What is Six Sigma Certification - Levels, Benefits & Career Opportunities

Is leading your organization your aim, or are you someone who wants to bring quality improvements to your workplace? You may be restless with your current position in your company, or the salary you earn may not be enough. 

Choose the best opportunity and take a quantum leap by participating in the 6 sigma certification and watch your career do the 360° turn. The Six Sigma certification will enable you to rub your shoulder with the pioneers in the field and work at top organizational positions. Open the doors to excellent career opportunities worldwide and earn handsome salaries through the benefits of Six Sigma certification.  

A Brief History of Six Sigma

Although the term sigma has been in parlance in statistical process control since the 1920s, Motorola first defined Six Sigma as a quality target in 1984. Quality improvement theory from the past 60 years, such as Total Quality Management and Zero Defects, aided in developing the formal methodologies used today.

Motorola eventually discovered that many of the tools and procedures essential to reduce faults in components manufacturing could work for other company sectors. Other significant corporations, such as Allied Signal, embraced the technique in the years that followed. However, Six Sigma rose to prominence in the late 1990s, when GE's chairman and CEO, Jack Welch, declared massive savings due to Six Sigma.

Although the ISO (International Entity for Standardization) issued the first Six Sigma certification in 2011, no one regulatory organization publishes the comprehensive body of knowledge. Companies, schools of higher learning, and consulting firms may provide slightly different requirements and training.

Lean manufacturing, which focuses on eliminating waste and increasing process flow, was merged with Six Sigma concepts in the 2000s, resulting in Lean Six Sigma. This framework provides firms with strategies for simplifying processes, discovering and eliminating faults and inefficiencies, and so on.

What Is the Lean Six Sigma Methodology?

The Lean Six Sigma structure works to improve the efficiency of a business process by implementing lean tools. Lean methodology finds defects that lead to wasteful process iterations—Lean Six Sigma methodology guides to produce high-quality products to keep the customer happy.

What Is Lean Six Sigma Certification?

Lean Six Sigma certification gives you the breakthrough for a professional turnaround by opening immense career opportunities worldwide. As Lean and Six Sigma are customer-focused techniques, Lean Six Sigma combines both ideas. It's a team-oriented strategy to increase profitability by reducing waste and statistical analysis to determine what's causing an issue.

The Lean Six Sigma certification aims to familiarize participants with the theory, components, and implementation of the Six Sigma program in the workplace. The Six Sigma certification applies analytical tools to define, measure, analyze, improve, and control processes in the company using the DMAIC method. You will learn to manage the team and the projects and gain familiarity to lead complicated processes and improve them. Provide customer satisfaction by learning to enhance projects. You will master reducing variations, creating charts, and processing maps.

Lean Six Sigma comprises six belts: the lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification follows ASQ and IASSC guidelines; the agencies are well-known. The participant will understand Lean Six Sigma, which relies on the team's joint effort to improve quality by eliminating waste and reducing variances. 

The course advises on how to create high-quality applications and projects. This certification course teaches how to use Minitab tools to do statistical analysis. The Six Sigma certification combines case studies and real examples following the ASQ and IASSC exam patterns. This course incorporates DMAIC and lean methodologies to help you become more skilled and implement them.

What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma is an array of techniques and mechanisms whose particular implementation improves and manages the quality of business processes. Six Sigma strives to enhance the quality of the business processes by finding the defects and eliminating them from the root and upgrades the business process with an increase in iterations for accurate process results. The elevation in efficiency and reduction of defects ensures better quality and punctuality in product delivery. It helps keep the zeal in the team and build confidence right up to the subordinate level in the company.

Six Sigma pulls off almost perfect output by using the data-driven approach for quality control and problem detection in the business process. Six Sigma techniques use-value targets to set improvement goals that organizations achieve by executing up-gradation projects depending on predetermined steps by synchronizing sequences. 

The organization places Six Sigma technique teams to support, maintain, and complete tasks. Because it studies, measures, and makes business processes better in an organization. American organizations began using the Six Sigma methodology, which today is the worldwide drill to better business processes. The method's popularity is because it reduces waste, helps an organization comprehend customer needs, decreases production time, and reduces costs by half.

How Does Six Sigma Work?

The proper implementation of Six Sigma makes it dynamic, and all industries profit from the benefits of Six Sigma certification. Six Sigma proposes 100 percent customer satisfaction by leaving no room for defects. The Six Sigma perspective works meticulously to guarantee enhanced efficiency and potency business processes to deliver quality products to customers.

Six Sigma is a phenomenally conditioned approach that works on statistical analysis to start business processes by recording the methodology of doing work and uproots the probable cause of the problem to reduce defects and eliminate wastage thoroughly. The result is excellence in product and service creation. 

Six Sigma Techniques are beneficial not only to the organization and its customer but also to the employees. By raising performance standards, the employees can perfectly perform tasks, eliminating re-work.  

