Applying for a six sigma certification could be a big step in your professional career. Six sigma belts are very valuable in the product quality management aspect of business. Professionals who aim to be Six Sigma certified have everything to gain from this certification. We took the time to create a guide that covers all the basics of acquiring a Six Sigma Certification. Want the Six Sigma belts; here are a couple things you need to know:
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Six Sigma Meaning
The proper Six Sigma definition would be a data-driven solution-providing approach. The major goal of Six Sigma is to maintain quality in products by totally removing defects and manufacturing errors. Initially, Six Sigma’s tools and techniques were designed to be industry-specific. Still, over the years, it has become a prominent problem-solving methodology used successfully in electronics, aeronautics, retail, pharmaceuticals, and so much more.
By using Six Sigma in business, the main objective is to make processes at least 99.9% error-free. In other words, the goal of 6 Sigma is to drive down defects and errors to 3.4 for every million opportunities. Six Sigma is a framework encompassing five stages: defining, measuring, analyzing, improving and controlling the process.
Organizations that employ the 6 Sigma processes enjoy success like better adherence to business process standards, shorter cycle duration and better customer service. But the 6 Sigma isn’t a walk in the park; it takes commitment and relentless dedication from all employees monitoring the process to realize its value and benefits.
What is Six Sigma Certification?
Whereas Six Sigma means a combination of tools and techniques businesses employ to improve production process quality by eliminating defects, Six Sigma Certification validates professionals skilled in the 6 Sigma methodology. Attaining a Six Sigma Certification isn’t an easy task. Individuals must demonstrate a high level of experience in the method and must be able to prove their skill and aptitude. A Six Sigma Certification is a big deal. By gaining a 6 Sigma belt, you can instantly become an expert in process improvement and, as a result, improve your credibility with hiring firms.
What is Lean?
Before we explain what Lean Six Sigma is, we have to understand what ‘Lean’ is. Lean is a logical approach which considers only those activities that add value to the production process. This means that Lean emphasizes removing or eliminating unnecessary steps in business processes and keeping value-adding grades. As a result, the Lean approach to the business process ensures top-notch quality and maximum customer satisfaction. Lean is a ceaseless waste removal method that provides quality by decreasing process cycle time, increasing product/service delivery time, eliminating defects, cutting down inventory levels and using resources better.
What is Lean Six Sigma?
When you combine the lean definition with the Six Sigma definition, you have the Lean Six Sigma. So what exactly is Lean Six Sigma? This concept pools the approaches of Lean and Six Sigma together. Lean focuses on eliminating process waste, while Sigma deals with process reduction. Combining these two strategies, Lean Six Sigma becomes an approach to business that improves the productivity and value of the process.
Types of Six Sigma Certification Courses
The Six Sigma Certification Courses come in the form of levels. To be concise, the Six Sigma Certification Courses are called Six Sigma Belt levels. Unlike other certification courses, the Six Sigma Belt Levels have no prerequisites. Starting with any system out of the lot is entirely your choice. The Six Sigma belt levels are outlined as follows:
1. Six Sigma White Belt
2. Six Sigma Yellow Belt
3. Six Sigma Green Belt
4. Six Sigma Black Belt
5. Six Sigma Master Black Belt
6. Six Sigma Champion
Why Six Sigma Certification?
In the ever-evolving business world, Six Sigma is a method that fits right into today’s environmental dynamics. Organizations are always looking for professionals who can help improve their business improvements. The need to reduce defects in the production process and ensure optimum consumer satisfaction is one thing that prompts companies worldwide to pay top dollar. As a certified professional with a Six Sigma Belt, you instantly stand out in a crowd of non-certified professionals.
List of Six Sigma Training Requirements
To attain a Six Sigma Certification, every applicant should know that there are experience requirements that must be met, written exams that have to be passed and hands-on proficiency that must be proved. Many certification bodies offer Six Sigma training, which isn’t mandatory but necessary if you hope to pass the exam. TUV-SUD organizes this particular Six Sigma training.
