I am pleased to present the first edition of The Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Handbook. It has been created to reflect the most current thinking among key
Six Sigma leaders regarding what should be contained in the ASQ Master Black
Belt Body of Knowledge that was first released in 2010.
As with all ASQ certification–based handbooks, the primary audience for this
work is the individual who plans to prepare to sit for the Six Sigma Master Black
Belt certification examination. Therefore, this book assumes the individual has
the necessary educational background and experience in quality and Lean Six
Sigma. Concepts are dealt with briefly, but supplemented with practical examples.
I have intentionally avoided theoretical discussion unless such a discussion was
necessary to communicate a concept. As always, readers are encouraged to use
additional sources when seeking much deeper levels of discussion. The citations
provided in the references will be helpful in this regard.
Undoubtedly, practicing Master Black Belts will find much of this material
new, particularly in Part IV Advanced Measurement Methods and Tools. Some
of the tools discussed in this part are simply not part of most Master Black Belt
curriculums. Therefore, many of you will discover the Body of Knowledge to be
challenging. However, it will provide the opportunity to expand your learning
horizons and hopefully grow as Master Black Belts.