This program 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. Created in affiliation with MindEdge and Six Sigma Black Belts, this program is inclusive of all topics covered by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification, and it prepares students for the MindEdge Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification Exam (purchased separately).
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 Yellow Belt Certificate program?
This course provides 2.6 IACET CEU credits and 26 PMI PDUs. Students have access to the program for eight months.
This self-paced program teachers students Lean Six Sigma concepts, strategies, tools, and techniques to be used in process improvement projects. The course is divided into seven modules that explore the essential components of the DMAIC methodology, describing the important themes, principles, and tools needed to refine processes and enhance operations. Student understanding and comprehension are tested throughout the course with 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. Finally, two 25-question practice exams mirror the substance and style of questions that students will see if they sit for the MindEdge certification exam. The program takes approximately 28 hours to complete.
After finishing the program, Students should be able to do the following:
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.
Each course has a link for students to “Report an Error” that connects students to MindEdge’s technical staff. Technical concerns should be directed to MindEdge via the feedback tool within the course. Students will receive an answer by email within three business days, whether weekday or weekend.
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 28 hours to complete. Please note that the MindEdge Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification Exam is not included as part of the tuition and must be purchased separately from MindEdge.
Throughout the program, learners will be tested on their understanding and comprehension of program topics through challenging exercises, and interactive games. Each module also includes comprehensive quizzes and tests that learners can use to gauge their progress and prepare for each of the 25-question practice exams at the program’s end. Students will receive feedback on both wrong and right answers to quizzes throughout each module.
To obtain the certificate and receive the IACET CEU and PDU credits, students must complete all course work and quizzes within the eight-month period and score a minimum of 70% on all exams. Students are allowed three attempts on all exams.
All registrants must meet the following requirements:
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 Yellow Belt Certification Exam (not included in tuition), students must successfully:
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 21-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.
Registration Methods
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.
Will this program count for college credits or degrees?
No. This program is non-degree and not for college credit.
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 are interested in taking the MindEdge Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification Exam and/or who are interested in learning about Lean Six Sigma processes.
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.
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 Lean 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 Yellow 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 email (learnmore@Duke.edu) 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 will receive web access information via email from Duke Continuing Studies within five business days from receipt of the required materials (excluding Duke Holidays).
Are extensions granted to students who request them?
No. Sufficient time to complete coursework has been given, and therefore no extensions will be granted. If a course is not finished and a student wants to re-enroll to complete it, he or she will have to purchase the course/package again and restart the training from the beginning of the course.
How long does the program take to complete?
The entire program is estimated to take about 28 hours to complete. Completion time will vary by student.
What is the refund policy for the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt program?
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.
How do students earn a certificate of completion from Duke Continuing Studies?
Students who complete all coursework and receive an average score of 70% or higher on all exams within the eight-month time frame and who have paid tuition in full (upon registration) will receive a certificate of completion from Duke Continuing Studies. Students will be able to download, for up to six months from completing the program, a certificate of completion from the Learning Management System.
How do students receive the IACET CEUs and PDUs?
Students must achieve an average test score of at least 70% to meet the minimum successful completion requirement and qualify to receive IACET CEU and PDU credits. Students will have three attempts at all graded assessments.
Upon completion of the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Course, how can students become certified?
Students will be eligible to sit for the Lean Six Sigma Yellow 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 Yellow 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.
$499
Discount must be requested and applied during the registration process and cannot be applied in addition to any other discount that may be offered. You may be asked to verify your status as a Duke employee.
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.
Due to the tuition cost, this certificate is not eligible for the private student loans through Sallie Mae. Your local bank may offer other options for loans or a "line of credit" service. Contact your bank for more information on financing choices.
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.
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.
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.
There are no refunds, cancellations, or transfers for online, self-paced courses.
No extensions will be granted. Students who require additional time to complete the course(s) they registered for will be responsible for re-registering and paying for the course in full for a second time.
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:
