BQF Master Black Belt Certification Programme

This specialist programme provides experienced Black Belts with the advanced skills required to achieve the British Quality Foundation’s (BQF) highest certification level in Lean Six Sigma. A Master Black Belt (MBB) serves as a Continuous Improvement consultant, either internally or externally. Typically, Master Black Belts:

• Lead large improvement and design projects, often including Green and Black Belt sub-projects
• Act as a “go-to” resource for technical skills such as data analysis and workshop facilitation
• Are experts in Managing Change
• Coach Green and Black Belts, enhancing their project delivery and learning
• Support and enhance the effectiveness of Project Champions
• Develop and deliver Lean Six Sigma training to all organizational levels, fostering a Continuous Improvement culture
• Support and influence business leaders in building a Continuous Improvement (CI) culture
• Lead the deployment of Lean Six Sigma methodologies in support of strategic goals

Candidates for the MBB programme must be certified Black Belts with at least two years of experience. Transitioning to an MBB role is a significant career move that shapes professional activities over several years. This programme helps bridge the gap between current skills and the BQF MBB certification requirements. An assessment identifies these gaps and recommends training or experiences to address them, tailored to the candidate’s business needs and personal preferences. Consequently, the programme is somewhat unique for each individual.

Requirements for BQF MBB Certification

1. Certified Black Belt by BQF (or equivalent)
2. Completion of a relevant Continuing Professional Development programme
3. Passing the MBB exam
4. Assessment of MBB-level proficiency in Lean Six Sigma

MBB Training Modules

Prospective MBBs commonly undertake the following training modules:

• Advanced Black Belt Tools (3 days)
• Managing Change (3 days)
• Lean Six Sigma for Innovation and Design (Design for Six Sigma, 3 days)
• Agile for Lean Six Sigma (2 days)
• Lean Practitioner (3 days)
• Advanced MBB Tools (Statistical Tools, 3 days)
• Value Stream Mapping Masterclass (2 days)
• Introduction to Transformational Change Masterclass (1 day)
• Facilitating Improvement Workshops Masterclass (1 day)

Additionally, bespoke individual or group coaching in Lean Six Sigma Deployment, Lean Leadership, and Business Transformation is available.

Relevant courses from BQF’s course list include:

• EFQM Assessor (2 days)
• Benchmarking (1 day)
• Balanced Scorecard (1 day)

Additional Support and Networking

Enrolling in the programme grants you access to our 6-monthly Deployment Leaders Network events, where you can network with deployment leaders and experts. You will also receive one year’s individual membership to BQF, offering access to various events and special interest groups.

MBB Exam

The MBB exam is a 2-hour open book test that evaluates your proficiency with advanced tools and techniques. You will be required to perform statistical analysis using Minitab (or another statistical software of your choice) and interpret the results.

MBB Assessment

You must present a record of your proficiency and experience, including:

• Examples of training and coaching you have led
• Applications of Lean Six Sigma tools to challenging problems
• Details of improvement programmes you’ve overseen
• Workshops you’ve facilitated
• Demonstrations of CI leadership in your organization
• Instances of influencing organizational change
• Storyboards and critiques of at least six projects you have led or coached others to lead
• Involvement in Lean Six Sigma deployment

Prepare a summary report and compile an evidence folder. A long written report is not necessary. You will then meet with a small panel of Assessors for half a day to discuss your record in detail.