, completing a 6 sigma training course, practical knowledge of the tools, show of leadership, support to projects and of course, completion of one's initiated 6 sigma projects.

Among the 4 belts (yellow, green, black, master black belt), let us concentrate on the six sigma belt: green and black. (Note: refer to isixsigma.com for more about belt certifications.)

Green six sigma belt :

Usually, the individual will undergo a training course for the basics of six sigma and its tools. What is emphasize more here is the DMAIC approach. Statistical concepts will be slightly covered, and will be bettered covered by separate modules. Self-study will also be necessary since there are a lot to learn about statistics. The concept of variation though and SPC will be critical here.

Black six sigma belt :

Same with the green belt, a training course will have to be taken. In-depth concepts are covered here, and more of the advanced statistical concepts. Black belts will often guide green belts: and they are expected to remove roadblocks along the way, so they are considered to be a level higher than the green belts. They are usually seen as well, to provide the answers of certain statistical concepts on issue.

What six sigma belt are you?

Or perhaps, what belt are your aiming for? Each belt signifies a certain level of experience, and expertise if you will. So at each level, one should do a certain amount of personal effort to study and practice the tools when doing the six sigma projects.

Book recommendations for individuals with six sigma belt or aiming to get one:

1. Six Sigma Execution by George Eckes
2. Six Sigma for Green Belts and Champions by Howard Gitlow and David Levine
3. The Toyota Way by J. Liker and other lean mfg books
4. Understanding Variation by Donald Wheeler