FAQs – Lean and Six Sigma Training & Certification

A: Six Sigma is an integrated, disciplined proven approach for improving business performances. Six Sigma uses statistical analysis rather than guess work to determine why a process is not working. Then the process is improved and controls are put in place to ensure it remains stable. The end result is a hard or soft money savings for the organization.

A: Yes. Lean and Six Sigma are two separate methodologies that work very well together. Lean is a methodology based on waste reduction, while Six Sigma is a methodology based on process improvement. Both options are being used together in many organizations, so a Lean Six Sigma approach is very popular. You may obtain a Lean Six Sigma certification by combining our Lean Flow Fundamentals with any Six Sigma Green, Black, or Master Black Belt option. You may also earn a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt by completing the Lean Introduction and the two day Yellow Belt. Online Lean Six Sigma options are also available and require the completion of the Lean Level III training and any online Green or Black Belt program. Lean Level II may be combined with our online Yellow Belt for a Lean Yellow Belt program.

A: We accept PayPal credit, which allows you to pay off your balance in up to 6 months. This is a service provided by PayPal, so you must contact them for more information. To learn how you can work with us regarding special payment arrangements for your company, tuition reimbursement, or other scenarios, please feel free to contact us.

A: We offer training throughout the US. We also offer training in Russia and Dubai. You may view all of our locations and our entire schedule by clicking here. We also provide online training, if programs are not available in your area. You may learn more about our online training here. We do offer onsite training at any location for groups. In addition, we will consider a training program anywhere in the world, if we have at least five individuals committed to the training.

A: Master Black Belts are the highest level of Six Sigma certification. These individuals are able to implement Six Sigma within an organization. Master Black Belts have a high level of understanding regarding Six Sigma with a lot of experience working with projects, etc. They are also able to certify other individuals as Green Belts and/or Black Belts.

A: Black Belts work on higher level projects with larger savings potential. Traditionally, their job requires more than 50% of their time be focused on leading Six Sigma projects. However, like Green Belts, Black Belt roles and job requirements will vary between companies.

A: Green Belts work on simple process improvement projects. Traditionally, their job would require less than 50% of their time be focused on Six Sigma projects. However, Green Belt roles and job requirements will vary between companies.

A: Originally, Yellow Belts were individuals that were trained while working on a project with a Green or Black Belt. However, more companies are requiring formal training for Yellow Belts. In most cases, the Yellow Belt has some expertise in the process that is being improved, so he or she needs a basic understanding of Six Sigma in order to support the Green Belt or Black Belt working to improve the process. Yellow Belts do not have the knowledge needed to complete projects.

A: We would be happy to customize training that fits your organizations requirements.

A: We would be happy to provide you with onsite training. To find out more about our onsite training options and receive a quote, please click here.

A: Financial aid is not available at this time, but you may apply for PayPal credit, so you can pay off your training over a 6 month period.

A: Yes. We are accredited to offer IACET CEUs. CEUs are calculated as follows: One (1) Continuing Education Unit (CEU) equals ten (10) contact hours of learner interaction with the content of the learning activity, which includes classroom, self-paced instruction, pre/post assignments, and/or homework in support of a learning outcome. CEUs are rounded to the nearest 10^th. So a class with 32 contact hours would be calculated by dividing 32 by 10 for a total CEUs of 3.2.

A: Yes, we are an approved REP for PMI to offer PDU.

A:

Traditional Classes
Course Name	PDUs
SIX SIGMA WHITE BELT	8
BLACK BELT AFTER GREEN BELT	60
SIX SIGMA 4 WK BLACK BELT	120
LEAN AGENT CERTIFICATION	30
SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT	60
SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT BOOTCAMP	34
LEAN INTRODUCTION	16
MASTER BLACK BELT	60
YELLOW BELT	16
Online Classes
Course Name	PDUs
ONLINE BLACK BELT	40
ONLINE GREEN BELT	40
LEAN AGENT ONLINE	30
ONLINE YELLOW BELT	12

A: You will need to go to the PMI website and log into your account. Your certificate should include the code and REP number for the course that you completed. The REP code for Six Sigma.us is 2530. If you need the code for your course, you may contact us for assistance. Once you are in your PMI account, please follow their directions to claim your PDUs. For assistance with claiming your PDUs through the PMI website, please contact PMI directly at http://www.pmi.org/About-Us/Customer-Care.aspx  

A: We will provide you with an acceptance letter to our training, but you are responsible for obtaining a VISA and doing what is necessary to enter the country legally. We are not responsible for this service. You may be able to receive assistance from the hotel you are staying at.

A: Blended or accelerated programs allow the student to attend part of the training (typically the first 3 days, first week, or last two weeks) in a classroom environment with the rest of the training completed online. Please contact us to learn more about our blended options.

