Six Sigma Yellow Belt is an introductory level for individuals seeking to dive into the world of process improvement.
The certification provides a fundamental understanding of Six Sigma and its DMAIC phases, Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.
Six Sigma is a systematic approach utilizing statistical tools to identify areas for improvement, uncover the root cause of issues, and maintain long-lasting improvements within organizations.
Yellow Belt professionals can act as entry-level contributors, using their knowledge of Six Sigma to support Green Belt projects within their organization. They are responsible for leading and executing small projects using the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) methodology.
Who can Take up the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt?
The Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification is perfect for individuals looking to kickstart a career in quality management.
The training helps professionals understand and apply Six Sigma methodologies to their organization, making their projects more successful.
The Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) offers two paths to earn the Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.
Path 1: Standard Exam
- The standard exam consists of 50 questions in a true/false or multiple-choice format
- The exam is open-book and non-timed and covers the major sections of the Six Sigma Yellow Belt Body of Knowledge.
- To pass the exam, candidates must score 140 points or higher
- The exam can be taken either in-person at a designated test center or online. Applicants have three attempts to pass within 12 months of registration
- If they fail after three attempts, they must pay the examination fee again.
Path 2: Self-paced Exams
- This path provides the flexibility to earn different levels of Six Sigma belts (White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt) through progression.
- There is an exam for each chapter of the self-study guide and candidates must pass a short online exam consisting of approximately 10-15 questions after completing each chapter.
- The exams are non-timed and open-book, and can be taken at any time.
- To pass, candidates must score at least 70% of the minimum score on each exam. A new level of Six Sigma belt is awarded after passing consecutive exams.
- The Six Sigma Yellow Belt Exam consists of 11 chapter exams and candidates can take the exams an unlimited number of times within 12 months of registration.
As a Yellow Belt professional, you would serve as a project team member, assisting Black and Green Belts in maintaining project quality. You will also be expected to utilize Lean tools and techniques to drive basic improvement projects.
Certification from the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC)
Obtaining the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) Certified Yellow Belt™ (ICYB™) To earn the IASSC ICYB, you must pass a closed book, proctored exam that consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, lasting 2 hours.
Getting Certified by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) ASQ offers the CSSYB exam in both computer-based and paper-based formats.
Computer-Based CSSYB Exam: This 2.5-hour exam features 85 questions, with 75 being scored and 10 being unscored. It is offered in English only.
Paper-Based CSSYB Exam: This 2-hour exam consists of 75 questions and is offered in English only.
Six Sigma Yellow Belt Roles and Responsibilities
As a Yellow Belt professional, it is expected that they have the ability to apply Six Sigma methodologies to enhance both transactional systems and production operations to meet organizational goals and customer satisfaction.
Yellow Belts play a crucial role as members of a project team. They are often responsible for overseeing small process improvement initiatives using the PDCA method.
Through PDCA, they can identify opportunities for improvement, which can then be escalated to the Black Belt or Green Belt level for further analysis using the DMAIC methodology and statistical process control to achieve greater cost savings.
Preparing for Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification familiarizes individuals with the basics of Six Sigma and process management, providing them with a strong understanding of processes and the ability to contribute to the success of the organization.
They gain an overview of the methodology, which helps them align with the company’s goals and objectives. With this knowledge, they are equipped to assist Black and Green Belts in their projects.
Why Choose Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification?
While many individuals aim for the highest level of certification, the Black Belt, skipping the Yellow Belt may not be the best approach. Obtaining a Yellow Belt certification offers several benefits, including:
1. Improved Understanding of Roles To become a Black Belt
It’s important to have an understanding of the responsibilities of Yellow and Green Belts. The Yellow Belt exam specifically focuses on the tasks performed by Yellow Belts in a project.
Although Yellow Belts do not possess the statistical abilities of a Green Belt, they do have an understanding of basic Six Sigma principles, such as the relationship between inputs and outputs, process variances, DMADV variation, ISO, needs analysis, and more.
2. Enhancement of Resume Having a Six Sigma
Yellow Belt certification on your resume shows your commitment to the DMAIC process and demonstrates that you have passed an exam to ensure quality.
Employers are always looking for employees who understand how to minimize waste and save money, and listing your Six Sigma belts on LinkedIn can increase your visibility to potential employers searching for individuals with specific skills.
3. Potential for Higher Salary
While the certification itself does not guarantee a higher salary, it does make you a more valuable employee to your employer. In a competitive job market, employers are always seeking candidates with diverse skill sets.
Your Yellow Belt certification demonstrates your ability to take on additional tasks and responsibilities, making you a more attractive candidate.
In addition to the benefits mentioned, obtaining a Yellow Belt certification allows you to learn and develop your skills, making it a valuable asset for both yourself and your organization.
Conclusion
The Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification provides individuals with a fundamental understanding of the Six Sigma methodology and process improvement.
This certification can be beneficial for individuals looking to expand their skills and knowledge, as well as for organizations seeking employees who can contribute to process improvement efforts.
The Yellow Belt certification demonstrates dedication to quality and the DMAIC process, making it a valuable addition to one’s resume and potentially leading to higher salaries and greater job opportunities.
Additionally, the Yellow Belt certification provides a solid foundation for those who wish to pursue higher levels of Six Sigma certification in the future.