When choosing which Six Sigma Black Belt course to take, it is important to remember that there are different levels of certification, from Green Belts to Green Belt Master Black Belts, and each is associated with a level of advancement within the company. There are three levels of Six Sigma Black Belt: Associate, Green and Master. It is recommended that those choosing to become Six Sigma certified should complete the Green Belt training and then apply for a Black Belt certification upon completion. However, there are people who choose to become Six Sigma Black Belts without completing any of the required training, but without becoming certified. The advantage to this is that the Black Belt certification is a great jumping-off point and can be completed on your own time, while also providing many opportunities to obtain other certification.
As well as having six sigma certification, you will also need to complete an appropriate course in order to be appointed as a Six Sigma Green Belt or Master Black Belt. These courses are not very extensive and can be completed in about 18 months’ time, depending on the specific program. Many companies will look at your level of training, your previous employment and what you have to offer them when making up their shortlist. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive a detailed lesson plan and an assignment. Most assignments will be suitable for beginners and can be completed in about two days time.
Most Six Sigma courses are broken down into modules. Each module will need to be examined in detail and will usually consist of at least one whole project, which should be completed in full. The modules themselves will be based upon the projects completed during the Six Sigma Green Belt course. The idea is to demonstrate the skills acquired during the course by completing an in-depth project in which each skill is demonstrated.
The Black Belt level is probably the most difficult of the levels and will take you between twelve and eighteen months of full time study. This Black Belt level certification also involves receiving a Master Black Belt, which is the highest level available. This certification will certify you for six months of work in addition to the normal Green Belt six month course. During your Six Sigma Green Belt training, you will learn how to use Six Sigma tools and structures, how to build teams, how to make simple improvements to processes and how to increase customer satisfaction. Your Master Black Belt certification will then allow you to become certified in Black Belt level projects.
If you are certified in Green Belt level courses, you will only need to complete one year of training to become eligible for your six Sigma Black Belt certification. You will still have plenty of time to continue your education as you will still be employed by your current employer. After your certification, you will still need to complete the Six Sigma Black Belt Practice curriculum, which consists of three core modules and several elective modules. These modules are designed to provide you with a solid understanding of the concepts and tools used in Six Sigma and will help you develop your specific job skills.
Although Six Sigma Green Belt is not the most difficult level of Six Sigma, it is the one most people begin with because it is the entry level course. It is also the easiest level of Six Sigma to complete compared to Black Belt and Master Black Belt certifications. Black Belt certification is considered the “proper” level of Six Sigma because it emphasizes process improvement within an organization. Master Black Belt certification, on the other hand, emphasizes statistical methodologies and data analysis.
Six Sigma Black Belt certification, as its name indicates, is the highest level of Six Sigma available. It is also the most difficult level to successfully complete. The reason for this is that Six Sigma Black Belts need to understand the definition of Black Belt in order to accurately achieve Black Belt status. If an individual tries to apply Black Belt methods to process without first understanding what Black Belts is and what they do, the individual is doomed to fail.