A: Lean is a methodology based on waste reduction, while Six Sigma is a methodology based on process improvement. Both options are being used together in many organizations, so a Lean Six Sigma approach is very popular. You may obtain a Lean Six Sigma certification by combining our Lean Flow Fundamentals with any Six Sigma Green, Black, or Master Black Belt option. You may also earn a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt by completing the Lean Introduction and the two day Yellow Belt. Online Lean Six Sigma options are also available and require the completion of the Lean Level III training and any online Green or Black Belt program. Lean Level II may be combined with our online Yellow Belt for a Lean Yellow Belt program.

A: Please contact us directly for a refund based on the conditions below: PROGRAM SUBSTITUTIONS AND CANCELLATIONS: Please notify us in writing as soon as possible about any substitutions or cancellations. Registration fee will be refunded less a 15% processing fee for cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start date of the course. This fee included purchase orders. Cancellations made at least 15 days before the course starts will be refunded 50% of the tuition. No refund is offered for cancellations made less than 15 days prior to the course beginning. In some cases, tuition may be transferred to another SixSigma.us course attended within 6 months of the originally scheduled date. No refunds will be issued after 90 days of order. Cancellation requests should be submitted in writing by fax or email to the email and fax number below. Full payment is due 21 days after registration SixSigma.us may cancel or reschedule any course or change instructors at any time and is not responsible for any airfare penalties or other travel charges that may occur. If a course is cancelled every attempt will be made to notify participants 21 days prior to the course.

A: PROGRAM SUBSTITUTIONS AND CANCELLATIONS: Please notify us in writing as soon as possible about any substitutions or cancellations. Registration fee will be refunded less a 15% processing fee for cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start date of the course. This fee included purchase orders. Cancellations made at least 15 days before the course starts will be refunded 50% of the tuition. No refund is offered for cancellations made less than 15 days prior to the course beginning. In some cases, tuition may be transferred to another SixSigma.us course attended within 6 months of the originally scheduled date. No refunds will be issued after 90 days of order. Cancellation requests should be submitted in writing by fax or email to the email and fax number below. Full payment is due 21 days after registration SixSigma.us may cancel or reschedule any course or change instructors at any time and is not responsible for any airfare penalties or other travel charges that may occur. If a course is canceled every attempt will be made to notify participants 21 days prior to the course.

A: Green Belt certification is required for the Black Belt. We will accept Green Belt certification from organizations providing similar training and project certification. You may go directly into our four week Black Belt program without any prior experience. It will include the Green Belt training.

A: There is not a governing body of Six Sigma. Any organization may provide Six Sigma training. Our program is highly recognized in the industry. We have provided training to major corporations throughout the world. In addition, we have trained individuals and units within several branches of the government and military. We do provide an internationally recognized certification. To learn more about our organization view the Why Us and About Us pages

A: The online training is based directly on the public format and uses the same agenda. However, the program is self-paced and doesn’t provide student-to-student or instructor-to-student interaction. It is a great second option for individuals on a tight budget or with a tight schedule that makes being out of the office impossible. If you really want to do classroom training, but don't have all the time required, our blended program maybe the perfect answer. It requires a certain amount of classroom training with the rest completed online. Visit our Blended/Accelerated program section to learn more.

A: Unfortunately, we are unable to accept the GI Bill or Financial Aid funding at this time. However, we hope to offer these options in the near future. We would be happy to add you to our mailing list so you can be informed with the status changes.

A: The online training is self-paced, so the length will vary. However, you should expect to spend a minimum of 72 hours on the Green Belt and a minimum of 72 hours on the Black Belt. If you are doing only the online Yellow Belt, it will take approximately 16 hours. The Lean Level III is approximately 32 hours of training.

A: Our instructors are all Master Black Belts with at least 5 years of real world experience working as a Master Black Belt for an organization in addition to experience teaching. View the Why Us page and About Us page for more information.

A: You may complete a project for a nonprofit organization in your area working as a volunteer. You may also elect to receive a training certificate without project certification. You may complete a project for certification at a later date. If you want to receive PDU’s or CEU’s without a project, you may need to complete an online examination. Please contact us for more information.

A: Our public traditional classes and online training is not specific to one industry. This allows individuals from all organizations the opportunity to learn how to incorporate Six Sigma methodologies within a variety of industries. Our industry generic option offers examples from all industries. We will focus on the industries represented in class for our traditional classroom students. We also offer customized onsite training for groups that focuses on your organizations specific requirements.

A: Minitab is the standard software used for Six Sigma projects. It is allows you to perform statistical analysis with graphical representations through pre-programmed mathematical calculations without needing to know the math required. It is the most popular statistical software option for Six Sigma projects. It is taught throughout out the online Green and Black Belt Minitab versions and all of our public Six Sigma programs.

A: The online training will teach you how to use Minitab to complete projects, but it does not come with the software. You may download a 14 day trial version, purchase a version with 1 year of access, or buy a full license option all at low student rates that are considerably less than purchasing it retail.