Earning a Six Sigma Certification is a matter of great pride. Professionals holding a Six Sigma Black aim to improve the efficiency of the business process. Moreover, those who achieve Six Sigma Black Belt is also equipped to become a change agent within the organization. In general, the average time for getting a Six Sigma Black Belt depends on the certification body from which you take the course. On average it takes 2-3 months to complete the whole process to become a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Professional.
In this blog, we will elaborate exam details, qualifications, opportunities to become a Six Sigma Black Belt. Also, we will cover how to prepare for the Six Sigma Black Belt with expert’s advice. Firstly, let’s get into a brief about Six Sigma.
Understanding Six Sigma
Firstly, before knowing about the Six Sigma Black Belt, you should understand the basics of Six Sigma.
Six Sigma is a robust methodology and data-driven approach that consists of tools & techniques for removing the defects in any process. And, it provides the certifications confirmation to the individual for enhancing skills for demonstrating Six Sigma assignments for identifying defects.
Most importantly, this Certification helps the individual to gain the skills to demonstrate Six Sigma Assignments. And, is capable of identifying defects in a business process and removing them.
Different Levels of Six Sigma
The Six Sigma Certification has various skill levels starting from the basic level and ending at the expert levels. The types of Six Sigma belts include –
Six Sigma Yellow Belt
A Six Sigma Yellow Belt professional refers to the most basic form of Six Sigma certification. Moreover, in this, you will understand the theory behind Six Sigma management.
Six Sigma Green Belt
Six Sigma Green Belt professionals are aspirants who work on part-time projects or as a team member for complex projects. However, Green belts are known as the “workhorses” of Six Sigma projects.
Six Sigma Black Belt
Six Sigma Black Belt professionals are the full-time change agent and improvement leaders. Moreover, the professionals having the Black Belt can explain and demonstrate the Six Sigma philosophies and principles including supporting systems and tools. And, the Black Belts provide the understanding of the DMAIC model in following with Six Sigma principles.
Master Black Belt
The Master Black Belt refers to a leader who acts as a keeper of the Six Sigma process, and work. Moreover, it acts as an advisor to executives and leverages skills with the aligned projects led by black belts and green belts professionals. However, it takes years of study, practice, and guidance under a superior master belt.
Six Sigma Champion
At the professional level in Six Sigma organizations function, the professionals are required to take a very active sponsorship and leadership role in conducting and implementing Six Sigma projects. Thus, Six Sigma Champion should be a member of the Executive Committee.
Six Sigma Black Belt: Exam Details and Overview
For the Black Belt, the basic requirement is to have the ability and even passion for quality improvement by using statistical tools and technologies. Moreover, the Six Sigma Black Belt certification provides a good understanding of the six sigma tools, techniques and helps you enhance your skills.
Things you should know about Six Sigma Black Belt,
- Firstly, earning the Six Sigma Black Belt will help you qualify for many upper-level management roles within an organization.
- Moreover, the individuals applying for the Six Sigma Black Belts should be focused and should have outstanding management and interpersonal skills.
- And, they must be able to set a perfect example for Green Belts and others within the organization. Thus, for inspiring employees to work together for achieving the company’s goals.
Now let’s discuss the basic exam related details of Six Sigma Black Belt.
Prerequisites for Six Sigma Black Belt
The essential knowledge and skills required for Six Sigma Black Belt includes,
- Firstly, you should have a technical and managerial process improvement and innovation skills.
- You must understand the mindset of individuals and teams with having the passion to learn system theory.
- Then, it requires a good understanding of process improvement tools and methods. Also, you should have good writing and communication skills.
- Lastly, you should be able to work within a team and have experience in managing meetings.
Work Experience
Most importantly, the work experience that you have should be in a full time, paid role. As if you have done paid intern, co-op or any other course work, it will not apply as the work experience requirement. A lot of proficiency testing bodies offer certification irrespective of the work-ex making it all the easier for professionals to test their skills.
In general, Six Sigma Black Belt requires you to have two projects completed with a sign-on affidavit or one completed project with a sign on an affidavit. Together with, three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge will be an add-on.
How long does it take to get the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification?
