Green Belt (Black Belt Stage 1) Certification Program

The Green Belt Program is also Stage one of the Black Belt Program. All the foundational skills for a Black belt are established. In this sense the Green Belt involves the full application of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and therefore begins the process of dealing with more complex situations without taking on 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 Green Belt course are applied.

During the Green Belt workshop the idea that improvement work is a continuum of complexity is raised from ‘Just Do It’ scenarios to Rapid Improvement Projects to more complex scenarios more appropriate for the full application of the methodology.
The course covers the various competencies assessed through the project. They range for demonstrating the understanding of the methodology and the tools to Change Management and Facilitation skills. Measurable improvement must be demonstrated at the end of the project.

• The scope of the problem is moderately complex and can be dealt with in a 3 to 6 month timeframe.
• A number of teams of people may be involved and so the number of stakeholders at a senior level would be engaged apart from a sponsor.
• The project would proceed through at least one cycle of work in Define, Measure, Analyse, Develop 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 foundational Change Management techniques, demonstration of baseline stability and capability patterns, use of foundational analysis techniques as well as solution methods.
• It is expected that at the Green Belt level there would be a full application of the methodology. Therefore the problem to be addressed should be appropriate to the full application. Avoid frustrating people in the organisation by applying the full methodology (Green Belt Level) to small scale issues where ‘Just Do It’ or Rapid Improvement methods would have been sufficient. The ideal situation would be for an Improvement Project Manager to have experienced conducting this level of application before embarking on a Black Belt type project.

• As part of the Green Belt Workshop 30% of certification is completed through the assessments that must be completed at the time of the workshop. 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.
• Four 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 1.5 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 Green 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 Green Belt or a Green 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 Green Belt Certification.
• Green Belt Training Materials, texts and Readings are provided.
• Candidates then complete the assessments carried out as part of the Green Belt Workshop. 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)