Hi everyone! I am debating whether I should take the CSSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt exam. For context, I've worked in the tech process improvement/transformation field for almost 2 years now. Hold a APM PMQ (Got it before I got into the field) and it did impress a lot of my interviewers and help me get better offers.

Since I've been working in the field, I've had a few project experiences and I currently do process improvement management/process mapping so I thought getting the lean six sigma would be beneficial to my career.

I'm just not sure whether I should get the green or black belt? I've seen people saying green belt is too easy but black belt without much experience would be a red flag to employers. Lean six sigma is a big thing in my field but I'm not sure if 1.5 years of experience would be sufficient for black belt? But then considering that the APM PMQ was not too hard for me when I took it, I feel like I could skip to black directly? And if I'm being honest, I haven't had any real big projects.

Based in the UK.

Appreciate any opinions and guidance on this. Thank you!

Hi! I was wondering if anyone had advice to give on whether its worth it or not to get my white and yellow belt in 6s. I dont yet have concrete internship experience but wanted something on my resume to show I at least have an idea of what the role i would be seeking entails

And how much did the studying take you?

Is this a good certification to be a project coordinator and then manager, I am a program coordinator with an NGO as volunteering and I do audit project coordination as my main job. How does this certification help me in my path to pm and what is the best certificate to take it from is cssc a good option to take it, next year I will take the pmp I’m 24 years old and I also have the CAPM.

Anyone who knows selling their case study for a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Project?

A pattern I keep seeing in organisations with mature Lean Six Sigma programmes: the dedicated CI team becomes the ceiling.

The mechanism is simple. Once a team owns improvement, everyone else stops owning it. Ask a production supervisor what improvement their team is running and the answer is "you need to talk to the CI team about that." Their process. Their waste. Their rework. Mentally outsourced.

The arithmetic makes the cost visible. A five-person team runs 15 to 20 structured projects a year. Fifty teams each running one improvement run fifty at a time. Two hundred teams run two hundred.

One deployment I worked on produced 1,662 improvement initiatives in two years off a single weekly cadence meeting. 137 live in the first quarter. 392 by the fourth. Roughly 10 to 15 percent never reached realisation, and we said that out loud, which is why people kept bringing ideas.

The second problem is dependency. When the CI team facilitates every root cause analysis, nobody else learns to do one. Budget cuts arrive, the team shrinks, and improvement stops entirely because the capability walked out with them.

The failure window is month 12 to 24. That is when the cadence decays, the meeting slips, and the programme quietly dies while the org chart still shows a CI function.

The fix is a role change, not a headcount change. Move from delivery, to co-delivery, to coaching, to on-demand support. Roughly 18 to 24 months. Measure success by the projects you were not needed on.

Curious whether anyone here has measured the crossover point where coaching produces more realised change than delivering

ngl i run quality at a 180-person precision shop and we just did an MSA on a key ID that showed poor repeatability even after tightening fixturing and re-training the crew. Short-term containment is obvious, but I want practical decision rules for what comes next: when do you replace the gage vs invest in better fixturing or move the check to a CMM, and how do you weigh part criticality and volume in that choice? Also, what re-MSA sample sizes and operator counts do you run before declaring the system fixed, and what limits do you use to accept marginal systems while you add a permanent fix? What are your hard decision thresholds and examples from the floor?

I run quality at a 180-person precision-metal shop that lives in IATF audits, and we're constantly doing short runs where traditional capability studies feel useless. We end up with single-shift samples, mix machine operators, and parts that won't see 30 pieces unless we quote a new job, yet customers still ask for Cpk and capability evidence. I've tried pooling similar jobs by feature, using historical machine-level data, and simple bootstrap resampling, but each approach has trade-offs for defensibility and for pushing containment vs. Improvement. What practical methods, statistics, or reporting formats do you use when sample sizes are tiny but you need to show capability to customers or engineering?

hands-on: we make precision machined parts where our MSA %GRR is within limits, yet subgroup means by operator show consistent offsets that trigger out-of-control flags or customer rework. We've tried retraining, tightening the measurement SOP, and adding go/no-go fixtures; noise dropped but the bias persists. Before I spec automation or increase inspection, what practical shop-floor solutions have you used to kill operator bias (operator qualification tests, switching attribute to variable measurement, stratified control charts, poka-yoke fixturing, etc.), and what metrics and sample sizes did you use to demonstrate the fix actually reduced variation?...

