Definition
Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Green Belt and Master Black Belt Certifications are offered by most consulting firms, many large companies deploying Lean Six Sigma, universities, and professional societies.
Successful completion of a training course and at least one project are required for all Certifications. Many require at least two projects. Certifications that do not require a project, or which allow a "simulated" project are not in the mainstream. Some certifying bodies also include tests on the course materials as well. As expected, the requirements for Black Belt Certification are more stringent than for Green Belt Certification, and the MBB requirements are more stringent than for Black Belt Certification. The course length, content and project requirements vary significantly among certifying organizations.
In 2001, the American Society for Quality began offering a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification in an effort to standardize the requirements for Black Belt Certification. There is, however, no central authority which governs the development or application of Six Sigma Certification standards.
External Links
American Society for Quality (ASQ) - http://www.asq.org/certification/six-sigma/index.html To Certify or Not to Certify? That is the Question... by MoreSteam.com - http://www.moresteam.com/morenews/articles/art1-mar09.html Setting a Standard for Lean Six Sigma Belt Certification on the Process Excellence (PEX) Network - http://www.processexcellencenetwork.com/training-and-talent-development/articles/setting-a-standard-for-lean-six-sigma-belt-certifi/