Certificate in Lean Sigma Quality (Six Sigma Green Belt) (Online)

Course Summary

Funded Places Available - 80%
Successful applicants to this course may receive funding for their fees through the HCI Pillar 3 Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy initiative. The number of funded places is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. 
*Micro-credentials Subsidised Programme Fee: €300
Please see here the eligibility criteria - HCI-Micro-credentials-Fee-Subsidy-Eligibility-Criteria.pdf (hea.ie)

Enrol in Ireland's largest QQI accredited online Green Belt programme which includes a work-based project with target savings of €15,000 per annum. The ATU Sligo Lean Sigma Green Belt provides participants with enhanced problem-solving skills, using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) model. This course will show you how to reduce cost, increase quality, improve speed and make processes more effective and efficient in your organisation. This Green Belt course covers the use of statistical, analytical and operational improvement tools to improve processes using a structured problem-solving methodology. Successful candidates will receive a QQI accredited Level 7 Certificate in Lean Sigma Quality from ATU Sligo.

Through practical examples and exercises, learners will become proficient in the use of the problem-solving techniques used to monitor and control processes. This ‘learning by doing’ approach also allows for better integration of the tools into the participant’s workplace.

Ten reasons to enrol on the ATU Sligo Green Belt course.

1. Ireland’s largest online QQI accredited Green Belt programme offers weekly live interactive lectures and regular Q&A sessions with your lecturer.
2. Study anytime, anywhere. The course is delivered 100% online with 24/7 access to your course materials and recorded lectures. 
3. Accredited by Quality Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – 15 credits at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
4. Delivered by Irish National Teaching Expert award-winning lecturers with industry experience. The ATU Sligo lecturers have delivered online Lean Six Sigma courses to over 20,000 participants in 75 countries worldwide.
5. Course content includes industry examples from medical devices, pharma, food, manufacturing, healthcare and the service sectors.
6. Over 250 practice questions and online quizzes are included in the course to assist you with your learning and knowledge retention.
7. The course includes Minitab – the statistical and process improvement software used by many leading employers.  You will be provided with free access to Minitab software during your course of study at ATU Sligo. 
8. Participants undertake a work-based project to allow the use of the Lean Six Sigma tools in their workplace. An ATU Sligo supervisor is assigned to each student to support them during the project. (A simulated project option is available for those unable to complete a work-based project.)
9. The typical cost savings to the organisation from each Green Belt project is a minimum of €15K (annualised). 
10. Internationally recognised – as our syllabus covers both the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the Quality America Body of Knowledge (BOK), an additional external certification is also an option.(* Please see note below.) 

• Note: If you are planning to also take the exam for ASQ/Quality America certification, you must take both the Six Sigma 1 and Six Sigma 2 modules to cover the necessary statistics on the ASQ Green Belt Body of Knowledge (BOK). The Six Sigma 2 module is taken as an elective in place of the Lean & OpEx module and runs from January - May each year.

Key Course Information

Lean Sigma Quality Green Belt - Course Schedule

For applicants commencing the Green Belt course in September 2024, the modules will be offered as follows:

1. Sep - Dec 2024: Six Sigma 1 - Introduction to Lean Sigma Quality
2. Jan - May 2025: Six Sigma 2 - Statistical Control or Lean & OpEx  (You will be required to select one of these modules as your elective.)
3. Oct 2024 - May 2025: Six Sigma 3 - Project

You will not have to choose your elective module until approx. 4 weeks into the course. ATU Sligo offers two Green Belt courses depending on your area of interest:

1. Six Sigma Green Belt - this primarily focusses on the Statistical Process Control (SPC) tools along with some Lean tools. If you would like to complete the Six Sigma Green Belt, then you must choose the Six Sigma 2 module as your elective. 
2. Lean & OpEx Green Belt - this focusses more on the Lean and Operational Excellence tools along with an introduction to the Six Sigma statistical tools. If you would like to complete the Lean & OpEx Green Belt, then you must choose the Lean & OpEx module as your elective. 