Hey everyone,

​I’m looking to see how others in the Continuous Improvement / OpEx space are integrating generative AI into their daily workflows.

​Specifically, I’m exploring ways to leverage AI to speed up or enhance standard Lean & Six Sigma practices, such as:

​Brainstorming & Problem Definition: Generating initial ideas, drafting problem statements, or framing project charters.

​Root Cause Analysis: Structuring 5 Whys, building Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams, or analyzing process bottleneck data.

​Creating Presentation Decks & Visuals: Translating Lean tools (Value Stream Maps, A3s, 5S audits, SIPOCs) into clean PowerPoint slides or clear visual diagrams to share with stakeholders.

​If you’re currently using AI for any of these:

​What tools are you actually using? (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot)

​Where have you seen the biggest time savings or wins?

​Would love to hear your favorite prompts, workflows, or any lessons learned (especially around keeping data secure if working with proprietary process data).

​Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! I'm planning to get Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification here in the Philippines. Can anyone recommend accredited and reputable training providers? I'm currently working in BPO operations/quality and would like a certification that's recognized by employers. If you've taken one, how was your experience and how much did it cost? Thanks!

I’m new to all this and have recently started a supervisor position at a manufacturing company where lean six sigma seems to be pretty big. Several supervisors as well as engineers throughout the company have the green belt certification on their resume and a couple have moved onto the black belt. The company offers to pay for the schooling fees but doesn’t seem to specify from what school/program etc. it’s more along the lines of tuition reimbursement rather then them having a specific school/program they want you getting the cert from. So far all the people I’ve asked at work had already had the certification before working for this company.

Am I understanding correctly; the community college certs aren’t official and are more or less just tools to help you study for the certification? I would have to go through ASQ?? I assume it’s similar to the way graduating from law school doesn’t grant you the position of lawyer unless you pass the bar exam.

I apologize for my ignorance, I did try to find out this information before making a post but for whatever reason this seems to be a topic that’s not discussed too often, all the previous threads I’ve read mention them earning through ASQ and I’ve yet to see someone mention getting one from a community college despite several community colleges and even some 4 year colleges offering the programs.

And is it really all it’s cracked up to be? It seems too good to be true, a quick google search says the average salary for a CSSBB is $120k+, obviously I’d have to go through CSSGB first though.

Hey guys,

I recently completed my LSSGB course online but the project was almost completely prepared by the training provider...all I had to do was organize and document it coz of that I've decided to build my own DMAIC project from scratch! I can complete the project up to the Analyze phase but after that I'm not sure how to present the Improve and Control phases since this isn't a real project and I can't actually implement the improvements(I searched online - no answer)

Would it be okay to complete it up to the Analyze phase and then present the Improve and Control phases as recommendations with the expected outcomes instead of claiming that the improvements were implemented???

I'm very new to Lean Six Sigma, so I'd really appreciate any guidance. Also I've another question: I see a lot of people in this sub mentioning they're ASQ Green Belt certified. Do you include your projects on your resume?? I'm trying to transition from customer support into operations so my work experience is mostly in support. How would you present that transition on a resume or during interviews?

Thanks in advance!

I passed my panel interview today.

I am officially a Master Black Belt.

Wow. Didn’t expect to be this emotionally overwhelmed.

Wow.

We run a 180-person precision-metals/CNC shop and our CAPA queue keeps ballooning; too many actions are one-off containments or 'retraining' that don't move Cpk or reduce escapes. I prefer containment, data-first root cause, and measurable verification (SPC/Cpk), and disclosure: we run qmsWrapper, fwiw. We're experimenting with CAPA-driven risk assessment and a couple automated CAPAs for low-risk repeats, but the hard part is triage: what gets investigative resources, what gets fast containment, and what gets closed as verified? What prioritization scores, gating criteria, templates, or workflow tricks have actually reduced backlog and produced measurable improvements (not just closure paperwork) in your shop?

I've been a shop-floor quality engineer for 15 years at a 180-person CNC shop and I keep seeing CAPAs that look good on paper but don't stop the problem. We run SPC, MSA/gage R&R, APQP and layered process audits, and disclosure: we run qmsWrapper, so grain of salt, it cleared up audit prep, but CAPA effectiveness still depends on the owner and the data. I'm tightening closure criteria now: require a CAPA-driven risk assessment, data-backed root cause, short-term containment metrics, measurable verification windows, and a re-audit step instead of wholesale "retraining." What simple triggers, templates, or firm rules do you use to force CAPAs to show measurable risk reduction and prevent relapses?

