Six Sigma

Which Belt is Right

for You?
Overview of Six Sigma
The Six Sigma methodology was created in the 1980s at Motorola by engineer Bill Smith, with the
support of CEO Bob Galvin, as a means of using statistical analysis to reduce manufacturing
variation and defects. Originally, Six Sigma was concerned with issues during the production
process, however, a variant called Lean Six Sigma evolved at Toyota and considered not only
manufacturing, but other facets of their business processes as well. Because they are so similar,
the line between both Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma has been largely blurred to the point that
Lean Six Sigma can be used beyond manufacturing for a number of different industries.

The goal of LSS (Lean Six Sigma) is to eliminate

waste and streamline processes, leading to greater
efficiencies and better customer satisfaction using
the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve,
Control) methodology.

LSS’ certification model is divided into different “belts”

that represent different skills and responsibilities by
practitioners as they work to eliminate waste and
inefficiencies. We will be looking at each belt and
what knowledge and skills learners will achieve in each respective level.

LSS Certification Belts

There are five belt levels in the LSS certification model—White, Yellow, Green, Black, and Master
Black. The choice of belt level will depend on your current experience and whether you are
looking for generalized knowledge of LSS or more specialized knowledge to be an active part of
a LSS team within your organization.

White Belt
The White Belt is the ideal entry point for executives and managers
whose role will be to champion and sponsor LSS projects or those
who are only looking for general knowledge about the benefits of LSS
methodologies. White Belt training is intended to provide individuals with
a basic understanding the DMAIC and SIPOC (Supplier, Input, Process,
Output, and Customer) methodologies. Additionally, White Belt training
exposes individuals to a variety of data analysis tools including Pareto
Charts, Histograms, and Scatter Plots. To become an active member of
an LSS team, individuals should move up to Yellow Belt certification. Click
to learn more about the White Belt Certification.

Six Sigma Which Belt is Right for You?

Free Lean Six Sigma White Belt
Training & Certification
For a limited time, we are offering our White Belt Training and Certification at no cost to the public.
If you have wanted to take your career to the next level or want to get employee buy-in on the
impact and benefits of Lean Six Sigma, our White Belt course is the best place to start.

For more information, visit Lean Six Sigma Online for more information and enroll today!

Yellow Belt
The Yellow Belt is the ideal starting point for individuals who are looking to
become an active member of an LSS team. This certification level focuses
on how to use statistical analysis to help solve specific problems within
an organization. Yellow Belts know how to employ software tools such as
JMP, Minitab, or SigmaXL to analyze datasets, interpret results, and identify
areas of improvement. Additionally, they have the skills necessary to
design experiments meant to test hypotheses about how outcomes will
change based on certain changes. Yellow Belts report directly to Green or
Black Belts and provide them with more localized data that is a part of a
larger project. Click to learn more about the Yellow Belt Certification.

Green Belt
The Green Belt certification represents a higher-level knowledge of LSS
methodologies. Green Belts have learned data analysis tools on a level
necessary for problem-solving purposes within an organization. Building
off the Yellow Belt skillset, Green Belts know how to design experiments that
measure process variation over time across different groups. Additionally,
they know when it’s appropriate to use certain statistical methods, such as
ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) or regression modeling, to draw meaningful
conclusions from the datasets they are analyzing. Green Belts can manage
small-scale projects that support the large-scale projects of Black Belts.
Click to learn more about the Green Belt Certification.

Six Sigma Which Belt is Right for You?

Black Belt
The Black Belt certification is for individuals who will lead and
implement LSS projects in an organization. This certification level
showcases an expert level knowledge of LSS techniques and how to
apply them effectively across an organization. Building off the Green
Belt skillset, Black Belts know how to interpret complex datasets
and draw actionable insights that can improves processes across
multiple departments. Additionally, Black Belts can mentor and
lead lower-level Green and Yellow Belts through daily work tasks
to ensure that all current projects adhere to LSS principles, as well
as train others in LSS methodologies. Click to learn more about the
Black Belt Certification.

Black Belt Fast-Track

Special Promotion
For a limited time, you can earn four belts simultaneously for only $499
(a value of $1585) with our Black Belt Fast Track promotion. There are
no prerequisites for our standard Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
Program. Our Black Belt Certification Program includes ALL the following
certifications: White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt!

Use coupon code 6sigma4499 when purchasing.

For more information, visit Six Sigma Online for more information and
enroll today!

Master Black Belt

The Master Black Belt certification is the highest certification for those
with a deep understanding of LSS principles and their application. This
certification showcases an individual’s mastery of LSS principles and
how they all fit together to form a cohesive approach to problem solving
within the organization’s operational structure. At this level, Master Black
Belts build an organization’s LSS approach and the roll-out strategy.
Additionally, Master Black Belts serve as mentors and coaches for all
other belt levels to ensure that all projects utilize best practices.

Six Sigma Which Belt is Right for You?

