Program Certification

Today’s world has become very competitive and the need for a highly skilled work force has increased dramatically. The needed work force must be proficient in the latest principles and practices of quality assurance and quality control. Therefore, certification is a method to assure that the certified individual posseses the needed knowledge to ensure the quality of products and services.

The Certification provided by the Institute of Advanced Business Learning Systems – a not-for–profit organization – is a formal recognition of that knowledge and experience. The focus of the certification is on demonstrated results based on a specified body of knowledge (BOK). That is, an individual has demonstrated proficiency within and a comprehension of a specified body of knowledge at a point in time. It is a standard recognition and not a registration or licensure.

Presently the Institute offers certifications in the areas of Six Sigma.

The certifications are based on the following criteria:

  1. Have a specified level of education and/or experience
  2. Provide proof ( comprehension and application) of the specified BOK
  3. Provide proof of professionalism

Certification is an investment in your career and in the future of
your employer. Therefore, the certification provided by the IABLS
focuses on effectiveness of applying the BOK to an organization on
more than one significant project. Consequently, success is
demonstrated by achieving documented, substantial, sustained and
tangible results. Examples of documented results in any area of the
organization may be submitted for evaluation. However, merely
demonstrating the use of specific tools in the area of certification
is NOT sufficient. Merely demonstrating intermediate tools and
results are also NOT sufficient. Merely having passed an examination
from any recognized third party is also not sufficient.

Typical items that may be considered for a six sigma certification
are:

  1. Acceptable completion of a Six Sigma training curriculum approved by the Sponsoring Organization or any other carrier.

  2. Demonstration of clear and rational thought process.

    1. Ability to analyze a problem following a logical sequence.

    2. Usage of facts and data to guide decisions and action.

  3. Be able to clearly explain Six Sigma and the DMAIC project cycle in layman’s terms.

  4. Ability to achieve tangible results, e.g.,

    1. Completed two or more projects that employed the Six Sigma approach (DMAIC or equivalent).

      1. Projects reviewed by appropriate personnel.

      2. Deliverables accepted by the project sponsor.

      3. Projects documented in the manner prescribed by the Sponsoring Organization.

      4. Projects used the Six Sigma approach and correctly employed a significant subset of basic, intermediate, and advanced Six Sigma tools and techniques or equivalent.

    2. Ability to perform benefit/cost analysis.

    3. Ability to quantify deliverables in terms meaningful to the organization, e.g., cost, quality, cycle time, safety improvement, etc.

    4. Ability to identify and overcome obstacles to progress.

    5. Ability to work within time, budget, and operational constraints.

  5. Demonstrated ability to explain the tools of Six Sigma to others as appropriate for the seeking level of certification.

  6. Demonstrate interpersonal and leadership skills necessary to be an effective change agent within the organization.

The IABLS certification is a revolutionary approach to certification. It is based on demonstrated and verifiable ability (NOT necessarily a test) to apply the methods and philosophy of the six sigma to improve business operations.

Change Agent Skills

Perhaps the most difficult area of documented effectiveness is the area of changing agent skills. The following list is a typical guide for self-evaluating the skills and responsibilities involved.

  • The candidate effectively identifies and recruits Six Sigma team members

  • The candidate effectively develops Six Sigma team dynamics and motivates participants

  • The candidate is able to apply conflict resolution techniques

  • The candidate is able to overcome obstacles to change

  • The candidate utilizes a logical approach to problem solving

  • The candidate effectively facilitates group discussions and meetings

  • The candidate’s presentations are well organized and easy to understand

  • The candidate identifies and mobilizes sponsors for change

  • The candidate builds a shared vision of the desired state with champions and sponsors

  • The candidate effectively communicates with and obtains support from all levels of management

  • The candidate identifies gaps between as-is and desired performance

  • The candidate identifies and obtains support from all key stakeholders

Self evaluation for the Application of Tools and Techniques

Typical items for consideration are:

  • The candidate uses an appropriate mix of basic, intermediate and advanced six sigma tools.

  • The candidate uses the tools of Six Sigma properly.

  • The candidate applies the correct six sigma tools at the proper point in the project.

  • The candidate asks for help with Six Sigma tools when necessary.

  • The candidate has a working knowledge of word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

  • The candidate has a working knowledge of a full-featured statistical software package.

  • The candidate understands the limitations as well as the strengths of quantitative methods.

Self evaluation for the Ability to achieve results in a project

Typical items for consideration are:

  • The candidate has completed more than one Six Sigma project that produced tangible results.

  • The candidate’s projects had an acceptable project charter, including sponsorship, problem statement, business case, etc.

  • The projects employed the Six Sigma approach (DMAIC or equivalent).

  • The projects’ deliverables were clearly defined in tangible terms.

  • The projects produced significant improvements to an important business process.

  • The current baseline sigma level was determined using valid data.

  • The final sigma level was calculated using valid data and showed improvements that were both statistically significant and important to the organization.

