Six Sigma Certification: All You Need to Know in 2024

What is the Six Sigma Certification?

The Six Sigma certification is a professional credential that validates an individual's expertise in the principles, methodologies, and tools of Six Sigma. Six Sigma is a data-driven approach used by organizations to improve process efficiency, reduce defects, enhance quality, and achieve operational excellence. Obtaining a Six Sigma certification demonstrates a deep understanding of statistical analysis, problem-solving techniques, and project management skills. It signifies an individual's ability to lead process improvement initiatives, drive organizational change, and deliver measurable results. Different levels of Six Sigma certification, such as White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt, exist to acknowledge varying levels of knowledge and proficiency in applying Six Sigma methodologies.

Read More: After getting the opportunity to shift her career from a health consultant to project management, Jennifer La realized she needed to update her skills to meet the job requirements. After completing our Post Graduate Program in Lean Six Sigma, she found she could easily shift into her new role. Check out her journey with our program in her Simplilearn Lean Six Sigma Reviews.

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Top Reasons to Get Six Sigma Certification

Here are a few reasons why you should get a six sigma certification:

1. Help Your Organization Reduce Risk and Eliminate Errors and Defects

Acquiring a Six Sigma Certification and Project Management Software like Celoxis enables an individual to become crucial to an organization’s ability to identify and eliminate errors. For example, the Six Sigma process helped General Electric allocate $350 million in savings in 1998, and Motorola to allocate their highest savings of $17 billion in 2005. GE’s savings increased above $1 billion later that decade.

2. Improve Business Processes and Sustain Quality Improvement

Upon completion of green belt certification, you will be able to analyze a company’s manufacturing and business processes and take steps to improve them. You will also be able to conduct a complete review of current practices and understand how they impact quality performance. More so, certification shows that you can achieve the level of sustained quality improvement that organizations require—monitoring processes closely to ensure there is little to no deviation from the mean and taking corrective measures to reel in a project that may be straying from the path.

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3. Increase Your Value Across Industries

This is definitely one of the most prominent advantages of gaining a six sigma certification. As an industry-agnostic methodology, Six Sigma techniques are applied in aerospace, telecom, banking and financial services, IT, HR, marketing, and many more industries. Individuals having six sigma certification are knowledgeable in dozens of different methods that can be applied to streamline business processes, improve employee acceptance, reduce costs, and increase revenue—all of which lead to a better bottom line, no matter the industry.

4. Ensure Compliance

Six Sigma demands very high-quality standards. For this reason, a significant number of vendors, procurers, and oversight organizations apply Six Sigma standards when evaluating products or accounts. Professionals with Green Belt Certification can assist their organization in maintaining profitable contracts and complying with international standards.

5. Rise to Managerial Positions

Once you complete your Six Sigma certification, you will have a clear understanding of measuring and quantifying financial benefits from executing any Six Sigma project. You will acquire risk assessment and financial management skills which are highly valued by middle and top-level management for senior managerial positions

6. Excellent Salary

Earning a six sigma certification is no small feat. The studies are involving. The exams are not easy to pass. More so, rising from one belt level to the next requires putting in years of actual work. It is therefore not surprising that professionals with six sigma certification are well paid. Professionals with six sigma certification earn over $107,000 and are among the highest-paid professionals globally.

1. In India, a six sigma certified professional earns over Rs. 20 Lakhs per year
2. In France, a professional with six sigma certification earns over 62K EUR every year
3. In Singapore, a professional with six sigma certification earns over SG$53,000 and SG$220,000 every year based on location and experience
4. In the UK, a professional with six sigma certification earns around £60,000 per year
5. A professional with six sigma certification earns around €58K annually in Spain
6. In Canada, a professional with six sigma training earns around C$78K per year

7. Gain Hands-On Experience in Quality Management

The Six Sigma training process includes hands-on work on industry projects and the implementation of theoretical principles to real-life scenarios. Beginning a Six Sigma course helps you gain appreciated experience even before joining the workforce.

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Six Sigma Belt Levels

There are various levels of Six Sigma, including, White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt.

White Belt

It is the basic six sigma certification level that deals with the basic Six Sigma concepts. White belts support change management in an organization and engage with local problem-solving teams that assist projects.  

Yellow Belt

At this level, you know the specifics of Six Sigma, how and where to apply it. You will support project teams on problem-solving tasks. 

Green Belt

At this level, you understand advanced analysis and can resolve problems that affect quality. Green belts lead projects and assist black belts with data collection and analysis.

Black Belt

Black belts are experts and agents of change. They provide training in addition to leading projects. 

Master Black Belt

This is the highest level of Six Sigma achievement. At this level, you will shape strategy, develop key metrics, act as a consultant, and coach black and green belts.

Benefits of Obtaining Six Sigma Certification

• Improved Productivity

  Pressed for space to manufacture new products, Allen medical employed DMAIC methodology and lean tools to improve the production rate of Arm boards. With their new approach, they saved 45 seconds on average, per arm board, and increased the number of arm boards produced each hour from 5.3 to slightly over 6.