Six Sigma Principles

You will discover subtle variations on Six Sigma concepts depending on where you look. These are the concepts that govern the approach in general:

• Creating consistent and predictable process outputs is critical to company success.
• Characteristics of manufacturing and commercial processes can be defined, monitored, evaluated, improved, and controlled (see DMAIC below).
• To achieve long-term quality improvement, the entire company must involve themselves, especially the higher and middle management.
• All processes can be meticulously specified, studied, and improved: you can control the outputs if you can control the results.
• You cannot undermine the importance of continuous evaluation. Stop the process to analyze what went wrong. 
• Getting rid of variance saves money and lowers failure rates.

What is Six Sigma Certification?

Six Sigma certification verifies a person's mastery of a well-respected method for professional skill development. Participants receive Six Sigma training certifications in levels based on a belt categorization system similar to that used in martial arts. There is no uniform curriculum for Six Sigma. StarAgile offers online and on-campus programs, while many organizations provide in-house programs.

What is the Concept of Six Sigma Certification and Six Sigma Certification Levels?

The Lean Six Sigma certification certifies experts capable of detecting and eliminating risks, errors, or flaws in a business process. Acquiring a Six Sigma certification requires a specific level of expertise and demonstrating proficiency. The Certification might help you become a process optimization expert while boosting your credibility.

Now that we know what a Six Sigma certification is, let us understand the different levels of accreditation. White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, Master Black Belt are the various Six Sigma certification levels.

White Belt in Six Sigma

It is the first level of Six Sigma certification, and it covers the fundamentals of Six Sigma. White belts aid projects by assisting with change management in the organization. They also work with local problem-solving teams.

Yellow Belt in Six Sigma

At this Six Sigma certification level, you understand the fundamentals of Six Sigma and how and where to apply it. You'll work with project teams to solve problems.

Six Sigma Green Belt

At this level of Six Sigma certification, you've mastered advanced analysis and are capable of resolving quality-related issues. Green belts manage projects and help black belts collect and analyze data.

Black Belt in Six Sigma

At this level of the Six Sigma certification, you can explain the philosophies and principles of Six Sigma. Black belts are specialists and changemakers. In addition to project management, they give training.

Master Black Belt in Six Sigma

This level is the pinnacle of the Six Sigma certification. At this level, you will design strategy, generate essential KPIs, serve as a consultant, and instruct black and green belts. 

The Six Sigma Champion

A champion is a high-ranking executive who is in charge of bringing Six Sigma to all departments.

Six Sigma Certification Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

There is no specific requirement for the Six Sigma certification eligibility at any level. The criteria for obtaining a Six Sigma Belts certification vary depending on the institution that provides the Certification.

Six Sigma White Belt Certification Prerequisites

The Six Sigma White Belt Certification Exam does not have any requirements. This level of Certification has no project requirements.

Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification Prerequisites

The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification Exam does not have any requirements.

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Prerequisites

It is critical to devote time to process development efforts or operations. Studying and answering quality questions determines who can get a Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Participation in LEAN, KAIZEN, or other quality improvement programs is also a requirement for Certification. Work experience must be full-time to decide who can do Six Sigma.

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Prerequisites

Professionals must complete two full projects (which we’ll be providing you) with signed affidavits or one complete project including a signed affidavit and three years of work experience in the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge areas to achieve Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certification Prerequisites

Prerequisites for applying for this Certification include a Six Sigma Black Belt given by The International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) and a minimum of 4 years' previous experience executing Six Sigma Projects in a Black Belt role (or equivalent).

Six Sigma Certification Exam

If you want to get a Green Belt, you will have to pass a test that includes MCQs that assess your understanding of the body of knowledge.

Computer-Based Exam

The Green Belt test is a 110-question computer-based exam exclusively available in English. You can only get a score out of 100 questions, with the remaining ten questions having no bearing on your overall score. The time limit for the Six Sigma Green Belt Exam is four and a half hours.

Six Sigma Certification Paper and Pencil Exam 

The CSSGB paper and pencil test consist of 100 questions, with applicants having a four-hour window in English, Spanish, and Mandarin at particular places.

Open Book Exam

It will be an open-book exam. For the same, participants must carry their reference materials along with them. A candidate who passes the test is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt.

Why Should You Get the Six Sigma Certification?

Because of the increasing competition in business, the breaking of monopolies, and more consumer choices, each company is working hard to provide quality products and services. A professional who implements Lean Six Sigma has become popular because it is very beneficial. 

The Lean Six Sigma approaches to assist a company in eliminating waste, lowering costs, boosting income, and improving employee happiness. As a result, Lean Six Sigma enhances a company's overall growth and profitability. When it comes to deploying techniques like DMAIC and DMADV, the involvement of persons with lean Six Sigma certification is critical.

How Does Six Sigma Certification Help Your Future?

Lean Six Sigma certification can undoubtedly benefit your work life. Here are some of the beneficial improvements you may see after completing this course.