  • An acceptable control plan has been implemented to assure that improvements are maintained.

  • The projects’ financial benefits were validated by experts in accounting or finance.

  • Key customers were identified and their critical requirements defined.

  • Project sponsors are satisfied with their project’s deliverables and have sign-off on the project

  • Projects identified and corrected root causes, not symptoms – as appropriate – for the project.

  • All key stakeholders were kept informed – and documented – of project status and are aware of final outcomes.

  • Projects were completed on time and within budget.

  • Projects were conducted in a manner that minimized disruptions to normal work.

Specific criteria:

I. Technical Experience

Points

Criteria

0

 High school graduate

1

 Understands and applies the basic concepts of Six Sigma

2

 Understands and routinely appliers the tools of Six Sigma

3

 Has been awarded the ASQ CQT, CMI or CQIA

4

 College graduate

5

 Can demonstrate Six Sigma project(s) savings over $500,000.00

6

 Masters or higher degree

7

 Has been awarded the ASQ CSSBB or IQF BB

8

 Has been awarded the ASQ CQE

9

 Can demonstrate Six Sigma project(s) savings over $1,000,000.00

10

 Has been an ASQ CQE for more than fifteen (15) years.

II. Work Related Positions

Points

Criteria

0

 No business work experience

1

 Shop floor worker or staff administrator using Six Sigma
methodologies.

2

 Support position (such as a technician, analyst, inspector,
etc.) working with a Six Sigma team(s).

3

 Member of formal Green Belt with documented savings to the
company.

4

 Member of five (5) or more formal Green Belt teams with
documented savings to the company of over $200,000.00

5

 Formal Black Belt candidate within your organization.

6

 Recognized Black Belt within your organization (documented
training and savings to the company).

7

 Formal Master Black Belt candidate within your organization.

8

 Recognized Master Black Belt within your organization
(documented training and savings to the company).

9

 Professional management position with documented Six Sigma
savings over $1MM. Partner or principle in a national consulting
firm teaching/coaching Six Sigma methodologies.

10

 Corporate level management with documented Six Sigma savings of
over $5MM. Partner or Principle in a international consulting firm
teaching/coaching Six Sigma methodologies

III. Training Received

Points

Criteria

0

 No formal training or self study.

1

 Self-study in Green Belt methodology

2

 Formal company sponsored Green Belt Training (provide agenda
and timing).

3

 Formal Green Belt Training provided by acknowledged Six Sigma
Training Organization.

4

 Self-study in Black Belt methodology

5

 Formal training program in Black Belt Training

6

 Formal training program in Black Belt Process Training

7

 Self-study in DFSS methodology

8

 Self-study in Master Black Belt Six Sigma methodology

9

 Formal training in DFSS

10

 Formal training in Master Black Belt

IV. Presentations, Talks, Publications

Points

Criteria

0

 Have given no public presentations

1

 Oral presentations within your primary organization of
employment.

2

 White papers produced within your primary organization of
employment.

3

 Self-prepared papers (two or more) distributed at talks to
local groups outside of your employer.

4

 Self-prepared Six Sigma papers (two or more) presented at
conventions or conferences (or within the organizations at
different divisions) of professional organizations.

5

 Six Sigma topical papers prepared and reviewed for presentation
and publication in professional organization meeting transactions.

6

 Six Sigma topical papers prepared under editorial supervision
and published in a formal magazine or journal.

7

 One or two Six Sigma related articles published in a book. Self
published book on Six Sigma methodologies.

8

 Coauthor of a professionally published book on Six Sigma
methodologies.

9

 Author of a professionally published book on Six Sigma
methodologies.

10

 Author of multiple professionally published books on Six Sigma
methodologies.

V. Teaching / Coaching

Points

Criteria

0

 Prepared and instructed employer sponsored Six Sigma Green Belt
training course(s).

1

 Prepared and instructed over five (5) employer sponsored Green
Belt Six Sigma training courses.

2

 Prepared and instructed employer sponsored Six Sigma Black Belt
training course(s).

3

 Prepared and instructed over five (5) employer sponsored Black
Belt Six Sigma training courses.

4

 Prepared and instructed public (or intra company) sponsored Six
Sigma Green Belt training course(s).

5

 Prepared and instructed public (or intra company) sponsored Six
Sigma Black Belt training course(s).

6

 Continued teaching of over five (5) public (or intra company)
Six Sigma training courses (green or Black Belt).

7

 Prepared and instructed college sponsored Six Sigma Green Belt
training course(s).

8

 Prepared and instructed college sponsored Six Sigma Black Belt
training course(s).

9

 Continued teaching of over five (5) college sponsored Six Sigma
training courses (green or Black Belt).

10

 Demonstrated coaching of public or college Black Belt or Master
Black Belt trainees.

