So, you’re considering getting a Lean Six Sigma certification? It’s a great idea. A Lean Six Sigma certification validates professionals who are exceptionally skilled in problem-solving that work to reduce defects and waste. It’s a valuable certification and skill set that transfers well into multiple industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, business operations, technology, and more. This article will discuss the specifics of the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, the different Six Sigma Belts, commonly asked Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam questions and answers, and who should seek this accreditation.
What is Lean Six Sigma Green Belt?
The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification for those looking to validate problem-solving skills, and it operates as an introduction to Six Sigma principles. The Green Belt certification costs a few hundred dollars and is typically taken through the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC). It consists of 11-chapter exams; you can take them as often as you need within a year of registration. Certifications have no expiration date, but many professionals continue taking courses to improve their skills and increase their knowledge.
Different Levels of Six Sigma Belts
Roughly 1.4 million professionals are Lean Six Sigma certified, and the program has several different levels of experience: White, Yellow, Green, Black, and Master. Most people begin working through the different levels of certification, starting at the bottom.
White Six Sigma Belt
This is the basic level of Six Sigma certification and is often for more entry-level professionals. White Belts can work to create change within a business and support projects with problem-solving skills.
Yellow Six Sigma Belt
The Six Sigma Yellow Belt is the next step up and is often for employees looking to develop leadership skills and build the muscle of coaching a team through Six Sigma implementations.
Green Six Sigma Belt
The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt demonstrates a thorough understanding of all Lean Six Sigma processes and shows an aptitude for enhanced problem-solving.
Black Six Sigma Belt
This type of accreditation is for a professional who possesses a mastery of Lean Six Sigma methodologies and can lead complex improvement projects.
Master Six Sigma Belt
This is the most advanced Six Sigma certification available and demonstrates complete mastery of the entire Six Sigma process from start to finish. In an organization, this individual might focus solely on Six Sigma implementation.
Read More: Understanding Six Sigma Belt Levels: A Comprehensive Guide
Who Can Take the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course?
Anyone can take any Lean Six Sigma certification, regardless of career path, industry, or skill level. It’s perfect for the individual with a basic understanding of Six Sigma, a management technique that improves business processes.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam Questions and Answers
In this section, we’ll outline some sample Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam questions and answers that might appear on the exam. Use these to increase your knowledge and prepare for similar questions on the exam.
1. What is Lean Six Sigma?
- A) A process improvement method that combines the methodologies of Lean and Six Sigma
- B) A method for reducing costs in an organization
- C) A way to streamline a business by reducing the workforce
Answer: A) A process improvement method that combines the methodologies of Lean and Six Sigma
Explanation: Lean Six Sigma is a continuous improvement methodology that combines Lean and Six Sigma. While Lean focuses on optimizing processes and reducing waste, Six Sigma highlights problem-solving through data collection. Together, they are a holistic and comprehensive approach to process improvement and help businesses become more streamlined, increase efficiency, and ultimately increase business revenue through heightened customer satisfaction.
2. What is a DMAIC process?
- A) A process of running a cost-benefit analysis
- B) A method for measuring project success
- C) A step-by-step approach for improving a process using data
Answer: C) A step-by-step approach for improving a process using data
Explanation: DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control and refers to the data-driven continuous improvement process.
Read More: How to Use the DMAIC Model?
3. What is the purpose of the Six Sigma methodology in business?
- A) To improve the efficiency of teams
- B) To get more work done
- C) To use data-driven decision-making to identify and solve problems in a process
Answer: C) To use data-driven decision-making to identify and solve problems in a process
Explanation: Six Sigma focuses on data-driven decision-making to improve processes, optimize solutions, and reduce waste.
4. What is a Value Stream Map (VSM)?
- A) A graphical representation of a process that shows the flow of material, information, and activities
- B) A tool for measuring the performance of a process
- C) A structured approach for improving a process using data and statistical analysis
Answer: A) A graphical representation of a process that shows the flow of material, information, and activities
Explanation: A Value Stream Map is a Lean flowchart that documents every process step. It’s an easy, visual way to identify waste, reduce lead times, and improve processes.
5. What is a Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram)?
- A) A tool for reducing waste and maximizing efficiency in business processes
- B) A diagram used to identify the root cause of a problem
- C) A graphical representation of a process that shows the flow of material, information, and activities
Answer: B) A diagram used to identify the root cause of a problem
Explanation: A Fishbone Diagram is another visual tool for analyzing cause and effect. It is a basic quality tool.
