Black Belt (Stage 2 and 3) Certification Program

Black Belt Certification is the culmination of the full Black Belt Program. All the foundational skills for a Black Belt are established during Green Belt Certification. In this sense Black Belt Certification involves the full application of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and therefore demonstrates the process of dealing with more complex situations – a Black Belt level type project.

By full application we mean the use of the full Improvement Plan, the cycles, all the phases, the practice of Change Management and so on. Basically the bulk of the elements raised in the Black Belt course are applied. Cycles would be completed at a more detailed level than at Green Belt. More complex analyses would have been completed. Change Management would have been applied formally. So cycles should show such application and reflection.

During the Black Belt workshop the idea that improvement work is a continuum of complexity was raised from ‘Just Do It’ scenarios to Rapid Improvement Projects to more complex scenarios more appropriate for the full application of the methodology beginning at the Green Belt level.

Black Belt Stages 2 and 3 covers the various competencies assessed through the project. They range for demonstrating the understanding of the methodology and the use of complex analysis tools to Change Management and Facilitation skills. Measurable improvement must be demonstrated at the end of the project as well as a high level of ROI.

• The scope of the problem is complex with interlocking issues and tends to cover a whole value stream or a larger span within the organisation.
• As a result more senior stakeholders and different departments maybe involved
• The ROI is large involving more strategic work,
• Large numbers of people may be affected and Significant change management issues may need to be dealt with
• The duration of the project would be 6 to 8 months or more
• The project may proceed through at more than cycle of work in Define, Measure, Analyse, Develop, Pilot and Implement.
• The full application of the Lean Six Sigma methodology would be expected as described above. This includes the full Improvement Plan or Charter, full cycles, application of more sophisticated Change Management techniques, demonstration of baseline stability and capability patterns using more complex measurement methods, use of advanced analysis techniques as well as advanced solution methods.
• More reflection on the whole process would be expected as part of the certification process.

• As part of the Black Belt Workshop 30% of certification is completed through the assessments that must be completed at the time of the workshop at both stages 2 and 3. If participants enter as prior learning candidates then this assessment must be completed before starting the certification process. Coaching and Bridging work is carried out if required.
• Project Phase of certification constitutes 70% of the Certification assessment.
• Participants must formally enrol in the program
• Detailed Guidelines are provided covering competencies, the process, the feedback templates and details about the portfolio to be submitted.
• Support material is provided to all participants upon enrolment. This includes planning templates, readings and other tools.
• Six coaching sessions are provided apart from the initial coaching discussion to review the intended plan before the project progresses too far.
• Participants are allowed 12 months to complete the project and submit work from the time of enrolment in the certification program.
• The portfolio of work must be submitted as per the provided requirements. The coach assists the participant in ensuring that all requirements are met.
• A 2 hour presentation / discussion is made by the participant to the assessors.
• The work is assessed and the results and certificate sent to the participant

The Institute recognises that people will have completed training elsewhere. In such cases the participant needs to contact the institute and provide evidence of prior learning. This will be discussed on contact with LSSBEI.

For Prior Learning Black Belt Certification candidates this will involve:

• Showing evidence of training,
• The completion of self assessment. Candidates complete the self assessment and then decide whether attendance at a Black Belt or a Black Belt bridging program is required. If candidates feel confident on the basis of the self assessment and discussion with LSSBEI representatives, then they formally enrol in Black Belt Certification.
• Black Belt Training Materials, texts and Readings are provided.
• Candidates then complete the assessments carried out as part of the Black Belt Workshops. These are marked and further coaching is provided if required. This constitutes 30% of the Certification assessment.
• Candidates then proceed into the Project Phase of certification (70% of the Certification assessment)