Understanding Six Sigma Belt Levels from Champion to Black Belt
Understanding the Six Sigma Belt levels can be confusing. Once you fully understand the levels of Six Sigma, earning certification and progressing up the levels can be difficult, but rewarding. The Six Sigma methodology provides the use of a coloured belt tier system for its certification. To receive Six Sigma Certification, you must follow a hierarchical process.
Watch the 1-minute video below where Padraig explains the coloured belt tiered system.
The Six Sigma Belts and Certification Levels:
The Six Sigma system has several levels of belts, similar to what people would attain when training in Karate. The colours for Six Sigma are Green, Yellow, Black, Brown, and Master Black Belt. The belt colour someone holds will help to determine what role they will have in a given project, and how they will be spending their time.
Six Sigma White Belt
We’ll first begin by explaining the White Belt. This is the first level of the Six Sigma Certification process. You start at the ground level by solving problems at a local level. White Belts will connect with higher-tier individuals such as those professionals with a Green or Black belt to solve each problem. The goal of a White Belt is to understand the fundamental concepts of Six Sigma.
Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Yellow Belt for Six Sigma is where you get into the specifics of how Six Sigma works, what it is, how the disciplines can be applied to the workplace, and where best to concentrate your time as you learn the process. A Yellow Belt professional is well versed in the basics of Lean Six Sigma, which includes all aspects of the phases of D-M-C. Thus we recommend that students enter a class to receive the guidance necessary. Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma is where the fun is just getting started to eliminate defects from within enterprise systems.
Six Sigma Green Belt
A Six Sigma Green Belt supports a Six Sigma Black Belt by analyzing and solving quality problems and is involved in quality-improvement projects. Green Belts also assist in reviewing data and suggestions sent by lower-tiered belts. There are times Green Belts will have enough experience to lead and manage a project of their own. It all depends on their experience level in a particular field. Green Belts are known as the workhorses of a business.
Those with a Green Belt will be able to apply learned tools such as define, measure, analyze, improve and control to everyday work problems. They will also be able to assist Black Belts in Six Sigma teams and team projects to provide measurable improvement to the enterprise.
Six Sigma Black Belt
A Six Sigma Black Belt understands Six Sigma philosophies and principles, including the supporting systems and tools. This person demonstrates team leadership and understands all aspects of the DMAIC model [in accordance with] Six Sigma principles.
Black Belts are known as agents of change within an organization. They have a deep understanding of team dynamics and handle assigning roles and responsibilities to team members. Most often these team members are Green Belts. It is the goal of a Black Belt to improve overall quality and profitability. On average, Black Belts save companies approximately $230,000 per project.
Six Sigma Master Black Belt
The Master Black Belt (MBB) requirements for individuals are at least five years as a Black Belt Six Sigma (BBSS) or experience on a minimum of 10 BBSS projects throughout their experience as a professional. The aforementioned is what you are required to submit for portfolio review and acceptance as a MBB student. Both the IASSC and the ASQ review your experience as a Six Sigma professional, which includes coaching and teaching, mentoring, your responsibilities as a BBSS professional, and your depth and breadth of technical experience and innovation.
Six Sigma Champions
Translate the company’s vision, mission, goals and metrics to create an organizational deployment plan and identify individual projects. Identify resources and remove roadblocks.
FAQ's
- What are Six Sigma Belts?
Six Sigma Belts represent different levels of expertise and certification in Six Sigma methodology, similar to martial arts belts. They include White, Yellow, Green, Black, and Master Black Belt.
- How can Six Sigma certifications benefit organisations?
Six Sigma certifications empower organizations to improve efficiency, reduce defects, and enhance overall quality across processes. Certified professionals contribute to cost savings and sustainable business improvements.
- What is DMAIC methodology in Six Sigma?
DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) is a structured approach used in Six Sigma projects to systematically improve processes and achieve measurable results. It guides teams through data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
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