This program, created in affiliation with MindEdge and Six Sigma Black Belts, is inclusive of all topics covered by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification. This program prepares students for the MindEdge Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Exam (purchased separately) and provides information to those interested in learning the strategies, techniques, and concepts of Lean Six Sigma. The program explores the essential components of the DMAIC methodology, describing the important themes, principles, and tools needed to refine processes and enhance operations.
Six Sigma is a management approach meant to improve the quality of products or services by eliminating the variation that causes defects and errors. Six Sigma aims for processes where outputs are 99.9997% statistically free from defects. Lean involves continuous efforts to eliminate or reduce waste or any activity that doesn't add value, while empowering employees to uncover and solve problems. Lean Six Sigma is a relatively new paradigm providing a broader selection of approaches to process improvement than either Six Sigma or Lean separately.
Why choose the Duke Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate program?
This course provides 3.8 IACET CEU credits and 38 PMI PDUs. Students have access to the program for eight months.
The online Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate program is comprised of the following ten modules:
This self-paced course qualifies students for the MindEdge Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Exam by explaining the concepts, strategies, tools, and techniques they will need to complete process improvement projects and activities. The course is divided into 10 modules that explain key foundational Lean Six Sigma information, guide students through the five steps of the DMAIC methodology, and demonstrate how a Lean Six Sigma approach can benefit organizations in several, diverse industries or business sectors. Course assignments detail the tools and skills learners will implement as they apply a Lean Six Sigma approach to process improvement activities, and show practitioners how they can contribute as important members of improvement teams.
After completing this course, students should be able to:
A Six Sigma Black Belt program mentor will be available to students. The mentor will hold office hours once a week via videoconference and will be available via email. Emails will be responded to within 3 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. If students are posing similar questions, the mentor, at his sole discretion, may choose to create presentations on the topics.
Each course has a link for students to “Report an Error” that connects students to MindEdge’s technical staff. Technical concerns will be directed to MindEdge via the feedback tool within the course. Learners will receive an answer within three business days, whether weekday or weekend by email.
Students have access to the course for eight months. The amount of time needed to finish will vary from student to student, but we estimate that the program will take about 40 hours to complete. Please note that the MindEdge Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Exam is not included as part of the tuition and must be purchased separately from MindEdge.
Students will be required to complete an open diagnostic (math and analysis skills diagnosis) to identify areas for improvement before entering the program.
Throughout the program, learners will be tested on their understanding and comprehension of program topics through interactive games, exercises, case studies, and quizzes. Videos from working professionals provide real-world implementation examples and augment course materials to extend mastery of key concepts. And two 50-question practice exams are presented to mirror the substance and style of questions that students will see if they sit for the certification exam.
Students will receive feedback on both wrong and right answers throughout each module.
To obtain the certificate and receive the IACET CEU and PDU credit, students must complete all assignments and quizzes in the program and score a minimum of 70% on the second of the two 50-question practice exams. Students are allowed three attempts on this exam.
This course has an "Ask the Expert" feature, which submits your questions directly to an expert in the field you are studying. Questions are answered as quickly as possible and usually within 24-48 hours.
All registrants must meet the following requirements:
Students should ideally have some prior exposure to project and process management practices.
Admission is discretionary. The office of Duke Continuing Studies, Professional Certificate Programs, requires students be a least 18 years of age and meet minimum suitability standards. Students are not matriculated Duke University students and university student privileges do not apply to Continuing Studies students.
Duke Continuing Studies reserves the exclusive right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to withhold registration or require withdrawal from the program of any student or applicant.
The materials used in this course, including video lessons, workbooks, quizzes and tests, are copyrighted. They are intended for individual use by registered students. Unauthorized or illegal use, or attempted unauthorized or illegal use, of these materials may result in a suspension and/or cancellation of the user’s account without refund.
In order to receive a certificate from Duke University and qualify for the MindEdge Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Exam (not included in tuition), students must successfully:
Students must also have the following:
Course materials, such as streaming video lessons, are generally accessible via smart phones, but some functionality may be limited or unavailable. Other devices such as Blackberries may not be supported.
Each course has a link for students to “Report an Error” that connects students to MindEdge’s technical staff. Technical concerns will be directed to MindEdge via the feedback tool within the course. Learners will receive an answer within three days, whether weekday or weekend by email.
Registration is ongoing; therefore students can begin the program when it is convenient for them!
Registration is not available June 24 - June 30 annually due to the close of the fiscal year for the university.
