Green Belt

Can I get my Green Belt and Black Belt at the same time?

Green Belt and Black Belt training are two distinct programs which must be completed separately. However, after finishing Green Belt training you may start our Black Belt program even if you have not yet completed your Green Belt project. You must still complete a Green Belt project as well as a separate Black Belt project in order to be certified as a Black Belt, but you may find it more convenient to complete both training programs as quickly as possible. It may also be convenient to define a Black Belt project that builds upon your Green Belt project. Lastly, CQAS offers a discount on Black Belt training if you complete your Green Belt with us - see the Black Belt pricing section.

I am in healthcare or services, not manufacturing. Is your program relevant for me?

Yes! Green Belts are process improvement specialists with skills that apply across disciplines and industries even though application domains differ. For example, professionals in medical and transactional fields may find lean tools more helpful initially while manufacturing professionals often take a more balanced approach to utilizing lean and six sigma tools. CQAS integrates lean and six sigma because waste and process variability are challenges across all organizations. Examples from different industries and application domains are used in the program to demonstrate the broad applicability of Lean Six Sigma. Green Belts are responsible for deciding which tools and methods will be most effective in specific situations within their own organizations.

What do you mean by “blended online”?

Our online format is designed to provide you with flexibility to meet your other commitments from wherever you are while insuring that you are actively engaged with our expert instructors and other program participants. Elements include: (1) pre-recorded lectures, articles, videos, and quizzes that you complete each week at your convenience; (2) online “discussion boards” that you participate in each week with other participants at your convenience; (3) several “live” project review sessions scheduled in advance to offer direct feedback on all projects; and (4) conference calls or web-conferences as needed.

What if I prefer a classroom setting?

If you’ve never experienced a blended online format, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and will find it a very rich learning experience. Nevertheless, our Green Belt program is also available on-campus or on-site on a contract basis for employers with a minimum number of participants. Contact cqas@rit.edu if you are interested in a customized program for your organization.

What is the expected weekly time commitment?

You should plan to spend 6-8 hours each week on course materials, homework, discussions, quizzes, and occasional project reviews. In addition, you should plan 6-8 hours each week for work on your project, holding team meetings, and preparing for tollgates.

What is expected from my sponsor and/or manager?

Every Green Belt project requires a sponsor whose role is: (1) to help identify in advance an opportunity suitable for a Green Belt project; (2) to help remove roadblocks and support project execution; and (3) to participate in tollgate reviews and sign-off on all tollgates. Your direct manager should also provide assurance that he/she understands the demands on your time for and is committed to your success in the program.

Tell me more about the project?

Before starting our Green Belt program, you must have identified an appropriate project “opportunity” with the support of a sponsor. You will receive information from us to assist you and your sponsor in selecting an appropriate project.  We suggest that a suitable Green Belt project returns at least $50,000 in estimated benefits, recognizing that other metrics may be more appropriate to your situation. The project should be completed (with sign-off from sponsor and finance) within two years of training.  Your CQAS Instructor is the final reviewer and approver of your project.

Can I get credit for a past project?

No, credit is not given for projects that are either in-process or were completed prior to the start of CQAS training.  Projects must be started in conjunction with our training program.

How much time do I have to complete the project?

After the formal training ends, you will have 2 years to complete your project in order to earn Green Belt certification. Extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances but they must be approved by CQAS and your sponsor.

What materials are provided with the course?

All readings and slides will be available in our online repository, from which you can print a copy for your own use. Links to the videos are also provided.

Do I need any special software?

No. RIT's online repository is cloud-based and Excel is utilized for statistical tools and examples. Examples are also illustrated in Minitab if you prefer this statistical package and have a license, but Minitab is NOT required for the Green Belt program.

Do you issue “continuing education credits” (CEU’s)?

Yes. Upon request, you will be issued 8 CEU’s at the end of the training portion of the program.

How soon should I register, and what is your cancellation policy?

Registration is first-come-first-served – to be assured of a seat, you should register as soon as it is feasible. RIT accepts credit cards and purchase orders. In the event that you need to cancel, you must do so at least 15 days (3 weeks) before the start of the program or you will be invoiced and held responsible for payment in full.