Eight Must-Know Topics For Passing Your Six Sigma Black Belt Exam

You have put in the time on coursework and hands-on projects. After a lot of hard work and cramming your head with numbers, it is time to reap the rewards with a shiny new Six Sigma Black Belt certification to put on your resume. All that stands in your way is the looming exam. Whether you are taking Six Sigma Black Belt certification online, through your company or at a brick-and-mortar university, a few fundamental topics are likely to come up on the test.

DMAIC and DMADV

These are the basic project methods employed by Six Sigma experts. DMAIC stands for define, measure, analyze, improve and control. This method is deployed to work toward improvement on a process that already exists. DMADV stands for define, measure, analyze, design and verify. This method is deployed when a process does not exist and needs to be implemented in order to solve a problem. These are fundamental concepts within Six Sigma, and students should ensure they understand all the steps for both DMAIC and DMADV. Questions on exams are likely to ask which step of the process certain actions or situations fall under or whether a tool would be useful within a certain step.

Six Sigma Black Belt Standard Deviation

A Six Sigma Black Belt needs to have complete understanding of standard deviation. This is the measurement of the spread within data points and helps understand variation within a process. A key to successful improvements is to decrease variation. The ability to calculate standard deviation on sample data via manual or software-provided methods is crucial to success on most exams.

Six Sigma Black Belt Control Charts

These line charts provide a graphical representation of process output over time. Control charts can also be used to monitor individual functions within a process whole. The chart allows knowledgeable individuals to ascertain whether a process is in control or if a problem may have occurred. A Six Sigma Black Belt exam is likely to include questions regarding when control charts are useful and how to read control charts. Students should be able to identify what test a control chart fails, if any. For example, if two out of three points on a line are over two sigma away from the center line on the same side, the control chart has failed a test.

Reading Various Charts and Graphs

Potential Black Belts should be able to view graphical representations of data in a variety of formats and draw the appropriate inferences. Students should be familiar with histograms, pareto charts, run charts, scatter diagrams, box plots and other widely used statistical tools. In addition to being able to identify and read each type of chart, students should be able to explain why each chart is used and identify the best chart for use in situations provided.

Six Sigma Tools and Templates

Six Sigma Black Belts are provided with many tools for driving projects, leading teams and incorporating data analysis into efforts. In order to pass exams, students will need to be able to identify tools, associate tools with steps of the DMAIC process, pick out the best tools for certain situations and explain why each tool is used. Familiarity with tools such as SIPOC analysis, process mapping, failure mode and effects analysis and solutions selection matrices are essential to success on an exam. Students should be comfortable with all tools presented within their individual Six Sigma certification course.

Random Sampling and Sizes

In order to draw accurate conclusions from data, collection of data samples must be completed in a proper manner. Black Belts learn to determine the proper sample size in any given scenario and collect a random sample. If sample size is calculated correctly and the sample is truly random, conclusions about entire populations can be drawn from the sample with very low margins of error. Preparation for a Black Belt exam should include a review on the different methods for determining sample size. It should be noted that sample size calculations differ based on the statistical nature of the problem. Successful students will be able to pin point which methods should be used in a given situation.

Hypothesis Testing

Hypothesis testing is the backbone of most statistical analysis. A Six Sigma Black Belt who works on projects consistently will use hypothesis testing on a regular basis. Almost any exam will contain questions regarding appropriate use of hypothesis testing, results of testing and how to set up hypothesis. Hypothesis testing includes a null hypothesis that states there is no change in something. For example, the mean of a sample size before a change is equal to the mean of the sample size after the change.

A secondary hypothesis, or alternate hypothesis, is the contradiction of the null hypothesis. Statistical tests are applied to confirm the null hypothesis. If the null hypothesis is rejected, the alternate hypothesis is true. As with sample size, the type of hypothesis test performed depends on the type of data and the situation. Students will need to be able to identify which test to use. They may also need to perform tests using manual or software-driven methods in order to answer questions on the exam.

Lean Process Management

Many programs teaching Six Sigma also include a few modules on Lean Process Management. Although the methodologies differ slightly, the goals and overall theories of each are similar. Many companies have implemented hybrids of Six Sigma known as Lean Six Sigma. Students attending a Black Belt course that includes information regarding Lean should ensure they are familiar with the method and can answer questions about Kaizan, muda, the 5 Whys, cycle time variation and 5S.

Black Belt certification is a worthy and achievable goal for anyone seeking to move up the corporate ladder. Six Sigma Black Belt knowledge is helpful in a variety of industries, and certified individuals often make more on average than others in similar positions do. Although it is a lot of work and involves passing an exam, someone who is willing to put forth the effort and study will continue seeing reward for his or her effort long after test day is over.

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