The Six Sigma Black Belt Online Training Program integrates Six Sigma with hands-on data analysis. The program material provides you with an in-depth look at the Six Sigma Black Belt problem-solving methodology, DMAIC: Define the problem, Measure key aspects, Analyze data, Improve the process, Control the future process. You'll also learn successful approaches to implementing a Six Sigma program in an organization so you can effectively participate in creating credible Lean Six Sigma programs.
This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges, universities, and other accredited education providers.
To learn more about PDUs and how they may fit into your continuing education needs, please visit pmi.org.
The flow of the Black Belt Training Program follows the DMAIC methodology. You'll learn the appropriate tools and concepts at each stage of project development. When students are working in an organization and have access to potential projects sponsored by their management, they are strongly encouraged to develop a project in conjunction with the course. Since software will be used for data analysis, the program material concentrates on the application and use of the tools, rather than on detailed derivation of the statistical methods.
Your analytical and problem-solving skills will be challenged by workshops, which are incorporated extensively throughout the training. A comprehensive study guide that matches the IQF certification exam is provided, with workshop exercises presented as appropriate to each of the online topics. Once you've successfully completed the program, you'll be eligible to work toward a Black Belt Certification through the International Quality Federation (http://iqf.org). Achieving this certification is at your discretion and dependent upon you meeting the criteria the International Quality Federation sets; certification is not automatic upon completion of this program or tied to the accredited college or university you registered through.
This program is entirely online and is completed at your own pace. When you register, you receive six (6) months to complete this program.
This program can be taken from either a Mac or a PC. It is compatible IE 7 and later browsers.
To access this program and Study Guide, you need only a Web-enabled computer. Black Belts should also have a general statistical software package, such as Minitab, the Black Belt XL software provided with the course, or (at the least) a functional copy of MS Excel.
This program includes the following materials for a complete learning experience:
- Six Sigma Demystified by Paul Keller
- Six Sigma Handbook by Thomas Pyzdek and Paul Keller
- Black Belt XL software (Student License)
- IQF Study Guide
- IQF Certification Exam
Note: The use of the Black Belt XL software provided with the course is optional, and not strictly required for successful completion. The Black Belt XL software is installed as an add-on to MS Excel (versions 2010 and later) running in MS Windows and is not compatible with Mac computers. Students may procure other software to analyze data provided within the Excel files to achieve similar results; Or, students may simply view the solutions provided in the MS Excel files opened in either a Windows or Mac-based version of MS Excel.
Black Belt candidates generally have college degrees in industry-related fields, including business, engineering, or sciences. They are comfortable using mathematics, are experienced problem solvers, have college-level reading comprehension skills, and are proficient in using Windows-based computer software, including Microsoft Office and general statistical software packages. You should also have Excel 2010 or any more recent version of Excel in order to complete the program.
This program is for you if you have the appropriate prerequisites and the desire to lead teams using the DMAIC methodology and advanced statistical tools.
After completing this program, you will be eligible to work toward the International Quality Federation (IQF) certification, which is a Six Sigma industry standard certification. The IQF certification does not come through your accredited college or university; it is something you will need to work toward on your own. You will have the option to sit for the IQF certification exam at the end of your program without additional charge.
A study guide for the IQF exam is included in your program registration materials, and the program itself prepares you for much of the knowledge you need for the IQF certification exam.
Paul Keller, President, is a Senior Consultant with Quality America, Inc. Paul has developed and implemented successful Six Sigma and Quality Improvement programs in service and manufacturing environments. Paul has been with Quality America since 1992, where he has:
- Developed and managed systems for overall operations, including quality improvement, product development, partner relations, marketing, sales, order fulfillment and technical support.
- Provided primary statistical expertise to our customer base, as well as internal Software Development, Sales and Technical Support teams.
- Developed and implemented Six Sigma related courses, including Quality Management, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Designed Experiments, to hundreds of our companies in a wide variety of industries including Roche Pharmaceuticals, Core3 Inc. Business Process Outsourcing, US Army, MacDermid Printing Solutions, Boeing Satellite, Dow Corning, Antec, Pfizer, Warner Lambert, and many others.
- Paul has authored a number of well-received publications, including:
- 2013: Co-authored Six Sigma Handbook: Fourth Edition (New York: McGraw Hill). Authored series of instructional videos for McGraw-Hill's Access Engineering online program.
- 2012: Co-authored Handbook for Quality Management, Second Edition: A Complete Guide to Organizational Excellence (New York: McGraw Hill).
- 2011: Authored SPC Demystified (New York: McGraw Hill).
- 2010: Authored Six Sigma Demystified: Second Edition (New York: McGraw Hill).
- 2009: Co-authored Six Sigma Handbook: Third Edition (New York: McGraw Hill).
- 2005: Author Six Sigma Demystified (New York: McGraw Hill). Over 40,000 copies sold of first edition.2003: Technical Editor Quality Engineering Handbook, Tucson: QA Publishing, LLC.
- 2002: Contributing Author Manufacturing Handbook of Best Practices, Boca Raton: St. Lucie Press.
- 2001: Author Six Sigma Deployment, Tucson: QA Publishing, LLC.
