Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q - What is Six Sigma?
A – Sigma is the Greek letter used by statisticians to identify a measure of variability. Six Sigma is the rigorous, structured and highly effective implementation of proven quality principles, tools and techniques. Six Sigma is accomplished by planning and executing projects that align resources with strategically important projects to bring tangible results to the bottom line. Six Sigma professionals use a well-defined problem-solving model to improve the performance of processes to a virtually error-free level that results in increased customer satisfaction, higher quality and lower costs. The tools and techniques of Six Sigma are integrated into an intensive training regimen that focuses on practical application and measurable results.
Q - Why should I choose Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Key Performance LLC for my Six Sigma Certification Training?
A - Six Sigma is implemented by planning and executing projects. Key Performance LLC is first and foremost a project management training organization, and you will learn from highly qualified instructors who are Project Management Professionals (PMP’s) as well as Six Sigma Master Black Belts. Our programs offer open enrollment, are available to individuals who are not currently employed in an organization that is involved with Six Sigma, and feature small class sizes. All of our programs are available in both a traditional classroom format, and online using the BlackBoard course delivery system. Our programs focus on real-world application as opposed to mathematical and statistical theory.
If you are already certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute (PMI), or hold one of the other PMI certifications, you will earn Professional Development Units (PDU’s) for our courses. Key Performance is a Registered Education Provider (REP) with PMI and our Six Sigma courses have been approved for PDU’s. In addition, you will receive Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) from FAU.
Finally, your Six Sigma Certification is granted jointly by FAU and Key Performance, so it carries the full weight of both organizations.
Q - How will Six Sigma help me to manage projects better?
A - The skills and knowledge that you gain will help you to do a better job of defining customer needs in measurable terms, linking your projects to business strategy, quantifying the bottom-line benefits of your project, and sustaining the gains after your project is turned over to ongoing operations. You will improve your ability to make decisions using facts and data, solve problems, and think in terms what adds value to business processes.
Q - How was the curriculum for each course developed?
A – Our curriculum was developed after a great deal of thought and study, and is based on a benchmarking study conducted by Key Performance LLC of a number of leading programs worldwide. Our curriculum is aligned with the recommendations of both the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the International Society of Six Sigma Professionals (ISSSP), and seamlessly integrates Six Sigma, Project Management, and Lean Enterprise improvement methodologies. Our curriculum focuses on service and information systems/information technology business processes as well as manufacturing processes, and examples from both types of businesses are included. The Project Management portions of our curriculum are aligned with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) Fourth Edition as published by the Project Management Institute. The curriculum stresses the connection between project management and Six Sigma, and how project managers can and will be more successful when using the Six Sigma approach and Six Sigma tools and techniques.
Q – What topics are included in each course?
A – Please download a copy of “Topics - Six Sigma Certification Courses” from our website for a detailed list of the topics that are covered in each of our certification courses.
Q – Isn’t Six Sigma just for manufacturing operations?
A – No. Six Sigma is used in all types of service oriented and transactional process environments as well as in manufacturing. Our courses include examples and exercises that address service and information technology related processes as well as manufacturing processes.
Q - What’s in it for me to get certified?
A – Six Sigma certification is a widely recognized and highly prized credential in the marketplace. In addition, you can expect to be more successful in your current position by achieving better results personally, and by calling attention to ways in which your organization can improve in a broader sense. The knowledge that you gain will increase your expert power in any organization and make you a more valuable employee. Individuals choose to pursue Six Sigma Certification for the following reasons:
- Career advancement
- Personal growth
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Increased level of job performance
- Improved marketability
Q – Why should my organization support Six Sigma certification?
A - Organizations will realize the following benefits from having their employees Six Sigma certified:
- Implementation of an improvement framework with proven tools
- Improvement of your most important asset, your employees
- Achievement of organizational excellence in business process improvement
- Excellent Return on Investment – 10 to one or greater return on your training dollars
Q - What if I am not part of an organization that currently uses Six Sigma?
A – You are welcome to enter our open enrollment courses. In the case of the Black Belt certification, we will make sure that you have an opportunity to work on a project that will allow you to demonstrate your skills and earn your certificate. Individuals who are not currently employed may complete a project for a charity, a house of worship, an agency in their community such as a youth sports league, or any number of other opportunities.
Q – How are the online courses delivered?
A - You will have full access to the course content for the scheduled duration of each course. You can study at your own pace and on your own schedule as long as you are making regular, weekly progress toward completing the course within the allowed time frame. Your instructor is available on an ongoing basis for guidance, discussions and to give you feedback on your course work throughout the duration of the course. The textbook for the course will be mailed to you before the start date of the course.
Online courses are delivered using The Blackboard Academic Suite. Blackboard software has become the most popular and proven online learning solution in the world. Our online courses feature the exact same content, rigor and instructors as our classroom courses, and are designed for individuals who are motivated to pursue Six Sigma certification but unable to attend a traditional classroom training course.
Q – What happens if I don’t complete an online course within the required time frame?
A – Your tuition will be forfeited if an online course is not completed within the allowed time frame, unless prior arrangements are made with the course instructor. Students are required to remain active on a regular weekly basis, either by posting in the BlackBoard system or by communicating with the course instructor in some other fashion. If tuition is forfeited and you wish to re-enroll for the course, you will be charged the full amount less the cost of the textbook(s).
Q – Do you offer group discounts or any other type of discount?
A – Yes. A group discount of 10% is offered for three or more individuals from the same organization registered for the same course. Also, if you have taken the Green Belt Certification course from FAU and Key Performance you will receive a 10% discount on the Black Belt and/or Master Black Belt courses.
If you are unemployed and live in Broward County FL (Workforce One program) or Palm Beach County FL (Workforce Alliance program) you may be eligible for tuition assistance up to $6000 to attend approved training courses. Please contact Sara Feder at Florida Atlantic University, 561-297-2544 for more information.
Q - How can I get more information?
A – Please contact Sara Feder at Florida Atlantic University, 561-297-2544 or Barbara Tie at Key Performance, 877-633-2103.
|
Yellow Belt |
Green Belt |
Black Belt |
Master Black Belt |
Roles and Responsibilities |
Support projects that are led by Green Belts or Black Belts.
Assist Green Belts and Black Belts in data collection and analysis and process mapping.
Implement tools, techniques and practices to achieve cost reduction and quality improvement. |
Form and facilitate Six Sigma teams and manage basic Six Sigma projects.
Green Belts typically work on improvement projects part-time and assist Black Belts in data collection, data analysis and process mapping.
Implement tools, techniques and practices to achieve cost reduction and quality improvement while extending the “reach” of Black Belts. |
Define projects for Green Belts and Yellow Belts.
Mentor and guide Green Belts and Yellow Belts in the completion of their projects.
The Black Belt utilizes statistical analysis software to draw valid statistical conclusions, depict relationships, analyze measurement systems, test hypotheses, design experiments, apply statistical process control, and more.
Black Belts manage more advanced Six Sigma projects, and serve as leaders and change agents for projects that span the enterprise. |
Train, mentor and coach everyone in the organization who is involved in Six Sigma.
Raise the level of organizational competency with respect to Six Sigma.
Be the highest level of technical expertise regarding Six Sigma in the organization.
Develop and conduct training sessions.
Transfer lessons learned.
Assist upper management to drive change.
Lead large and complex projects.
Foster an organizational culture of continuous improvement.
. |
|
Yellow Belt |
Green Belt |
Black Belt |
Master Black Belt |
Target audience – who should attend? |
Junior level employees
First line operators
Administrators
Potential Green Belt and/or Black Belt candidates
Anyone who may support the planning and execution of process improvement projects
If you plan to pursue the Green Belt certification, the Yellow Belt is not required nor is it recommended. |
Project managers
Team leaders
Programmers/Systems analysts
Team members who will participate in improvement projects
Candidates seeking to continue for the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification |
Outstanding individuals who have the aptitude and desire to master the complexities of the training program, based on their performance as Six Sigma Green Belts.
Individuals who will lead organization-wide improvement efforts.
Candidates seeking the Master Black Belt certification. |
Outstanding individuals who have the aptitude and desire to master the complexities of the training program and fulfill the role of the Master Black Belt, based on their performance as Six Sigma Black Belts. |
Certification requirements |
Completion of a 14-hour training course, including all exercises and assignments, and a grade of 70% or better on a written final examination. |
Completion of a 35-hour training course, including all exercises and assignments, and a grade of 70% or better on a written final examination. |
Completion of an 84-hour training course, including all exercises and assignments, and completion of a comprehensive project. |
Completion of a 35-hour training course, including all exercises and assignments. |
Course length - classroom |
Two consecutive days; courses are scheduled on demand. You may place your name on a waiting list until the course minimum of 4 students is reached. |
Five consecutive days; courses are regularly scheduled. |
Twelve days. Three sessions of four consecutive days each, held over three months. Courses are regularly scheduled. |
Five consecutive days; courses are scheduled on demand. You may place your name on a wait list until the course minimum of 4 students is reached. |
Course cost – classroom |
$795 US |
$1995 US |
$4495 US |
$2695 US |
Class size – classroom. Min. size based on non-discounted registrations. |
4 minimum – 15 maximum |
5 minimum – 15 maximum |
3 minimum – 10 maximum |
4 minimum – 10 maximum |
|
Yellow Belt |
Green Belt |
Black Belt |
Master Black Belt |
Course length - online |
Course must be completed within two months of receipt of course materials and login id. Students may enroll and start at any time. Participation at least once each week is required. |
Course must be completed within four months of receipt of course materials and login id. Students may enroll and start at any time. Participation at least once each week is required. |
Course must be completed within twelve months of receipt of course materials and login id. Students may enroll and start at any time. Participation at least once each week is required. |
Course must be completed within six months of receipt of course materials and login id. Students may enroll and start at any time. Participation at least once each week is required. |
Course cost - online |
$795 US |
$1595 US |
$3995 US |
$1995 US |
Class size - online |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
Professional Development Units (PDU’s) |
14 |
35 |
84 |
35 |
Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) |
1.4 |
3.5 |
8.4 |
3.5 |
Required work to be done outside of the classroom |
None |
None |
Completion of a project that demonstrates application of the Black belt body of knowledge is required. |
No project, but significant assignment work is required outside of the classroom |
Written examination |
50 questions, 70% is passing |
100 questions; 70% is passing |
None |
None |
Text (included in the cost of the course) |
What Is Six Sigma by Pande and Holpp, ISBN 0-07-138185-6 |
The Six Sigma Way Team Fieldbook: An Implementation Guide for Process Improvement Teams by Peter S. Pande, Robert P. Nueman and Roland R. Cavanagh. ISBN 0-07-137314-4 |
Implementing Six Sigma – Second Edition by Forrest W. Breyfogle III, ISBN 0-471-26572-1 |
Implementing Six Sigma – Second Edition by Forrest W. Breyfogle III, ISBN 0-471-26572-1 |
New in 2010