Six Sigma Black Belt Overview

Credly badge that says "Penn State Great Valley Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Professional Development Certification"

Master proven tools to optimize performance, eliminate waste, reduce variation, and drive continuous improvement across industries. Apply practical strategies that boost quality, effectiveness, and profitability in real-world settings. 

  • Four courses, seven weeks each
  • Three-hour live Zoom class, one evening a week, 84 hours total
  • Seven months to complete the certificate

The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification blends classroom experience with hands-on activities to provide skills that can be applied immediately, including:

  • Improving services, products, and offerings
  • Continuous process improvement
  • Information flow
  • Business justification analysis methods
  • Value stream improvement
  • Lean scheduling
  • Market growth
  • Business profitability

request information attend a webinar

All classes are taught by Six Sigma Master Black Belts who are subject matter experts and share a wealth of real-world experience. The instructors regularly update the program to ensure it is relevant and valuable to students and their companies, combining both classic improvement methods with modern tools such as AI, rapid-cycle root cause analysis, and change management.  

A digital badge will be awarded upon completion. Badges can be digitally displayed anywhere to recognize attaining a new level of knowledge.

Six Sigma Black Belt course sequence and certification

A Penn State certificate is awarded upon completion of the four required courses and after passing the comprehensive Black Belt certification exam. A practice exam will be given at the end of each course. Courses MUST be taken in sequence and CANNOT be taken concurrently.

Each Six Sigma Black Belt course is approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to receive one Professional Development Unit (PDU) for each contact hour (21 PDUs per course).

Project Management Institute Authorized Training Partner Badge

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded based on a standard of one unit per ten (10) hours of classroom contact. Each course is scheduled for 21 contact hours (2.1 CEUs per course).

Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) continuous learning points are awarded based on a standard of one unit per one hour of classroom contact.

Note: The University reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. 

Why pursue Six Sigma Black Belt Certification?

Lean Six Sigma and Six Sigma methodologies can be applied across many industries, like manufacturing, supply chain, finance, healthcare, engineering, construction, and more.

Some key focuses of the program are creating financial returns that are quantifiable and measurable, building a more robust management team intent on rectifying waste, and replacing assumptions with statistical methods and data.

Who can benefit from Six Sigma Black Belt Certification?

This program may be for you if you:

  • Are frustrated with work inefficiencies
  • Often hear “that's how we've always done it”
  • Are or will be responsible for making improvements in products, services, and business processes
  • Implement continuous process improvement and projects within your organization
  • Want to earn a globally recognized certification and increase your marketability

Holding other Six Sigma belts is not required to enroll.

Customized Programs

Companies and organizations can have this program conducted at Penn State Great Valley or elsewhere. Program content can be customized to meet the needs of the company. Call 610-648-3273 for information.

Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate FAQs

Yes. Six Sigma Black Belts are sought after in operations, quality, continuous improvement, and leadership roles across many industries. This credential, paired with your ability to solve complex business problems, will give you a competitive advantage in the current job market.

Unlike many certification programs that focus primarily on coursework and exams, this program emphasizes the practical application of Six Sigma tools and methodologies through a real-world project. Participants apply what they learn to solve actual business challenges and achieve measurable results.

The program is also delivered through live, instructor-led classes, providing opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners and collaborate with a cohort of professionals from a variety of industries. This interactive approach helps participants deepen their understanding, refine their problem-solving skills, and build the confidence to lead process improvement initiatives within their organizations.

At this time, we only offer live, instructor-led virtual classes. To ensure an open discussion of class material, including projects, class sessions are not recorded. Participants are expected to attend classes in real time.  

Other than your project work and presentation preparation, you will have little to no additional coursework outside of class. Throughout the program, time is allocated for you to focus on individual work and discussion to help you make meaningful progress while also balancing your professional and personal commitments. 

The Six Sigma Black Belt program runs for approximately seven months. 

You do not need an advanced math or statistics background to succeed in this program. The courses will teach you the skills required for Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Many successful Black Belts begin with only a basic understanding of math and learn the rest throughout the program.

Yes. The program is a progressive learning experience; each course includes material learned in the previous courses, as well as your project progression. They should be taken in sequence.

No. You do not need to pay for the entire program up front. 

We offer a pay-as-you-go option that allows you to register and pay for each course individually. If your employer offers tuition reimbursement, requires invoicing, or has other payment requirements, we can work with you and your organization to accommodate those needs.

If you have previously earned a Six Sigma Green Belt, you may be eligible to receive credit for prior coursework. The lead instructor and program staff will review your Green Belt training, including the curriculum completed and any associated project work, to determine how it aligns with the Six Sigma Black Belt program requirements. Based on that review, they will recommend the most appropriate entry point into the program and identify the remaining coursework you need to complete the Black Belt certification.

Many participants find that the skills gained through the program lead to career advancement, increased earning potential, and stronger real-world problem-solving capability. The practical tools taught in the program can provide lasting value throughout your career. 

We understand that unexpected situation can arise. In most instances, you will have the opportunity to make up missed coursework. However, some classes, such as presentation-based classes, require prior approval to receive credit or have specific attendance requirements. Please contact your instructor as soon as possible if you need to miss a class.  

Two books are required for the program:

  • Practical Definitions for the Working Professional
  • High-Performance Lean Six Sigma in the 21st Century 

These resources help you quickly understand key concepts and references and serve as a reference after program completion. An additional bibliography is available to help you in your specific area of problem-solving.

Yes. Throughout the program, you will take practice exams and a final exam. 

Course completion and Six Sigma Black Belt certification depends on a final grade of a C or higher. Your final grade is a composite of your class participation, project work, presentations, exams, and other course requirements.

Agile is a project management and product development approach that is often applied in software and product development. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach that works across any industry and can be applied quickly. 

Both approaches can be valuable, and many organizations use them together. This program will help you understand the difference and the value of each.

A project is required to earn Six Sigma Black Belt certification. While it often works best for your project to align with your organization’s goals and have your manager’s support, it is not required. 

All projects have certain requirements. If you are unsure whether your project is appropriate, please contact your instructor to discuss your options. 

This program provides a strong foundation for Master Black Belt certification and advanced problem-solving methodologies like Lean Six Sigma 21st Century (LSS-21). It can also support continued professional development in process improvement and organizational leadership.