Definition
A qualification system that makes tool capability into two levels of certification (team leader/master Black Belt) plus an entry prerequisite (having participated in a Kaizen Event for the same tool as a team member), with thresholds and expiration; certifications are valid for 18 months, with a single item 0 points disqualifying. ⚠ The passing line is not uniform: tool category 67%, instructor certification 75%, IMEX online modules 85%; and only Six Sigma is "67% for each column."
In detail
The MBB certification ladder is a system for tiered certification of tool competency: before the two certificate levels (Team Leader, Master Black Belt) there is an entry prerequisite (having participated in a Kaizen Event for the same tool as a team member), each level has prerequisites and a validity period (18 months), and a single 0 score is an automatic fail. The passing line varies by type: tool category 67%, instructor certification 75%, IMEX online modules 85%, and Six Sigma requires 67% in each column. It addresses how to ensure Kaizen personnel have the corresponding competency and keep it updated, and is closely linked to the curriculum and continuing education (dbsl-continuing-ed). Outputs include certification certificates and recertification records.
Example in practice
An engineer wants to become a Kaizen team leader. First, they are recommended by an existing team leader and participate in a Kaizen Event using the same tools as a team member; then they lead a Kaizen Event themselves, and an evaluator on site scores each item from 0 to 3 points. The total score must be ≥67% and no item may score 0 points; the Kaizen results must also be sustained for 90 days to pass. After obtaining team leader qualification, within 18 months they must lead 2 Kaizen Events (at least 1 at a different site) to renew certification, and the renewal score must be ≥33/55. The company arranges project roles accordingly to ensure Kaizen quality.