How Long Does It Take to Get A Six Sigma Black Belt?

Lean Six Sigma black belt training is an organizational improvement methodology that can be taken online or onsite, it helps individuals improve their skills. The concept of Six Sigma has different levels of mastery. People might choose to pursue a Lean Six Six Sigma Black Belt Certification or the second highest level in order to improve their knowledge and obtain a higher salary. You can decide whether pursuing a Black Belt is the right career move for you by learning more about it. This article explains what a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification is, how to prepare for the exam, how to obtain the certification, and what it requires.

What is a Six Sigma Black Belt?

Six Sigma Black Belt certification verifies your skills in project management and process improvement. Black Belts receive extensive training to master the Six Sigma Project Model, which focuses on project components like defining requirements or success criteria. A Black Belt is a globally recognized certification that can help you gain a competitive edge and qualify for higher-paying positions and seniority.

White Belt
Yellow Belt
Green Belt
Black Belt
Master Black Belt

Black Belts, Master Black Belts, and other Black belts are often trained in Six Sigma methods.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification?

Six Sigma Black Belt certification can be completed in two to three months. This could be different for everyone, as many people may pursue the lean six sigma black belt program independently training online.

You will then complete a project, which can take anywhere between six to nine months. The project is often approved by the accounting department of the company and its leadership. It focuses on positive change management procedures. You might, for example, oversee a project that aims to reduce the overall spending of your company. You can expect to earn your certification in nine to one year if you complete both components.

What is lean six sigma black belt training online?

What is The Average Salary of a Professional with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification?

As of June 26, 2023, the average salary of a professional with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification in the United States will be $123,900, but it is usually between 112,300 to 140,900. Salary levels can be affected by many factors including education and certifications.

What are the Qualifications to Obtain a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification?

You may need to meet certain qualifications before you can receive a SSBB. Among the organizations that will validate your credentials are:

International Association for Six Sigma Certification
American Society for Quality
Lean Six Sigma Academy (LSSA)

You must meet the following requirements to be considered by these organizations:

Education

Before pursuing certification, many Lean SSBBs study industrial engineering. Most have a master’s or bachelor’s degree. This formal education may not be required, but it can help you launch a career in industrial engineering or operations management. You will also need to obtain a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification in order to pursue the Black Belt. This certification teaches you the basics of this model.

Training

The Six Sigma Black Belt program is a training course that focuses on statistical data and quality improvement metrics. Black Belts gain skills in using Six Sigma tools and become effective change agents, leaders, and communicators. Training also includes a project, three years of work experience in an area where you can apply the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge (or two approved projects), and a project. The training can vary for each individual. It may be done online, in person, or via workshops. Training often covers:

Benchmarking
Business performance measures
Customer feedback
Cost, process, safety, and quality requirements are critical
Team management and enterprise leadership roles
Enterprise-wide deployment
Financial Measurements
Six Sigma Integration

Passing The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Exam

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt exams have 150 questions. This is 50 more than the Green Belt exams. It can take up to four hours to finish. You can retake the Black Belt exam if you score 70% or more. Most organizations require at least three months between exams to retest. Some Six Sigma belts never expire. However, Black Belt programs require recertification every three years. This is done by taking the Black Belt test again.

A Six Sigma Black Belt Project

You may also be required to submit a Six Sigma Black Belt Project with the approval of the accounting department. This project is centered on positive change management techniques such as lowering production costs and improving brand loyalty. Another change could be to reduce the time it takes for HR to recruit new employees. This project is often completed in your company using the Six Sigma model of process improvement.

What Will You Learn From The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification?

In a SSBB Course, you learn about the Six Sigma principles, business operations, and project management. You might learn:

Six Sigma DMAIC model (define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control)
Business performance measures
Six Sigma Integration
Enterprise-wide deployment
Leadership and team management responsibilities
Customer feedback
Benchmarking
Financial Measures

How To Prepare For The Black Belt Exam?

To pass a Six Sigma Black Belt exam, you may need to do some self-study. This can include reading, watching videos, and working on real-life projects. You can prepare by following these steps:

Prepare specific areas

You can study several different areas when you prepare for these exams. Many of these topics can be found in the study guides you use to prepare:

Inferential Statistics: Inferential statistics uses tools and methods to generalize about a population using data from samples. You can prepare by learning how to use tools like histograms, graphs, and inference theory.
Process capability is the ability of a process to meet a project’s requirements. Six Sigma is a methodology that focuses on improving process capability across all processes within an organization. Studying these concepts will help you prepare for exam questions.
Hypothesis Testing: You can test a hypothesis to see if you have statistically significant differences between two data sets. This will help you determine if the process is likely to work.
You can practice how to create, measure and gather the results of designed experiments. You can practice creating, measuring, and gathering the results of the designed experiment.

Practice exams

You can check your understanding and knowledge by taking previous mock tests after you have studied and focused on certain areas. Practice exams can help you become more confident in answering questions that you may see on an actual exam. You can improve your weak points by practicing. When preparing for the test, you might want to look up online practice tests and read additional material. Consider timing yourself in order to simulate the actual exam.

Review your project notes

Reviewing your project notes will help you see how you can apply the theories you have learned. While helping an organization improve a particular process, you might review your metrics, read your calculations and evaluate your requirements. A practical example will help you to remember concepts faster than learning complex theories.