The exam is multiple-choice, but the difficulty and allotted time increase with every certification level. A 6 Sigma Yellow Belt exam could take an hour and a half, while a Black belt exam could take up to 4 hours. In addition to the exams, candidates for a Six Sigma certification must complete at least one quality project. The number of quality projects varies with each level. For example, a Six Sigma green belt certification may require one project; a Six Sigma black certification may ask for two projects; the Master Black belt may request that candidates complete more than ten projects. Many certification bodies like TUV-SUD consider university/college degrees for work experience requirements.
Benefits of Six Sigma Certifications
Here are some reasons why you should consider applying for a Six Sigma Certification:
- A Six Sigma Certification adds value to your resume and portfolio.
- It allows you to reduce risk and eliminate errors in your organization’s business process.
- A Six Sigma Certification gives you the skills to improve product quality.
- A Six Sigma certification gives you multiple employment options across sectors.
- With a Six Sigma belt, you’ll have an easy rise to managerial positions
- Having a Six Sigma Certification entitles you to a huge salary package.
- By taking the Six Sigma training, you can gain practical experience in quality management.
- With a Six Sigma Certification, your organization benefits from your skills and can better comply with international standards.
What is Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification?
This is the Six Sigma level after the basic level (the Six Sigma White Belt). Before applying for a Lean Six Sigma Yellow belt, you should have full knowledge of the details of Six Sigma. Here, you will be assigned to project teams to contribute to problem-solving tasks. To be eligible for a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification, you must have work experience of at least two years. It is open to engineers, managers, quality professionals and process owners. The lean six sigma yellow belt training syllabus includes basics, analysis, projects and graphics of Six Sigma.
Exam Format:
Multiple choice
40 questions
Duration: 60 minutes
Pass mark: Must score 70%, i.e. 28/40.
What is Six Sigma Green Belt Certification?
At this level, you get to understand the cutting-edge analysis that solves problems regarding quality. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt means you can assist the black belts by leading projects with data collation and analysis. Like the yellow belt certification, you must have at least two years of working experience.
Exam Format:
- Multiple-choice and scenario-based
- 50 questions
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Pass mark: Must score 70%, i.e. 35/50
What is Six Sigma Black Belt Certification?
The Lean Six Sigma Black Belts are the experts in quality management. Reaching this level gives you the power to conduct your own Six Sigma training and qualifies you to lead projects. Black belts are change agents. They are dedicated problem solvers with high proficiency in project management, including statistical analysis and team dynamics. To apply for the Six Sigma Black Belt, you must have at least two years of working experience. Also, completing the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a prerequisite.
Exam format:
Part A:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Electronic or paper-based
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Pass mark: Must score 60%
Part B:
- Passing Part A is prerequisite
- Contains project submission of 50 marks
- Submission must occur within eight months of completion of part A
- Pass mark: Must score 70% on aggregate (both parts combined)
Six Sigma Certification Online & Why?
Being self-paced, the Six Sigma training allows individuals to learn and work at their own speed. If you work full-time, enrolling in classroom training may be difficult. There may be clashes in work and training schedules. For the Six Sigma Certification Online, there is an advantage. You are given a year to complete the training so that you can take the training step by step. Both types of Six Sigma training provide the same quality. Still, the Six Sigma Certification Online is more beneficial to working individuals as they can apply what they’ve learnt directly to their business process quality management projects.
What is the Six Sigma Certified Professionals Salary Today?
Six Sigma Certified Professionals are open to top-notch job opportunities like project management, project or process engineering, and quality assurance engineering. More work prospects lie in wait for 6 Sigma Certified Professionals such as risk management, software development, intelligence analysis, and consulting. A survey from Glassdoor indicates that, on average, 6 Sigma Certified Professionals earn upwards of $90,000 for Six Sigma Yellow belts and an excess of $120,000 for Master Black Belt.
How long is the Six Sigma Certification valid?
Owing a Six Sigma certification is like having a college degree. There isn’t a validity period on your college degree, is there? The same goes for a Six Sigma certification. Because private certification organizations offer the certificate, it aims to enhance personal knowledge rather than anything else. If there are organizations that make their students renew their Six Sigma certification, they do so out of money-making motives, nothing more.
