The Six Sigma exam is a certification that attests to an individual's skill to improve the capability of the business processes and quality of products or services. Get a detailed idea about the examination, preparation, and pattern of this prestigious and globally accredited certification exam.
Six Sigma is a data-driven and disciplined methodology to project management that aims to eliminate the defects in products and services. It primarily drives towards six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limitation. Apart from measuring the quality of manufacturing output, Six Sigma also measures the quality of products and services.
To achieve a Six Sigma Certification, candidates are expected to meet experience requirements, pass a written certification exam and demonstrate a high level of hands-on competency. There are several certification bodies offering training for six sigma certification (which is recommended but not a mandatory requirement) as part of an overall certification package, which also includes the cost of written exams and training material.
The goal of the Six Sigma certification exam is to validate individuals possessing the necessary skills needed to identify errors in processes/products and eliminate them successfully.
For candidates who wish to get certified in Six Sigma, the first requirement is their involvement in analyzing and solving quality issues and working experience with Six Sigma, Lean project management, or other similar quality-related projects.
Further, the requirements also differ based on the six-sigma level of certification you want to master.
Here are the details of Six Sigma certification eligibility criteria for various levels-
Levels of Six Sigma Certification | Eligibility Criteria | Exam |
Six Sigma Yellow Belt | No prerequisites | No Exam |
Six Sigma Green Belt | Candidates having at least 3 years of full time work experience in their field of expertise | Pass a 100 marks question paper of MCQs within 4 hours |
Six Sigma Black Belt | Candidates need not possess a Six Sigma Green Belt certification but should have completed one or two projects and have at least 3 years of full-time work experience | Pass a 150 marks question paper of MCQs within 4 hours |
Masters Six Sigma Black Belt | Candidates should possess a Six Sigma Black Belt certification along with 5 years of work experience in the role of Six Sigma Black Belt or Masters Black Belt. | Portfolio |
Six Sigma exam is offered in the English language.
Six Sigma certification exams conducted by renowned institutes such as IASSC and ASQ are professionally developed to assess candidates' knowledge.
While work experience and project application experience help gain the knowledge required to complete the exams, they are not the only requirements.
Here are the details of the exam structure for various levels of six sigma certification examinations.
Yellow | Green | Black | |
Exam Duration | 3 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours |
No. of Questions | 75 | 100 | 150 |
Paper Pattern | Objective type | Objective type | Objective type |
Conducted By | American Society for Quality (ASQ) as well as international organizations such as the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) or the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) | American Society for Quality (ASQ) as well as international organizations such as the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) or the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC). | American Society for Quality (ASQ) as well as international organizations such as the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) or the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC). |
Type | Open-book | Open-book | Closed-book |
If you do not get the passing score in your first attempt, you can take the same exam for the 2nd time only after two weeks of the first sitting. 3rd attempt isn't allowed before three months of the first sitting, and any subsequent attempt to sit in the exam must be at least three months apart from the most recent failed session.
The six sigma certification exam cost usually varies based on the institute/organization and level of six sigma certification.
Institute | Exam fee |
IASSC | 195 USD |
CSSC | $79 |
ASQ | 294 USD for members and 394 USD for non-members |
Institute | Exam fee |
IASSC | 395 USD |
CSSC | CSSC administer Black Belt Certification in levels. The basic level cost is 159 USD. After completing this, candidate can sit for the Level II exam for 300 USD. Master Black Belt Cost 665 USD. |
ASQ | 438 USD for members and 538 USD for non-members |
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