A Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certified professional works as subject matter expert within their company. They assist Green Belts and Black Belts as they work to remove inefficiency and waste from the organization. “Lean” means continuously improving towards the ideal and achieving the shortest possible cycle time through the tireless reduction of waste. It is focused on eliminating waste in all processes. It is about expanding capacity by reducing costs and shortening cycle times.
Anyone within an organization can be certified as a Lean Yellow Belt, from call center employees to the CEO of the company. The “level” of certification just depends on the task that person will be performing within the Six Sigma project. If they are leading the project they may be certified at the Green Belt or Black Belt level. It they are only working in an advisory position and assisting the Black Belt with internal process-knowledge, the Lean Yellow Belt is the best six sigma certification.
The role of a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt is fairly small. Lean Yellow Belts generally continue to work on their normal job tasks, only stopping to assist on the project when it’s requested.
The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified (LYBC) program includes the Management and Strategy Institute’s exclusive YBsim™ simulation. This Six Sigma simulation walks you through the role of a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt so you’ll gain valuable experience. In this Six Sigma simulation, you’ll look at a simulated company working on a project. You’ll look at the company’s current Sigma level and gain an understanding of team roles as the project charter is developed.
Course Syllabus [.pdf]
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To achieve the LYBC certification designation from the Management and Strategy Institute, candidates must pass the MSI Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification exam with a 70% or higher score.
There are no prerequisites for certification. The included course covers all of the MSI Six Sigma Yellow Belt Body of Knowledge material that candidates must be familiar with to pass the exam. The total cost for Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification is $199.95. That fee includes the MSI certification exam and the online course / study material.
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belts must have a basic understanding of the Six Sigma and Lean principles so that they can accomplish tasks assigned to them by Green and Black Belts. This certification exam is open note, however it is also timed, so you will not have much time to look up answers to questions. It is very important that you study and understand the material prior to taking the test or you may not pass.
To prepare for the MSI Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification exam, candidates are encouraged to complete all training that is included with the purchase. This includes the simulation walkthrough (YBSim™).
The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt is a mid-level certification. It is not designed to make you an expert on all facets of Six Sigma or the Lean manufacturing process. This professional development course was designed to teach someone with little knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principals the basic skills needed to function as a Lean Six Sigma professional within your organization. Many executive jobs today require that their employees have at least a basic understanding of Lean Six Sigma. For an example, click on this job search link to see how many positions mention the words “Six Sigma”.
The training course is self-paced. Time to complete and fully comprehend will vary with every individual. It may take several days or weeks of study before you feel comfortable to take the final test. You may take the final exam as soon as you’re ready. You have 1 year from the date of purchase to complete the course.
MSI offers a physical book called “Navigating Lean Six Sigma: A Comprehensive Guide for Yellow Belts. “ This educational guide helps prepare you for the exam and makes the perfect reference book for future use. It is available on Amazon and is the only official supplemental guide for MSI Yellow Belt exam preperation.
The study material included with this program will help you understand the following Yellow Belt roles and responsibilities:
What Six Sigma is and how it’s developed.
How Six Sigma can be applied in the work place, how a project opportunity may be identified, and how deployment will take place.
Understanding the five principles of lean business.
What the DMAIC methodology is and how Lean and Six Sigma work together.
You are registering for the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified (LYBC)™ certification program through the Management and Strategy Institute (MSI). This international certification is exclusive to MSI and you will be certified directly by the Institute upon passing. MSI is a trade association for process improvement professionals and BBB accredited. Learn more about MSI here.
Participants who successfully complete this certification program will receive 10 Professional Competency Units (PCUs) from MSI. The LYBC digital certificate will be issued immediately upon passing the certification exam. The LYBC digital badge will be issued within 48 hours and added to the MSI verification database.
Recertification is recommended every 3 years. Recertification through MSI is free and typically takes about 10 minutes. Applicants do not need to re-take the exam, but rather complete a questionnaire regarding the certification.
For US members, upon passing, you will be mailed a professional-grade certificate and transcripts. These can be given to employers who request it, or colleges for credit review. The certificate is heavy-stock, cream paper suitable for framing.
Certifications are generally the last item listed under the education section of your resume. List them directly beneath your college information in this format:
Certifications:
Management and Strategy Institute
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified (LYBC)™
Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt are three distinct levels of certification within the Lean Six Sigma framework, each with varying levels of expertise and responsibilities. A Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt is typically an entry-level practitioner who receives foundational training in the concepts and tools of Lean Six Sigma.
They support improvement projects, assisting Green Belts and Black Belts with data collection and basic analysis. They are often selected to work on projects because they are considered subject matter experts in their day-to-day job functions for their company.
On the other hand, Green Belts possess a deeper understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and often lead smaller-scale improvement projects within their specific areas or departments. They dedicate a significant portion of their time to process improvement.
Black Belts are the highest-level practitioners and are responsible for leading complex, organization-wide Lean Six Sigma projects. They have extensive knowledge of the methodology and are skilled in statistical analysis. In summary, the key differences lie in the depth of knowledge, project leadership capabilities, and the scale of projects each belt level can handle, with Yellow Belts being at the introductory level.
Holding a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification can offer several advantages, even though it represents an introductory level of expertise within the methodology. Here are five advantages:
An online Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification can carry significant credibility and value in the eyes of employers for several reasons. Firstly, the Lean Six Sigma methodology is renowned for its effectiveness in process improvement and waste reduction across various industries, making any level of certification in this field inherently valuable.
Online certifications align with the same rigorous curriculum and standards as in-person programs, ensuring that the knowledge and skills gained are on par with traditional methods. Furthermore, employers appreciate online certifications as they demonstrate an individual’s commitment to self-improvement and their ability to adapt to modern learning methods.
Additionally, MSI online certifications allow for flexibility in terms of timing and location, enabling individuals to pursue professional development while still meeting their work and personal obligations. Overall, an online Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification signifies a candidate’s dedication to enhancing their problem-solving skills and contributing to process improvement initiatives, qualities highly valued by employers seeking to remain competitive and efficient in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Having a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification can be a significant advantage when it comes to securing a promotion within an organization. This certification showcases a candidate’s commitment to process improvement and their ability to contribute effectively to lean initiatives.
Yellow Belts can play essential roles in project teams, assisting with data collection, analysis, and the implementation of improvement strategies. Their foundational knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles allows them to identify inefficiencies and suggest solutions, which can lead to cost savings and enhanced productivity.
When employers see a candidate with a Yellow Belt certification, they often view them as valuable assets who can help streamline operations and drive continuous improvement. This proactive approach to problem-solving and efficiency improvement is highly regarded by decision-makers, making it more likely for individuals with a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification to be considered for promotions, as they can contribute to the organization’s success in a meaningful way.
Obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification can present several challenges for aspiring candidates. Firstly, comprehending the methodology’s concepts and tools can be daunting, particularly for those new to process improvement. The study material that MSI includes with your purchase is specifically designed to help prepare you for the certification exam. You can also choose to use 3rd party material if you prefer.
Additionally, the certification exam is rigorous, demanding a thorough understanding of the material. Navigating the practical application of Lean Six Sigma principles within one’s workplace can be challenging, especially if the organization lacks a strong culture of continuous improvement. Lastly, maintaining motivation and enthusiasm throughout the certification process can be difficult, especially if it takes several weeks or months. MSI offers a free Yellow Belt practice exam here.
These challenges are not insurmountable, and with dedication, support, and a clear focus on the benefits of certification, individuals can successfully obtain their Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, opening up opportunities for personal and professional growth. MSI’s Yellow Belt program has been designed to make the certification process as efficient and affordable as possible.
The potential pay scale for a certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry, years of experience, and the specific role within an organization. As an entry-level certification, a Yellow Belt may not see an immediate substantial increase in salary, but it can open doors to career advancement opportunities. In some industries and regions, having this certification can lead to incremental raises or bonuses, as it demonstrates a commitment to improving processes and adding value to the organization.
Over time, as individuals gain experience and take on more responsibilities, their earning potential can increase. Moreover, the Yellow Belt certification can serve as a stepping stone to pursuing higher-level certifications like Green Belt or Black Belt, which often come with higher pay scales due to their greater expertise and leadership roles in process improvement initiatives.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Management and Strategy Institute (MSI) to help develop the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification program. With my many years of experience in the manufacturing and aerospace industries, I’ve seen firsthand how effective Six Sigma principles can be when applied correctly. So, when I joined MSI, it was an exciting opportunity to contribute to a program that could empower professionals in various industries to adopt these powerful methods.
Working on the Yellow Belt certification allowed me to draw on my experiences from real-world projects. I wanted to ensure that the program would cover everything a professional needs to know to start their journey in process improvement. We made sure the course focuses on the core concepts of Lean Six Sigma, such as understanding the DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), identifying waste in processes, and learning basic statistical tools.
One thing I’m especially proud of is how practical the course is. We don’t just focus on theory—we make sure learners understand how to apply the concepts in real-world scenarios. Whether someone is just starting out or has some experience with process improvement, the Yellow Belt program is designed to provide them with the right tools and knowledge to start making improvements in their workplace immediately.
MSI’s commitment to making these certifications accessible and applicable is something that I value deeply. Our Yellow Belt program is structured in a way that professionals from any industry—whether it’s healthcare, manufacturing, or service-based—can take the course and gain skills that are universally beneficial. The course is concise, yet thorough, covering all the fundamentals while preparing learners to pursue higher-level certifications if they wish to go further in their Six Sigma journey.
Being part of a team that’s passionate about spreading the benefits of process improvement has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing how our Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt program has helped so many professionals get started in optimizing processes and reducing inefficiencies is one of the highlights of my career.”
– Skyla Caldwell
All-Inclusive Price: $199.95
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