UvA Lean Six Sigma Certification Programme

Universiteit van Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) has a programme for certification of Lean Six Sigma Green Belts and Black Belts. The following certificates are available:

  • Lean Six Sigma black belt (including Design for Six Sigma black belt)
  • Lean Six Sigma black belt for service and healthcare
  • Lean Six Sigma green belt
  • Lean Six Sigma green belt for service and healthcare

Requirements for black belts
To qualify for Black Belt certification, the candidate must:

  • Pass the UvA Black Belt / Black Belt for Service and Healthcare exam.
  • Submit two completed and successful Lean Six Sigma projects.

The exam consists of multiple choice questions and open problems. The exam covers the methodology of Lean Six Sigma, familiarity with Lean Six Sigma tools, and interpretation of Minitab output. Participants must bring a laptop computer with Minitab and Excel. It is allowed to bring and use handouts and books.

The two submitted projects should comply to the following:

  • The project's benefits must be €50k or more. For projects having nonmonetary benefits only, the examiners will judge whether the project is of sufficient weight.
  • The report must follow the structure of the DMAIC steps, as indicated in the review template. The template will be provided upon registration for the exam. Note: reports that do not follow the DMAIC steps will be rejected.
  • The report must be accompanied by a signed statement by the project champion and controller (or comparable functionaries). The (very short) statement confirms that the report gives a realistic representation of the project and its benefits.
  • A project can be submitted by one candidate only. Collaborative projects must therefore be assigned to one of the Black Belts only.

Note that the submitted information will be considered confidential. A black belt certificate supersedes a green belt certificate that the candidate may possibly have.

Requirements for green belts
The requirements for green belts are:

  • Candidates must pass the green belt / green belt for service and healthcare exam. This exam is lighter and covers less topics than the black belt exam, see above.
  • Candidates must submit two projects. The requirements listed above for black belts apply to green belts as well, but green belt projects may be of less weight (€20k or more).

Procedure and price
Candidates can enroll in the certification programme in March, June and December. The procedure is as follows:

  1. Register for certification before 1st March, 1st June or 1st December at info@ibisuva.nl. Upon registration and payment of the exam fee the review template for project reports will be supplied.
  2. The exam will take place in Amsterdam and lasts three hours. Candidates must bring and submit their project reports (or send them in advance by email).
  3. The examiners will correct the exam and evaluate the projects.

The result of the evaluation can be:

  • Pass.
  • Pass, provided that a number of specified changes is carried through in the project reports.
  • Fail.

The certificate can be sent by mail, but the UvA will also organize a ceremony in Amsterdam. Certified black and green belts are included in the certification archive of the UvA.

The university charges € 350 for enrollment in the certification procedure. There will not be a refund if the exam is failed.

The first possibility to take the certification exam will be on March 30, 2012, from 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m., in Amsterdam.

Submit the form for more information.