What is Lean Six Sigma Certification?
A Lean Six Sigma certification program is a structured training and credentialing path that teaches candidates how to improve processes, reduce waste, eliminate defects, and solve problems using data-driven methods. These programs combine the principles of Lean (speed, flow, and waste reduction) with Six Sigma (variation reduction and statistical problem-solving) to develop individuals who can lead meaningful operational improvements. Courses typically progress through “belt” levels—White, Yellow, Green, Black, and Master Black Belt—each representing a deeper mastery of tools such as value-stream mapping, root cause analysis, statistical analysis, project leadership, and strategy deployment.
Beyond classroom concepts, Lean Six Sigma certification programs emphasize real-world application. Participants learn to lead structured improvement projects, apply proven methodologies like PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control), and use data to make business decisions.
Whether offered by universities, professional associations, or online providers, these programs are designed to help professionals boost efficiency, improve quality, and generate measurable results in any industry—from manufacturing to healthcare, tech, logistics, finance, government, and more.
The 7 Best Lean Six Sigma Certification Programs
#1 – ASQ
Ideal Candidate: Individual professionals in process industries, typically in Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering roles
Program Description: ASQ’s Lean Six Sigma Certification Program provides a structured, globally recognized pathway for developing skills in process improvement, quality management, and operational excellence. Built on a rigorous Body of Knowledge, it blends Lean principles—waste elimination, flow optimization, and value creation—with Six Sigma’s statistical and data-driven problem-solving tools. Training and certification are available at multiple belt levels, from Yellow to Master Black Belt, preparing candidates to analyze processes, reduce variation, improve efficiency, and lead improvement projects using proven methodologies like DMAIC.
The program serves professionals across all industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, supply chain, and service operations. Candidates gain practical, transferable skills that help organizations improve performance and build a culture of continuous improvement. Flexible training options (self-paced, virtual, and in-person) make the program accessible for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, while the ASQ certification itself signals a high standard of competence valued by employers worldwide.
Foundational Philosophy: Primarily Six Sigma with a Lean Add-on
Certification Levels Offered: Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green, Black, and Master Black Belt
Industries: All
Program Duration: 8 weeks
Program Cost: $422 – $2,399 per certification
Project Execution Model: DMAIC
Live Project Coaching: None
Lean Software Included: No
#2 – International Association for Six Sigma Certifications
Ideal Candidate: Individual professionals working in process-heavy or quality-sensitive environments
Program description: The IASSC Lean Six Sigma Certification Program provides a globally standardized, vendor-neutral pathway for developing expertise in Lean and Six Sigma process improvement. Unlike organizations that bundle training with certification, IASSC functions strictly as an independent examination and credentialing body. Its certifications are based on a well-defined Body of Knowledge that blends Lean principles—such as waste elimination, flow, and value creation—with Six Sigma’s data-driven statistical methods for problem solving. Candidates can pursue three levels of certification: Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt, each representing deeper mastery of tools, methods, and improvement leadership.
Because IASSC does not require a specific training provider or project completion, the program offers maximum flexibility to professionals worldwide. Individuals can prepare through self-study, employer-sponsored programs, or third-party training organizations, then sit for a standardized proctored exam administered globally. The result is a widely recognized credential that validates a practitioner’s ability to analyze processes, reduce variation, eliminate waste, and support or lead improvement initiatives across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, finance, IT, and services.
Foundational Philosophy: Primarily Six Sigma with a Lean Add-on
Certification Levels Offered: Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green, and Black Belt
Green Belt Program Duration: 2 – 7 weeks
Program Cost: $250 – $450 (exam only – training not included)
Project Execution Model: DMAIC
Live Project Coaching: None
Lean Software Included: No
#3 – Impruver University
Ideal Candidate: Leaders seeking to create a culture of Lean and Continuous Improvement within their organizations.
Program Description: Impruver University offers a unique enterprise Lean Six Sigma certification program with a 90% Lean focus with 10% Six Sigma added on. It is designed to help leaders implement a kaizen culture from the frontline to the C Suite by certifying their entire organization in Lean Six Sigma. It is built on a technology platform that enables leaders to scale engagement in Lean Six Sigma from the C Suite to the Frontlines. While most Lean Six Sigma programs aim to develop a single expert, Impruver University’s program aims to lift the entire organization’s competency on Continuous Improvement, developing a foundation of a kaizen culture.