The five levels in the LSS certification model are structured so that higher level belts build
upon and expand the knowledge gained at lower belt levels. By progressing from one
belt to another, individuals can build a sought-after skillset that helps an organization
increase the quality of their product manufacturing and/or business processes. With proper
implementation and execution of LSS principles by certified individuals, organizations will be
able to realize better processes, less waste, and higher profit margins.

Boosting Your Career – Reasons to Certify

There are many reasons that people pursue certification, but the primary drive for most
individuals is to advance their career. If you are unsure how LSS certification will help your
career, here are five reasons to consider taking the plunge.

1. Higher Salary
The most common and obvious reason for many people is to increase their salary potential
by gaining an in-demand skillset. By pursuing LSS certification, you will be able to achieve
your career and salary goals quickly and cost-effectively. Employers are always looking
for ways to improve their products and processes which can have a significant impact on
overall profitability through the elimination of costly defects and inefficient use of resources.
Because LSS can have a profound impact on profitability, certified specialists are paid well.
The following graphic shows what the average salaries are in the U.S. by belt level (there are
similar salary results seen worldwide):

Average Salaries (comparison):

Six Sigma Which Belt is Right for You?

2. Career Advancement Opportunities
Due to increased competition in the labor market, it is becoming increasingly difficult for
those with advanced degrees such as an MBA to even get their foot in the door in their
desired industry. However, if someone has an LSS certification they are able to stand out
from their peers. Organizations have begun to implement LSS methodologies in their
operational model and need qualified staff to lead and implement changes that will help
the organization succeed. The elimination of business and production errors is a top priority
for organizations, but there aren’t enough certified professionals to meet the increased
demand worldwide. In many cases, having an LSS certification increases the odds for an
individual to be hired into the organization of their choice.

3. Job Security
If you want to acquire job security in this uncertain economy, the first and only rule you need
to follow is “make yourself indispensable to your employer”. LSS’ purpose is to reduce errors,
waste, and inefficiencies in production
and processes which boosts profitability.
Even in the face of layoffs, organizations
need certified professionals to help root
out errors, waste, and inefficiencies to
raise profits through cost saving initiatives.
Because there aren’t enough certified LSS
professionals to meet demand, job security
and salaries can increase due to heated
competition for certified professionals.

4. Help Eliminate Errors and Waste

As mentioned earlier, organizations are eager to eliminate errors, inefficiencies, and
waste to help cut costs and boost profitability. Employing LSS’ methodologies will allow an
organization to improve customer satisfaction and build brand loyalty. If an organization
hasn’t implemented LSS methodologies, certified individuals will be able to discuss the
strengths of LSS and help build a framework that can improve both hard and soft costs.
Once an organization buys-in and begins building a Lean Six Sigma framework, the
individuals who advocate for their use will be organizational heroes

5. Leadership Opportunities
Certified LSS professionals can make a significant impact across an entire organization,
making them an indispensable asset. This impact can lead to previously unknown
opportunities to be a leader; in fact, the more you advance your LSS skillset, the more
leadership opportunities will present themselves.

Six Sigma Which Belt is Right for You?

Summing It Up

There is no better time than now to begin your LSS journey, whether that be by gaining
general knowledge at the White Belt level or striving to achieve LSS mastery by working
toward your Black Belt. With a greater focus on business operations and productivity,
organizations will need certified professionals to help them root out errors, inefficiencies,
and waste that can negatively impact customer perceptions and lead to a less
profitable organization.

There is no better time than now to begin your LSS journey, whether that be through
achieving your White Belt or your Black Belt. Investing in Lean Six Sigma certification will
make you an invaluable asset to your organization or make you an attractive candidate
for open job roles in crowded talent pool.

What are you waiting for? Open your untapped potential with Lean Six Sigma training today!

Get Started!
Enroll today and discover why, in industries
all around the world, including some of the
largest names in healthcare, government
and business, the best organizations trust
Six Sigma Online.

Get Started Today!

Six Sigma Which Belt is Right for You?

 Six Sigma Online, an Educate 360 brand, offers effective
and flexible self-paced Six Sigma training across White,
Yellow, Green, Black, and Master Black Belt certification
levels with optional industry specializations to ensure
students are equipped to thrive in their careers.

Why Choose Six Sigma Online

• Fully accredited by The Council for Six Sigma Certification, the largest
accreditation provider worldwide
• “Six Sigma” and “Lean Six Sigma” editions are available in 23 different industry-specific versions
• Trusted by 150K+ certified graduates and top companies and universities
• Industry leader with first-to market online-based Six Sigma training
• Cost-effective training that maximizes student flexibility by allowing training at their own pace
with courses that follow an independent, textbook-based structure
• Six Sigma Online certifications never expire

Interested in training your entire team?

Empower your employees through instructor-led, on-demand, or hybrid
training approaches to support professional development at your organization.

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Contact Us
Reach out to Six sigma Online if you have any questions or are ready
to build a learning plan that meets your needs and career goals.

info@sixsigmaonline.com Mon - Fri 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST)

sixsigmaonline.com 877.203.5503