For many, the journey to becoming an expert in Six Sigma is certification as a Green Belt or Black Belt. The two titles are the most common belts earned in Six Sigma. Both allow professionals to take on larger roles in process improvement.
While those who hold a Green Belt or Black Belt often work closely together, they have distinctly different skill sets and roles on project teams. In either case, earning a certification often can lead to higher salary potential and a better chance for career advancement.
The Six Sigma Belt Levels
Before getting into the specifics of the Green Belt and Black Belt, here is a brief overview of the various Six Sigma levels.
- White Belt – This is the beginner’s belt. A White Belt provides professionals with a basic working knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies and how they impact an organization
- Yellow Belt – At this level, professionals learn more about Six Sigma principles and, in a project setting, will help in gathering data and creating process maps
- Green Belt – Those who earn a Green Belt are experts in the tools and concepts of Six Sigma. Earning Green Belt certification often requires passing a multiple-choice exam
- Black Belt – At this level, professionals have a mastery of Six Sigma tools, techniques and data analysis and are capable of leading project teams. Black Belt certification often requires the completion of a Six Sigma project and passing an exam.
- Master Black Belt – The highest level of Six Sigma mastery, Master Black Belts typically mentor Black Belts and influence enterprise-wide projects. Certification generally requires at least five years of experience in the role of Black Belt or Master Black Belt, or the completion of at least 10 Six Sigma Black Belt projects, and candidates must pass a certification exam.
Becoming a Leader
As can be seen from the list above, earning a Green Belt in Six Sigma is a huge leap from Yellow Belt status. A Green Belt has expertise in Six Sigma and has set their feet on the path toward leadership.
A Black Belt completes that journey. Those who earn a Black Belt are prepared to take on leadership roles, setting themselves up as experts in the areas of process improvement and change management.
Attaining a higher belt status can also lead to higher earning potential. According to the 2018 salary report from the American Society for Quality, working professionals who earned a Green Belt made approximately $10,000 more per year than those who had earned a Yellow Belt.
What a Green Belt Does
Yellow Belt training opens your eyes to what Six Sigma can accomplish. Yellow Belts learn how to apply Six Sigma tools and techniques in certain areas, such as in gathering data for a project (in itself no easy task).
Green Belts take the next step. They often are professionals already working in process improvement who aspire to become leaders in their field. Green Belts are experts in DMAIC, a foundational methodology in Six Sigma.
DMAIC stands for:
- Define – Defining a challenge and building a case for why and how to change it
- Measure – Setting goals, calculating performance standards and ensuring new processes contribute to an organization’s overall effectiveness
- Analyze – Sifting data to find issues such as process redundancy
- Improve – Creating, implementing and sustaining process improvement measures, and also creating standards to measure their effectiveness
- Control – Adjusting new processes to ensure all goals are met
Green Belts often work directly under the supervision of a Black Belt who typically leads a team. Green Belts complete the data collection and analysis work. They sometimes will supervise and receive assistance from Yellow Belts.
What a Black Belt Does
Black Belts have all the expertise held by Green Belts on Six Sigma tools and techniques, but they also have a more thorough understanding of where and how to apply Six Sigma methodology to improve business goals. Black Belts are expected to handle the leadership of Six Sigma project teams.
Black Belts oversee the work of Green Belts as they collect and analyze data. Black Belts ensure that the correct information is gathered and is used in the most effective way possible. While those holding lower belts – including Green Belts – may work part-time on a project, a Black Belt typically works full-time.
Black Belts also play a crucial role in communication with executives. They generally act as the bridge between the project team and a company’s leaders. This requires an ability to make strategic plans and find ways that a Six Sigma project will benefit those plans, as well being able to put together reports that sum up the data findings of project teams.
Green Belts and Black Belts play key roles in accomplishing process improvement through Six Sigma. For those who wish to take on a higher-profile role in managing change at their organization, earning these Six Sigma belts can make the use of your skills and help you reach your career potential.
FAQs
There are two main types of Six Sigma certification: Green Belt and Black Belt. Green Belts are Six Sigma practitioners who work on improvement projects under the supervision of a Black Belt. Black Belts are Six Sigma experts who lead projects and mentor Green Belts.
Which is better Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt? ›
Black Belts have the same Six Sigma expertise and techniques as Green Belts. They also have a better understanding of how Six Sigma methodology can help achieve business goals. Green Belts analyze and collect data. Black Belts are usually full-time even though they might hold a lower rank (Green Belts included).
What is the difference between a green belt and Black Belt project? ›
Green Belts work on smaller and simpler projects, while Black Belts work on larger and more complex projects. Green Belts lead or support projects within their own department or function, while Black Belts lead or coach projects across multiple departments or functions.
Which Six Sigma belt is best? ›
Six Sigma Master Black Belt – A Master Black Belt represents the top of the Lean Six Sigma achievement structure. They have extensive experience and are leaders in their fields.
Can Black Belts train green Belts? ›
Six Sigma Roles
At the project level, there are master black belts, black belts, green belts, yellow belts, and white belts. These people conduct projects and implement improvements. Master Black Belt: Trains and coaches Black Belts and Green Belts.
Can I take Six Sigma Black Belt without green belt? ›
While it's possible to enroll in Six Sigma Black Belt training without first attaining Green Belt status, following the standard progression can make the training and certification process much easier for you, in the long run.
Is it worth getting Black Belt Six Sigma? ›
Six Sigma certification is highly respected across industries. Having it on your resume demonstrates your commitment to improving your business acumen and analytical skills and your dedication to enhancing the business within which you work. This certification can help you move up the career ladder more quickly.
Which Six Sigma certification is most recognized? ›
The most recognised Six Sigma certification is the Six Sigma Green Belt, which focuses on statistical tools and analysis techniques to improve processes within an organisation. Examples of recognised providers include ASQ (American Society for Quality) and IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification).
How much does it cost to get a Black Belt in Six Sigma? ›
The IASSC offers the Six Sigma Black Belt certification for $395, with no prerequisites required to take the exam. Once a professional has earned their Black Belt, they're eligible to sit for their Master Black Belt credential.
Is Green Belt Six Sigma hard? ›
Is Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Difficult? We can best sum up the difficulty level of gaining green belt knowledge and certification in 3 words: challenging, achievable, rewarding. Depending on the course you choose and its associated exam or assessments, you will find that the difficulty level varies.
Six Sigma White Belt training is an ideal beginner level for those simply looking to understand the basics of Six Sigma. It works best for employees who are unfamiliar with Six Sigma and want to learn more about the methodology and how it can impact an organization.
Can I go straight to Six Sigma Green Belt? ›
Are you ready to take your Green Belt certification but do not meet the qualifications? The American Society for Quality (ASQ) supports the experiential learning model by requiring you to have three years of full time Six Sigma experience before you can take your Green Belt exam.
Can you skip Six Sigma belts? ›
However, if you are an individual who is just looking to get certified on your own but independent of your organization, skip the Lean Six Sigma yellow belt and consider pursuing a higher-level belt.
Can I go straight to black belt after getting green belt certification? ›
Do I need to complete the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course before the Black Belt course? Yes, completion of Green Belt training (through UH or another reputable provider) is required because our program is designed such that the Black Belt course builds directly on of the concepts taught at the Green Belt level.
Can Six Sigma Black Belts train? ›
The first requirement for a Black Belt to offer training is to gain their Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification. We use the word “requirement” here loosely, since technically, there aren't any requirements in the world of Six Sigma.
Is it worth doing Six Sigma Green Belt? ›
Is it Worth Getting a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt? It is not surprising that our answer to this question is an enthusiastic “yes”. Lean six sigma green belt is one of the most valuable and versatile certifications you can achieve.
How valuable is a green belt in Six Sigma? ›
Six Sigma green belts are the most valuable members of the Six Sigma team. They are known for their ability to solve all the problems that an organization or business faces during their day. As integral members of Six Sigma, they are given multiple tasks and must assume many roles.
How useful is a Six Sigma Green Belt? ›
A Green Belt certified professional provides you with many skills that will benefit your organization as well as your daily interactions. Six Sigma Green Belt training enhances your ability to communicate complex topics, solve problems effectively, and offer useful suggestions.
Who should take Six Sigma Green Belt? ›
Six Sigma Green Belts work at mid-to upper-level management and engineering positions in many industries, particularly manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and finance. As professionals responsible for process improvement initiatives, they are always in demand and paid well.
