This post provides a brief overview of the popular Six Sigma certifications and credentials and the reasons why you should get certified. Also, here you’ll find the answer to the most critical question: how and where to get certified as long as there are so many organizations offering this procedure? But, to better understand the details, first is the overview of the certifications available.
Introduction
Having globally recognized accreditation is part of what ensures success in business projects and one’s career. Due to the growing demand for effective skills by employers, professionals have resorted to earning certifications as this helps them meet the requirements of the modern job market.
Six Sigma Certification Overview
Organizations that apply the Six Sigma methodologyhave better chances to attain a competitive edge in terms of defect reduction in their commercial and industrial processes. The reason is that they use the best techniques to improve business processes which include DMAIC and DMADV approaches.And that is why they employ individuals who have been certified in Six Sigma.
The credentials you can apply for are divided into several levels that include White Belt, Yellow Belt, Black Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt. For those who want to achieve even more, there are higher-level badges such as Green Belt Level II and Black Belt Levels II and III.
Still, before exploring the details of the certification process, it will be useful to know the benefits these certifications can bring you.
Reasons to Get Certified in Six Sigma
It is not easy earning a Six Sigma badge. There are studies and challenging exams involved.Though the Six Sigma badges do not create a ladder you should climb, you should be more experienced depending on the belt you are opting for. The higher you go, the more skilful you should be.
Fortunately, this also means that any Six Sigma credential will be a quality addition to your other qualifications. It confirms that you have analytical skills and business acumen to ensure business processes are effective and any project carried out by your organization becomes successful. Here is what you and your organization gain through these certifications:
- You will be accepted in all industries since you can provide the value they require,ensure compliance in product quality, and improve business processes,
- You will have in-depth knowledge to measure and quantify financial benefits that accrue from carrying out Six Sigma based projects. Thus, you can be considered for managerial positions,
- You’ll demand excellent salaries due to the skills obtained through the certification process. A survey by PayScale.com, based on experience and job titles, gives the average annual pay for Lean Six Sigma certified professionals at $84,000,
- For organizations, there is improved productivity, reduced costs, credibility and trust from stakeholders, and reduction in employee training costs and turnover.
As an individual, being employable in a world with a lot of competition is vital. For employers, having the peace that your projects will be executed by professionals who focus on quality is what you need. So, let’s know how to meet these needs by getting certified in Six Sigma.
How and Where to Get Six Sigma Certified
There are three leading bodies that offer Six Sigma certifications: the ASQ, CSSC, and IASSC. Their offers regarding exam-taking features and costs have some differences, so don’t hesitate to explore all the details beforehand.
- The American Society of Quality (ASQ)
ASQ offers a comfortable environment for earning various badges including four options from Six Sigma. Notice, that the costs here differ for members and non-members. At ASQ, you can apply for:
- Yellow Belt (CSSYB) — an exam carries 85 questions and goes for 2 hours and 18 minutes. It costs $294 for members and $394 for non-members.
- Green Belt (CSSGB)— a test includes 110 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 4 hours and 18 minutes. The cost for members is $338 and for non-members is $438.
- Black Belt (CSSBB) — first, you’re required to prove the completion of six projects. Then, you’ll pass an exam with 150 questions in 4 hours and 18 minutes. Members pay a fee of $438, while non-members pay $538.
- Master Black Belt (MBB) — this credential requires a Black Belt certification. You also need to have up to 10 Black Belt projects in your portfolio. Also, you should complete a test with 110 multiple-choice and performance-based questions for 5 hours, 18 minutes. For a member, the portfolio revision costs $545, while the exam is $2,124. Non-members are required to pay $650 for portfolio review and $2,229 for the test.
- IASSC Six Sigma Certifications
The IASSC offers Lean Six Sigma badges, which are focused on providing quality on each step by removing errors. Candidates need at least 70% in the exam to acquire any of the credentials. They include the following:
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB)
The certification involves an exam with 150 multiple-choice questions. The allotted time is 4 hours and the cost is $395.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB)
The exam for the IASSC Green Belt credential has 100 multiple-choice questions lasting 3 hours. It costs $295 to take it.
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (ICYB)
The Yellow Belt credential has an exam with 60 multiple-choice questions and takes 2 hours. Candidates have to pay $195 for it.
- The Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC)
The CSSC offers four primary and four advanced certifications for both Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma protocols. The primary badges only require acing an exam and here is what they cost:
- White Belt is free
- Yellow Belt goes for $99,
- Green Belt costs $159,
- Black Belt costs $229.
For the advanced credentials, the CSSC requires you to complete a project, then pass a test. Here are the fees you need to pay:
- Green Belt Level II — $300,
- Black Belt Level II — $300,
- Black Belt Level III — $300,
- Master Black Belt — $665.
Conclusion
No one can overstate how important the Six Sigma credentials are. The benefits are enormous and in this regard, you should begin your certification journey. The path you choose is going to be determined by what you need. Overall, the sacrifice you make today will come back tomorrow as advantages in multiple proportions. Make that decision today to get Six Sigma certified and you will never look back!