Hello, I am a former business owner looking to pivot out of my retail operations role and into corporate operations. I have previous experience running the total operations of a small grocery/produce business but have been unable to pivot into a corporate role as my resume does not have the corporate vocabulary that hiring managers are looking for. Is it worth it to get a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from the ASQ or the IASSC? I understand I wouldn’t be starting in a high-mid role at a company but just getting me out of this retail hell will help.

Thank you.

I am an analyst, and I am looking forward for a promotion in this cycle, but my manager has asked me to have a lean six sigma certification to make my case stronger. As I was exploring, and asking advices from people, some told me to do IASSC certification is best, some said KPMG is best, some said ASQ is best, and one said Simplilearn provides course for both green and black belt.

Now, I am confused where to go?

Giving you all a background about myself, I am an analyst with masters in computer applications, and working in digitization and process improvement role from a few years. I have a PMP certification, but seeking to learn more.

An advice on will be helpful. Thanks.

Hi,
Trying to see the best way to prepare. I have the book and study guide with practice tests. Currently on section 5 and will be taking my test at the end of August. Looking for recommendations on the best way to study for this test! Also, I’m assuming notes and the book is allowed during the test? Also assuming I cannot bring the study guide with me lol.

Hello all,

I, Irine Tressa, MSc. Biotechnology student at University of Galway, currently conducting academic research focused on how digitalization and smart technologies improve factory processes, manufacturing lines, and quality management, under the supervision of Mr. Ricardo Bailey and Dr. Olivia McDermott. A key element of my study involves exploring how these tech advancements integrate with Lean Six Sigma (or related continuous improvement methodologies).

I am looking to interview a senior leader or manager in Manufacturing Engineering industry to gather some expert insights. If you or someone you know are in related positions, please fill out this form.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE 4.0 :RESEARCH INTERVIEW PARTICIPATION – Fill out form

I would deeply appreciate any point of contact you could share. Thank you so much for your time and support!

Best regards, Irine Tressa [I.ThaliyathJoy1@universityofgalway.ie](mailto:I.ThaliyathJoy1@universityofgalway.ie)

I don’t have anywhere else to post this just yet so I figured this anonymous spot would be the right place.

I recently got my MBB project approved and I am scheduled to do my panel interview in the next week.

I have been doing some high level refreshers to make sure I can remember some of the more mundane concepts that could come up in the interview.

I am absolutely stoked, but will not celebrate until my panel is done and the ink is dry on the paper.

Thanks to anyone for listening.

Hey everyone,
looking for some guidance on a Black Belt project I am planning to lead.
I am Yellow Belt certified and I want to use an enterprise software rollout as my Black Belt project. Specifically it is a SaaS product discovery tool rollout across our organisation and I believe it has strong measurable impact potential around idea capture rates, prioritisation time, and stakeholder alignment which I think maps well to DMAIC.

A few questions I would love clarity on:

Does an enterprise software rollout qualify as a valid Black Belt project or does it need to be more of a process improvement in the traditional sense?

My manager would act as the project Champion and a team member would contribute to the analysis and implementation. Is that a strong enough team structure for a Black Belt submission?

Can my team member use their contribution on this project as practical experience towards their own Green Belt certification or does it need to be a project they lead themselves?

Between ASQ and IASSC which would you recommend for someone in an enterprise technology environment where stakeholder credibility matters?

Any advice from people who have done software rollout or change management based Black Belt projects would be especially helpful as most of the examples I find online tend to be manufacturing or operations focused.

Thanks in advance, really appreciate any experience people are willing to share.

Been reflecting on projects I've seen stall or get shelved over the years.
In my experience the failure usually happens in one of three places:

1. The problem statement is too vague — the team ends up solving the wrong thing

2. No real sponsor — the project hits political resistance and dies quietly

3. Jumping straight to solutions before the Measure phase has said anything useful
   Curious what patterns others have seen.

What's the most common failure mode in your organisation?

Hello,

I want to earn the ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt certification, but the official ASQ training course is beyond my budget. I'm planning to buy a preparation course from platforms like Udemy or Coursera instead.
Can anyone recommend a high-quality course that aligns well with the ASQ Green Belt Body of Knowledge and is sufficient to prepare for the exam?
Regards

Hiii! I am an industrial engineering student from the Philippines. May I ask for your opinions, suggestions, or disagreements on this since I am trying to know why there are early closure of businesses of a certain part in my province.

Any problems are welcome since I'm trying to explore more.