6. What is a Process Flow Diagram (PFD), and how is it used?
- A) It is a chart to track performance over time, and it is used to identify trends and patterns
- B) It is a diagram that is used to identify the root cause issue
- C) It is a visual representation that shows the flow of material, information, and activities
Answer: C) It is a visual representation that shows the flow of material, information, and activities.
Explanation: Similar to the Fishbone Diagram and Value Stream Map, a Process Flow Diagram maps out a series of events that produce an end result.
7. What does “Six Sigma” stand for?
- A) Fewer than 3.4 defects per million opportunities
- B) More than 1.2 defects per million opportunities
- C) More than 3.9 defects per million opportunities
- D) Fewer than 1.2 defects per million opportunities
Answer: A) Fewer than 3.4 defects per million opportunities
Explanation: “Sigma” references a standard deviation on a bell curve, and “Six Sigma” refers to 6 standard deviations between the average. If a process has six sigmas, it means the defects are extremely low, which is the goal.
Also Read: What Is Process Capability and Why It’s More Interesting Than It Sounds
8. True or False: Six Sigma represents a process with at least 90% of data points within 6 standard deviations of the mean.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: Six Sigma represents a process with at least 99.999% of data points within 6 standard deviations of the mean.
9. What does the “Voice of the Customer” represent?
- A) A Lean Six Sigma technique for determining what is critical to quality for a customer
- B) Talking to customers in interviews
- C) A Lean Six Sigma technique for receiving customer feedback
Answer: A) A Lean Six Sigma technique for determining what is critical to quality for a customer
Explanation: The “Voice of the Customer” refers to the customer’s expectations, and it is up to the project team to determine what product attributes are critical.
10. What is a Pareto chart?
- A) A tool for analyzing project spend
- B) A bar chart that represents the frequency of data
- C) A pie chart that shows progress over time
Answer: B) A bar chart that represents the frequency of data
Explanation: A Pareto chart contains a bar chart overlaid by a line graph showing the data frequency.
11. In a process map, what symbol represents an action step?
- A) A triangle
- B) A circle
- C) A rectangle
Answer: C) A rectangle
Explanation: An upside-down triangle represents a merge, and a circle refers to a connector step. A rectangle is an action.
12. What is one of the primary goals of a Lean Six Sigma project?
- A) Reduced inventory
- B) Reduced cost of quality
- C) Reduced workforce
Answer: B) Reduced cost of quality
Explanation: Lean Six Sigma projects focus on improving quality and don’t necessarily need to reduce employee headcount or inventory levels.
Also Read: Demystifying the Theory of Constraints
13. What is one of the key roles of a Champion (Sponsor)?
- A) Hiring more team members
- B) Creating value stream maps or process flow maps
- C) Owning the process and being responsible for process improvements
Answer: C) Owning the process and being responsible for process improvements
Explanation: Champions in Six Sigma is one of the most critical roles in an improvement initiative.
14. What is the Value Chain?
- A) The sum of all the processes that take feedback and turn it into desired customer outputs
- B) All of the valuable steps of an unprofitable process
- C) Teams working together to create value
Answer: A) The sum of all the processes that take feedback and turn it into desired customer outputs
Explanation: The Value Chain is a series of steps that delivers value to the customer.
15. What document is used for creating a framework and objective for a project?
- A) Project charter
- B) Use case
- C) Business plan
Answer: A) Project charter
Explanation: A Project charter is a key document that defines objectives, the scope of the project, and a roadmap.
16. What type of tool explains the schedule with separate phases that break down the project process?
- A) Line graphs
- B) Gannt charts
- C) Process flow maps
Answer: B) Gannt charts
Explanation: Gannt charts are valuable for showing a waterfall use case of work completed over some time.
17. What is a cost-benefit analysis?
- A) A process that analyzes decisions: which decisions to go with and which to forgo
- B) A process that estimates costs for portions of a project
- C) A bar chart that represents the budget
Answer: A) A process that analyzes decisions: which decisions to go with and which to forgo
Explanation: A cost-benefit analysis is a 5-step process that weighs the strengths and weaknesses of various alternatives.
Prepare for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam
Getting ready for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam can feel overwhelming, but with a certified Lean Six Sigma course, you can fast-track your career in quality management. This course covers agile management, lean management, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, quality management, and Minitab. In this 6-month online boot camp aligned with IASSC-Lean Six Sigma, learn from live instructors and complete a Capstone project for real-world experience. Prepare to answer Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam questions and answers to boost your career and skill set.
You might also like to read:
Value Stream Mapping in Six Sigma
Demystifying Kaizen Lean Six Sigma
What is Root Cause Analysis and What Does it Do?
DMADV: Everything You Need to Know
Describing a SIPOC Diagram: Everything You Should Know About It
