Things You'll Need:
- Training
- Passing exam grade
- Successful completion of one or two Six Sigma projects
- Completed certification package
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Step 1
Determine if becoming a Six Sigma Black Belt is right for you. Although an understanding of statistics and data analysis is helpful, this alone will not forecast your success as a Black Belt. Do you have a burning desire to make things better? Are you a people person? Good at change management? A good leader? If you aren't, Six Sigma might not be the best career path for you.
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Step 2
Find a good training program. Unlike project management or other fields, there is no industry standard for Six Sigma Black Belt certifications. Also, there are some diploma mill type programs which won't help you much in the long run. Look for programs that offer at least 3-4 weeks of full time instruction and have a good reputation.
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Step 3
Attend the course and complete the exam. Learn as much as you can in class and ask questions while you have the benefit of a full time instructor. Most reputable programs require that you complete a written examination in order to pass the class. In most cases, completion of a training course does not equate to Six Sigma Black Belt certification. You'll have to apply that training to do that.
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Step 4
Successfully complete one or two Six Sigma projects. Most likely, you will be required to successfully complete at least one Black Belt level project in order to be certified. Depending on the certifying body, you may just have to show that you followed the process and used the appropriate tools. Most likely, however, your project will have to show measurable improvement.
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Step 5
Complete any additional certification requirements. Some programs take certification a step further and require that you teach Green Belt courses for a certain number of hours, or even mentor Green Belts. Make sure you have completed all requirements and documented them before completing your certification package.
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Step 6
Complete your Six Sigma Black Belt certification package. Programs differ, but you generally don't get credit for completing the work unless you document it. Documentation might include a paper about your project, training hours, letters of recommendation, or certification from your organization that you met all of the requirements. This final step can take some time.
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Step 7
It's not easy earning a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification. Make sure you celebrate your accomplishment, and maybe even ask for a raise.
