Six Sigma Black Belt

Although the program has proven wildly successful in many different cases, other companies have tried to implement the Six Sigma system with results that can best be described as mixed. A large part of the “mixed” (and you can read that as “negative”!) results can be attributed to an improper implementation of the Six Sigma process.
One way in which to avoid mixed results stemming from improper implementation is Six Sigma certification.
What is Six Sigma Certification?
Simply put, Six Sigma certification is an indication that an individual has received training in Six Sigma programs. It is usually issued after the successful completion of a training course at a certain level of the Six Sigma program (black belts, green belts, master black belts, and so on).
As with certification in many different areas, such as obtaining a driver’s license, the certification comes not just after training, but after a student has demonstrated an understanding about that training. This understanding can be demonstrated both through class participation and the oral and written test portions of the program. It should be understood that this certification does not necessarily denote skill level within the area; there are different levels of proficiency across any classroom and Six Sigma is no exception.
In addition, many aspects of the training are not standardized, therefore some aspects demonstrated by employees with Six Sigma certification in one company will be different from those in another company.
Obtaining Six Sigma Certification
As you might have guessed from the last line above, there are several different ways in which an individual can gain Six Sigma certification. There are several Six Sigma training companies which provide the training necessary for companies wishing to implement the Six Sigma concept to eliminate defects within their processes. In addition, employees at companies with a long standing record of using the Six Sigma approach will probably receive some Six Sigma training of their own. Motorola and General Electric, for example, have developed their own in house training for Six Sigma principles which achieve the same results as the training companies.
You can probably infer from that that Six Sigma certification will not transfer as well from one company to another, generally speaking. Usually the companies wherein the Six Sigma concept originated (GE and Motorola as mentioned above) will have the most transferable value, with second tier training (training companies) coming in second and recent Six Sigma companies bringing up the rear as far as rock solid reliability in their training.
In short, it’s important to understand that certification will not guarantee that an individual will be able to flawlessly perform the Six Sigma ideas. What it will do, however, is guarantee that assist in the proper implementation of the Six Sigma process, which will guarantee profit both to the individual (it’s a good thing to have on a resume) and for the company that chooses to implement the process.

Many questions arise in the minds of six sigma certification candidates. These questions range from the most strange to the most genuine concerns. There is a compelling need to explain things regarding the exam for the benefit of those who have questions but don’t know where to find the answers. Here is brief outline of a few fundamental questions that are frequently asked about Six Sigma Certification.

What Is Six Sigma Certification?

Six Sigma Certification is documented proof that a person has acquired certain standardized capabilities with regard to the quality management technique that, when applied, works towards error/defect elimination and prevention. However, the certificate does not guarantee that a candidate has implementation skills, but only certifies competency in the subject matter. One can attain certification in any of the key roles (Master Black Belt, Champion, etc.).

Basis For Six Sigma Certification

Six Sigma Certification typically involves studying the related subject matter and passing an exam. Training institutes or companies provide certification tests and six sigma training courses. It is not unusual for new companies to have their employees test on a training institutes’ tests. This completes the first part of the written test in the candidate’s proficiency in the subject matter. Now comes the real test! Once having passed the written test, The candidate must work hands on a project or two in a practical environment. In this situation, the candidate must demonstrate that he or she is competent enough to implement the knowledge acquired in classroom six sigma training.

During the practical part of the exam, there is no benchmark for what passes or not. Not just this, but some companies may accept just one project and some others may not. This means that out of the three critical aspects of six sigma certification training, the written exam and the practical competency demonstration, a crucial third one may be said to be lacking seriously or non-existent, unless it becomes standardized. To complicate matters, there is no one single body to regulate or standardize all the critical aspects of six sigma certification.

Do I Need A Six Sigma Certification?

This is any individual’s professional decision. Anyone wanting to get six sigma certification will need to think seriously about it. Sometimes candidates are chosen (or compelled) by their employer to take six sigma training and thereby attain six sigma certification. But many times, it is the other way around. Someone may decide to pursue six sigma certification for reasons such as attainment of a raise or promotion. Another may be prompted by the fact that six sigma certification will enhance their marketability. While each reason is an individual one, candidates must be result oriented, highly motivated in order to be successful.

What Will It Cost Me?