• Reduced Costs

  Defect reduction minimizes waste, hence results in a low cost of production and higher profits. Failure to create a quality product can be costly. Creating a substandard product or service can significantly reduce its cost. This is the true “cost of quality”

• Boosts Clients Confidence in Your Business

  Implementing Six Sigma can help to streamline processes and reduce customer satisfaction. For instance, by applying the cross-functional process mapping (CFPM) methodology, Citibank was able to identify wasteful steps in their processes and correct them, with great results in customer satisfaction levels.

• Gain Credibility and Stakeholder Trust

  Customers and stakeholders trust a company whose employees hold relevant qualifications. If a significant number of your employees are Six Sigma certified, it means that their number one priority will be quality. A company that is driven by quality is competitive and thus instills confidence in investors and partners.  

• Reduce Employee Turnover and Training Costs

  The DMAIC methodology can also be applied in HR management, as noted in a publication on the research gate. Contained within the article is a case study of a multinational company that was losing millions of dollars due to employee turnover of 35% per year. They wanted to reduce this number to 25%. After implementing Six Sigma, they identified several contributing factors, key among them: poor career prospects and low compensation. To remedy the situation, they introduced new hiring processes and training for new employees, with great results: employee turnover reduced by 10% and resulted in savings of $1.1 million.

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Steps to Achieving Six Sigma Certification

Here are the steps to guide you through the certification journey in 2024:

1. Understand Six Sigma Concepts

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the fundamental concepts of Six Sigma. Study its principles, methodologies, tools, and terminology to establish a solid foundation.

2. Choose a Certification Level

Six Sigma certification is available at different levels, such as Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt. Choose the level that aligns with your current expertise and career goals

3. Enroll in Training

Enroll in a reputable Six Sigma training program that corresponds to your chosen certification level. Training can be classroom-based, online, or a combination of both. Ensure the program is accredited by recognized organizations.

4. Attend Training and Complete Projects

Participate actively in the training sessions. Training often involves interactive learning, case studies, and practical exercises. Work on real-world projects to apply Six Sigma tools and methodologies under the guidance of experienced mentors.

5. Study and Prepare

Dedicate time to self-study. Review training materials, recommended reading, and practice questions. Familiarize yourself with statistical concepts and data analysis methods relevant to Six Sigma.

6. Take the Certification Exam

Each certification level has its own exam that tests your knowledge and application of Six Sigma principles. The exams may be conducted online or in-person. Prepare thoroughly and take the exam with confidence.

7. Submit Project(s) (For Some Levels)

Some Six Sigma certification levels require you to complete and submit one or more real-world projects demonstrating your ability to implement Six Sigma methodologies successfully. These projects should show tangible improvements in processes, quality, or efficiency.

8. Pass the Exam and Project Evaluation

Successfully pass the certification exam and have your project(s) evaluated (if required). The passing criteria vary depending on the certification level and accrediting body.

9. Receive Certification

Upon passing the exam and meeting any project requirements, you'll receive your Six Sigma certification. This credential demonstrates your expertise and commitment to process improvement.

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Ace Six Sigma Certification

As you can see, the importance of Six Sigma certification cannot be overstated. For individuals, remaining competitive and employable in a world with dwindling job prospects is vital. As an employer, you will have peace of mind knowing that your production lines are run by professionals whose primary focus is quality.

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FAQs

1. What are the two goals of Six Sigma?

The two goals of Six Sigma are:

• To reduce process variation: By minimizing defects and errors, organizations strive to achieve consistency and stability in their processes.
• To improve process performance: Organizations aim to increase the capability and efficiency of their processes, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction and business success.

2. How long does it take to get Six Sigma certification?

Each certification consumes a different amount of time. The White Belt certification takes up to 4 hours, while it takes up to 10 weeks to complete the Six Sigma Green Belt Online Certification course and 8 weeks for the Lean Principles course. 

The Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification requires up to three weeks, whereas the Black Belt course takes one to three months or 16 weeks (maximum). The exact period of the certification will depend on the project requirements as well as the certification provider.

Six Sigma certification is worth it as it enhances your problem-solving skills, increases career opportunities, and helps organizations achieve process excellence and improved quality.

3. Is the Six Sigma exam difficult? 

The difficulty of the Six Sigma exam depends on your preparation and familiarity with the concepts. With proper study and practice, many individuals find the exam manageable.

4. How much does a Six Sigma Black Belt make?

The average salary for a Six Sigma Black Belt in the United States is $131,200. The salary range typically falls between $112,600 and $141,300. The salary of a Six Sigma Black Belt varies based on factors like industry, location, and experience.

5. Can I pursue Six Sigma certification online? 

Yes, you can pursue Six Sigma certification online. There are reputable online training programs and certification exams available for different levels of Six Sigma.

6. Is Six Sigma certification recognized globally? 

Yes, Six Sigma certification is recognized globally. It is widely accepted across industries and countries as a valuable credential for individuals skilled in process improvement and quality management.