ASQ (American Society for Quality)
Six Sigma Black Belt
ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
ASQ's advanced process improvement credential for professionals who lead complex Six Sigma projects and mentor Green Belts. Validates deep command of DMAIC, advanced statistics, team leadership and Design for Six Sigma.
What's on the exam
2022 CSSBB Body of Knowledge
Organization-wide Planning and Deployment
12 questionsSix Sigma and organizational goals · Lean principles in the organization · Design for Six Sigma methodologies · Strategic deployment · Leadership and roles
Organizational Process Management and Measures
12 questionsImpact on stakeholders · Critical-to-X requirements · Benchmarking · Business performance measures · Financial measures
Team Management
15 questionsTeam formation and roles · Team facilitation · Team dynamics · Team training · Conflict resolution and decision-making
Define Phase
20 questionsVoice of the customer · Project charter and scope · Project management tools · Analytical tools · Stakeholder management
Measure Phase
25 questionsProcess characteristics and flow · Data collection and statistics · Probability distributions · Measurement system analysis · Process capability and performance
Analyze Phase
22 questionsMeasuring and modeling relationships · Hypothesis testing · Failure mode and effects analysis · Root cause and gap analysis · Multi-vari studies
Improve Phase
21 questionsDesign of experiments (DOE) · Lean methods · Waste elimination · Implementation and risk · Solution validation
Control Phase
17 questionsStatistical process control (SPC) · Control plans · Lean tools for control · Sustaining improvements · Standard work and documentation
Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) Frameworks and Methodologies
6 questionsCommon DFSS methodologies (DMADV, DMADOV) · Design for X · Robust design and process · Special design tools · Quality function deployment
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Six Sigma Black Belt cost?
The Six Sigma Black Belt costs $585. Non-member rate; ASQ members save US$100 (US$485). Retake fee is US$385.
How long is the Six Sigma Black Belt and how many questions does it have?
165 questions (150 scored) on CBT — 4 hours 18 minutes exam time.
What do you need to pass the Six Sigma Black Belt?
Scaled score of 550 of 750 (no published percentage).
Can you retake the Six Sigma Black Belt?
Allowed in a later testing window with a reduced retake fee.
What is the best way to study for the Six Sigma Black Belt?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Organization-wide Planning and Deployment 12 questions, Organizational Process Management and Measures 12 questions, Team Management 15 questions, Define Phase 20 questions, Measure Phase 25 questions, Analyze Phase 22 questions, Improve Phase 21 questions, Control Phase 17 questions, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) Frameworks and Methodologies 6 questions). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.
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