You may have heard about Lean Six Sigma from a co-worker or a supervisor. You may have worked on a Lean Six Sigma project but haven't had any formal training. Maybe you earned a belt several years ago, but you want to brush up your skills. Whatever brought you here...you came to the right place. We created this page to help to determine the best place to start. Let's first define Lean Six Sigma.

Lean Six Sigma is a customer-focused, data-driven process improvement system that eliminates waste. The training levels have been created to ensure everyone involved in a project has the accurate level of knowledge to contribute to the project. The tools are very versatile and can be used in any business setting included non-profit organizations, healthcare, finance, insurance, manufacturing, government, education, etc.

Let's now explain each level so you know which belt is the best one to meet your professional goals.

The Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (MBB)

• Requires a Black Belt certification and years of experience leading Lean Six Sigma projects.
• Is for anyone who has been leading six sigma projects and wants to move to the next level.
• Is completed in 5 days.
• Is offered when we have enough interest from our Black Belt graduates and others who have earned their Black Belt who have lead multiple projects.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt:

• Is best suited for those who aspire to lead projects from start to finish. Project managers, plant managers, engineers, quality professionals, managers, process improvement leaders, supply chain leaders, and supervisors are good candidates for this level.
• Requires the White Belt as a prerequisite and basic knowledge of and experience with Excel and other statistical tools such as QI Macros or Minitab.
• Is completed in 5 days and can be taken online.
• Includes a simulated project to meet the criteria to earn the certification.
• Included everything you need to lead a project, including how to manage the statistical tools and how to lead the people involved in a project.
• Can be funded fully or partially, for those who qualify. Funding is explained in detail during the White Belt course (explained below).

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt:

• Is designed to focus on the analytical tools required to complete a Lean Six Sigma project.
• Requires the White Belt as a prerequisite and basic knowledge of and experience with Excel and other statistical tools such as QI Macros or Minitab.
• Is completed in 3 days and can be taken online.
• Does not go over materials pertaining to leading the team or the project.
• Can be funded fully or partially, for those who qualify. Funding is explained in detail during the White Belt course (explained below).

The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt:

• Is for those in supporting roles, retail environments, startups or those who want to use the methodologies of Lean and Six Sigma without using the statistical tools. This is a great step for Human Resource professionals and anyone in Financial roles in a company.
• Covers the knowledge needed to participate as an effective member of a process improvement project team and participate as an effective associate within a Lean Six Sigma organization.
• Requires the White Belt as a prerequisite.
• Is completed 2 days and can be taken online.
• Does not include or require a simulation project to earn the certification.
• Can be funded fully or partially, for those who qualify. Funding is explained in detail during the White Belt course (explained below).

The Lean Six Sigma White Belt:

• Is recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about Lean Six Sigma.
• Is the foundation for any organization planning on utilizing Lean Six Sigma, and should be offered to everyone in the organization.
• Is a good place to start if you plan on earning any of the above certifications.
• Is completed in a half-day and can be taken online. Use code "virtual" during checkout to register for free. 

Learn about Breakthrough Performance Group.

Follow BPG on LinkedIn.