Six Sigma Certifications
Six Sigma is a business management strategy which has widespread implementation across many industries. It uses quality management methods to identify and remove the causes of defects, resulting in improved quality and reduced costs. Six Sigma training and certification programs provide training and certification of Six Sigma methodologies. There is no single certification body or set of standards for Six Sigma but there are generally accepted practices that are taught by organizations that offer Six Sigma training and certification programs.
Six Sigma has become a widespread quality management philosophy and is often seen in job listings as a requirement or a strongly preferred credential. In many large organizations, it is implemented across the entire company. In some organizations, Six Sigma certification is a requirement for promotion.
Six Sigma Certifications Available
There are levels of training and certification based on martial arts rankings. The most common rankings are listed below. Some Six Sigma providers have additional rankings and programs that are geared towards a specific industry.
- Green Belt – This level provides fundamental knowledge of Six Sigma for project team members with responsibility for a specific function within the project.
- Black Belt – This level is geared for those who will lead Six Sigma projects and will need to have a thorough knowledge of Six Sigma philosophies, principles, systems and tools.
- Master Black Belt - This level focuses on advanced tools, methods and leadership skills and is applicable for those who act as in-house experts on Six Sigma.
Training Options
Six Sigma training can be found at many community colleges, online schools, career schools and Six Sigma training centers. Since there is not one standard for certification, the value of a Six Sigma certification to a company is partially dependent on where the certificate holder received their training. Although there are self-study programs available, they will not likely be considered as valuable as classroom training. Likewise, training received from an organization that has a poor reputation will not be as highly valued either.
Prices for Six Sigma training vary considerable depending on the training provider and level of certification. A green belt course at a community college or online school may run about $1500 to $2000, while a two-week intensive green belt course offered through a training center may cost $3500. Most providers also administer an exam and provide formal certification as part of the course.
Training and Exam Content
- Green Belt – This level of training and certification includes process improvement techniques including the Six Sigma DMAIC road map for improving results. It covers data and graphical analysis techniques and process analysis tools.
- Black Belt – This level includes all the topics covered in the green belt certification as well as advanced statistical analysis tools and techniques and project management topics.
- Master Black Belt - This certification will cover additional advanced statistical tools as well as leadership skills especially as they relate to being a change agent leader. Depending on the training program, students may be able to choose among various topics such as product design, manufacturing, process design and training.
Obtaining Certification
Six Sigma certifications are not conveyed by one organization, as other certifications are. Instead, each Six Sigma training provider has their own proficiency test and their own standards regarding real-world implementation requirements.
Maintaining Certifications
Most Six Sigma certifications do not expire although a few providers and individual companies do require recertification. These requirements vary by provider or company but may include re-taking the exam or completing professional activities that increase understanding of Six Sigma.
Who Should get Six Sigma Certification?
Anyone who is working or plans to work on Six Sigma projects should receive training and certification. An individual who wants to work for a company that has implemented Six Sigma would be wise to obtain certification to improve their chances of being hired.
Those who are or will be project team members should obtain the Green Belt certification while someone who wants to become a Six Sigma project leader should obtain the Black Belt certification. The Master Black Belt certification is for those who already hold a Black Belt and wish to fill a role as a Six Sigma expert within their organization. At the Black Belt and Master Black Belt levels, individuals will need to have strong math, analytical and leadership abilities.
Evaluating Training Options
Because there is no standardized curriculum or exam, Six Sigma training varies widely among vendors. Careful consideration of training program options needs to be taken to maximize the benefits of the time and effort put forth. Some things to consider are discussed below:
- Reputation – This is the most important consideration since companies value Six Sigma certification in relation to the quality and reputation of the provider. It is best to choose a provider that a person's employer recommends or that other large companies use for training.
- Training Method - Some methods of training fit better into a person's life than others. Taking two weeks off from work or other responsibilities may be an option for some, while others may need to spread out the training over several months by taking a more traditional class that meets once or twice a week.
- Curriculum - There can be wide variations in curriculum due to the lack of standards. Before choosing a training provider, curriculums should be reviewed and compared to verify the curriculum is complete and robust.
Six Sigma History
Six Sigma was developed by Motorola in 1986 as a set of quality management practices to improve the manufacturing process and eliminate defects. It has been extended to include other types of business processes and is now used across many industries to reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.
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