Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – QQI Level 8

Learners will select a significant improvement project that matters to the business. Across the programme advanced tools and leadership practices will be applied to deliver measurable outcomes. Classroom workshops are combined with project coaching so that learning is applied immediately. 

Structure (typical): 

• Phase 1 - Define (4 days ): Business case development, stakeholder mapping, problem framing, CTQ flowdown, high level mapping, team leadership and project planning. 

• Phase 2 - Measure (4 days ): Graphical and statistical analysis, process mapping, brainstorming, control charts, non-normal data approaches and design for data collection. 

• Phase 3 - Analyse (4 days ): Multi-Vari Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, risk assessment, systems thinking and ANOVA, hypothesis testing. 

• Phase 4 - Improve (4 days ): DOE, correlation and regression, solution generation, piloting and verification, risk management, creative thinking and error proofing. 

• Phase 5 - Control (4 days ): Control plan design, visual management and benefit tracking. process monitoring, Kaizen, standardisation and simplification strategies. 

• Leadership throughout: Change management, facilitation, coaching and influencing to drive adoption and sustain results. 

Learners have 18 months from the start of training to complete and submit their project for assessment. During this period, they work on a live improvement and receive ongoing Tutor support

Flexible delivery formats: This programme is available in two formats: 

• Public blended programme, ideal for individuals who want to learn alongside peers from diverse industries and share practical insights. 

• In-Company programme, which can be tailored to address your organisation’s specific challenges and goals. 

Programme Duration and Delivery 

• Training: 20 days delivered over 6 months in 2 day blocks  ( to suit operational schedules). 
• Mode of delivery: Public programmes are delivered in a blended format, 10 days classroom and 10 days online.  
• Project completion window: 18 months from commencement of training; ongoing Tutor support continues during this period. 
• Delivery modes: Onsite (In-Company), Virtual (Live Online), or Blended. 

This programme is ideal for professionals building the capability to deliver larger, cross functional projects and for those who aspire to Operational Excellence or Continuous Improvement leadership roles within their organisation. 

• Experienced Green Belts and improvement leaders who will lead significant projects or programmes. 
• Managers, engineers, scientists and analysts responsible for operational performance in manufacturing or services. 
• Organisations seeking internal experts who can coach others and drive a culture of continuous improvement. 

The methodologies taught in this programme are highly adaptable and apply across services and manufacturing and in both public and private sectors. Organisations of all types can apply Lean Six Sigma. 

This advanced programme is designed for leaders of larger, companywide initiatives. Black Belts will deepen their analytical toolkit (including DOE and advanced statistics) and build the change leadership skills needed to align stakeholders, coach teams and deliver strategic cross functional results. 

By the end of the programme learners will be able to: 

• Lead complex, cross-functional improvement programmes from definition to sustained control. 
• Use data to diagnose performance, verify root causes and quantify benefits. 
• Design and run practical experiments (DOE) to optimise processes and products. 
• Apply advanced statistical methods to support decision making. 
• Build engagement, manage change and coach Green and Yellow Belts. 
• Document benefit realisation and institutionalise controls. 

Core tools and methods: CTQ flowdown, Process Capability, MSA, Advanced Graphical Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Regression and Model Building, Non-normal data techniques, DOE (screening and optimisation), Risk Analysis (FMEA), Control Plans, Visual Management and Benefits Tracking. 

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  Éamon Ó Béarra

  As an experienced ASQ certified Black Belt and passionate advoc...

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  John Ryan

  John, BE, is one of Ireland’s leading experts in Lean Six Sig...

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Academic or equivalent pathways 

• Honours Bachelor Degree, Level 8 on the NFQ in Engineering, Science or an equivalent technical undergraduate qualification; or 
• Certificate in Process Engineering, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Level 7; or 
• Achievement of this level through Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). 

Project and tools 

• A suitable project to complete during the programme (agreed with the Company Representative and Tutor prior to start). 
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications. 
• A laptop with the most recent version of Minitab installed. See minitab.com for details. A basic knowledge of statistics is recommended before commencing the programme. 

English language 

• All applicants must demonstrate a high level of competence in English. International applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of competence greater than or equal to B2+ on the CEFR. 

Personal skills suited to success 

• Willingness to learn through reading and research 
• Good communication skills 
• Ability to self direct 
• Business acumen 
• Assertiveness 

Successful achievement of Black Belt certification requires learners to demonstrate their ability to apply Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques in a real-world environment. This is achieved through the completion of a strategic improvement project that delivers measurable business benefits. The assessment approach ensures learners not only understand theoretical concepts but are also capable of applying them to drive tangible results in their organisations. 

Assessment Components 

Learners are assessed through a combination of project work, presentations, and examination structured as follows: 

• Project Proposal and Plan (10%) 
• Continuous Project Assessment during the programme (10%) 
• Comprehensive Written Project Report (30%) 
• Project Presentation to a review panel (30%) 
• Written Examination (20%) 

Learners must successfully complete all assessment components. A minimum score of 40% is required in both the Written Project Report and Project Presentation, as well as in the overall assessment, to achieve certification. 

Ongoing Project Review and Presentation 

Throughout the programme, learners will have regular opportunities to present their project progress to their peers and Tutors. These interim presentations help develop presentation skills and reinforce the practical application of Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies. 

Following the final training element, learners present their completed projects to an assessment panel. Participants may also invite their Project Champion or senior management representatives to observe, offering valuable insight into the breadth and impact of Lean Six Sigma applications across industries. 

We provide extensive resources and support to help learners succeed. Our learning materials draw on over 20 years of delivering Lean Six Sigma programmes and are designed to be practical and effective. Learners have full access to these resources throughout training and project work.  

Our programme is distinguished by hands on mentoring from our expert Tutor team. These industry practitioners have over 100 years of combined experience leading and supporting major Lean Six Sigma initiatives. Their direct guidance helps learners navigate challenges, refine projects and achieve measurable improvements. Tutor support continues until successful completion of the project. 

Company Support and Champion Training 

• Optional 1 day Introduction to Lean Six Sigma programme for broader teams 
• Optional 2 day Champion programme for decisionmakers and project sponsors 

Access to Online Learning Resources 

• Course notes, templates, case studies and video content 
• Additional learning materials such as links to useful external resources  
• Assessment submission and Tutor feedback via our online platform (Moodle) 

Customised In-House Courses 

• Programmes can be tailored to organisational needs allowing exercises and content to align with internal processes and objectives 

Mentoring and Tutor Support 

• Personalised mentoring and feedback throughout the programme to keep projects on track and deliver meaningful results 

Lean Six Sigma Network 

• Graduates can join SQT’s Lean Six Sigma Network for ongoing learning, peer collaboration and best practice sharing 

This course is validated by QQI at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).  Successful learners will receive a Special Purpose Award, Diploma in Process Engineering (60 ECTS Credits).  Awards made by QQI are on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

This programme can be used as a basis for applying for ASQ (American Society for Quality) certification.  Learners can sit the ASQ Black Belt certification examination. Some further self-study will be required. ASQ certification is a formal recognition by ASQ that an individual has demonstrated a proficiency within, and comprehension of, a specific body of knowledge. 

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012  - full details available here.

Beyond Black Belt: Opportunities to mentor, teach and support organisational deployment. Progressing beyond Black Belt opens opportunities to mentor and teach, as well as to support the wider organisational deployment of Lean Six Sigma. Learners can also progress to Master Black Belt certification.