Cheat Sheet · Project Management

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Cheat Sheet: Facts and Tools

intermediate

A free IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt cheat sheet: the exam format at a glance plus the key DMAIC tools and statistics in one place.

By The Exam Atlas Editorial Team · Verified 2026-06-05

A one-page Lean Six Sigma Green Belt reference: exam facts plus the DMAIC tools you must know. Use it for final review. Confirm all current details on the IASSC certification page.

Exam facts

ItemDetail
Questions100 (closed book; some forms +10 unscored)
Time3 hours
Pass mark70% minimum
Cost~US$350 voucher (confirm with IASSC)
PrerequisitesNone
BodyIASSC (vendor-neutral; others like ASQ differ)

DMAIC and key tools by phase

  • Define - project charter, voice of the customer (VoC), CTQ tree, SIPOC diagram.
  • Measure - process map, data types, measurement-system analysis (MSA), process capability (Cp, Cpk).
  • Analyze - root-cause tools (fishbone, 5 Whys, Pareto), hypothesis testing, correlation, regression.
  • Improve - solution selection, piloting, FMEA, mistake-proofing (poka-yoke).
  • Control - control plan, statistical process control (SPC) charts, standard work.

Core concepts

  • Variation - Six Sigma reduces process variation and defects using data.
  • Defect / DPMO - a defect fails a CTQ; DPMO measures defects per million opportunities.
  • CTQ (Critical to Quality) - the measurable requirements that matter to the customer.
  • Green Belt role - supports or leads smaller projects, often part-time under a Black Belt.

Common traps

  • Underestimating the statistics in Measure and Analyze.
  • Learning tools in isolation instead of by DMAIC phase.
  • Skipping Control, where improvements are sustained.
  • Confusing the IASSC route with ASQ’s - they are different bodies.

FAQ

What is the pass mark for the IASSC Green Belt?
A minimum of 70%. The exam is 100 closed-book, proctored questions in three hours, and some forms add up to 10 unscored questions. Confirm the current format with IASSC.
Are there prerequisites for the IASSC Green Belt?
No. There are no prerequisites to sit the IASSC exam, so you can self-study. Training and real project experience are recommended but not required.

Sources