VI. Teaming Skills

Points

Criteria

0

 Have never been on a Six Sigma Green Belt team

1

 Member of one (1) Six Sigma Green Belt team

2

 Member of two (2) to five (5) Six Sigma Green Belt teams

3

 Group/Team leader of a Six Sigma Green Belt team

4

 Six Sigma Black Belt for one (1) Six Sigma Green Belt team

5

 Six Sigma Black Belt for two (2) to five (5) Six Sigma Green
Belt teams

6

 Six Sigma Black Belt for over five (5) Six Sigma Green Belt
teams

7

 Coach for two (2) or more Six Sigma Green Belt teams

8

 Coach for one (1) Black Belt

9

 Coach for two (2) to five (5) Black Belts

10

 Coach for over five (5) Black Belts

VII. Professionalism

Points

Criteria

0

 No professional memberships or affiliations

1

 Member of your employers Six Sigma internal group that hold
periodic meetings.

2

 Evidence of attending professional organization meetings
dealing with Six Sigma topics.

3

 Member of one (1) or more professional organizations or
societies.

4

 Active Member in one (1) or two (2) professional organizations
that have Six Sigma as one of their topics.

5

 Active member of industry, academic, government or other formal
committee with a focus on Six Sigma methods. Active member of an
advisory committee for an educational institution, which is using
Six Sigma methodology for either teaching or application at the
school.

6

 Demonstrated influencer of a professional organization or other
not-for-profit groups use of Six Sigma methodologies.

7

 Functionally active in an organization listed above as an
officer, committee chair, or similar leadership position.

8

 Have received formal recognition from a professional
organization or other not-for-profit group for Six Sigma
application savings.

9

 Over five (5) years of professional leadership in the Six Sigma
field.

10

 Editorial review board member of a magazine or journal, which
focuses on Six Sigma (i.e. Six Sigma Forum Magazine).

VIII. Change Management

Points

Criteria

0

 No professional experience in selecting team members

1

 Evidence of team dynamics and motivating participants for the
project meetings.

2

 Evidence of properly handling conflict in project and
circumvent obstacles.

3

 Evidence of following a systematic problem solving and
facilitating techniques.

4

 Evidence of good presentation and communication skills

5

 Evidence of identifying and mobilizing sponsors and management
for change

6

 Ability to be a team player with the sponsor and champion of
the project

7

 Ability to obtain support from all levels of management,
especially for bottleneck processes

8

 Ability to identify gaps on the “as-is” and the
should process

9

 Evidence of obtaining support from management team especially
for difficult projects

10

 Evidence of sustaining gains for over three months after
implementation

IX. Interview

Candidates for GB: No interview necessary.
Certification is based on documented evidence provided to IBLS.

Candidates for BB: Formal interview by a person
from IABLS. Evaluation is based on a Pass/fail.

Candidates for MBB: Formal interview by two persons from IABLS, and a minimum of a fifteen (15) minute video of the candidate conducting training course or thirty (30) minute coaching session. Evaluation is based on Pass/fail.

X. Points for certification

Green Belt: Minimum score of 12 is required.
Certification with distinction is possible with a minimum score of 25
as a requirement.

Black Belt: The candidate for certification must pass the interview requirements and must score a minimum of 36 points as a requirement. Certification with distinction is possible with a minimum score of 57 as a requirement.

Master Black Belt: The candidate for certification must Pass the interview requirements and must score a minimum of 55 points as a requirement. Certification with distinction is possible with a minimum score of 70 as a requirement.

In all cases a minimum score per category is required. The scores are identified in the following array.

Scores for certification

Category

Master Black Belt

Black Belt

Green Belt

Minimum

Distinction

Minimum

Distinction

Minimum

Distinction

I

9

10

5

9

2

4

II

8

9

5

6

3

4

III

8

10

7

10

2

4

IV

3

6

2

4

1

2

V

3

6

1

5

0

1

VI

9

10

5

7

2

3

VII

7

9

4

7

1

4

VIII

9

10

7

9

1

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total points

56

70

36

57

12

25

Interview

Pass (30 max. points)

Pass (30 max. points)

Pass (30 max. points)

Pass (30 max. points)

Pass (30 max. points)

Pass (30 max. points)

XI. Cost for certification

Green Belt: $300.00 for three years.
Re-certification fee every three years $150.00.

Black Belt: $500.00 for three years.
Re-certification fee every three years $300.00.

Master Black Belt: $750.00 for three years.
Re-certification fee every three years $500.00.

XI. Re-certification

Re-certification is required every three years. Grace period is
only for 30 days from the expired date of your certification.
Re-certification requirements are:

  1. Documentation of continual education in a related field, appropriate experience and or training, publishing in a related field. Total 35 points are necessary for re-certification. They are:

    • 10 points for working in the six sigma field

    • 5 points for authoring a book

    • 3 points for authoring an article

    • 5 points for attending National conference in six sigma

    • 2 points for attending local or other quality gatherings

    • 3 points for co-authoring a book

    • 2 point for co-authoring an article

    • 3 points attending a related class at the college level

    • 2 points for professional training in a related field

  2. Payment of the appropriate and applicable fee.

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