SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT VS BLACK BELT

Six Sigma is a business management strategy that involves implementing quality achievement metrics throughout an organization in an attempt to improve profitability and customer satisfaction by eliminating as many quality deficiencies as possible. Six Sigma project teams may include members with different levels of Six Sigma certification, which borrows terminology from martial arts belt classifications, including green belts and black belts.

Green Belt Responsibilities

Six Sigma Green Belts are involved with analyzing and solving quality problems. They may participate in quality-improvement projects. They must possess a demonstrated knowledge of Six Sigma processes and tools and have the ability to lead Green Belt teams and Green Belt projects. They work under the direct supervision of a Six Sigma Black Belt where they may assist with the collection and analysis of data for Black Belt projects, according to the American Society for Quality.

Green Belt Requirements

Six Sigma Green Belt certification requirements vary from certifying organization to organization. Candidates for Six Sigma Green Belt certification through the American Society for Quality must have at least three years experience related to at least one of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge areas. Candidates must sit for and pass the four-hour, 100-question, Six Sigma Green Belt Certification examination.

Black Belt Responsibilities

Six Sigma Black Belts are well versed in Six Sigma methodologies and are qualified to serve as agents of change within an organization. Whereas Six Sigma Green Belts are sometimes referred to as the worker bees of the organization, Six Sigma Black Belts are leaders. Black Belts must understand team dynamics. They are responsible for assigning roles and responsibilities to team members. They direct and supervise the activities of Green Belts. They are responsible for communicating and implementing changes within the organization that are designed to eliminate deviations from quality standards and improve overall quality and profitability.

Black Belt Requirements

A candidate does not have to possess Six Sigma Green Belt certification to earn Six Sigma Black Belt certification. The American Society for Quality requires Black Belt candidates to have at least three years relevant experience in at least one of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge areas and have completed one Six Sigma Black Belt project using appropriate tools within Six Sigma parameters to produce a quantifiable financial benefit to a company or business. The three-year requirement may be waived if the candidate completes at least two such projects. Black Belt candidates must demonstrate an understanding of Six Sigma philosophies, principles, related systems and tools. The American Society for Quality Black Belt examination is a four-hour, 150-question, open-book exam. Other certifying organizations, such as Lean Training and Consulting and Millennium Global Business Solutions, may have different requirements.

GREEN BELT VS BLACK BELT IN REALITY

Successful firms lay great emphasis on quality and strive to achieve the highest standards in their products and services. The Six Sigma methodology has helped to give many companies the leading edge against their competitors, by implementing process improvements across the enterprise that help them realize their maximum potential. Those who are not familiar with the Six Sigma jargon may have heard of Green Belts and Black Belts, but may not know what the key differences are between the two.

Both Six Sigma Green Belts and Black Belts are trained professionals who are responsible for streamlining process quality and improving the key metrics of a business. Green Belts generally carry out process improvement or project management tasks in addition to other work responsibilities- that is to say; quality improvement is not their entire or sole responsibility. Green Belts are considered as the future leaders of the company. As they work with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, they are considered as valuable assets. Green Belts work under the supervision and mentorship of Black Belts. Green Belts who find they want to lead quality change initiatives on a larger scale across the organization can take the next step and undertake the Black Belt Certification.

Black Belts are leaders and change agents, who assume the entire responsibility of turning around quality standards and process improvements in the organization. Their specialized training and experience enables them to work on cross functional projects across the enterprise, not just projects within one business unit or department. Black Belt training goes beyond that of the Green Belt level to include highly advanced statistical analysis tools and techniques. Their proven managerial acumen and abilities to withstand pressure and deliver projects on time without compromising on quality standards will stand the organization in good stead. Skilled Black Belts who have significant experience and a positive never-say-die attitude can go very far in their career and assume top leadership positions within the organization.