LEAN SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT CERTIFICATION

INTRODUCTION FOR LEAN SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT CERTIFICATION

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) certification represents the highest level of mastery in Lean Six Sigma methodology for professionals who aspire to lead complex improvement initiatives and drive organizational excellence.

While Green Belts focus on executing projects within their functional areas, Black Belts act as leaders, mentors, and change agents—guiding cross-functional teams, applying advanced statistical tools, and aligning improvement projects with strategic business objectives.

This 12-day intensive program equips participants with:

• Deep expertise in the DMAIC methodology and advanced analytical tools
• Leadership and coaching skills to mentor Green Belts and influence stakeholders
• Hands-on experience with statistical software for complex data analysis
• Capability to design, lead, and sustain large-scale process improvements
• Strategic insight into deploying Lean Six Sigma across the enterprise

By the end of the course, participants will be able to lead enterprise-wide transformation projects, deliver measurable results in quality, cost, and customer satisfaction, and act as catalysts for a culture of continuous improvement.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Master the DMAIC methodology at an advanced level to solve complex, cross-functional business problems.
• Apply advanced statistical and analytical tools to measure, analyze, and improve process performance.
• Lead high-impact Lean Six Sigma projects that align with organizational strategy and deliver measurable business results.
• Coach and mentor Green Belts and project teams in applying Lean Six Sigma tools effectively.
• Integrate Lean principles such as waste elimination, flow improvement, and value stream mapping with Six Sigma practices.
• Drive organizational change by applying structured change management and leadership frameworks.
• Design and implement robust control systems to sustain improvements and institutionalize best practices.
• Develop strategic roadmaps for enterprise-wide Lean Six Sigma deployment and continuous improvement.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the role of a Black Belt as a leader, mentor, and change agent in Lean Six Sigma deployments.
• Define, prioritize, and scope projects that align with business goals and stakeholder needs.
• Collect and analyze data using advanced statistical techniques (e.g., regression, ANOVA, DOE, logistic regression, SPC).
• Identify root causes of variation and waste using structured problem-solving and modeling approaches.
• Design and optimize solutions using tools like DOE, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and advanced Lean practices.
• Implement sustainable control systems such as control plans, dashboards, and mistake-proofing methods.
• Facilitate cultural change by applying change management models and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Deliver enterprise-level improvements with measurable impact on cost, quality, speed, and customer satisfaction.

LEARNING METHODOLOGY: WORKSHOP-BASED APPROACH

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program is delivered through a highly interactive, workshop-style format, designed to balance advanced technical mastery with hands-on leadership practice. Participants not only learn statistical and Lean Six Sigma tools but also apply them directly through real-world simulations, case studies, and project coaching.

Key Features of the Methodology

• Real-Life Simulations
  1. Participants engage in simulated business process environments (manufacturing, services, or healthcare).
  2. They apply the DMAIC framework step by step, mirroring real project conditions.
  3. Complex scenarios (e.g., cross-department conflicts, data variation, customer complaints) are used to sharpen problem-solving skills.
• Case Studies & Best Practices
  1. Black Belt-level case studies from industries like automotive, electronics, healthcare, and banking are analyzed.
  2. Participants critique project strategies, review results, and explore alternative approaches.
• Hands-On Data Analysis Workshops
  1. Extensive use of Minitab / JMP / Excel for statistical problem solving.
  2. Workshops include hypothesis testing, regression modeling, DOE, and SPC.
  3. Teams interpret statistical outputs and translate them into actionable business decisions.
• Group Exercises & Team-Based Learning
  1. Exercises such as Value Stream Mapping, FMEA, Cause-and-Effect Matrix, and DOE design are conducted in groups.
  2. Teams learn to collaborate, challenge assumptions, and defend their recommendations.
• Project-Based Learning
  1. Each participant is encouraged to bring a real project from their workplace.
  2. Trainers provide coaching and feedback throughout the course to ensure applicability.
  3. By the end of training, participants present a mini-project or case simulation applying all DMAIC phases.
• Leadership & Coaching Practice
  1. Role plays and simulations develop influencing and mentoring skills.
  2. Black Belts practice coaching Green Belts in breakout sessions.
  3. Emphasis is placed on leading cross-functional teams and managing resistance to change.
• Continuous Knowledge Checks
  1. Quizzes, short assignments, and reflection discussions after each module.
  2. Ensures concepts are reinforced and participants are ready for certification.
• Final Project Presentation & Exam
  1. Participants present their projects in a structured format (problem, data, analysis, solution, results).
  2. Peer review simulates real organizational project reporting.
  3. Certification requires both passing the exam and demonstrating project competency.

