Individual Certification
Level 1: A.K.A. Lean Six Sigma White Belt
Reaction desired by participants: The desired reaction for someone who goes through LSSWB certification is to gain a fundamental understanding of Lean Six Sigma concepts and tools, and to be able to apply them to simple improvement projects. They are able to identify and eliminate waste, improve process efficiency and quality, and understand the importance of data-driven decision-making.
Skills acquired: The Lean Six Sigma White Belt certification program provides participants with a foundational understanding of Lean principles, Theory of Constraints, and an introduction to the DMAIC problem-solving methodology. Participants will also learn process mapping, root cause analysis, and teamwork skills. This program is designed to equip participants with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to process improvement initiatives within their organization, making meaningful contributions to identifying and addressing process issues and maintaining a focus on delivering value to the customer.
Expectations: Upon completion of the Lean Six Sigma White Belt certification program, participants are expected to be able to provide assistance to LSSGBs and LSSBBs on projects, kaizens, and rapid improvement events. They will have also acquired a common language, which promotes continuity throughout the organization, resulting in a standardized foundation for a process improvement culture. This is expected to enable participants to make meaningful contributions to process improvement initiatives and maintain a focus on delivering value to the customer.
Course prerequisites: None.
Course options: Online, in-person, and/or hybrid.
Process for taking the exam:
- We are in the process of building an automated database, and we appreciate your patience during this development phase. While our system is under construction, please contact us directly to schedule an exam.
Exam: 25 questions, open notes, and the exam has a one-hour time limit. The timer begins when you press the “begin exam now” button. Please note that the LSSWB Exam must be completed within three months of purchasing the exam link (if the link expires after three months, a new link must be purchased). The exam may be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection at any time 24/7.
Exam cost: $50 for the first attempt and $10 for each re-take.
Certification requirements: Pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher.
Project requirements: Not applicable.
Coaching: Coaching is available to assist with tailored exam preparation. The cost of coaching is $50 per hour and can only be purchased in one-hour blocks.
Level 2: A.K.A. Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Reaction desired by participants: Find the training engaging and immediately applicable to their work. The program aims to equip participants with practical tools that can be applied in their work immediately for high-value impact. By using these tools, participants should be able to identify and analyze process issues, develop solutions, and implement changes that deliver immediate value to their organization. Ultimately, the desired reaction is for participants to be motivated to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to process improvement initiatives in their organization.
Skills acquired: The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification program equips participants with a foundational understanding of Lean principles, Theory of Constraints, and an introduction to the DMAIC problem-solving methodology. Participants will learn how to identify and overcome constraints in a process and use DMAIC to improve process performance. While there is a brief introduction to statistical ideas and concepts, statistical analysis is not in-depth explored. Additionally, participants will learn basic process mapping techniques and gain exposure to practical tools such as charters, PDCA, and mistake-proofing. By completing the program, participants will be able to contribute to process improvement initiatives within their organization and make meaningful contributions to process improvement initiatives. Overall, the LSSYB program provides participants with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to identify and address process issues, delivering immediate value to their organization and drive value for customers.
Expectations: The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification program is designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to assist LSSGBs and LSSBBs on process improvement projects, kaizens, and rapid improvement events. By completing the program, participants are expected to possess a foundational understanding of Lean principles, Theory of Constraints, and an introduction to the DMAIC problem-solving methodology. Additionally, by learning a common language, participants will contribute to creating continuity throughout the organization, which will help to establish a standardized foundation for a process improvement culture. The ultimate goal of the LSSYB certification program is for participants to be able to apply their knowledge and skills to identify and address process issues, resulting in tangible and immediate improvements in process performance and delivering value to their organization.
Course prerequisites: None.
Course options: Online, in-person, and/or hybrid.
Process for taking the certification exam:
- We are in the process of building an automated database, and we appreciate your patience during this development phase. While our system is under construction, please contact us directly to schedule an exam.
Exam: 50 questions, open notes, and the exam has a two-hour time limit. The timer begins when you press the “begin exam now” button. Please note that the LSSYB Exam must be completed within three months of purchasing the exam link (if the link expires after three months, a new link must be purchased). The exam may be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection at any time 24/7.
Exam cost: $200 for the first attempt and $50 for each re-take.
Certification requirements: Pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher.
Project requirements: Not applicable.
Coaching: Coaching is available to assist with tailored exam preparation. Cost of coaching is $50 per hour and can only be purchased in one-hour blocks.
Level 3: A.K.A. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Reaction desired by participants: Inspired to initiate and lead projects, kaizens, and rapid improvement events. These programs build on the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in the basic LSSYB program, providing participants with higher-level taxonomy tools, frameworks, and methodologies to solve more complex problems. The objective is to enable LSSGBs to take on more significant process improvement initiatives, leading and coaching teams to drive continuous improvement. By completing the LSSGB program, participants will have gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to identify and address complex process issues, implement changes, and drive process improvements in their organization. Ultimately, the desired reaction is for participants to be motivated and equipped to take a leadership role in driving process improvement initiatives, delivering value to their organization, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Skills acquired: A Lean Six Green Belt certification program equips participants with advanced skills necessary to lead teams in driving process improvement initiatives. Participants learn the people aspect of process improvement, blending Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile methodologies. There is a strong emphasis on Six Sigma statistical analysis and data analytics, providing participants with the skills necessary to collect, analyze, interpret, and translate data into actionable insights for key stakeholders. By acquiring these skills, LSSGBs are better equipped to make well-informed decisions, driving process improvements that deliver value to their organization. Additionally, participants will develop skills in change management, team leadership, and effective communication, enabling them to navigate the people aspect of process improvement successfully. Overall, completing an advanced LSSGB program provides participants with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to lead process improvement initiatives and drive continuous improvement in their organization.
