Master Black Belt Development Program

About the Program:

Master Black Belts are the cornerstone of a successful Six Sigma deployment. And the development of Master Black Belts is a critical element of the Six Sigma implementation plan. Master Black Belts fill one or more of four primary roles:

• Teacher: Master Black Belts teach others to become Green Belts, Black Belts, and Master Black Belts. They also educate all levels of the organization in the language of Six Sigma.

• Coach: Master Black Belts coach and mentor Black Belts, Green Belts, and other employees in the use of the Six Sigma tools and methods.

• Project Worker: Master Black Belts work on Six Sigma improvement projects, often larger in scope than Black Belt projects.

• Champion: Master Black Belts can eventually assist or take over implementation actions, such as project selection and Black Belt selection.

When developing your Six Sigma implementation plan, Master Black Belt development must be carefully considered. Questions to be answered include:

• How many Master Black Belts do I need?
• How do I select my Master Black Belts?
• How do I train my Master Black Belts?

Answering these questions is a responsibility of the Six Sigma leadership team and is covered in ASI’s Champion Training Program.

The program described below is intended to answer the third question, "How do I train my Master Black Belts?"

Development of a Master Black Belt means more than just teaching advanced statistical techniques. It means preparing the individual to be a leader and a powerful change agent.

ASI’s Master Black Belt development program is designed to ensure Master Black Belts certified by ASI have the skills necessary to perform all three primary roles. The program is customized^* to meet each individual’s needs but begins with a core that includes the following:

• ToolMaster Training: A four-day program of in depth review of M-A-I-C plus advanced Six Sigma topics.

• Transactional ToolMaster Training: Four days of study in tools for transactional projects.

• Train-the-Trainer: A five-day program specifically designed to teach the skills necessary to teach Six Sigma to others.

• Leadership Training: A three-day program that focuses on the leadership aspects of Six Sigma, project selection, and Black Belt management.

• Co-Teaching: The number of hours ranges from 4 to 20 depending on prior Six Sigma instructional experience.

• Project Work: A minimum of three projects, typically two Black Belt projects and one larger scope Master Black Belt project.

• Paper Submission: Submit a Six Sigma case study to a conference or publication.

• Nomination: Concurrent nominations by a team representing ASI & the Client using ASI’s certification standards.

• A score of 90% or better on ASI’s Six Sigma Black Belt Examination.

* Elements of the program may be waived based on prior training and experience.