Earning a Six Sigma Black Belt is a major career achievement that demonstrates your mastery of quality management principles. As an advanced certification it requires a serious commitment of time effort, and focus. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of obtaining your Black Belt, from choosing the right training to passing the certification exam.
What is a Six Sigma Black Belt?
A Six Sigma Black Belt is an individual with advanced knowledge and technical expertise in the Six Sigma quality methodology. Black Belts lead complex improvement projects, train team members, and oversee strategic implementations across organizations.
The Black Belt designation originated from martial arts ranking systems and signifies your advanced technical proficiency, similar to an expert-level karate black belt. It’s the pinnacle certification in the Six Sigma hierarchy after White, Yellow, and Green Belt levels
Obtaining a Black Belt provides numerous career benefits including
- Higher salaries – Black Belts earn $20,000-$50,000 more on average
- Leadership development – Build skills to lead teams and projects
- Professional credibility – A globally recognized certification of excellence
However, be prepared to put in the hard work. Let’s explore how to successfully obtain your Black Belt.
Choose Between Online or In-Person Training
The first step is selecting a training provider. Generally, you have two options – online virtual classes or in-person classroom instruction.
Online training offers maximum flexibility to learn at your own pace. Reputable providers like Aveta Business Institute provide video lessons, assignments, quizzes, and forums for discussion. Plus you can access materials 24/7. Just be sure to select an accredited provider.
In-person training with an accredited organization provides the benefits of hands-on instruction and being able to network with other students. Many companies pay for employees to attend public or private corporate classes. Just be prepared to adhere to a set schedule.
I recommend researching both online and local in-person training providers to compare quality of teaching, cost, and formats before deciding what works best for your needs.
Expect to Complete at Least 120 Hours of Training
To qualify for Black Belt certification, you should complete a minimum of 120 hours of comprehensive training. Programs are usually structured into different levels:
- 40 hours for Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- 80 additional hours for Black Belt
Topics covered will include:
- Six Sigma principles and concepts
- Process analysis and improvement
- Advanced statistical analysis
- Change management and leadership
Training can take from 4 weeks full-time up to 6 months part-time to complete. The more thoroughly you can immerse yourself, the better prepared you’ll be to pass the exam and lead projects.
Pass the Certification Exam
Once you complete training, you’ll need to pass a comprehensive certification exam to officially earn your Black Belt credentials. Exams are administered by accredited providers like the Council for Six Sigma Certification.
You’ll generally need to score at least 70% across 100-150 questions spanning the entire Six Sigma body of knowledge. Key topics include:
- Six Sigma roles and project phases
- Statistical tools like hypothesis testing, ANOVA, regression
- Process analysis and mapping techniques
- Quality function deployment
- Design of experiments
- Failure mode and effects analysis
I recommend thoroughly reviewing your training materials and the exam body of knowledge to brush up on concepts before your test date. Some providers allow open book exams.
Get Hands-On Experience With a Project
In addition to training and exam requirements, you’ll need to successfully complete at least one process improvement project under the guidance of a Master Black Belt or instructor.
Expect your project to last 3-6 months part-time from start to finish. Identify a key business process with high defect rates or cost waste to focus your efforts. Examples could include:
- Reducing patient wait times in a hospital
- Cutting manufacturing defects in a production line
- Improving order accuracy rates for shipments
Follow the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve Control) model to implement quantifiable improvements. Having this hands-on Six Sigma project experience is essential to demonstrate you can apply concepts in the real world.
Consider Getting Additional Certifications
Once you earn your initial Black Belt, there are additional tiered certifications that can boost your qualifications even further:
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Six Sigma Black Belt – Level II: Requires 3 project completions and demonstrates you can lead complex deployments independently.
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Six Sigma Black Belt – Level III: Must complete 5 projects and involves mentoring/training other Belts. Considered an expert Black Belt.
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Six Sigma Master Black Belt: Highest pinnacle after 5+ years experience. Oversees all Six Sigma initiatives at the executive level.
These advanced designations can help further stand out when pursuing senior leadership positions or consulting roles later in your career.
Leverage Online Credit Banking
To make obtaining multiple Six Sigma certifications easier, look into credit banking platforms like Six Sigma Online. This allows you to purchase bulk training credits upfront and redeem them for specialized courses and certifications as needed over time.
It provides maximum flexibility to get accredited in areas like healthcare, supply chain, IT, and much more at your own pace while locking in savings. And credits never expire!
Develop a Career Roadmap
As you progress through the major milestones to becoming a Six Sigma Black Belt, it helps to outline a long-term career roadmap so you can regularly reflect on your goals. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How will achieving my Black Belt enhance my current job performance and future advancement opportunities?
- What specific knowledge gaps would I like to fill or skills further develop through training and projects?
- What related certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green Belt could complement my Black Belt?
- Do I aim to ultimately progress to Master Black Belt or Six Sigma leadership positions down the road?
Having clarity around your motivation and aspirations will help guide you to meaningful professional growth long after reaching your initial Black Belt.
Join Industry Groups and Associations
Finally, don’t go it alone. Connect with professional groups like the American Society for Quality that provide networking, resources, and development opportunities. Attend local chapter meetings to regularly strengthen your knowledge.
Surrounding yourself with a strong support network of colleagues and mentors will help you successfully earn your Black Belt certification and continue growing as a quality leader for years to come.
The Council for Six Sigma Certification
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
Ready to get Certified? Register to take your exam below. Need some training before getting Certified? See the various Six Sigma Training options available to you.
A Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is an individual that possesses a thorough understanding of the entire Six Sigma Body of Knowledge. In addition, this individual has a thorough comprehension of both Six Sigma philosophies and principles (including supporting systems and tools). The Black Belt Certification designation also reflects an understanding of team leadership, team dynamics, and the ability to successfully assign team members with roles and responsibilities. Lastly, this individual demonstrates a high-level understanding of the DMAIC model in accordance with the Six Sigma principles, basic knowledge of lean enterprise concepts, and skills to quickly identify “non-value-added” activities.
The Council for Sigma Certification (CSSC) offers 2 different paths to earning a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification. Individuals who have already received training, and feel that they have significant understanding of the topics covered in the Black Belt Certification “Body of Knowledge,” can simply sit for our standard comprehensive examination.
Individuals who are instead using one of our free Self-Study Guides, either independently or in conjunction with a training provider, can sit for several short exams as they progress through the different sections (as opposed to a single large comprehensive exam).
As an added benefit, those seeking the second option towards Certification would be able to obtain the various levels of our standard certifications (White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt) as they progress through their certification journey, without incurring any additional examination fees.
Either path will award our official certification(s).
We feel the Multiple Exam path to be the most beneficial option for those who are newer to the methodology, professionals looking for a solid refresher, or those candidates who would like to reduce their overall examination/certification costs.
In Summary:
Path 1: Ideal for candidates:
- Who have already received training and feel that they have a significant understanding the “Body of Knowledge.”
- Who are only seeking a single level of certification.
- Who would be comfortable completing their exam in 3 hours.
- Price: $229.00! (Register)
Path 2: Ideal for candidates:
- Who are utilizing one of our free Self-Study Guides either independently or in conjunction with a training provider.
- Looking to earn the various levels of “Belts” as they progress without incurring additional examination fees.
- That feel they may need more than 3 attempts to pass the examination.
- Who would prefer a non-timed exam format.
- Price: $349.00! (Register)
Choose a Different Currency:
To learn the specifics of the different paths, please select the appropriate tab below: Path 1: Standard Exam (Single Certification) Path 2: Self-Paced Exams (Multiple Certifications) Path 2: Alternative Option* (Online Training Included) Path 1: Standard Exam (Single Certification)
The “Standard Exam” is a single comprehensive exam intended for those who are already familiar with the Six Sigma Green Belt “Body of Knowledge.”
The Official CSSC Six Sigma Black Belt Certification exam consists of 150 questions. It is an open-book format examination (we encourage the use of the free Self-Study Guide issued by The Council for Six Sigma Certification while taking the exam) that you will have 3 hours to complete.
The Exam consists of multiple-choice and true/false questions from the major sections of CSSC Six Sigma Black Belt “Body of Knowledge.” The Official CSSC Six Sigma Black Belt Certification exam can be taken either online (utilizing the link below) or at designated testing centers located worldwide. The current examination assessment fee is $229.00 Compare Us (other major currency options are available during payment). Applicants will have 3 attempts to successfully pass the exam with the required minimum score (see below). If unsuccessful after 3 attempts, the applicant would need to pay the examination assessment fee again.
To successfully obtain the professional designation of a CSSC Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSC-CSSBB) issued by The Council for Six Sigma Certification, individuals must successfully complete our CSSC Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Exam and achieve a score of 420 points (or higher) out of a total 600 possible points.
There are no prerequisites for taking the CSSC Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Exam. Once the examination assessment fee is paid, you will have 1 year to successfully pass the exam.
There is no project requirement for this Certification. However, this certification is a prerequisite for any individual wishing to pursue our Level II Black Belt Certification which does have a project requirement.
We recommend that any individual wanting to successfully pass the official CSSC certification exam, obtain Six Sigma training either through a qualified training provider or by studying the free self-study guide issued by The Council for Six Sigma Certification. For those candidates that feel the need to re-familiarize themselves with the Six Sigma Black Belt methodology, we highly recommend that they review both the free self-study guide and the corresponding “Body of Knowledge”.
After successfully fulfilling the certification requirements, candidates will receive an Official CSSC Six Sigma Black Belt Certification issued by The Council for Six Sigma Certification, the most respected accrediting organization in the Six Sigma industry.
Our certifications have no expiration date. We strongly feel that certifications that require “renewals” only serve to increase the profits of the certification providers instead of benefiting the individual. Or put another way, a Master’s Degree in Business does not expire… why would your professional certification?
Candidates who would like to obtain a more recent certification date can always resit for the certification exam at any time (often for less money than a provider would charge for a “renewal”).
Upon completion of the requirements, individuals are issued a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification in an electronic form. All certifications contain a verifiable certification number and the certification holder is added to the Council for Six Sigma Certification Official Register.
The “Self-Study Exams” option is a flexible option for candidates who would like to have the ability to obtain the various levels of our standard certifications (White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt) as they progress; without incurring any additional examination fees.
This alternative path to certification is designed for candidates utilizing our free Self-Study guides (either independently or through a training provider) or candidates seeking a more comprehensive path towards their Certification goals.
Simply put, for each chapter of the Self-Study Guide, there is a corresponding exam.
Each time the individual completes a chapter of the Self-Study guide, he or she will take a short (10-15 question) online exam. The exams are available to be taken online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are both open-book and non-timed.
After multiple exams are successfully passed (requiring a minimum score of 70% on each exam), a new level of Six Sigma Certification is awarded.
The Certification milestones are as follows:
- Chapter Exams 1-3: Six Sigma White Belt Certification
- Chapter Exams 1-11: Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification
- Chapter Exams 1-24: Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
- Chapter Exams 1-33: Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
As illustrated above, the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification exam consists of 33 separate chapter exams (between 10-15 questions each).
The current examination assessment fee for the Self-Paced Exams option is $349.00 Compare Us (other major currency options are available during payment).
Applicants are provided with an unlimited number of attempts to successfully pass their exams within 12 months of registering. If necessary, extensions can be requested before the deadline.
To successfully obtain the professional designation of a CSSC Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSC-CSSBB) issued by The Council for Six Sigma Certification, individuals must successfully complete each of the 33 self-paced CSSC Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Exams and achieve a minimum score of 70% on each individual exam. Other Certifications are also available as stated above.
There are no prerequisites for taking the Self-Study Exams.
There is no project requirement for the Self-Study Exams.
We recommend that any candidate looking to successfully pass an official CSSC certification exam, obtain Six Sigma training either through a qualified training provider, or by studying the free self-study guide issued by The Council for Six Sigma Certification. For candidates who are already proficient in the Six Sigma Black Belt methodology, we highly recommend that they review both the free self-study guide and the corresponding “Body of Knowledge“.
After fulfilling the certification requirements, candidates will receive an Official CSSC Six Sigma Black Belt Certification issued by The Council for Six Sigma Certification, the most respected accrediting organization in the Six Sigma industry.
Our certifications have no expiration date. We strongly feel that certifications that require “renewals” only serve to increase the profits of the certification providers instead of benefiting the individual. Or put another way, a Master’s Degree in Business does not expire… why would your professional certification?
Candidates who would like to obtain a more recent certification date can always resit for the certification exam at any time.
Upon completion of the requirements, individuals are issued a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification in either an electronic or physical form. All certifications contain a verifiable certification number and the certification holder is added to the Council for Six Sigma Certification Official Register.
Self-Paced Online Training & Certification
Want the “Self-Paced” option, but feel like you might need some additional training videos to go with it? Would you like it customized towards your specific industry to boost your qualifications even further?
Aveta Business Institute’s Six Sigma Online is now offering the same flexible option of our “Self-Study” based strictly off of our Body of Knowledge while adding the benefits of training videos, tools, templates, and other supplemental material.
While enrolled in their Black Belt Program, students will still earn their White Belt, Yellow Belt, and Green Belt Certifications while progressing through their Black Belt Program. Their certifications are fully accredited by The Council for Six Sigma Certification and never expire.
In addition, Six Sigma Online offer the largest variety of customized training and certification programs within the Six Sigma industry, such as:
For a full list of industries and descriptions for their Six Sigma Training & Certification Programs, please visit: https://www.sixsigmaonline.org/six-sigma-training/