COURSE CONTENT AND OUTLINE

Define Phase

• The Understanding of Six Sigma 
  • Meanings of Six Sigma 
  • General History of Six Sigma & Continuous  Improvement Initiatives
  • Deliverables of a Lean Six Sigma Project 
  • The Problem-Solving Strategy of Y = f(x) 
  • Voice of the Customer, Business and Employee 
  • Six Sigma Roles & Responsibilities 
• The Fundamentals of Six Sigma 
  • Defining a Process 
  • Critical to Quality Characteristics (CTQ’s) 
  • Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) 
  • Pareto Analysis (80:20 rule) 
  • Basic Six Sigma Metrics 
• Selecting Lean Six Sigma Projects 
  • Building a Business Case & Project Charter 
  • Developing Project Metrics 
  • Financial Evaluation & Benefits Capture 
• Strategies of Implementing Lean and Six Sigma in an organization 

Difference and Similarities between Lean and Six Sigma 

An example of implementing Six Sigma for the whole enterprise. 

Other Models of Implementing Six Sigma 

• Lean and Six Sigma Implementation Case Study 
• Project Charter Case Study

Measure Phase

• Process Definition 
  • Cause & Effect / Fishbone Diagrams 
  • Process Mapping, SIPOC, Value Stream Map 
  • X-Y Diagram 
  • Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA) 
• Introduction to Minitab 
• Six Sigma Statistics 
  • Basic Statistics 
  • Descriptive Statistics 
  • Normal Distributions & Normality 
  • Graphical Analysis 
• Measurement System Analysis 
  • Precision & Accuracy 
  • Bias, Linearity & Stability 
  • Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility 
  • Variable & Attribute MSA 

• Process Capability 
  • Capability Analysis 
  • Concept of Stability 
  • Attribute & Discrete Capability 
  •  Monitoring Techniques
• Measurement System Analysis Case Study 
• Micro Process Map Case Study

Analyze Phase

• Patterns of Variation 
  • Multi-Vari Analysis 
  • Classes of Distributions 
• Inferential Statistics 
  • Understanding Inference 
  • Sampling Techniques & Uses 
  • Central Limit Theorem 
• Hypothesis Testing 
• General Concepts & Goals of Hypothesis Testing 
• Significance; Practical vs. Statistical 
• Risk; Alpha & Beta 
• Types of Hypothesis Test 
• Hypothesis Testing with Normal Data 
• 1 & 2 sample t-tests 
• 1 sample variance 
• One Way ANOVA 
• Tests of Equal Variance, Normality Testing and Sample Size calculation performing tests and interpreting results. 
• Hypothesis Testing with Non-Normal Data 
• Mood’s Median
• Mann-Whitney
• Kruskal-Wallis
• Friedman
• 1 Sample Sign
• 1 Sample Wilcoxon 
• One and Two Sample Proportion 
• Chi-Squared (Contingency Tables) 

Improve Phase

• Simple Linear Regression 
• Correlation 
• Regression Equations 
• Residuals Analysis
• Multiple Regression Analysis 
• Non- Linear Regression 
• Multiple Linear Regression 
• Confidence & Prediction Intervals 
• Residuals Analysis 
• Designed Experiments 

