Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is provided by IASSC and aims to introduce individuals to Process improvement, Waste minimization, and Value maximization.

Lean Six Sigma is a set of methods and tools used in the process of business improvement and quality management. It aims to improve quality by detecting defects, determining their root cause, and improving the processes in order to increase the reusability and accuracy of the results of the processes.

To an organization, it provides the benefits of improving efficiency along with the quality and timeliness of product delivery, and decreasing defects, while boosting employee satisfaction and confidence.

If you have an interest in process improvement techniques or you are a professional looking for such techniques to suit your business needs by implementing methodologies of Lean Six Sigma, you can benefit from the Green Belt certification.

With Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, you can learn how to:

• Reduce errors,
• Control costs and budgets,
• Streamline processes, and,
• Improve the success rate of projects.

First, let's look at the proper definition and description of Lean Six Sigma, and the benefits derived from being a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

What is Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Who Should Certify?

The result of the conjugation of Six Sigma with the principles of Lean Management is Lean Six Sigma. Lean Management aims to reduce waste, and thereby, the time required for the entire process of production, whereas Six Sigma seeks to reduce variation among the deliverables.

The way Lean Six Sigma principles are implemented is interesting. At first, the Lean methodology is introduced for increasing the efficiency of the process, and then the Six Sigma methodologies are implemented for fine-tuning the other related aspects of the project.

While discussing Lean Six Sigma, let's talk about Six Sigma in short. Six Sigma is a quality program that helps to measure what quality management tools are used and how to improve the project overall. Six Sigma really employs statistical methods for detecting the problems and improving the processes thereby. Apart from IT, there are other sectors where Six Sigma can be implemented, such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, etc.

Green Belt in Six Sigma is one of the various levels of certification offered depending upon the role you want to play in the management scenario.

Six Sigma Green Belt training helps you learn to guide teams in regard to data collection and analysis for teams in Black Belt projects who work on the problem-solving type of projects. Yes, you read that right. You can get a Six Sigma Black Belt certification as well as White Belt, Yellow Belt, and Master Black Belt. Let's take a quick look at the significance of the above-mentioned levels of Six Sigma.

Individuals with Six Sigma White Belt certification work on local problem-solving areas supporting all-around projects who are essentially not a part of the project following Six Sigma methodology.

Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification is for team members of a project who also review process improvement.

People who are Six Sigma Master Black Belt certified are entitled to train and coach individuals aspiring to get Six Sigma Black Belts and Green Belts certification.

Top Reasons to get Lean Six Sigma Green Belt 

Professionals with Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification spend half of their time working on Lean Six Sigma projects and are generally considered to be experts in their field. With proper knowledge and understanding, you can be a driving force in your organization.

As a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you get the opportunity to render small-scale improvements to your projects which might have the capacity to change the whole landscape of your project and bring immense success to the products or services delivered. This in turn will boost your morale and urge you to be more productive.

Now that you know about Lean Six Sigma and the benefits of being a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, check out what roles are suited best for a Green Belt certified individual.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification comes with a lot of new job opportunities for those certified as LSS Green Belt which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Management is a typical role in the manufacturing industry, and a Continuous Improvement Manager is one who is responsible for improving production efficiency by using the procedures of measurement and testing.

They are expected to drive the continuous improvement of key processes and systems, identify new metrics for measuring efficiency, and implement programs that have long-term benefits to the business.

Quality Engineer

Quality assurance is an essential part of enterprise projects. A quality engineer is typically responsible for creating documentation related to the quality standards of the processes as well as devising and conducting quality tests.

They will work in close collaboration with various stakeholders which may include clients, design teams, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to ensure that the products or services of their organization meet the required quality standards as required by the client.

Quality Manager

Quality Managers are responsible for understanding the requirements of the customers to help develop effective quality control processes, producing and reviewing product and process specifications, as well as setting and monitoring compliance with raw material requirements of the suppliers.

Process Analyst

Process analysts identify areas for improvement in a process. They are expected to stay ahead and with the latest trends, which can prove to be useful in the process of improvement and lead to greater process efficiencies.

With all that said, read ahead to learn about the path to your success as a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt professional.

How to Get Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification?

The IASSC conducts a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam™ to certify individuals.  

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification exam is an MCQ and True or False type exam consisting of a total of 100 questions, 20 questions from each major section of the IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge.  

Eligibility and Requirements 

Although there are no prerequisites to taking the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification exam, individuals taking the exam must obtain a minimum of 70% score to pass the exam.

Elevate your career with a accredited project management certification. Develop the expertise to effectively lead projects and distinguish yourself in your industry.

How to Prepare for the Six Sigma Green Belt Exam 

To learn Lean Six Sigma and implement it in your business, we have compiled a list of steps on how to get Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Use a Six Sigma Study Guide

Each different level of Six Sigma has different areas of understanding of all the tools and the techniques associated with them. However, there are two common methods in Six Sigma which are abbreviated as DMAIC and DMADV.  

DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control, whereas DMADV stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify.