Lean Six Sigma belts describe levels of skill and responsibility in improvement work. Choosing the right belt depends on the role you will play, not on prestige.
The belts
- White Belt: awareness of Lean Six Sigma concepts for all staff.
- Yellow Belt: team members who support projects and use basic tools.
- Green Belt: practitioners who lead projects in their own area part-time using DMAIC and statistics.
- Black Belt: experts who lead complex cross-functional projects and coach Green Belts, often full-time.
- Master Black Belt: leaders of deployment who train and mentor Black Belts and shape the improvement portfolio.
- Champion: senior managers who select projects, remove barriers and sponsor Belts.
How to choose
Most professionals start with Green Belt. Choose Yellow Belt for a short introduction, and Black Belt once you have completed Green Belt projects and will lead larger programs.
Certification
Look for training that includes a real project or simulation, uses statistical software, and is delivered by an accredited provider. The Excellence Center is listed by the Council for Six Sigma Certification as an accredited private training organization.
