As in martial arts, Six Sigma uses “belts,” each representing a level of experience. Practitioners receive a belt title—Black Belt, Green Belt or Yellow Belt—corresponding to their expertise.
As in martial arts, darker belt colors indicate greater experience, training, knowledge and skills.
Let us look at the skills associated with each belt:
Black Belt
A Black Belt has expert knowledge and skills in the DMAIC methodology, Lean methods and teamwork.
Black Belts should be able to lead teams across the organization in Lean Six Sigma projects. They may also provide Lean Six Sigma training and mentor other belts in training.
Black Belt training is available from various providers. It typically includes 140 to 160 hours covering statistical tools, design of experiments, teamwork and project management.
The certification for Black Belts recognizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application. It is offered by organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and consulting firms.
Green Belt
A Green Belt has strong knowledge and skills in DMAIC and Lean methods but typically lacks experience with advanced statistical tools such as design of experiments (DOE).
Green Belts can lead simple projects under a Black Belt’s guidance or work as team members.
Green Belt training is available from various providers. It typically takes fewer than 100 hours and includes basic statistical tools, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques.
The certification for Green Belts is offered by organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and consulting firms.
Yellow Belt
A Yellow Belt is trained in general concepts and basic Lean Six Sigma tools
A company implementing a Lean Six Sigma project may appoint Yellow Belts as team members after they complete the required training, or assign them to collect data for a Black Belt or Green Belt.
Yellow Belt knowledge is defined differently by each organization. In some cases, it covers only basic Six Sigma terminology and concepts, with an introduction to DMAIC. In others, Yellow Belts learn a broader set of tools, usually through 15 to 20 hours of training.
Want to learn more? Let us know!
References:
The McGraw-Hill 36-Hours Course: Lean Six Sigma.
The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Guide by Michael L. George.
Related reading: Lean Six Sigma: the Measure Phase
Very good article. If you would like Lean Six Sigma accreditation, please visit our website at
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Thank you!
E.C.
Excellent article, Eduardo! I understand that belt training depends on organizational position—for example, Yellow Belt for operational staff and Black Belt for managers. If that is not the case, I would appreciate your guidance.
I have also heard about Lean Champion training. What does that involve?
Kind regards