- 2001: Co-author Six Sigma Study Guide, Tucson: QA Publishing, LLC.
- 2000: Contributing Author Handbook for Quality Technicians and Mechanical Inspectors, Tucson: QA Publishing, LLC.
- 2000: Contributing Author Handbook for Quality Management, Tucson: QA Publishing, LLC.
- 1992-present: Numerous articles in professional trade magazines, conference proceedings, and Quality America's Knowledge Center.
Before launching Quality America's training and consulting business in 1992, Paul specialized in Quality Engineering in the Masters Program at the University of Arizona. He applied these techniques as a Quality Manager for a consumer goods manufacturer (1990-1992), and an SPC Director at an industrial products manufacturer (1987-1990). In these roles, he developed company-wide Quality Systems to meet the demands of a diverse customer base, including the automotive and aerospace industries.
1. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?
Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration.
2. How long does it take to complete a program?
All of our programs are self-paced and open-enrollment. You can start and finish the program at your own pace. When you register for a program, you're given six months to complete the program.
3. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All required materials are included. The cost of materials will be covered by your tuition. ed2go will ship all materials (when applicable) via UPS ground service upon registration.
4. Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go programs are non-credit programs, so they don't qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehabilitation or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our programs.
5. What happens when I complete the program?
Upon successfully finishing the program, you'll be awarded a certificate of completion.
6. Does this program include projects?
The program itself doesn't provide a project. Since some students don't have access to suitable projects, projects aren't required for this program. However, if you're working in an organization and have access to potential projects, you're strongly encouraged to develop a project in conjunction with the program.
7. Can I become Black Belt certified, and how do I do so?
Upon completing this program, you'll receive a program completion certificate from your accredited college or university. In addition, after completing this program, you'll be eligible to work toward the International Quality Federation (IQF) certification, which is a Six Sigma industry standard certification. The IQF certification does not come through your accredited college or university; it is something you will need to work toward on your own. You will have the option to sit for the IQF certification exam at the end of your program. The cost of this certification exam is included in the cost of the program.
A study guide for the IQF exam is included in your program registration materials, and the program itself prepares you for much of the knowledge you need for the IQF certification exam.
IQF lets you work toward certification with projects that you complete on your own or certification without projects, which is a good option if you don't have access to related projects in your current job.
8. Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
9. Who will be my facilitator?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance.
10. What do I have to have in order to take an online program, and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online programs, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (a normal dial-up connection will work, but high-speed Internet access is recommended). You can access the program contents from any Web-enabled computer. There are no necessary plug-ins. You don't have to use the same computer to log-in to the program every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
11. Can this program be taken on a Mac?
Yes; however, the Excel add-ons (Green Belt XL and Black Belt XL) are not compatible with Mac computers.
12. How can I get more information on the program?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button toward the top of the page). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the "Contact Us" form to the right. You may also call us at 1-855-520-6806
1-855-520-6806 FREE. We will answer your questions promptly.
13. When can I start the program?
Our programs are all open-enrollment, which means you can register and start the program as soon as you're ready.
Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.
14. Why does this program direct me toward the IQF exam rather than another industry exam?
The IQF certification exam was developed by a group of Six Sigma professionals to address the flaws in some other certification exams that are available. Paul Keller, this program's instructor, has selected the IQF certification exam based on its fundamental superiority in assessing the technical skills of qualified applicants.
15. What if I don't have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?
The time allotted to complete your program has been
calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don't worry
too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort,
you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you
work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee may be
charged for an extension.
I liked the ability to set my own pace and work within my schedule. This was most important to me. There were times when I needed to take a break and return to previous courses for a refresher and this course structure allowed me to do that. When I needed support, it was prompt and courteous.
- L.B., Genesee Community College
This course was very flexible to my work hours as well as my lifestyle. I had to stop for my parent's illness and care in addition to starting a new job with a company that has sent me to Germany for three trips. However, I was granted an extension while in Germany away from normal life and it's distractions, was able to finish course. I highly recommend this course to anyone. It was real challenging and expanded my understanding as well as my ability to lead and implement change.
- M.C., Tri-County Technical College - Anderson
This was a comprehensive, educational experience. It has given me in-depth knowledge of Six Sigma for professional advancement in my career. The professional team behind the course content made learning a great experience.
- W.G., St. Charles Community College
I liked how I could work at my own pace. I needed to extend the program because I just started a new job and you easily offered to extend my program.
- G.S., College of Western Idaho
This course was very flexible with my work hours as well as my lifestyle. I had to stop for Parents illness and care before starting a new job with company that has sent me to Germany for three trips. However, I was granted an extension and, while in Germany away from normal life and its distractions, was able to finish course. I highly recommend this course to anyone! It was really challenging and expanded my understanding as well as my ability to lead and implement change and improvement.
- W.C., Tri-County Technical College - Anderson
The course information was good and worked well for learning the system. There were a variety of examples of real world uses for this information and most were generic enough to adapt to our needs.
- P.S., Excelsior College
It was great viewing the modules, which highlighted all the reading material. The instructor was supportive in reaching out to me to see if I had any questions.
- D.C., Central Michigan University