IASSC Six Sigma

Green Belt
certification

Syllabus
E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.peoplecert.org

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1. Introduction

Lean Six Sigma, also known as Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) model, was originally
established by Motorola and is a continuous improvement method that is comprised of a process and a series
of tools which are implemented on a project basis in order to achieve a desired result, such as defect reduction,
process improvement or any other strategically aligned organizational objectives.

The Lean Six Sigma method

Lean Six Sigma is a method that relies on a collaborative team effort to improve performance by systematically
removing waste and reducing variation. It combines lean manufacturing/lean enterprise and Six Sigma to
eliminate the eight kinds of waste (muda): Defects, Over-Production, Waiting, Non-Utilized Talent,
Transportation, Inventory, Motion, and Extra-Processing1.

Lean Six Sigma is used to reduce process defects and waste, and to provide a framework for overall
organizational culture change. Through the introduction of Lean Six Sigma, employers hope to change the
mindset of employees and managers to one that focuses on growth and continuous improvement through
process optimization. This change in culture and the mindset of an organization can potentially maximize
efficiency and increase profitability1.

Why is it important to hold a Lean Six Sigma certification?

Holding a Lean Six Sigma certification proves the candidate's proficiency with Lean Six Sigma methodology,
beyond the mere knowledge of terminology. It shows to employers that the candidate has the potential to be
the person they need to cover The Certified Yellow Belt, The Certified Green Belt or The Certified Black Belt role
in their teams.

Whether the candidate is a beginner or a seasoned professional, a certification is a significant advantage when
aiming to motivate and lead teammates. The Lean Six Sigma credential showcases that the candidate has the
skills necessary to achieve the desired results, such as defect reduction, process improvement or any other
strategically aligned organizational objectives.

1.1. Lean Six Sigma Qualification Scheme

The Lean Six Sigma qualification scheme has been structured as follows:

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (16 training hours) – Candidates get the essential knowledge needed for the
foundational elements of the Lean Six Sigma Methodology and a good understanding of the elementary
aspects of the Lean Six Sigma Method including competence in the subject matters contained within the
phases of Define, Measure, and Control (DMC).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (80 training hours) – Candidates will enhance on all aspects of the core to
advanced elements of Lean Six Sigma Methodology and get an in-depth understanding of all aspects of the
Lean Six Sigma Method including higher competence in subject matters contained within the phases of
Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC).

1
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_Six_Sigma

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 • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (120 training hours) – Candidates will enhance on all aspects of the advanced
elements of Lean Six Sigma Methodology and get a thorough understanding of all aspects of the Lean Six
Sigma Method including advanced competence in subject matters contained within the phases of Define,
Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC).

The IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, by PeopleCert covers the core to advanced elements
required for a candidate to build their knowledge and skills regarding the Lean Six Sigma Methodology.

The body of knowledge underlying these skills are presented in the official courseware provided by PeopleCert
to accredited ATOs. The primary purpose of the syllabus is to provide a basis for accreditation of people
involved with the Lean Six Sigma Methodology. It documents the learning outcomes related to the
qualification and describes the requirements a candidate is expected to meet to demonstrate that these
learning outcomes have been achieved at the specific qualification level.

2. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

2.1. Purpose of the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Qualification

The purpose of this qualification level is to confirm that a candidate is well versed in the core to advanced
elements Lean Six Sigma methodology in the cognitive levels of knowledge, understanding, application,
analysis, evaluation, and be able to implement, perform, interpret and apply the Lean Six Sigma methodology
at a high level of proficiency.

2.2. Target Group/Audience

This certification is the second level of the IASSC Lean Six Sigma qualification scheme provided by PeopleCert
and is aimed at anyone who wishes to become an advanced professional in the Lean Six Sigma methodology
and requires candidates to have and demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of all the Lean Six
Sigma terms, principles, tools and practices, as well as demonstrate their application, analysis and evaluation
skills of how to use the methodology efficiently and effectively. The certification can also cater for candidates
seeking personal certification.

This certification will provide all the required level of knowledge to its holders and will certify that they have a
thorough understanding of all aspects of the Lean Six Sigma methodology using various tools.

3. Learning Objectives

At this qualification level, candidates will be introduced to all concepts, principles and tools used in the Lean Six
Sigma methodology as well as the Six Sigma philosophies and principles (including supporting systems and tools)
and a high-level understanding of the DMAIC model.

Holders of the IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, by PeopleCert, will be able to demonstrate their
knowledge, understanding and practical application of:

• The Basics of Six Sigma

• The Lean Enterprise
• The DMAIC model

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 • Six Sigma Statistics
• Advanced Statistics including Hypothesis Testing with Normal/Non-Normal Data, Simple
Linear/Multiple Regression, Full/Fractional Factorial Experiments
• Lean Controls, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Six Sigma Control Plans

3.1. Qualification Scheme Level

Through the above learning objectives, candidates will demonstrate relevant knowledge skills in the following
phases:

Main Topics
Define Phase
Measure Phase
Analyze Phase
Improve Phase
Control Phase

4. Examination

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam focuses on the following five (5) categories in the cognitive domain of
Bloom’s Taxonomy- Revised (2001) model2 which is a reference for different levels of learning:
• Remember

• Understand

• Apply

• Analyze

• Evaluate

The IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, by PeopleCert exam is designed to target a cognitive level up
to Evaluate.