Note: our enrollment system is a separate system from that used for your online training, and therefore, access to the online training is not an automated process upon your registration. Please be aware that there may be a time delay of up to 5 business days before you receive the email with your access to the online program. This delay will not affect your allotted completion time for the program. Please check your spam/junk folder because sometimes the access emails end up there.
Is this program affiliated with any other office at Duke University?
This program is not affiliated with any other Duke office. It is offered exclusively through Duke Continuing Studies in a collaboration with MindEdge.
Does Duke faculty serve as instructors/mentors/subject matter experts in the program?
For programs that include such features (not all do) we have chosen as instructors to use individuals who practice, and in many cases are certified, in the subject matter area being taught to enrich the professional working adult learning experience.
Is this program offered online only?
Yes, this program is exclusively offered online and is self-paced. No classroom-based Lean Six Sigma programs are currently available.
Are books included in the cost of this program?
No, there are no books required for this program. However, students will be able to download materials throughout the program.
Who should take this course?
This course is intended for adult students who have some prior exposure to project and process management practices and who are interested in taking the MindEdge Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Exam or learning Lean Six Sigma processes. Please note that the exam fee is not included in the tuition for this program and must be purchased separately from MindEdge.
Do I have to log on a certain times on certain days?
No, these courses are completely self-paced so students may schedule their coursework as they so desire within the allotted access time.
Is there an instructor/ mentor for help throughout the program? If so, how will they help students?
There is a Six Sigma Black Belt as the program mentor. He will be hold office hours once a week via videoconference and will be available via email. He will respond to emails within 3 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. If students are posing similar questions, the mentor may choose to create presentations on the topics. This is at his sole discretion.
Are there any prerequisites for this program?
No, but we do recommend that students have some prior experience with project and process management practices.
Will the Six Sigma staff assist me in finding a position?
It is incumbent upon the student to seek his/her own employment through their own endeavors. Duke Office of Continuing Studies provides no assistance with job search, career placement and/or internships nor make any claim or warrant this program will result in obtaining a position of a result of completion. While we can’t guarantee you a position will be obtained, we can assure you that you will receive excellent training to enhance your Lean Six Sigma skill set and prepare you for the MindEdge Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam.
When is registration open?
Students may register between July 1 and June 20 each year. Online registration is available 24/7 and the Office of Continuing Studies is open via phone (excluding Duke Holidays) for registration at (919) 684-6259 (toll free 866-edu-duke) between the hours of 8am and 5pm EST, Monday through Friday. Registration is not available from June 21 - June 30 annually due to the close of the fiscal year for the university.
After registering, when will students receive additional program details?
Registered students, after returning a signed program policy and completing the diagnostic exam, will receive web access information via email from Duke Continuing Studies within five business days from receipt of the required materials (excluding Duke Holidays).
What is the refund policy for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course?
There are no refunds given for online courses and tuition cannot be applied to other programs offered by Duke Continuing Studies.
How long does the program take to complete?
This access period for this program is eight months. Students are able to work through the program at their own pace, thus completion time will vary by student.
Are extensions granted to students who request them?
A one-time 60 day extension may be granted to students who demonstrate in writing the reasons why an extension is needed (via email to phaedra.kelly@duke.edu) Requests will be considered by the Program Manager and a response will be delivered via email within 7 business days (excluding Duke Holidays). It is at the discretion of the Program Manager to determine if the situation warrants an extension. If an extension is granted the student must complete the program within 60 days. No further extensions will be granted. If a student cannot finish the program within that extension window, and desires to finish the program, they will be responsible for purchasing the program again in its entirety at full tuition.
How do students earn a certificate of completion from Duke Continuing Studies?
Students who complete all assignments and tests with an average score of 70% or higher within the eight month given time frame and pay tuition in full (upon registration) will receive a certificate of completion from Duke Continuing Studies. The certificate will be mailed from Duke Continuing Studies upon completion of the program. Please allow up to 30 days to receive certificate.
How do students receive the IACET and PDU CEUs?
Students must complete all coursework and achieve an average test score of at least 70% to meet the minimum successful completion requirement and qualify to receive IACET CEU and PDU credit. Students will have three attempts at all graded assessments.
Upon completion of the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course, how can students become certified?
Students will be eligible to sit for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam offered and purchased separately through MindEdge. Duke Continuing Studies will connect students with MindEdge but will not have any other involvement in the certification process.
What are the requirements for recertification?
Students will be required to pass the recertification exam every three years. This exam is offered through MindEdge and student will need to contact MindEdge directly for information regarding recertification fees.
Will students be required to earn CE credits to maintain the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification?
No, students will just need to pass the exam.
