The first level is Green Belt. This is the easiest level to get involved in as it will just involve learning online. The course material will be very basic and you will be expected to have a working knowledge of computer software and basic spreadsheet skills. Green Belts can expect to finish the program in about 2 years.
The second level of six sigma certification belt is Yellow Belt. If you are wanting to be a full-fledged Six Sigma Black Belt, this is what you will need to have. Yellow Belts will learn more complex things and will be expected to complete and exceed the assignments of their Green Belts in order to receive their certification. It takes three years to become a full Six Sigma Black Belt, although you may be able to get hired faster at some companies than others.
Green Belt certification is the easiest of the six sigma belt levels to earn. You will find that most companies prefer to hire those employees that have gone through the program because they already know the basics. Employees at this level will most likely have taken courses on lean manufacturing principles, for example. They will also be doing hands-on projects that involve creating production runs on lean machines and cutting down waste by utilizing the best possible means.
Black Belt is the highest level of Six Sigma certifications available. It comes with a number of advantages, the main one being the fact that it involves direct customer interaction. During this level, a person will actually be able to put into practice the concepts that have been discussed within the Six Sigma course. Employees at this level are usually working in teams and will have to work hand-in-hand with their colleagues to ensure that the goals of the company are met. This belt also involves extensive research and development within the business.
Master Black Belt is the highest level of Six Sigma accreditation. It involves extensive training and has a lot of hands-on work involved. People who hold a master six sigma certification will be capable of handling projects of a great deal of complexity. They will also be expected to be able to work with other people well in a team atmosphere.
Green Belt is the level that is recommended for newcomers to Six Sigma. People at this level should be knowledgeable about statistical methods, but not so much about statistical processes themselves. These employees can become part of the Six Sigma team immediately. They don’t have a lot of responsibilities and are more inclined towards problem solving than other employees. People at this level of Six Sigma certifications are usually working at smaller companies.
Black Belt is the level of Six Sigma accreditation for professionals. At this level, employees will be fully trained and ready to take on projects of their own. Black Belts are required to have several years of experience working in the field of Six Sigma. A person must also pass several tests in order to become certified at this level. The highest level of Six Sigma certification is Black Belt, which requires an employee to have at least two years of solid experience.