What is Lean Six Sigma White Belt?

UBC Lean Six Sigma Certified white belt icon

A Lean Six Sigma White Belt is the starting place where professionals gain a foundational understanding of the purpose, terms and tools used in Lean Six Sigma. It is a prerequisite for higher levels of training, where team members will learn to apply the tools to implement change at UBC.

Lean Six Sigma uses the metaphor of martial arts belts to explain each team members’ role in advancing a project and ability to use the tools provided by Lean Six Sigma:

  • White Belt: A foundational understanding of the purpose, terms and phases used in Lean Six Sigma.
  • Yellow Belt: Small project leadership skillset and ability to use the basic Lean Six Sigma toolset.
  • Green Belt: The main leaders of Lean Six Sigma projects.
  • Black Belt: Leadership of large, complex Lean Six Sigma projects.
  • Master Black Belt: Strategic oversight and leadership of a portfolio of projects or organizations.

Requirements

Professionals who hold a Lean Six Sigma White Belt have:

  • Completed a Lean Six Sigma White Belt 90-minute course, offered by our partners at UBC Sauder School of Business – Executive Education
  • Achieved a minimum of 60% in the certification quiz

The Important Role of a White Belt at UBC

Upon successful completion of the exam and certification project, White Belt professionals can support opportunities for business process improvement within their units and departments at UBC, playing a key role in the university’s shift towards operational excellence.