What type of investment is needed to become Six Sigma certified?

Posted on 09/24/2018 by Niko Venev

When business owners and employees seeking to improve profitability and productivity discuss new methodologies, the question, “What is Six Sigma training?” invariably arises. It’s a legitimate question, given that some experts disagree about what it entails. In essence, Six Sigma training gives workers the tools that they need for efficient project management. But what does it cost, what does it include, and what are the benefits?

Six Sigma requirements include streamlining operations and reducing variability. For example, employees using this methodology will aim to reduce defects to no more than 3.4 per million available opportunities. Aside from vastly improving the production process and profitability, Six Sigma can also increase employee morale and contribute to a healthy workplace.

       

Live Six Sigma Instructor-led Courses

Course Title Length Price (USD)
Introduction to Lean Six Sigma 1 day $510
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt 3 days $1,530
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt 4 days $2,040
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt 5 days $2,550
       

Self-Paced Six Sigma eLearning

Course Title Length Price (USD)
Six Sigma eLearning Bundle 6 courses $825

What Is Six Sigma Training?

Six Sigma training prepares you to function within an environment that follows certain protocols and utilizes experts within your business to your advantage.

While some providers may offer both testing and certification, it’s often in students’ best interests to seek each from independent organizations to ensure the appearance of legitimacy.

When undergoing training, students will learn new, evidence-based ways to:

  • Use data and statistics to ensure consistent, quality production
  • Increase profitability
  • Encourage strong leadership and expertise among employees

Six Sigma training can also familiarize students with the DMAIC and DMADV methodologies.

By employing the DMAIC process for current projects, employees learn how to:

  • Define
  • Measure
  • Analyze
  • Improve
  • Control

The DMADV methodology helps employees handle new projects by teaching them how to:

  • Define
  • Measure
  • Analyze
  • Design
  • Verify

Lean Six Sigma, a combination of Lean and Six Sigma, is a methodology that follows the acronym “DOWNTIME.” It decreases defects and manufacturing waste and fosters a more productive workplace by paying attention to:

  • Defects
  • Overproduction
  • Waiting
  • Non-utilized talent
  • Transportation
  • Inventory
  • Motion
  • Extra processing

Your particular methodology will depend on your project’s status or production phase.

Specific course requirements can differ between companies. Given methodology differences and goals, the Six Sigma training cost can also vary considerably. Generally, however, the Six Sigma training cost can run you hundreds of dollars, though it can differ depending on training type and the color of the belt that you want to obtain.

 

What Are the Six Sigma Certifications?

When attempting to find out the answer to the question, “What is Six Sigma certification?” you’ll first have to understand one truth about Six Sigma: No specific organization oversees Six Sigma training and certification. As such, different organizations may offer varying levels of certification.

Much like martial arts, certification levels are most commonly referred to as “belts” and correspond with colors:

  • Master black belts
  • Black belts
  • Green belts
  • Yellow belts
  • White belts

In addition, some organizations may offer certification titles that have nothing to do with belts, such as “champion.”

When determining which level of certification you or your employees need, be sure to research the particular organization from which you’re getting training. Getting your training from only one organization can ensure that employees and business owners stay on the same page.

If you’re deciding on where to get Six Sigma certification, consider our courses. Taught by live instructors, they’ll offer you basic and advanced skills to earn common belt colors.

 

What Are the Six Sigma Certification Requirements?

Depending on the certification and the administrating organization, requirements to test for Six Sigma certification can be minimal to none. It should be noted, however, that real-world experience with implementing these principles, such as within a job, can help students pass certification exams.

 

How Long Does it Take to Get Six Sigma Certification?

The time it takes to earn certification can depend on the type of belt that you’re studying for and the organization that offers the training. For example, some employees can finish training for a green belt in as little as three weeks, while others may take three months for black belt training.

The certification tests themselves are much shorter: For instance, the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) offers certification exams for black belts, green belts, and yellow belts, and students have up to 4, 3, and 2 hours to complete these tests, respectively.

 

What Does Six Sigma Certification Cost?

The Six Sigma certification cost can vary depending on the belt level test. For instance, IASSC charges $195 for a yellow belt certification exam, $295 for a green belt exam, and $395 for a black belt exam. Generally, if you’d like to lower your Six Sigma certification cost, compare all available certification options, including those offered by independent organizations.







Related Six Sigma Posts:

Public instructor-led Six Sigma course prices start at $510 per student. Group training discounts are available.

Self-Paced Six Sigma eLearning courses cost $825 at the starting point per student. Group purchase discounts are available.

 







 

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