Expectations: Upon completion of an advanced Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification program, LSSGBs are expected to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and/or lead tightly scoped process improvement projects and kaizens that require data analytics. They should be able to apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile methodologies, facilitating and leading initiatives that result in significant cost savings, cost avoidance, error reduction, time savings, and other tangible benefits.
To ensure accountability, it is expected that the results of the projects or kaizens should be appropriately validated and included in the organization’s learning and knowledge management systems. By applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the program, LSSGBs are expected to make meaningful contributions to process improvement initiatives and lead teams in driving continuous improvement. Ultimately, the expectation is for participants to deliver tangible benefits to their organization through process improvements, driving cost savings, reducing errors, and improving overall efficiency.
Course prerequisites: None.
Course options: Online, in-person, and/or hybrid.
Process for taking the certification exam:
- We are in the process of building an automated database, and we appreciate your patience during this development phase. While our system is under construction, please contact us directly to schedule an exam.
Exam: 50 questions, open notes, and the exam has a three-hour time limit. The timer begins when you press the “begin exam now” button. Please note that the LSSGB Exam must be completed within three months of purchasing the exam link (if the link expires after three months, a new link must be purchased). The exam may be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection at any time 24/7.
Exam cost: $300 for the first attempt and $75 for each re-take.
Certification requirements:
- Pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher.
- Completed project reviewed by Certification Review Board (CRB).
Project requirements:
- (1) DMAIC project.
- We do not require the project to be complete through control phase; however, the control phase planning must be complete and documented. For certification purposes the Candidate can be certified when the project outcomes have been verified and validated by the Champion with a signature.
- There are case-by-case exceptions for robust Kaizen events as we appreciate that many organizations have gone exclusively this route in today’s fast-moving global economy. Click here to discuss with a coach if your Kaizen will qualify.
- An executive summary of your project must be complete and uploaded to your profile. Click here to see some examples.
- Notify the Certification Review Board (CRB) that you are ready to schedule the out brief.
- CRB will get you on the schedule within seven calendar days of your request.
- Complete the out brief with the CRB and receive your certification!
Coaching: Coaching is available to assist with tailored exam preparation, project selection, out brief preparation, and project execution. [Note: Coaches will sign an NDA if required, and several coaches have an active secret security clearance.] Cost of coaching is $50 per hour and can only be purchased in one-hour blocks.
Level 4: A.K.A. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Reaction desired by participants: Develop a strong desire to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge to all aspects of their life. They should be motivated to implement process improvements not only in their work environment but also in their personal and social life, improving their quality of life overall. Furthermore, participants should exhibit a passion for Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile methodologies, embracing the principles and practices associated with these approaches. They should be committed to continuous improvement, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance processes and deliver value to their organization and personal life. The ultimate goal is for participants to become catalysts for change, inspiring others to embrace a culture of continuous improvement and driving significant improvements in process performance in all aspects of their life.
Skills acquired: The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) training program is designed to equip participants with a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge necessary to identify and solve complex process problems. The program emphasizes the blending of core bodies of knowledge in Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile methodologies, allowing participants to select the most appropriate framework, methodology, and/or toolkit for the specific process problem they are addressing. The program provides advanced statistical and data analytics training, enabling participants to identify the root cause of waste and variation within the process. Additionally, there is a deep dive into hypothesis testing and other analytical techniques. In addition to the LSSBB program, the Lean Agile Practitioner program provides training focused on the business aspects of project management, enabling participants to deliver products or services to the customer in sprints. Together, these programs provide participants with the optimal blend of people skills, business acumen, project management, and process improvement necessary to drive significant improvements in process performance. Overall, the LSSBB program is designed to equip participants with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to lead complex process improvement initiatives and drive continuous improvement in their organization.
Expectations: Upon completion of the advanced Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification program, participants are expected to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to skillfully manage large-scale projects, and develop a comfortable working and practical knowledge of data analytics. Participants are expected to be confident in their ability to interpret and translate data analytics results clearly and concisely to key stakeholders, enabling them to make well-informed decisions. Additionally, the program expects participants to deliver tangible results that are validated by appropriate personnel and included in the organization’s learning and knowledge management systems. Overall, the expectations for participants who complete the LSSBB training program are to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to lead complex process improvement initiatives, delivering significant improvements in process performance, and driving continuous improvement in their organization. This involves the effective management of large-scale projects, a deep understanding of data analytics, and the ability to communicate results effectively, leading to the delivery of tangible benefits to their organization.
