Design for Six Sigma (DfSS) is all about prevention. Used by research and product development, DfSS ensures products are designed right the first time. This includes:
- Understanding the customer
- Cascading requirements down to sub-systems and components including the supply base
- Designing to reduce sensitivity to variation
- Designing for manufacturing capability
- Verification and validation
The IQF certification exam is nothing like traditional certification exams. Instead, it is a rigorous, computer-based test of your ability to use modern methods to improve business operations. The exam consists of 2 modules:
- Fundamentals – short questions & problems designed to test the basic understanding of DfSS tools & concepts.
- Applications (not required for Green Belt) – detailed problems designed to test DfSS problem solving ability.
Each of these modules must be completed in 4 hours. The exam is open book, and any computer software may be used.
In addition to the exam, project work and for the Master Black Certification, teaching and mentoring are required as shown in the table below.
| Certification Level | Project Requirement | Teaching & Mentoring Requirement |
| Green Belt | None | None |
| Black Belt | 2 Projects | None |
| Master Black Belt | 2 Projects | Two years of teaching and mentoring including 8 mentored projects and 80 hours of teaching. |
Use the links below to learn more about DfSS certification.
- Exam body of knowledge
- Exam format and grading
- Exam procedure
- Sample exam questions
- Project process and approval
- How to register for the exam and certification
- Re-certification requirements
- Corporate and university certification process
- Master Black Belt teaching and mentoring approval form
- Frequently asked questions