4.1. Assessment Approach

The assessment approach used for the IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, by PeopleCert focuses
on the five cognitive levels of remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate. Those are listed below from the
least complex to the most complex:

Remember: Recall or recognize terms, definitions, facts, ideas, materials, patterns, sequences, methods,
principles, etc.

Understand: Read and understand descriptions, communications, reports, tables, diagrams, directions,
regulations, etc.

2 The Bloom's taxonomy defines six (6) levels of learning in the cognitive domain (remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, create),
which are both sequential and cumulative and move from the simple to the complex.
In order to achieve the 6th level of learning, it must be ensured that the previous five levels have been mastered.

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 Apply: Know when and how to use ideas, procedures, methods, formulas, principles, theories, etc.

Analyze: Break down information into its constituent parts and recognize their relationship to one another and
how they are organized; identify sub-level factors or salient data from a complex scenario.

Evaluate: Make judgments about the value of proposed ideas, solutions, etc., by comparing the proposal to
specific criteria or standards.

The assessment incorporates the above learning outcomes as it uses assessment objectives that cater for the
above cognitive domain categories.

4.2. Entry Criteria/Training Requirements

For this examination, there are no formal entry criteria or training requirements.

To be eligible for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt level examination a candidate must be able to demonstrate an
thorough knowledge and understanding of the Lean Six Sigma, principles, tools and practices, as well as
demonstrate their application, analysis and evaluation skills of how to use the methodology and it is
recommended that the candidate has received Accredited Training by a PeopleCert accredited training partner.

4.3. Examination Format

The following table details the examination format for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam:

Delivery Computer (web proctored or classroom)

Type 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Each question is awarded one (1) mark
Duration 3 hours (180 minutes)
For non-native speakers or candidates with a disability, an additional
45 minutes of extra time is allowed.
Pass Mark 70% (70 marks out of 100)
Invigilator / Supervisor / Yes
Proctor Physical or Online Proctoring
Open Book No
The provided Reference Document, which contains all formulas and
tables that may be needed during the examination, can only be used.
Prerequisites None
Distinction N/A
Certification validity 3 years (a recertification exam is required to maintain validity)

The tests are derived from a regularly updated question test bank (QTB) based on the test specification detailed
below. Questions are used interchangeably among test sets. The overall difficulty level of each test is the same
with any other test. A candidate is never assigned the same test in the case of multiple examination attempts.

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 5. Detailed Syllabus

The syllabus is structured into sections relating to the major subject headings and numbered with a single
digit section number. A total of eighty (80) training hours of accredited training is recommended.

Category Topic Ref Knowledge/Task Item

1.0 Define 1.1 The Basics 1.1.1 Meanings of Six Sigma
Phase of Six Sigma
1.1.2 General History of Six Sigma & Continuous
Improvement
1.1.3 Deliverables of a Lean Six Sigma Project
1.1.4 The Problem Solving Strategy Y = f(x)
1.1.5 Voice of the Customer, Business and Employee
1.1.6 Six Sigma Roles & Responsibilities
1.2 The 1.2.1 Defining a Process
Fundamentals
of Six Sigma
1.2.2 Critical to Quality Characteristics (CTQ’s)
1.2.3 Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
1.2.4 Pareto Analysis (80:20 rule)
1.2.5 Basic Six Sigma Metrics: including DPU, DPMO, FTY, RTY
Cycle Time; deriving these metrics
1.3 Selecting 1.3.1 Building a Business Case & Project Charter
Lean Six
Sigma
Projects
1.3.2 Developing Project Metrics
1.3.3 Financial Evaluation & Benefits Capture
1.4 The Lean 1.4.1 Understanding Lean
Enterprise
1.4.2 The History of Lean
1.4.3 Lean & Six Sigma
1.4.4 The Seven Elements of Waste: Overproduction,
Correction, Inventory, Motion, Overprocessing,
Conveyance, Waiting.
1.4.5 5S: Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Self-Discipline
2.0 Measure 2.1 Process 2.1.1 Cause & Effect / Fishbone Diagrams
Phase Definition
2.1.2 Process Mapping, SIPOC, Value Stream Map
2.1.3 X-Y Diagram
2.1.4 Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA)
2.2 Six Sigma 2.2.1 Basic Statistics
Statistics
2.2.2 Descriptive Statistics
2.2.3 Normal Distributions & Normality
2.2.4 Graphical Analysis
2.3 2.3.1 Precision & Accuracy
Measurement
System
Analysis

