A Master Black Belt is a member of a Six Sigma organization that has successfully completed all of the organization’s requirements and is eligible for a promotion. At the master belt level, there will be a significant increase in the number of trained Black Belts, and Black Belts will have more responsibilities and more belts to accomplish. The most senior of these Master Black Belts is the Master Green Belt. This person performs an increased number of function checks during the belt test to ensure that the processes are still being followed correctly. These functions include checking process flow, identifying bottlenecks, checking documentation, and testing for redundancy.
A Green Belt, or Master Black Belt, is the second highest level of Six Sigma certifications. A Green Belt is also qualified in product knowledge, and the ability to follow detailed instructions. A good Green Belt is able to identify problems and develop solutions. They are expected to perform function checks on an ongoing basis.
A Black Belt is the third highest level of Six Sigma certifications. A Black Belt is also qualified in product knowledge and is capable of following detailed instructions. A typical Six Sigma Black Belt has at least two years of experience in the field, and he or she mentors junior level Six Sigma personnel. A Black Belt is the best candidate for Six Sigma project management.
A Black Belt will be awarded a Master Black Belt, after two and a half years of extensive training. After this period, he or she may become eligible for a promotion to a Green Belt, or Master Black Belt. At this point, the requirements for advancement to the Master level are more specific. At each level, the responsibilities of the Black Belts become more complex and demanding. The Black Belts also handle customer projects, ensuring that all levels are meeting preset goals.
The six sigma belts also come with levels. The six sigma black belt is the lowest level of certification, while the black belts rank up from there. In addition to the white belts, there are green, orange, and purple belts – which are further levels of Six Sigma certifications.
The actual certification process takes about a year, during which a candidate is trained by an administrator who takes the role of a consultant with the company. Once the person completes the program, he or she will need to take the black belt exam. During this time, the candidate should work with the trainer in learning how to properly perform various tasks. The goal of this process is for the Black Belt to perform the required tasks competently, while earning the necessary certification. Once the person has successfully completed the training, he or she will earn the Black Belt certification, which serves as proof that one has indeed learned the required material.
There are other job opportunities for six sigma experts. They can be hired by organizations for staff members, and as instructors. They can also specialize in particular areas. Many companies need employees to train their employees in its use, so they hire experts in the field. Jobs such as these are what are the levels of six sigma belts, and how they could land a job with any organization.