Opens A Wide Gateway for Several Job Opportunities

Many businesses and government agencies employ the Six Sigma methodology. Flipkart, Amazon, Toyota, Bank of America, Boeing, and other well-known organizations use Six Sigma to enhance business operations.

There are plenty of opportunities for competent workers. The organization's structure will accommodate you based on your qualification level.

An Increase in the Salary

Six Sigma certification might help you make a good living. These are the salaries one can get after getting Six Sigma certified. 

The firm you work for will determine your salary by the number of years you have worked there.

Assist Your Company in Adhering to International Standards.

Six Sigma certification might also assist an individual in assisting their current employer. The credential prepares a person to be a change agent and helps them meet international standards.

Become a Valuable Member of Your Company

The Six Sigma certification allows you to become a valuable member of your company, and it enables you to play an essential part in attaining zero faults and customer happiness.

Your LinkedIn Profile and CV.

Your LinkedIn profile and CV will benefit from the valuable Six Sigma certification, making you a more valued prospect.

Career Opportunities in the Various Six Sigma Certification Levels

You'll become a more appealing candidate for various job positions as you move through the certification process and obtain more relevant work experience. Following your Six Sigma certification, you could be able to work in the following positions:

White Belt 

People with a white belt certification are usually qualified for jobs that need them to work as part of a problem-solving team. Continuous Improvement Engineer, Production Line Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, and Senior Systems Engineer are some of the possible positions.

Yellow Belt

Yellow belt holders are usually part of project teams that evaluate process improvement. The job titles are Business Optimization Specialist, Supply Chain Manager, Business Process Analyst, and Continuous Improvement Manager.

Green Belt

Those who have earned a green belt are generally project directors and data analysts for black belt initiatives. Process Development Engineer, Project Manager, Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist, and Data Scientist are all possible job titles.

Black Belt

Six Sigma black belts can pursue a variety of professional choices. You can lead problem-solving projects and teach and coach project teams with a Six Sigma black belt. Operations Director, Senior Business Process Analyst, Senior Continuous Improvement Leader, and Senior Project Manager are all possible job titles for lean Six Sigma black belts.

Master Black Belt

You can work as an MBB in various jobs, including managing complicated business processes, executing specific process improvement initiatives, teaching, coaching, and mentoring. 

Six Sigma Certification Training

Open a new gateway of career opportunities with StarAgile's Six Sigma Certification. Learn from industry experts having decades of experience, get 20 PDUs, & Practical knowledge with Case studies, Simulations & Real life Projects with Life time access to course. Enroll now to take your career to new heights. 

Benefits of Six Sigma Certification

• Six Sigma was a new approach that focused on quantifiable goals, particularly financial targets. You may attain your objectives by making data-driven judgments based on statistical procedures rather than assumptions. Control charts have been there for a century. Still, it was the ability to take a methodology, adequately describe an issue up front, figure out what a customer needs, and then start digging in with these business and statistical tools that enabled Six Sigma to become strong.
• Many firms credit Six Sigma with generating significant cost reductions. Motorola, for example, claims to have saved $17 billion. Although the first results of GE's work with Six Sigma were less than promising, the corporation claims that Six Sigma procedures saved them $12 billion between 1995 and 2000. Over half of Fortune 500 organizations adopt Six Sigma, which has resulted in over $400 billion in cost reductions over the last two decades.
• Six Sigma is typically associated with large enterprises, and others argue that it requires significant adaption for small businesses. Furthermore, formal Certification may be prohibitively expensive for small businesses, particularly for more advanced certificates. On the other hand, experts consider Six Sigma as having benefits for all types of companies. They believe that smaller companies require Lean and Six Sigma more than larger businesses since they must compete on a much higher level to stay in business.
• Although Six Sigma originated in the manufacturing industry, it has gained popularity in the commercial and service sectors. The complexity is in our inability to see the virtual, electronic processes, so the tools wind up being even more vital in that setting. You may visit the manufacturing floor to see the assembly line and timing the operations. Email and other electronic communications are necessary for many of our procedures in the corporate sector. However, having accurate data from such systems makes it simpler to time in different circumstances.
• If you learned Six Sigma in manufacturing, adapting it to non-manufacturing settings, such as finance, needs certain mental modifications. It is handing over information from one department to another or within the same department, rather than putting a part down a conveyer belt. It's about tracing that value stream and figuring out where the bottlenecks are, what the delays are, and whether or not we should be waiting. Is there an overabundance of something? Are we overthinking things? We may still connect such quality-improvement principles to data or information.

Conclusion

If you want to improve your job chances and compensation, whether you're a graduate in any field, an engineer, or an MBA, get certified in Six Sigma certification. Start with a Green Belt and work your way up to the Master Black Belt to earn a higher salary. As a newcomer, you may begin studying Six Sigma principles by participating in a lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate program. As you gain work and project experience, you can progress to higher certificate levels.