Course prerequisites: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification uploaded to your profile.
Course options: Online, in-person, and/or hybrid.
Process for taking the certification exam:
- We are in the process of building an automated database, and we appreciate your patience during this development phase. While our system is under construction, please contact us directly to schedule an exam.
Exam: 100 questions, open notes, and the exam has a four-hour time limit. The timer begins when you press the “begin exam now” button. Please note that the LSSBB Exam must be completed within three months of purchasing the exam link (if the link expires after three months, a new link must be purchased). The exam may be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection at any time 24/7.
Exam cost: $400 for the first attempt and $100 for each re-take.
Certification requirements:
- Pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher.
- Completed project reviewed by Certification Review Board (CRB).
Project requirements:
- DMAIC or DMEDI project complete with realized results.
- An executive summary of your project must be complete and uploaded to your profile. Click here to see some examples.
- Notify the Certification Review Board (CRB) that you are ready to schedule the out brief.
- CRB will get you on the schedule within seven calendar days of your request.
- Complete the out brief with the CRB and receive your certification!
Coaching: Coaching is available to assist with tailored exam preparation, project selection, out brief preparation, and project execution. [Note: Coaches will sign an NDA if required, and several coaches have an active secret security clearance.] Cost of coaching is $100 per hour and can only be purchased in one-hour blocks.
Level 5: A.K.A. Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Reaction desired by participants: Participants who attend the LSSMBB program are expected to have a deep understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile methodologies, and have demonstrated an ability to apply these methodologies effectively to drive process improvements. They should possess the essential people skills necessary to lead teams, coach others, and communicate effectively with key stakeholders. The ultimate goal of the LSSMBB program is for participants to become recognized as experts in process improvement, driving significant improvements in process performance and inspiring others to embrace a culture of continuous improvement. The desired reaction is for participants to recognize their expertise and be motivated to continue making meaningful contributions to process improvement initiatives in their organization and beyond.
Skills acquired: Skills and knowledge necessary to identify and solve complex process problems using highly technical and advanced statistical tools, techniques, and concepts. The program emphasizes the application of advanced statistical tools such as advanced Design of Experiments and non-linear regression to solve nearly any business problem. Participants will continue to learn new and effective ways to develop high-performing teams, coach, mentor, and invest in their teammates, developing the essential people skills necessary to lead successful process improvement initiatives. Additionally, LSSMBBs acquire additional tools and skills to engineer, develop, or overhaul processes using the DMEDI (or DMADV) methodology. This includes the ability to design and implement new processes, ensuring that the organization’s process improvement initiatives deliver tangible and lasting benefits. Overall, the LSSMBB certification program is designed to provide participants with the technical, analytical, and people skills necessary to lead complex process improvement initiatives, drive continuous improvement, and deliver significant improvements in process performance in their organization.
Expectations: Participants are expected to possess a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge necessary to lead complex process improvement initiatives and drive continuous improvement in their organization. LSSMBBs should demonstrate authentic servant leadership, leveraging their people skills to develop high-performing teams, coach, and mentor others effectively. They should possess a recognized aptitude for learning and communicating high-level data analytics, enabling them to drive data-driven decision-making across their organization. LSSMBBs are expected to work on strategic level projects as part of their primary job responsibilities, delivering a high ROI by leading projects, coaching and training LSSYBs, LSSGBs, and LSSBBs, and serving as mentors for those who aspire to sharpen their skills in LSS and Agile. Continuous improvement is expected to be a part of their performance review, ensuring that they are always leading a project, coaching a project, or providing mentorship, driving significant improvements in process performance across their organization. Overall, the expectations for LSSMBBs are to possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and leadership qualities to be recognized as experts in process improvement, driving significant improvements in process performance, and inspiring a culture of continuous improvement in their organization.
Course prerequisites: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification uploaded to your profile. Click Here to schedule a candidate selection interview with a Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Click Here to see example candidate selection questions.
Course options: Online, in-person, and/or hybrid.
Process for taking the certification exam:
- We are in the process of building an automated database, and we appreciate your patience during this development phase. While our system is under construction, please contact us directly to schedule an exam.
Exam: 100 questions, open notes, and the exam has a four-hour time limit. The timer begins when you press the “begin exam now” button. Please note that the LSSMBB Exam must be completed within three months of purchasing the exam link (if the link expires after three months, a new link must be purchased). The exam may be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection at any time 24/7.
Exam cost: $500 for the first attempt and $100 for each re-take.
Certification requirements:
- Pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher.
- Completed project reviewed by Certification Review Board (CRB).
Project requirements:
- DMAIC or DMEDI project complete with realized results.
- An executive summary of your project must be complete and uploaded to your profile. Click here to see some examples.
- Notify the Certification Review Board (CRB) that you are ready to schedule the out brief.
- CRB will get you on the schedule within seven calendar days of your request.
- Complete the out brief with the CRB and receive your certification!
Coaching: Coaching is available to assist with tailored exam preparation, project selection, out brief preparation, and project execution. [Note: Coaches will sign an NDA if required, and several coaches have an active secret security clearance.] Cost of coaching is $125 per hour and can only be purchased in one-hour blocks.