The program comes with three major components that include:
1) Courses to teach concepts and show what excellence looks like
2) A dedicated Master Black Belt coach to help candidates to properly apply tools to real-world challenges
3) Best-in-class software to help automate Lean management, centralize all Lean projects activity in one platform, and track and report business impact to key stakeholders in real time
The program is designed to build autonomy within organizations so that companies can continue to train and certify their own employees into perpetuity with minimal outside help.
Impruver University’s Lean Six Sigma certification program is built by practitioners who have led real transformations with some of the world’s most successful organizations such as Nestle, Tyson, Mars, Google, Randstad, the US Air Force, the US Army, and Colgate.
Foundational Philosophy: Lean Culture First plus Six Sigma Tools
Certification Levels Offered: Lean Six Sigma White, Yellow, Green, Black, and Master Black Belt
Industries Served: All
Green Belt Program Duration: 10 weeks
Program Cost: $2,875 per month for up to 1,000 accounts
Project Execution Model: PDCA / A3
Live Project Coaching: Impruver University assigns a dedicated LSS Master Black Belt. This coach provides weekly live coaching sessions to support course reviews and project execution for early candidates. A3 / Toyota KATA-style coaching method.
Impruver University applies a Learn – Do – Teach – Transform model. White, Yellow, and Green-belts learn how to practice kaizen, Black Belts teach Green Belts behind them. Master Black Belts coach Black Belts behind them.
The program is designed to help organizations develop Lean Six Sigma knowledge and coaching capability so that they can continue to improve autonomously.
Lean Software Included: Yes – #1 Rated Lean Management Software
#4 – Council for Six Sigma Certifications
Ideal Candidate: Individual professionals working in process, quality, or operations-driven roles
Program Description: The Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) Lean Six Sigma program provides a flexible, accessible pathway for individuals seeking recognized credentials in process improvement. CSSC offers certifications at the White, Yellow, Green, and Black Belt levels, each aligned with a clearly defined Body of Knowledge that integrates Lean principles with Six Sigma’s data-driven problem-solving methods. Because CSSC operates as an independent certification body, candidates can prepare through self-study or any training provider they prefer, making it an appealing option for professionals who want control over their learning path and pacing.
CSSC’s program is designed to validate practical understanding of process analysis, waste elimination, and structured improvement methodologies applicable across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and services. With flexible exam formats and no strict prerequisites for most belt levels, the program is accessible to both beginners and experienced professionals looking to build or signal expertise in continuous improvement. The resulting certification is globally recognized and valued for demonstrating competence in Lean Six Sigma tools, analytical thinking, and process optimization.
Foundational Philosophy: Primarily Six Sigma with a Lean Add-on
Certification Levels Offered: Lean Six Sigma White, Yellow, Green, and Black Belt
Program Duration: 2 – 7 weeks (2-hour exam)
Program Cost: $0 [White Belt] – $299 (exam only – training not included)
Project Execution Model: DMAIC
Live Project Coaching: None
Lean Software Included: No
#5 – Purdue University
Ideal Candidate: Individual Professionals in operations, quality, process, project, or continuous-improvement roles
Program Description: Purdue’s Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program is a fully online, instructor-led certificate track that blends Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to help professionals master process improvement, waste reduction, quality control, and operational excellence. The program includes core offerings such as the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, a Lean Principles course, and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. The Green Belt course takes about 10 weeks and roughly 45 hours of study to complete, giving learners the foundations of the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) framework, waste-identification tools, process-mapping, data analysis, and leadership skills to lead improvement projects within organizations.
For those wanting deeper expertise, the Black Belt course (which requires prior Green Belt or Refresher + Lean Principles) involves about 16 weeks of instructor-led online coursework, culminating in a real-world project that applies Lean Six Sigma tools to deliver measurable improvements. Graduates receive a certificate from Purdue University and can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), making the credential both practical and formally recognized.
Foundational Philosophy: Primarily Six Sigma with a Lean Add-On
Certification Levels Offered: Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belt
Program Duration: 10 – 16 weeks
Program Cost: $2,195 – $3,750
Project Execution Model: DMAIC
Live Project Coaching: Yes, live instructors help select projects and by request
Lean Software Included: No
#6 – MoreSteam
Ideal Candidate: Individual professionals in process-oriented or improvement roles
Program Description: MoreSteam’s Lean Six Sigma program is a highly practical, industry-recognized training platform designed to build real, applied problem-solving capability. Unlike many purely academic or exam-based certifications, MoreSteam emphasizes hands-on learning through online modules, simulations, case studies, and data-analysis exercises. Their curriculum integrates both Lean and Six Sigma principles, teaching participants how to eliminate waste, improve process flow, reduce variation, and lead structured DMAIC problem-solving efforts. The program is built around flexible, self-paced digital content supported by world-class tools, including process simulations, statistical software, and an extensive library of learning resources.
What sets MoreSteam apart is its blended-learning approach and focus on real-world project execution. Participants can access virtual coaching, instructor-led review sessions, and mentoring from experienced Master Black Belts to support their improvement projects. Green Belt and Black Belt candidates must complete an applied project to demonstrate competence, ensuring the certification reflects genuine capability, not just test performance. MoreSteam’s programs are used globally by Fortune 500 companies, universities, and healthcare networks, making it a strong choice for professionals who want flexible learning, rigorous content, and certification grounded in real operational improvement.
Foundational Philosophy: Primarily Six Sigma with Lean Add-On
Certification Levels Offered: Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green, Black, and Master Black Belt Levels
Program Duration: 24 – 28 weeks
Program Cost: $750 – $4,675
Project Execution Model: DMAIC
Live Project Coaching: Yes for Master Black Belts. Other belts can get coaching on request
Lean Software Provided: No but can be bought separately
#7 – Villanova University
Ideal Candidate: Individual professionals working in process-heavy, operations, or quality-driven roles
Program Description: Here’s a concise, 2-paragraph description of Villanova University’s Lean Six Sigma certification program:
Villanova’s Lean Six Sigma program offers a structured, university-level certification pathway designed to take you from foundational knowledge to advanced expertise in process improvement, quality, and operational excellence. Delivered 100% online, the program combines self-paced “Principles” coursework with weekly live, faculty-led “Practice” sessions — giving professionals a flexible, interactive learning environment that fits around a full-time job or other commitments. Depending on your prior experience and career goals, you can enroll in the core “Lean Six Sigma Certificate,” the “Expert Certificate,” or the “Agile Lean Six Sigma Mastery” track, each tailored to different levels of Lean Six Sigma application and leadership responsibility.
Through Villanova’s courses — including Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt — participants learn how to apply the full DMAIC methodology, perform data-driven process analysis, map and optimize processes, eliminate waste, reduce defects, and lead improvement initiatives. Completion of the required coursework makes you eligible for Villanova-administered certification exams, culminating in digital badges and formal certificates that demonstrate your ability to lead Lean Six Sigma projects. The program is designed to build real-world skills across industries, enabling professionals to deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and business performance.
Foundational Philosophy: Primarily Six Sigma with Lean Add-On
Certification Levels Offered: Lean Six Sigma Green, Black, and Master Black Belt
Green Belt Program Duration: 6 – 12 weeks
Program Cost: $2,500 – $4,500
Project Execution Model: DMAIC
Live Project Coaching: None outside of course / program support
Lean Software Provided: No
Choosing the right Lean Six Sigma certification program is more than a professional development decision — it’s a strategic investment in your ability to drive meaningful, measurable improvement. Organizations across all industries are under increasing pressure to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and build resilient, high-performing teams. As digital transformation accelerates and competition intensifies, companies are prioritizing skills that help them solve problems faster and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
With so many certification options on the market, the programs featured in this article represent some of the strongest pathways available for building Lean Six Sigma capabilities for both individuals and entire companies. Each offers a unique combination of rigor, credibility, and practical application — equipping professionals to lead improvement initiatives that create real business impact. Whether you’re just beginning your Lean Six Sigma journey or aiming to advance to higher belt levels, selecting the right program can empower you and your people to contribute at a higher level.
While most Lean Six Sigma certification programs are built on a foundation of Six Sigma with Lean bolted on after the fact, the Impruver University program is built on a foundation of Lean and the creation of a kaizen culture.
Ultimately, the “best” Lean Six Sigma certification is the one that aligns with your goals, your industry, and the way you prefer to learn. By investing in a reputable, well-structured program, you’re not just earning a credential — you’re developing the mindset, skill set, and confidence needed to elevate performance and accelerate continuous improvement across any organization.
