Six Sigma Black Belt: What Does It Take To Be One?
Q: What does it take to become a Six Sigma Black Belt? Do you have to earn your Green Belt first?
A: To be certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt (BB), the candidate must complete training and a project, whether real-world or simulated. After certification, a Black Belt is usually devoted full-time to Six Sigma projects, either independently or under the guidance of a Master BB. He or she usually leads a Six Sigma Project Team, which may include Green Belts, Yellow Belts, and/or White Belts.
Because of this role as a leader and change agent, the most successful Six Sigma Black Belt candidates usually have a strong balance between soft skills and technical aptitude. Their skill sets may include statistics, engineering (especially engineering related to manufacturing processes), process management, or analytical positions related to business drivers. Usually, the candidates have also demonstrated the ability to make a measurable impact. In other words, they have already shown evidence of being change agents in their chosen field. Through Six Sigma training, these effective change agents learn analytical tools to become even more effective.
Q: How does this compare to the other Belt colors? What do all the different colors mean, anyway?
A: Compared to the Black Belt, the Six Sigma Green Belt (GB) has completed only half as much training and a less-challenging project. Most GBs work on Six Sigma projects on a part-time basis, while also fulfilling other job responsibilities. GBs often carry out their duties under the supervision of a BB.
A Yellow Belt is a Six Sigma project team member, but has not completed Six Sigma training. A White Belt also may serve on a local problem-solving team supporting a Six Sigma project, but may not be an official member of the SS team.
Q: Do you have to earn your Green Belt first?
If you have already attained your Green Belt certification, you can usually take the second half of the BB training at a later time. However, you are not required to obtain your GB first.
Q: What’s the role of the Master Black Belt?
A: The Master BB has the ability to train, lead, and mentor Six Sigma Belts. Therefore, the Master BB typically has more work experience, more experience in Six Sigma work in particular, and has taken training in additional statistical tools beyond the regular curriculum.
Q: Could I become a Six Sigma Black Belt?
A: Yes, if you…
- Have a demonstrated track record as a leader and change agent.
- Have good communication skills.
- Have good aptitude for higher-level math and statistics.
If this sounds like you, then you probably have what it takes to be an effective Black Belt.
To learn more about online Six Sigma Certification and get bonus statistical analysis software (value $199) included your tuition. Or to view a course demo, visit the Acuity Institute Review
page.
Monique Sno, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
LeanSixSigmaSource.com
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/ask-an-expert-articles/six-sigma-black-belt-what-does-it-take-to-be-one-1164403.html
