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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Six Sigma
Exam Format
4 hr (240 min)
70%
Black Belt
Registration
$450 USD
Pearson VUE, PeopleCert Testing Centers, or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
Retake the ICBB exam before expiration; Complete continuing education requirements through IASSC; Demonstrate continued professional development in Lean Six Sigma
ICBB Exam Topics and Domains
ICBB is organized into 5 weighted domains.
1
Define Phase
20%
The Basics of Six Sigma
Meanings of Six SigmaGeneral History of Six Sigma & Continuous ImprovementDeliverables of a Lean Six Sigma ProjectThe Problem Solving Strategy Y = f(x)Voice of the Customer, Business and EmployeeSix Sigma Roles & Responsibilities
- Understand the comprehensive meaning and application of Six Sigma
- Identify key roles and responsibilities in Six Sigma projects
- Translate customer requirements into project deliverables
The Fundamentals of Six Sigma
Defining a ProcessCritical to Quality Characteristics (CTQ's)Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)Pareto Analysis (80:20 rule)Basic Six Sigma Metrics
- Define and map processes effectively
- Identify and prioritize critical quality characteristics
- Calculate and interpret basic Six Sigma metrics
Selecting Lean Six Sigma Projects
Business CaseProblem and Goal StatementsProject Scope
- Select appropriate Lean Six Sigma projects
- Develop comprehensive business cases
- Define clear project scope and boundaries
Lean Enterprise
Lean PrinciplesTypes of WasteValue Stream Mapping
- Apply lean principles to process improvement
- Identify and eliminate waste
- Create and analyze value stream maps
2
Measure Phase
20%
Process Definition
Cause & Effect / Fishbone DiagramsProcess Mapping, SIPOC, Value Stream MapX-Y DiagramFailure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- Define and document processes comprehensively
- Identify potential failure modes and effects
- Create cause-and-effect relationships
Six Sigma Statistics
Basic StatisticsDescriptive StatisticsNormal Distributions & NormalityGraphical Analysis
- Apply fundamental statistical concepts
- Calculate and interpret descriptive statistics
- Create and analyze statistical graphics
Measurement System Analysis
Precision & AccuracyBias, Linearity & StabilityGage Repeatability & ReproducibilityVariable & Attribute MSA
- Validate measurement systems
- Conduct and interpret Gage R&R studies
- Ensure measurement system capability
Process Capability
Capability AnalysisConcept of StabilityAttribute & Discrete CapabilityMonitoring Techniques
- Assess process capability
- Calculate and interpret capability indices
- Establish process monitoring systems
3
Analyze Phase
20%
Patterns of Variation
Common Cause VariationSpecial Cause Variation
- Distinguish between common and special cause variation
- Identify patterns in process data
- Apply appropriate analysis techniques
Inferential Statistics
Understanding InferenceSampling Techniques & UsesCentral Limit Theorem
- Apply inferential statistics principles
- Select appropriate sampling techniques
- Understand and apply the Central Limit Theorem
Hypothesis Testing
General Concepts & Goals of Hypothesis TestingSignificance; Practical vs. StatisticalRisk; Alpha & BetaTypes of Hypothesis Test
- Formulate and test hypotheses
- Understand and manage statistical risks
- Select appropriate hypothesis tests
Hypothesis Testing with Normal Data
1 & 2 sample t-tests1 sample varianceOne Way ANOVA
- Conduct parametric hypothesis tests
- Verify test assumptions
- Interpret test results correctly
Hypothesis Testing with Non-Normal Data
Mann-WhitneyKruskal-WallisMood's MedianFriedman1 Sample Sign
- Apply non-parametric tests appropriately
- Understand when parametric assumptions are violated
- Interpret non-parametric test results
4
Improve Phase
20%
Simple Linear Regression
CorrelationRegression EquationsResiduals Diagnostics
- Build and interpret simple linear regression models
- Validate regression assumptions
- Use regression for prediction and analysis
Multiple Regression Analysis
Multiple Linear RegressionConfidence & Prediction IntervalsData Transformation & Box Cox
- Develop multiple regression models
- Apply data transformations
- Interpret complex regression outputs
Designed Experiments
Experimental ObjectivesExperimental MethodsDesign Considerations
- Plan and design experiments
- Apply DOE principles
- Select appropriate experimental designs
Full Factorial Experiments
2k Full Factorial DesignsLinear & Quadratic ModelsBalanced & Orthogonal Designs
- Design and analyze full factorial experiments
- Interpret factorial effects and interactions
- Build predictive models from DOE
Fractional Factorial Experiments
Fractional DesignsConfounding EffectsExperimental Resolution
- Design fractional factorial experiments
- Understand confounding and resolution
- Select efficient screening designs
5
Control Phase
20%
Lean Controls
5S SystemKanbanPoka-YokeStandard Work
- Implement lean control methods
- Design error-proofing systems
- Establish visual management
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Control Chart SelectionVariable Control ChartsAttribute Control ChartsControl Chart Analysis
- Implement statistical process control
- Select and create control charts
- Interpret control chart patterns
Six Sigma Control Plans
Cost Benefit AnalysisElements of the Control PlanElements of the Response Plan
- Develop comprehensive control plans
- Establish response procedures
- Validate and track benefits
How do I earn this certification?
Passing ICBB earns the IASSC Certified Black Belt (IASSC-CBB) certification. It sits in the Lean Six Sigma track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
- LSSMBB - Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
- ICLE - IASSC Certified Lean Expert
- CQE - ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
Alternative Paths
- PMP - Project Management ProfessionalComplementary project leadership skills
- CBAP - Certified Business Analysis ProfessionalProcess analysis and improvement focus
- TOGAF - The Open Group Architecture Framework Enterprise-wide process optimization
- AI-LSS - AI-Enabled Lean Six Sigma Modern AI-enhanced process improvement
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for ICBB is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Process improvement professionals and Quality managers and engineers.
- 3+ years of work experience in process improvement
- Completion of Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training from accredited provider
- Experience leading process improvement projects
- Strong foundation in statistics and data analysis
- Green Belt certification (optional but beneficial)