Again, this is a highly subjective question. It could cost you anywhere from $0 to $30,000 per person, depending on where you receive six sigma training. Again, the decision as to the trainer, location, and online or offline six sigma training method are other considerations as to cost.

What worked for one person may not work for another. When contemplating six sigma certification, there really are no generalizations that can be made. It all depends on who individual capabilities, location, and to some extent, your position in the corporation (or lack thereof).

Six Sigma Black Belts are fourth in the chain of personnel that play a key role in six sigma implementation. Six Sigma Black Belts form the critical link between the Master Black Belts who are higher up the chain and the Green Belts, lower in the chain. Six Sigma Black Belts need to devote 100% of their time to the implementation, with their primary focus on execution. Six Sigma Black Belts dealing mainly with day to day activities rather than generalities of the program. The role of Six Sigma Black Belts as frontline executives of the program is critical to the success of the organization.

Although Six Sigma demands high value personnel, not all of them are equally trained or talented. While causes for this disparity often causes loss of time and resources, it is important to implement standardization on what they should know as Six Sigma Black Belts, because they are essential for the fulfillment of program objectives. Here are the fundamental things Six Sigma Black Belts are expected to know:

Comprehensive Knowledge Of DMAIC Processes:

A Six Sigma Black Belt is expected to know the five basic principles of Six Sigma methodology as described by DMAIC. A deeper understanding of these five principles, to the core, is essential as a first step. The acronym DMAIC stands for defining the process, measuring the current process baseline, analyzing causality factors, improving the process by optimization and finally controlling the process flow and transition to production.

Thorough Knowledge Of Processes:

A thorough understanding of the processes, acquired by having worked on them as a full- time employee, is essential. The Six Sigma Black Belt should have substantial knowledge with hands on experience as the basis for identifying problem areas. Technical skills and active involvement in day to day activities are also paramount.

Familiarity With Tools And Techniques:

The implementation of Six Sigma methodologies is made possible through the use of various tools and techniques of measurement that help the decision making process. Familiarity with technical statistical tools is a must for Six Sigma Black Belts for effective 6 sigma implementation. Although formal training in statistics and analysis is not essential, Six Sigma Black Belts are expected to pick up this subject with relative ease.

Ability To Formulate Projects & Plans:

A Six Sigma Black Belt should able to make business plans and execute them in order to make sure that defined goals are achieved. Along the way, Six Sigma Black Belts are responsible for measurement of progress and the ability to articulate them in meaningful terms. Six Sigma Black Belts are expected to control the course of 6 sigma implementation for maximum gains.

Knowledge Of Customer Base:

A Six Sigma Black Belt should be aware of the roles of each key person and be independently able to devise, test and conduct customer surveys. He/she should also know how to interpret and validate the results, identify differences, and report and incorporate the results of the survey.

Role of Six Sigma Black Belts

Six Sigma Black Belts play the role of change agent. Their role is a position of leadership. They must possess the sharpest business acumen, strong communication skills, customer advocacy knowledge, leadership qualities, technical aptitude and most of all, patience.

White Belts are at the bottom ladder of Six Sigma, which means that they go through a high level overview on Six Sigma with the primary objective of familiarizing them with terminology related to Six Sigma (mean, standard deviation etc.).Mostly all the employees in the company are trained at the White Belt level. White Belts may help Green Belts and black belts in data collection.

Next level is Green Belts who are trained in Six Sigma at a much more detailed level. Their training may range from a few days up to few weeks. They are trained in process improvement techniques including the Six Sigma DMAIC road map for improving results. Green Belts usually lead smaller projects within their business unit or support portions of larger projects led by a more experienced Black Belt. Green Belts usually undertake process improvements in their specific functional areas. Green Belts are usually not exposed to advanced Six Sigma concepts, so they are not equipped to solve really tough problems.

The third level of Six Sigma is Black Belts. Their training includes application of yet advanced statistical tools and techniques for process improvements. Black belts work on projects which are cross functional in nature and are of a more strategic importance to the company. Their training varies to a week to four weeks. It is advisable to undergo the Black Belt training after the Green Belt, as the Black Belt builds on top of the Green Belt course.

The final level on the Six Sigma ladder is that of Master Black Belts. These individuals are champions of Six sigma and devote their 100% time to implementation of Six Sigma in projects. They generally spearhead projects which are organization wide in their scope. They are also responsible for training and mentoring of Green Belts and Black Belts.