Is access to a computer required during this program?
This is an exclusively online program and access to a reliable computer is required for the duration of the program.
What are the technical requirements for accessing this online program?
See the Requirements section.
Can students download program files to save for later use?
No, but there are downloadable study materials for the student. All materials used in this course, including video lessons, workbooks, quizzes and tests, are copyrighted. They are intended for individual use by registered students. Unauthorized or illegal use, or attempted unauthorized or illegal use, of these materials may result in a suspension and/or cancellation of the user’s account without refund.
How can students contact technical support?
Each course has a link for students to “Report an Error” that connects students to MindEdge’s technical staff. Technical concerns will be directed to MindEdge via the feedback tool within the course. Learners will receive an answer within three days, whether weekday or weekend by email.
See the Requirements section for supported platforms.
Payment is due in full upon registration. Loans must be certified and approved by Duke Continuing Studies prior to starting program.
There are no books required to be purchased for this program. Students can download material throughout the program.
Active Duke University and Health System staff are eligible to receive a $100 discount on the tuition for this program. In order to take advantage of this discount, you must request it at the time of registration and register via phone at 919-684-6259 during regular business hours. Please note that you cannot register online and receive the discount. Please be prepared to provide your Duke Unique ID and department at the time of registration.
Discount must be requested and applied during the registration process and cannot be applied in addition to any other discount that may be offered.
Do you have a group (Duke or non-Duke entity) interested in training? Contact the Program Manager for details.
No loans can be construed to imply any degree-seeking status for students of Duke Continuing studies. Duke Continuing Studies courses are non-credit.
Duke Continuing Studies (DCS) will not certify (approve) loan amounts greater than the amount of the tuition regardless of the amount approved by the lending agency. DCS reserves the right to reject any loan which exceeds the tuition amount. DCS will not be responsible for refunding monies in excess of the tuition. Students needing to secure loan funding for books or other items in relation to the program are responsible for making separate loan arrangements with the funding agency. No loan funds will be refunded to the student.
Should a student choose to borrow less than the tuition amount, the balance must be paid prior to the close of the registration period.
Our Professional Certificate programs are non-credit (not degree applicable); therefore, they are NOT eligible for federal education loans. DO NOT SUBMIT FAFSA FORMS for these programs. Some of our programs may offer payment plans. Please see individual program web pages for those details.
The funding options listed below may not be applicable to all programs at this time. Please contact the organization offering the funding to see if you qualify and if the funds can be used for the program in which you are interested.
To apply for this private student loan, visit Sallie Mae’s website, and click the I’m ready to apply button. The following application should populate with the pertinent information for Duke Continuing Studies.
Please note that Wells Fargo is no longer accepting new applications for their private student loans. However, students with an outstanding balance on a Wells Fargo private student loan may be eligible to be borrowers on a new private loan. See here for details.
Duke University Hospital employees may be eligible for support from the Employee Development Initiative (EDI), which helps employees pay for short-term career-related programs, workshops, and seminars. For more information, visit the Employee Development Initiative site or call Duke Hospital Human Resources at (919) 668-2170.
The WIA provides professional and basic skills training services to those who have been unable to find employment. Please keep in mind that this process can be lengthy, so plan to apply well in advance of the program start date. For more information on eligibility, the application process, or to find your local Workforce Development Board, visit the NC JobLink Career Center website.
AmeriCorps Education Awards are available only for AmeriCorps volunteers and can be used for educational expenses for non-degree courses, such as Continuing Education courses offered by qualified schools. For more information on qualified schools and programs, contact the National Service Trust at 1-800-942-2677, or visit the FAQ page of the AmeriCorps website.
Contact our registration office at learnmore@duke.edu for details on how to send wire transfers. Very specific instructions must be followed in order for our office to receive a successful transfer.
There are no refunds, cancellations, or transfers for online, self-paced courses.
A one-time 60 day extension may be granted to students who demonstrate in writing the reasons why an extension is needed (via email to phaedra.kelly@duke.edu) Requests will be considered by the Program Manager and a response will be delivered via email within 7 business days (excluding Duke holidays). It is at the discretion of the Program Manager to determine if the situation warrants an extension.
If an extension is granted the student must complete the program within 60 days. No further extensions will be granted. If a student cannot finish the program within that extension window, and desires to finish the program, they will be responsible for purchasing the program again in its entirety at full tuition.
Course fees and expenses are sometimes tax deductible. Please consult an accountant concerning this matter. Non-credit programs at Duke Continuing Studies do not generate 1098-T forms, in accordance with the following IRS guideline:
