Lean Six Sigma: A Guide to Belt Rankings

Six Sigma Belts are integral to the understanding and mastery of the Six Sigma methodology. If you’re on the journey of Six Sigma mastery, understanding the various belt levels is paramount. At the Pyzdek Institute, an Accredited Training Organization, we’re frequently asked about the differences between these belts. So let’s delve into each of these levels – White, Yellow, Green, and Black – to understand their significance in the world of Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma.

Seal for Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Course

Lean Six Sigma Black Belts

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is the highest certification, sought after by professionals aiming to excel in process improvement. A certified Black Belt is adept in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology, spearheads improvement projects and typically occupies a full-time role. Their expertise spans across all aspects of the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) phases.

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt professionals demonstrate proficiency in interpreting Six Sigma tools and applying the standard principles of Lean. The path to achieving a Black Belt from the Pyzdek Institute involves 180 hours of intensive online training, comprehensive homework assignments, passing a rigorous timed online exam, and presenting a real-world project to a Certified Master Black Belt or to Thomas Pyzdek himself.

Seal for Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course

Lean Six Sigma Green Belts

Lean Six Sigma Green Belts are skilled professionals who play a dual role – leading and supporting improvement projects, often on a part-time basis. A certified Green Belt has a comprehensive understanding of the DMAIC phases, is capable of interpreting Six Sigma tools, and can effectively apply standard Lean principles.

Achieving a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from the Pyzdek Institute necessitates completing 100 hours of online training, extensive homework assignments, passing an exhaustive timed online exam, and presenting a real-world project to a Pyzdek Institute Certified Master Black Belt or Thomas Pyzdek.

Seal for Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Course

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belts

Yellow Belts are the Six Sigma professionals who have a foundational knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodology. They either support improvement projects as team members or conduct smaller projects on a part-time basis. Their grasp of the DMAIC methodology is in the initial phases – Define, Measure, and Control (DMC).

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification at the Pyzdek Institute requires completing 40 hours of online training and passing a comprehensive timed online exam. A project is not a prerequisite for earning a Yellow Belt.

Seal for Lean Six Sigma White Belt Course

Lean Six Sigma White Belts

The Pyzdek Institute also offers the Lean Six Sigma White Belt training, which serves as the gateway to the Lean Six Sigma methodology. A trained White Belt professional is versed in the basic principles and vocabulary of Lean Six Sigma. Usually, a White Belt individual is either a stakeholder impacted by improvement projects or a participant in an improvement team.

Earning a Lean Six Sigma White Belt from the Pyzdek Institute involves completing 4 hours of online training. White Belt certification does not require a final exam or project presentation.

Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belts

The Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt is a professional who has achieved the pinnacle of Lean Six Sigma training. As the most advanced level, Master Black Belts possess comprehensive knowledge of the Lean Six Sigma Methodology and are considered experts in executing the phases of D-M-A-I-C.

Master Black Belts play a crucial role in strategic implementation, coaching, and mentoring within their organizations. They are not only leading complex improvement projects but also responsible for guiding Black Belts and Green Belts in their project work.

Becoming a Master Black Belt involves extensive training and practical application of Lean Six Sigma principles. Pyzdek Institute Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belts demonstrate competency through a rigorous timed online exam, and present multiple high-impact projects for review by Thomas Pyzdek or a designated Pyzdek Institute Certified Master Black Belt.

Being a Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt signifies an exceptional commitment to quality and continuous improvement, making these individuals highly sought after in many industries.

Other Lean Six Sigma Belts

As you embark on your Six Sigma journey, you might encounter additional belt colors like Orange Belts. These niche belt categories are designed to address specific areas within the Lean Six Sigma body of knowledge. Nevertheless, the four belts – White, Yellow, Green, and Black – described above are more than enough to cater to the needs of most professionals seeking Six Sigma proficiency.


Remember, the journey through the belts isn’t necessarily sequential; one can start with any belt depending upon their career aspirations and competency level. At the Pyzdek Institute, we’re committed to supporting you on this journey, no matter where you start or wish to go.