ICBB study guide
ICBB · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB) is a third-party professional designation for practitioners who are well versed in the Lean Six Sigma methodology and who lead complex improvement projects, typically in a full-time capacity. The credential signals advanced proficiency across the DMAIC phases - Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control - as defined by the IASSC Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Body of Knowledge. It suits experienced improvement leaders, program managers and full-time project leaders rather than occasional project participants. The exam is a closed-book, proctored test with a four-hour allotted time, delivered at testing centers worldwide, through online proctoring, and via accredited providers. The ICBB study guide has 5 sections and about 1,717 words.
01Define: Chartering, VOC, and Project Scope
The Define phase fixes the project's reason, boundaries, and customer requirements before data collection. The ICBB exam tests whether you can turn a vague improvement idea into a charter with a measurable gap, a validated CTQ, and a SIPOC that exposes scope.
349 words, about 2 min02Measure: Baseline, MSA, and Capability
Measure establishes a trustworthy baseline: the measurement system must be adequate, the sample must represent the process, and the process must be stable before capability is judged. The exam tests data types, sampling, Gage R&R, attribute agreement, Cp/Cpk, DPMO, and RTY.
351 words, about 2 min03Analyze: Root Cause and Hypothesis Testing
Analyze narrows candidate causes to verified ones using data. The exam tests graphical analysis, FMEA, hypothesis-test selection, p-values, confidence intervals, power, and regression or ANOVA interpretation.
368 words, about 2 min04Improve: Solutions, DOE, and Implementation
Improve generates and tests changes that address verified causes, then implements them without creating new failure modes. The exam tests solution selection, DOE principles, piloting, mistake-proofing, lean tools, and change management.
312 words, about 2 min05Control: SPC, Control Plan, and Handover
Control sustains the gain and transfers ownership. The exam tests control-chart selection, control limits versus specification limits, out-of-control rules, reaction plans, standard work, and project closure.
337 words, about 2 min