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What is a Six Sigma Green Belt?

Lean Six Sigma Green Belts are collaborators who have been trained in Six Sigma Green Belt level improvement methods and will be leading continuous process improvement groups as part of their regular job. This allows for more time by company leaders and champions to be spent on strategy-building and decision-making components of the Lean Six Sigma project planning process. The Green Belts are better able to understand the entire process and work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to achieve performance goals.

Depending on the organization, Lean Six Sigma Green Belts can expect to spend between 10-25% of their time on Lean Six Sigma projects. Lean Six Sigma Green Belts are responsible for data collection and analysis within their project teams. Facilitation skills and the ability to lead root cause analysis sessions help them improve team dynamics and function.

Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement Projects can be used by every job function in every industry. Green Belt Certification is applicable to any industry, no matter what it may be – manufacturing, sales, finance, marketing, or the back office. It expands your process improvement toolkit and gives your team the ability to identify the most appropriate tool and when.

Who is Eligible for the Six Sigma Green Belt?

Who is a certified Six Sigma green belt?
Who is a certified Six Sigma green belt?

If you’re interested in improving processes and reducing errors in your organization, then you should pursue a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Whether you’re new to Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preparation or looking to advance your certified career, this guide has everything you need to know. The requirements and preparation of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belts Green Belt Six Sigma certified (SSGB) are professionals who are certified with a deep understanding of the Six Sigma Methodology’s advanced elements. SSGBs are responsible for leading improvement projects, and they also serve as team members in more difficult improvement projects that are managed by Black Belts and Master Black Belts.

Green Belts are highly skilled team members whose goal is to improve the quality of processes. They bridge the gap between the Six Sigma theory and its real-world application. They are crucial in project management, process improvement, and data inspection. The Green Belt certification training covers the basics of project management and how to apply DMAIC skills in Six Sigma projects.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certifications are for those who have experience in supply chain management and business management and are interested in terminologies such as waste reduction and continuous improvement. The certification increases the candidate’s proficiency, which makes them more attractive to employers. This certification is for professionals responsible for improving output, controlling costs, and improving results.

Benefits of Green Belt Certification

What are the benefits of a Six Sigma Green Belt certification?
What are the benefits of a Six Sigma Green Belt certification?
  • Professional development: Enhances skills for effective problem-solving and recommendations, boosting confidence in handling complex topics.
  • Financial advantages: Reduces project costs, enhances project efficiency, and eliminates the need for reserve funds.
  • Customer benefits: Improves product/service quality, fostering customer loyalty and attracting new clients seeking Six Sigma standards.
  • Competitive edge: Elevates business performance, aids in marketing efforts, and maintains an edge over competitors by implementing Six Sigma principles efficiently.

How to Become a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt?

Different providers can award Lean Six Sigma certifications. Some major certification providers include ASQ, IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification), and our firm Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc. (we are an Accredited Training Organization accredited by the IASSC)

We (Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc.) provide two options for Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification:

Option 1: Pass the IASSC Examination

  • This option will allow you to earn a Six Sigma certification through the International Association for Certified Six Sigma (IASSC).
  • You do not need to complete any Six Sigma Green Black Belt projects through Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc.
  • You can schedule the test and take it online. 
  • The IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification test is an additional cost that you pay to the IASSC.
  • The IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certification tests can be taken online by the IASSC.

Resources to help you pass the IASSC exam:

It is recommended that you study for the IASSC Lean Six Sigma exam at least seven days following the completion of the course.

Option 2: Complete a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project

  • Use the tools, methods, and roadmap provided by Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc. to complete a Lean Six Sigma project within six (6) months.
  • This option will allow you to earn a Six Sigma Lean Certification from Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc.
  • You will need to pass the Six Sigma Development Solutions Internal Lean Six Sigma Examination if you successfully complete a Lean Six Sigma Project in a group (more than one candidate is working on the project).
  • The 20-question exam is timed at 60 minutes. You will have two chances to succeed. If you fail to pass the exam twice, you must conduct your own Lean Six Sigma Project (not in a group).

Career Opportunities for a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

The job duties of Green Belts vary depending on the industry. However, most Green Belts are focused on managing projects, improving processes, and analyzing data. Professionals with Six Sigma Green Belt certification can find employment in:

  • Project Manager: The project manager is responsible for prioritizing and leading projects of varying size and complexity.
  • Six Sigma consultant: Six Sigma experts work closely with the operations team using their Project Management skills to analyze and challenge current processes.
  • Reliability Engineering: This role involves developing reliability test plans and working with customers and internal teams to resolve any reliability issues.
  • Process engineer: The process engineer supports the leadership of a company in evaluating its internal processes with an eye toward efficiency and quality.
  • The Mechanical Engineer: A mechanical engineer focuses on developing new tools, devices, and products. Mechanical engineers use their Six Sigma knowledge to create product concepts, design equipment, and test new products.
  • Production Engineer: Production engineers optimize and develop processes to design, manufacture, and ship products. 
  • The Industrial Engineer: An industrial engineer evaluates production rates, quality control processes, and employee productivity to find more efficient ways of using employees, equipment, and other resources. 
  • Continuous Improve Specialist: Continuous improve (CI) specialists identify, coordinate, and conduct root cause analyses by collecting data. 
  • A Quality Engineer: The quality engineer is responsible for making sure that the products of a company meet customer requirements
  • Operational excellence manager: Reporting directly to senior management, operational excellence managers manage Lean Six Sigma initiatives within an organization by working with team members of all levels. 

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Six Sigma Green Belt?

What are the responsibilities of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt?
What are the responsibilities of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt?

An employee who has been trained in preparation for Six Sigma improvement is called a Green Belt. Their main job is to lead the improvement of processes to produce high-quality products and services. Green Belts are involved in the strategy-building and decision-making components of Six Sigma project planning.

They have a deep understanding of the entire process and can provide feedback to help drive performance goals. Six Sigma Green Belts have the following main responsibilities:

  • Assist the Six Sigma Improvement project team.
  • Under the supervision of a Six Sigma Black Belt.
  • Analyze quality issues and find solutions.
  • Coordinate with the data collection team for the project and validate the measurement system.
  • Green Belts work within their functional limits.
  • Facilitate team-building activities.
  • Create a project charter with Supplier, Input, and Process (SIPOC), diagram for the project.

What is the Salary of a Six Sigma Green Belt?

Companies around the globe are looking for Lean Six Sigma Green Belts to reduce costs and eliminate waste. The Green Belt is a valuable investment. They are recognized by employers as an investment because they have been trained to use Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies to avoid defects and improve customer satisfaction.

Salary.com has revealed that the median annual salary of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt professional in the United States is $113,300 as of May 01, 2023.

Based on the Green Belt role, the annual salary can also vary. A Process Engineer earns $89,953 on average, while a Quality Manager makes $93,199 and a Continuous Improvement Manager makes $133,790. A Quality Assurance or Quality Control Engineer makes $105,090 annually.

Free online lean six sigma white belt certification course
FREE White Belt certification course (a $99.99 value)