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Lean Six Sigma belts explained: which level is right for you?

Engineer reviewing documents on site
In short: Yellow, Green, Black: what each Lean Six Sigma level means and how to choose your next step.

Lean Six Sigma combines the waste-elimination focus of Lean with the variation-reduction methods of Six Sigma. Competence is usually described using a belt system.

Green Belt

Green Belts lead small to medium improvement projects, usually part-time alongside their normal role. They apply the DMAIC method (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control), Lean tools and basic statistics.

Black Belt

Black Belts lead complex, cross-functional projects and coach Green Belts. They use advanced statistical tools, such as hypothesis testing, regression and design of experiments.

How to choose

  • New to improvement projects? Start with Green Belt.
  • Leading an improvement programme or mentoring others? Consider Black Belt.

Explore the CLSSGB and CLSSBB certifications.