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 Category Topic Ref Knowledge/Task Item
2.3.2 Bias, Linearity & Stability
2.3.3 Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility
2.3.4 Variable & Attribute MSA
2.4 Process 2.4.1 Capability Analysis
Capability
2.4.2 Concept of Stability
2.4.3 Attribute & Discrete Capability
2.4.4 Monitoring Techniques
3.0 Analyze 3.1 Patterns 3.1.1 Multi-Vari Analysis
Phase of Variation
3.1.2 Classes of Distributions
3.2 Inferential 3.2.1 Understanding Inference
Statistics
3.2.2 Sampling Techniques & Uses
3.2.3 Central Limit Theorem
3.3 3.3.1 General Concepts & Goals of Hypothesis Testing
Hypothesis
Testing
3.3.2 Significance; Practical vs. Statistical
3.3.3 Risk; Alpha & Beta
3.3.4 Types of Hypothesis Test
3.4 3.4.1 1 & 2 sample t-tests
Hypothesis
Testing with
Normal Data
3.4.2 1 sample variance
3.4.3 One Way ANOVA: Including Tests of Equal Variance,
Normality Testing and Sample Size calculation,
performing tests and interpreting results.
3.5 3.5.1 Mann-Whitney
Hypothesis
Testing with
Non-Normal
Data
3.5.2 Kruskal-Wallis
3.5.3 Mood’s Median
3.5.4 Friedman
3.5.5 Sample Sign
3.5.6 Sample Wilcoxon
3.5.7 One and Two Sample Proportion
3.5.8 Chi-Squared (Contingency Tables): Including Tests of
Equal Variance, Normality Testing and Sample Size
calculation, performing tests and interpreting results.
4.0 Improve 4.1 Simple 4.1.1 Correlation
Phase Linear
Regression
4.1.2 Regression Equations
4.1.3 Residuals Analysis

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 Category Topic Ref Knowledge/Task Item
4.2 Multiple 4.2.1 Non- Linear Regression
Regression
Analysis
4.2.2 Multiple Linear Regression
4.2.3 Confidence & Prediction Intervals
4.2.4 Residuals Analysis
4.2.5 Data Transformation, Box Cox
5.0 Control 5.1 Lean 5.1.1 Control Methods for 5S
Phase Controls
5.1.2 Kanban
5.1.3 Poka-Yoke (Mistake Proofing)
5.2 Statistical 5.2.1 Data Collection for SPC
Process
Control (SPC)
5.2.2 I-MR Chart
5.2.3 Xbar-R Chart
5.2.4 U Chart
5.2.5 P Chart
5.2.6 NP Chart
5.2.7 Xbar-S Chart
5.2.8 CuSum Chart
5.2.9 EWMA Chart
5.2.10 Control Methods
5.3 Six Sigma 5.3.1 Cost Benefit Analysis
Control Plans
5.3.2 Elements of the Control Plan
5.3.3 Elements of the Response Plan

6. Test Specification

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt examination will consist of five (5) sections with the following structure:

Category Description Exam (%)

1 Define Phase 19.0%
2 Measure Phase 32.0%
3 Analyze Phase 22.0%
4 Improve Phase 8.0%
5 Control Phase 19.0%
Total 100.0%

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 7. Bibliography

1. Bass, Issa. Lean Six Sigma Using SigmaXL and Minitab. New York: McGraw Hill Education, 2009
(ISBN13: 978-0071621304).

2. Breyfogle, Forrest W. III. Lean Six Sigma: A Handbook and Solutions Manual for Green Belt, Black Belt
and Master Black Belt Process Improvement Projects 2-book Bundle. Florida, US: Citius Publishing,
2015 (ISBN13: 978-0982923177)

3. Brook, Quentin. Lean Six Sigma and Minitab (6th Edition): The Complete Toolbox Guide for Business
Improvement. London, UK: OPEX Resources Ltd, 2020. (ISBN-13: 978-0995789920)

4. George, Michael L., John Maxey, David Rowlands and Mark Price. The Lean Six Sigma Pocket
Toolbook: A Quick Reference Guide to 100 Tools for Improving Quality and Speed. New York: McGraw
Hill, 2004 (ISBN13: 978-0071441193).

5. Morgan, John. Lean Six Signa for Dummies, 3rd Edition. Official Open Source Six Sigma Courseware
(Yellow, Green, Black Belt courseware available, Minitab or Sigma XL versions). US: For Dummies,
2015 (ISBN013: 978-1119067351).

6. Minitab User Manual. https://www.minitab.com/en-us/support/documents/

7. Pyzdek, Thomas and Paul Keller. The Six Sigma Handbook, 5E 5th Edition. New York: McGraw Hill,
2018 (ISBN13: 978-1260121827).

8. SigmaXL User Manual. https://www.sigmaxl.com/PDFs/SigmaXL_Version_6.1_Workbook.pdf

9. Sye, George Lee. SigmaXL Statistical Analysis Handbook: A Guide to the Use of SigmaXL for Lean Six
Sigma Professionals. Australia: Soarent Publishing, 2012 (Kindle Edition, ASIN B009XXC9CM)

10. Turner, James. Lean Six Sigma: 3 Books in 1 - The Ultimate Beginner's, Intermediate & Advanced
Guide to Learn Lean Six Sigma Step by Step. Nelly B.L. International Consulting Ltd., 2020 (ISBN13:
978-1647711030).

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