You can apply online for this Lean Sigma Quality Green Belt course, and you will be asked to choose your elective after the course commences. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you have previously completed the ATU Sligo Yellow Belt programme at ATU Sligo and wish to take the Lean & OpEx Green Belt, you can apply for an exemption from the Lean & OpEx module and once granted, you will only be required to complete the other two modules to obtain your Green Belt. 

Employer Funded Applicants
Where employers enrol employees on the Six Sigma Green Belt programme, employers will share employee names, email addresses and any other information relating to eligibility, as required, with ATU.  ATU will share the registration status of employees with the employer who has enrolled them, on request, and the completion status of such employees, on request, in line with a data sharing agreement.

Lean Sigma Green Belt Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A graduate of this programme will be considered a Green Belt in Lean Sigma quality.

Q1: Who is the Lean Sigma Green Belt course aimed at?
Answer: The ATU Sligo Green Belt provides participants with enhanced problem-solving skills, using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) model. This certification is in great demand by employers across all sectors in either manufacturing, medical device, pharmaceutical, healthcare or the service sectors. It is suitable for all levels within the organisation from operator / administrator to supervisor and technician, through to engineering and management level.

Q2: How often do I need to attend ATU Sligo?
Answer: There is no requirement to attend ATU Sligo as all lectures are delivered live online each week which you can log into from your home or workplace. Recordings are also available if you cannot log into the live lecture. If you complete the Six Sigma 2 module, there may be a requirement to attend a final exam held in May each year at an ATU exam centre in Sligo. Other locations may be offered - please check the ATU Sligo exams webpage.

Q3: What are the prerequisites for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course?
Answer: Applicants are expected to have passed the Leaving Certificate or equivalent in maths due to the statistics covered in the course syllabus.  It is preferable that you would be in a position to complete a Six Sigma Green Belt project with an employer. If you are unable to complete a Six Sigma work-based project, a simulated Six Sigma project will be made available by your lecturer. More details on the project requirements are listed below.

Q4: Do I need to complete the Yellow Belt before enrolling on the Green Belt course?
Answer: No - The Lean & OpEx Green Belt course includes the Lean & OpEx module from the Yellow Belt course, so you can apply directly for the Green Belt course. 

Q5: I have previously completed the ATU Sligo Yellow Belt course. Am I eligible for any exemptions if I progress to the Green Belt?
Answer: Yes - The Lean & OpEx Green Belt course includes the Lean & OpEx module from the Yellow Belt course, so you can apply for an exemption from the Lean & OpEx module.  Once the exemption is granted, you would then need to complete the Six Sigma 1 module and a Project to obtain your Green Belt.   

Q6: What are the lecture days and times?
Answer: There are approx. 1.5 - 2 hours of lectures delivered live online each week. Live lectures are scheduled between 6.00 pm and 9.00 pm from Monday – Thursday each week.  The actual day and time of your online lecture will be provided to you before lectures commence. These lectures are also recorded, so you can watch them anytime if you cannot attend the live lecture.

Q7: How much study time is required per week?
Answer: Previous participants stated that they spent on average 3 - 5 hours per week studying the course material and completing any quizzes or assignments that are due that week. If you are already familiar with some of the topics from your prior work or educational experience, this may be less. For the Project, this can be done as part of your work schedule, and we estimate this should take 3 - 6 hours per week during the second semester.

Q8: What type of exams are needed to pass this course?
Answer: The Six Sigma 1 and the Lean & OpEx modules are assessed through a combination of continuous assessment and a final online exam. For the Six Sigma 3 module there is a project presentation and a report to be completed. These are all submitted online. If you have selected the Six Sigma 2 module as your elective, students may have to attend the ATU campus through which they have completed their studies. For some programmes, it may be possible for the exam to be taken remotely via online proctoring. ATU students resident in the Republic of Ireland will be invited to attend exams at an exam centre located in Ireland. Students resident outside of Ireland or with exceptional circumstances may be eligible to attend remotely via online proctoring, where examinations are taken online and supervised virtually, subject to availability.

Q9: How long does the course last?
Answer: The course duration is 2 semesters (28 weeks). The course will run from September - December and from January - May each year. Previous participants have stated that this gives the optimum learning experience and allows you to use the Lean Six Sigma tools in your workplace.

Q10: Is there an induction programme for new participants on the ATU Sligo Green Belt?
 Answer: Yes - you will be notified of the details of the online induction once you register on the course. The induction programme takes place approx. one week before the lectures commence.

Q11: If I fail in any of the exams, what is the provision to repeat?
Answer: Repeat exams are held in August. There is a repeat exam fee - approx. €100. You can repeat the exams up to a maximum of three times.

Q12: What type of work-based project needs to be completed for a Six Sigma Green Belt?
Answer: The work-based project will test your ability to define a real-life problem of concern to the organisation, design a strategy for addressing the problem, gather data, formulate and evaluate options and make recommendations.  Projects can be undertaken to improve either manufacturing or service (transactional) processes. A financial saving must be identified for Green Belt projects. The target savings should be approx. €1250 Euros per month or €15K per year. However, we recognise that this is somewhat dependent on the size of the company you work in and your role in the organisation. You will have an opportunity to discuss this in more detail with your lecturer and your ATU Sligo project supervisor, who will be assigned to your project from January - May.

Examples of typical projects:

• Any Lean or Six Sigma project that seeks to improve quality, reduce time and that results in a financial saving for your organisation.
• Quality improvement/defect reduction
• Reduce lab turnaround time
• Reduce accounts payable invoice processing costs
• Reduce cycle time and lead time on a manufacturing or service (transactional) process.
• Reduced machine setup time

Q13: Will you provide an alternative project if I cannot complete a work-based project with my employer?
Answer: Yes - if you are unable to complete a work-based project, a simulated Lean Six Sigma project will be provided by your lecturer to allow you to use the Six Sigma tools and the Minitab statistical analysis software.

 Q14: Which elective module should I choose - Lean & OpEx or Six Sigma 2?
Answer: You do not have to choose your elective module until approx 4 weeks after the course commences in September.  During that time, your lecturers will provide you with more detailed information on the content for each of the elective modules.  You can then select the module which is most appropriate to your current work environment.  As a general rule, if you work in a technical quality or engineering role which involves data analysis and statistics, you should choose the Six Sigma 2 module as your elective. If you work in a Supervisory / Management / Admin role, you should choose the Lean & OpEx module as your elective.  A Q&A session will be offered in October to answer any questions you may have before you make your final decision on your elective module which will run from January - May.

Q15: Do I have to take all three modules in one year?
Answer: While we recommend that you complete the Green Belt over one academic year, modules can be studied over a longer period of time if required - up to 2 years.  You will receive 5 credits for each module you successfully complete, and you need 15 credits to obtain your award. Please check the course schedule as modules are normally only offered in one semester.

Q16: What are the ATU Sligo course fees?

Answer: The course fees are listed on the ATU Sligo Green Belt website. The costs shown include course fees, examinations fees, access to the online lectures, access to the learning management system, Moodle where course notes and reading materials are provided. Access to Minitab software is also included during your course of study at ATU Sligo. Participants are required to purchase the course textbook, which is estimated to be approx. €70 per student. 

Q17: Are there any grants available for course fees?
Answer: The Green Belt course has in the past been grant aided by the Irish government under the Springboard initiative for those applicants not in employment and 90% funding for those in employment. If Springboard funding is available for this year’s course, this will be listed on the Green Belt course page on the ATU Sligo and the Springboard website. https://springboardcourses.ie/

ICBE Skillnet: Phone: +353 61 423 622  or Email: info@icbe.ie

Participants have also received funding (approx. 20%) from relevant Skillnets such as ICBE and MedTech. Check with your employer for funding under Skillnets. Enterprise Ireland (EI) and IDA client companies may also provide funding under their Lean initiatives. Please follow up directly with your EI or IDA client advisor.  Many participants have their employer sponsor them as the ATU Sligo course is competitively priced.

Q18: My employer is paying my fees. Can ATU Sligo issue me with an invoice?
Answer: Yes - an invoice can be issued to your employer. Please indicate on the online application form that your employer will be paying your fees. If you have any queries on this, please contact admissions.sligo@atu.ie

Q19: Does the course fee include VAT?
Answer: There is no VAT on training courses in Ireland, so the fee shown on the website is the amount payable for your fees.

Note: If you wish to take the optional additional ASQ / Quality America certifications, then the one-day workshop and exam fees are paid directly to the external provider and not to ATU Sligo.

Q20: Is the external ASQ / Quality America Green Belt exam mandatory?
Answer: No - the ASQ or the Quality America external Green belt is an optional additional qualification. The ASQ / Quality America exam preparation workshop and exam fees are paid directly to the external providers. They are NOT included in your ATU Sligo fees. Note: For the (optional) ASQ/Quality America exam, these exams are normally held in June and December each year.  You can take these any time after you complete the ATU Sligo green belt course. Further details will be provided when you enrol on the course if you wish to obtain additional certification.

* Note: If you are planning to complete the ASQ/Quality America certification, then you must take the Six Sigma 1 and Six Sigma 2 modules to cover the necessary statistics on the ASQ Green Belt Body of Knowledge (BOK). The Six Sigma 2 module runs from January - May each year and is taken as an elective in place of the Lean & OpEx module.

Q21: Is the external Green Belt fee covered under Springboard funding?
Answer: No - the external green belt certification from ASQ / Quality America is in addition to the Certificate in Lean Sigma Quality that you obtain from ATU Sligo. The fee for the external exam goes to the external provider and not to ATU Sligo.  It is therefore not covered under Springboard funding.

Q12: What will be the QQI level of credits I will receive by completing this course?
Answer: You receive 15 credits at Level 7 if you successfully complete all three modules. You will receive a QQI Certificate in Lean Sigma Quality from ATU Sligo.

Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025

Entry Requirements

You may apply directly for this Green Belt course.  As the Green Belt course covers the course content on the Yellow Belt course, you do not have to complete the Yellow Belt before enrolling onto this Green Belt course.

Applicants are expected to have passed the Leaving Certificate or equivalent in maths due to the statistics covered in the course syllabus. Please upload a current CV when you are completing your online application. 

Employer Funded Applicants
Where employers enrol employees on the Six Sigma Green Belt programme, employers will share employee names, email addresses and any other information relating to eligibility, as required, with ATU.  ATU will share the registration status of employees with the employer who has enrolled them, on request, and the completion status of such employees, on request, in line with a data sharing agreement.

For applicants that have completed the ATU Sligo Lean & OpEx Yellow Belt

If you have already completed the ATU Sligo Lean & OpEx Yellow Belt, you may wish to progress to this Green Belt award by completing an additional two modules. The three modules required to complete your Green Belt are as follows:

1. Lean & OpEx - you can apply for an exemption if you have previously completed this module as part of your ATU Sligo Yellow Belt
2. Six Sigma 1 - Introduction to Lean Sigma Quality (runs from September - December each year)
3. Six Sigma  3 - Project (runs from November - May each year)

Maths Support Centre

If you are concerned about your maths ability, ATU Sligo now provide access to a free Mathematics Support Centre to all students. Here you can book online tutorials with our Maths tutors to review any queries you may have with the maths in your programme of study. Further details https://www.itsligo.ie/student-hub/maths-support-centre/

A good understanding of English language, literacy, numeracy and computer skills are required to be successful on this course.

Minimum PC requirements to use the Minitab statistical software on this programme (Windows only).

• Operating System: Windows 10
• Browser: Current version or previous major release of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox - Chrome is recommended
• RAM*: 64-bit systems: 4 GB of memory or more recommended
• Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon™ Dual Core, with SSE2 technology
• Hard Disk Space:  2 GB (minimum) free space available
• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
• Connectivity: An internet connection is required for activation of the Minitab license

Note: Minitab Desktop software is a Windows only application and will not run on an Apple Mac.  A Minitab statistical software Web app is available for Apple Mac users, but it does not contain all the features of the Minitab Statistical Desktop software. It is recommended that you have access to a Windows PC to run the Minitab statistical software. Google Chrome or Safari are the recommended browsers.

Note that Minitab Workspace software only runs on a Windows PC and is used on the Lean & OpEx module.

Career Opportunities

As Ireland's largest provider of QQI accredited Lean, Operational Excellence and Six Sigma training, this ATU Sligo Green Belt certification is in great demand by employers across all sectors in the manufacturing, medical device, pharmaceutical, food, healthcare, finance and the service sectors. Search under 'Green Belt' or 'Six Sigma' on  https://www.irishjobs.ie/

There are a number of career paths available, as the Lean, OpEx and Six Sigma tools can be very effective in improving business processes in a variety of different industries and sectors. Many roles now include a requirement for a Green Belt certificate including:

• Continuous Improvement / Lean Coach
• Production Supervisor / Manager
• Quality Supervisor
• Quality Technician / Engineer
• Quality Manager
• Process / Manufacturing Engineer
• Process Excellence Specialist
• Supplier Quality Manager
• HR / Change Manager
• Project Manager
• Operational Excellence Specialist
• Business Excellence Lead

Further Study

After completing the Green Belt with ATU Sligo, you can progress to a Six Sigma Black Belt award.  In addition, as ATU Sligo offers online Quality programmes at Levels 7, 8 and 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), there will be a progression path for those students who pass the Green Belt course and wish to continue on with a degree in Quality or Manufacturing Management.  Students who meet the eligibility criteria to enter the full degree programme can upgrade their skills in specific areas while still earning credits towards a final degree award.

Optional ASQ / Quality America Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

As the ATU Sligo Green Belt syllabus covers both the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the Quality America exam Bodies of Knowledge (BOK) you may wish to gain an additional certification to your accredited ATU Sligo award by sitting an external exam. Further details will be provided during your course of study at IT Sligo.

Note: If you plan to take the ASQ Green Belt exam, you must enrol on the Six Sigma 2 module instead of the Lean & OpEx module due to the statistics covered in the Six Sigma 2 module which are part of the ASQ Green Belt Body of Knowledge (BOK).  The Six Sigma 2 module runs from January - May each year.

These additional qualification(s) are NOT mandatory. The ASQ/Quality America exam preparation workshop and exam fees are paid directly to the external providers. They are NOT included in your ATU Sligo fees. 

Testimonials

“We selected ATU Sligo as they are the leading provider of accredited online learning programmes in Ireland. Their online learning systems allow our employees to access the course material anytime, anywhere. It provides us with the unique ability to train over 2,000 of our employees in a cost-effective way across 10 sites working on multiple shifts. This online course is a key part of the progression path for Glanbia employees who wish to continue to upskill and earn additional qualifications such as Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt certification.” Michael Phelan, Glanbia Ireland’s Head of Operations and Supply Chain Excellence

Read the full story here 

The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Lean Sigma White Belt course has been ranked as the number 1 Global Best University-level Lean Sigma White Belt course for 2024 by Class Central, a leading MOOC website. ATU Lean Sigma White Belt ranked no. 1 globally | ATU - Atlantic Technological University

Programme Fees

Academic Year 2024/25 Fee:

Total Programme Fee: €1,500

Discounted to €300 for September 2024 for those applicants eligible for HCI funding - see below.

HCI Funded Places Available
Successful applicants to this course may receive funding for their fees through the HCI Pillar 3 Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy initiative. The number of funded places is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. 
*Micro-credentials Subsidised Programme Fee: €300
Please see here the eligibility criteria - HCI-Micro-credentials-Fee-Subsidy-Eligibility-Criteria.pdf (hea.ie)

Funding Opportunities

Next Level Skillnet funding may be available to successful applicants who fulfil eligibility criteria. Please email Sue Davies in Next Level Skillnet to find out more information: sue@nextlevel.ie 

Employer Funded Applicants
Where employers enrol employees on the Six Sigma Green Belt programme, employers will share employee names, email addresses and any other information relating to eligibility, as required, with ATU.  ATU will share the registration status of employees with the employer who has enrolled them, on request, and the completion status of such employees, on request, in line with a data sharing agreement.

If you are an employer and looking to enrol groups of applicants, please contact Jean Gilligan jean.gilligan@atu.ie 

Course Format

Semester 1 - September to December

Semester 2 - January to May

Semester 3 - October to May