Six Sigma certification: The six-level path to Master Black Belt

Six Sigma is a quality management methodology that aims to streamline processes in an effort to improve products and services. The framework originated in manufacturing, where it was developed to improve quality control and reduce variance in the manufacturing process. It’s since evolved to become a widespread methodology adopted by corporations to bolster internal business processes in industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance.

In technology organizations, Six Sigma can help reduce error margins in products, software, and services, ensuring improved user experience and fewer business process missteps. By identifying areas for process improvement, organizations can ensure better quality management, better customer satisfaction, and reduced cost. The methodology is often paired with Lean to help accelerate processes.

Due to the popularity and efficacy of Six Sigma, earning certification in the methodology can give your career a boost. Here is a look at Six Sigma certification, its levels, fees, and earning potential.

Six Sigma certification overview

Six Sigma follows a certification path using belts, starting with White Belt and going up to Master Black Belt. These certifications are designed to validate you have the knowledge and understanding to undertake Six Sigma projects in your organization, with different levels of responsibility as you move up the levels.

Earning Six Sigma certification demonstrates you have the ability to address and solve complex process problems. Given its applicability across many industries, it is a versatile credential to earn, and because professionals with Six Sigma certification are skilled at improving process quality and efficiency, they are considered valuable employees for impacting but also affect the bottom line.

Six Sigma White Belt

White Belt is the first step on the Six Sigma certification path for those just starting to develop and hone Six Sigma related skills. To earn this level certification, you’ll need to demonstrate you have a basic understanding of the Six Sigma methodology. The exam tests your knowledge of definitions, history, and structure of the framework, as well as your awareness of who should be involved in Six Sigma implementation within the organization. There are no prerequisites to take the free online, open-book, 30-question multiple-choice exam, which you’ll need to score 70% or higher to pass. This certification never expires and there’s a free self-study guide available to prepare for the test.

Average annual salary: $42,000

Exam assessment fee: Free

Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Yellow Belt is the next level of certification, validating that you have the basic knowledge of Six Sigma. However, at this level, you won’t lead projects on your own but most likely you’ll be brought in further on Six Sigma projects to assist and support. You’ll be expected to help with the development of process maps that support internal Six Sigma projects, acting as a core team member or subject matter expert on projects. You’ll also be tasked with running smaller projects around process improvement, utilizing the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) methodology to identify processes that can be improved. Those projects are then escalated to individuals at the Green or Black Belt level.

Average annual salary: $65,000

Exam assessment fee: $99

Six Sigma Green Belt

The next level of certification is Green Belt, testing your knowledge and understanding of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) model, and how to use it for complex problem-solving. At this level, you should also be able to demonstrate you can serve as a team member within your function-specific area of the organization. You’ll be responsible to work on smaller and more narrowly defined Six Sigma projects, with less of a time commitment than those with higher level certifications.

Average annual salary: $85,000

Exam assessment fee: $159

Six Sigma Green Belt II

Once you’ve passed the Green Belt exam, you qualify to earn the Green Belt Level II certification, which demonstrates you’ve strengthened your knowledge and understanding of the Six Sigma methodology, with a focus on the DMAIC model. This certification level doesn’t require an exam, but you’ll need to submit a completed Six Sigma project that follows either the DMAIC or DMAD methodology, in which you were an active team member. Submitted projects are reviewed within seven to 10 business days, typically looking at your skills around pre-planning, project charters, and understanding and implementation of analysis tools and adequate control plans. 

Green Belt Level II project review fee: $300

Six Sigma Black Belt

The Black Belt level of certification validates you have a strong understanding of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge, and the philosophies and principles of the methodology, along with all supporting systems and tools. You’ll also need to demonstrate strong leadership skills, and the importance of team leadership, dynamics, and assigning responsibilities within a team.

Average annual salary: $95,000 to $110,000.

Exam assessment fee: $229

Six Sigma Black Belt Level II

Once you’ve earned your Black Belt certification, you can move on to earn your Level II certification. This demonstrates you have a thorough and deep understanding of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge, and you’ve gained hands-on experience through the execution of a DMAIC or DMADV project. You’ll need to submit a project for approval, demonstrating proficiency in team leadership, team dynamics, and an ability to identify the right team members for a project. You can either submit a live sponsored project that’s completed in a live business environment, or a hypothetical project that demonstrates your skills and proficiency.

Black Belt Level II project review fee: $300

Six Sigma Black Belt Level III

This certification demonstrates you’ve proven you have a deep understanding of the full Six Sigma Body of Knowledge, and have participated in DMAIC and DMADV projects. It also validates a proficiency in team leadership, team dynamics, and an ability to successfully assemble a team for Six Sigma projects. You’ll need to submit projects that are separate from the projects submitted for the Level II certification, which are evaluated to ensure you demonstrate a high-level understanding of the DMAIC model, Six Sigma principles, lean enterprise concepts, and skills to identify non-value-added activities.

Black Belt Level III project review fee: $300

Six Sigma Master Black Belt

The Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification is the most advanced level of certification for Six Sigma. It requires a minimum of four years’ experience executing Six Sigma projects in a Black Belt capacity, or equivalent. This certification validates you have an expert-level knowledge of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge, and knowhow to execute a DMAIC or DMADV project. The exam consists of true and false questions covering the Six Sigma Black Belt Body of Knowledge. Once passed, you’ll also need to submit three completed Six Sigma projects that follow either the DMAIC or DMADV methodology. These projects also must be different than the projects required for the Six Sigma Black Belt Level II or III certifications.

Average annual salary: $100,000 to $135,000.

Exam assessment fee: $665