Talking about the time to get the Black Belt certification, it totally depends on how and from where you are preparing. But, if we see the average time, this certification usually takes between 2 to 3 months to study for and complete. Most importantly, it depends on the certification body from where you are getting your certification.
However, passing the exam requires good resources and study material. And, also it requires a lot of practice and self-study. Below in this blog, you will see the details of the resources and ways you can use during your preparation. So, firstly, let’s talk about the areas to focus on in the Six Sigma Black Belt exam.
Areas to focus for the Black Belt Exam
This has been asked by many individuals. As many individuals get confused about finding the right study material. But, you do not have to worry about it; we will cover everything that is important for this.
Firstly, talking about the Six Sigma Black Belt, this mainly focuses on the DMAIC model that is Define, Measure, Analyze, Identify and Control using six sigma principles. Moreover, this exam requires a good understanding of the concepts and an aimed mindset. However, for this exam, there are some areas you can focus on. These are,
Process Capability
Process Capability Studies are used for determining whether a process is capable of achieving specifications using system design, parameter design, and tolerances. Moreover, you should be having a basic understanding of process capability.
Inferential Statistics
Inferential statistics is a set of methods used for drawing conclusions about the characteristics of populations based on data from a sample. Moreover, you should have a basic understanding of statistical theories that involve inference.
Hypothesis Testing
Hypothesis testing means to check if there exists a statistically significant difference between the data sets to consider that they represent different distributions. Moreover, in this, there is use hypothesis testing to see if a potential solution will work.
Designed Experiments
It uses the experiment designs and factorial experiments to determine the x and y variables that affect the response. However, you should have a basic understanding of the design experiments and factorial experiments.
Coming on to the points you need to focus on while studying.
Prepare for Six Sigma Black Belt
For Six Sigma Black Belt, you need to take care of a few things. And, most importantly, you need to have a goal-focused mindset so that you do not get confused in between. Anyways, let’s concentrate on the preparation part. Regarding this, there are a few points mentioned that will help you during studying. Firstly, let’s discuss the exam concepts.
Exam Concepts
This term means that you need to have a clear understanding of the topics and areas provided for the exam. Moreover, it is important to know about these as to increase your skills. However, we have already discussed the focus areas of the Black Belt exam above. But, there are different modules that are provided for this exam. These modules will help you a lot as they are sequenced accordingly to help you with studying.
Practice for the exam
You all are well aware of how much practice is important for the exam. So, after covering the syllabus or even some topics try to assess yourself by practicing mock tests. As a result, it will help you improve and increase your answering skills. And, also you will be able to find your weak points. However, there are many websites out there that are providing training and good study resources with the bulk of Six Sigma Black Belt Practice questions for this exam. Some of the top training providers include,
- Vskills- India’s largest professional certification body
- ASQ
- ISTQB
- KPMG
Black Belt: Market Value
Six Sigma Black Belt certification has a good reputation in the industry. Moreover, it has shown a rapid increase in job opportunities. Regarding this, below you can see the areas including jobs, salary and the value in the industry.
Black Belt: Salary
The individuals who are holding the Six Sigma Lean Black Belts certification are some professionals. And, according to an online survey, the average salary of a Black Belt is $126,551 per year. However, this amount can be higher for those who have advanced experience in Six Sigma.
Black Belt: Industry
For those who achieve Black Belt certification can use their skills and knowledge in any industry. That is to say, Six Sigma concepts and tools are highly valued no matter what the industry is. Some common examples include healthcare, insurance, Manufacturing, Logistics, Education, Hospitality, Government and Consulting.
Black Belt: Jobs
Earning Black Belt certification will give you a chance to apply for different management and leadership roles. Moreover, this certification will help you to prepare for a leadership role in managing project teams. The major jobs areas are,
Final words
The main thing you need to remember about the Six Sigma Black Belt is to understand the model and process concepts. Moreover, it is essential that you prepare for the exam with full dedication and hard work. All it requires is some research to find good study resources and try unique practice tests that are available online. Most importantly, achieving the Six Sigma Black Belt is a key to success. That is to say, earning this certification will help you stand in today’s competitive job market for getting a good position. So, prepare well for the exam and ignore the difficult part just focus on your study. You will crack the exam for sure!
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