Experiment Objectives 

Experimental Methods 

Experiment Design Considerations 

• Full Factorial Experiments 

2k Full Factorial Designs 

Linear & Quadratic Mathematical Models 

Balanced & Orthogonal Designs 

Fit, Diagnose Model and Center Points 

• Fractional Factorial Experiments 

Designs 

Confounding Effects 

Experimental Resolution

Control Phase

• The Lean Enterprise 
• Understanding Lean 
• The History of Lean 
• Lean & Six Sigma 
• The Seven Elements of Waste 
• 5S
• Statistical Process Control (SPC) 
• Data Collection for SPC 
• I-MR Chart 
• Xbar-R Chart 
• U Chart 
• P Chart 
• NP Chart 
• X-S chart 
• Control Methods 
• Control Chart Anatomy 
• Subgroups, Impact of Variation, Frequency of Sampling 
• Center Line & Control Limit Calculations 
• Six Sigma Control Plans 
• Cost Benefit Analysis 
• Elements of the Control Plan 
• Elements of the Response Plan

TARGET AUDIENCE

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program is designed for professionals who lead, coach, and drive organizational excellence. Typical participants include:

• Mid to Senior-Level Managers
  • Responsible for driving operational efficiency, cost reduction, and performance improvements.
  • Leaders seeking structured problem-solving and decision-making approaches.
• Process Improvement Specialists / Continuous Improvement Leaders
  • Professionals in Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Operational Excellence roles.
  • Those managing cross-functional projects requiring advanced analytical skills.
• Quality & Operations Leaders
  • Quality Managers, Operations Managers, Production Heads, and Supply Chain Leaders.
  • Professionals accountable for reducing defects, improving throughput, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Green Belt Certified Professionals
  • Individuals who have completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and want to advance to the next level of mastery.
  • Those aspiring to mentor Green Belts and lead enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Project Managers & Business Analysts
  • Those who need to combine project management skills with data-driven process improvement.
  • Professionals working in industries where cost, quality, and speed are critical 

Certification Body – RPM-Academy (Canada)

RPM-Academy is a Canadian-based global e-learning and training organization specializing in Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, Project Management, Leadership, and Professional Development. With headquarters in Ottawa, Canada, RPM-Academy serves learners and organizations worldwide by combining structured learning with flexible, modern delivery.Our mission is simple: to make world-class education accessible, affordable, and impactful. We believe that skills in problem-solving, continuous improvement, and leadership should be available to everyone—not just large corporations or select professionals.

What We Offer

• Over 1,000 online courses and 100+ certifications in areas such as Lean Six Sigma, Agile, and Quality Management.
• Multiple learning formats:
  • Self-paced e-learning for flexibility.
  • Virtual classrooms for live instructor-led workshops.
  • Blended models for customized organizational training.
• Corporate learning portals: organizations can brand their own training platforms powered by RPM-Academy content.

ACCREDITATION & RECOGNITION

RPM-Academy’s Lean Six Sigma programs are accredited by the International Lean Six Sigma Institute (ILSSI), ensuring global recognition and credibility for learners.

For Organizations
We support corporations, municipalities, and institutions by:

• Licensing Lean Six Sigma and Agile programs for in-house learning systems.
• Offering scalable solutions to train entire teams or departments.
• Providing coaching and consulting alongside formal learning to ensure implementation success.

Why RPM-Academy

• Affordable & Scalable: More cost-effective than traditional classroom training.
• Global Reach: Learners across industries and geographies.
• Real-world Focus: Training is application-driven with project work, simulations, and coaching.
• Continuous Improvement Partner: Beyond training, RPM-Academy helps organizations achieve measurable results in productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) certification requirements at RPM-Academy (Canada): 

• Completion of Training – Must complete the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training program, covering the entire Body of Knowledge (DMAIC methodology, Lean tools, advanced statistics, leadership, etc.).

• Certification Exam – Successfully pass the Black Belt certification exam based on the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Body of Knowledge.
• Project Submission – Submit evidence of at least one completed improvement project that applies Lean Six Sigma methods and demonstrates measurable results.
• Project Documentation – Provide a project narrative or detailed report showing all DMAIC phases, analysis, implementation, outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Application of Tools – Demonstrate practical use of statistical, analytical, and Lean problem-solving tools during the project.

Organizational Endorsement (where applicable) – Some projects may require validation or endorsement from the candidate’s company to confirm business impact.