Six Sigma is a project management methodology for reducing product defects, encouraging morale, ensuring product quality, and increasing profits. In short, Six Sigma is an attempt to achieve perfection in the organization. While there is no body that sets Six Sigma rules, there are various organizations that offer certification services according to their preferred methodology. Six Sigma certification will convince potential employers that you are a person who really cares about quality.
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Part 1 of 3: Define Your Management Philosophy
Step 1. Consider the needs of your organization
What management style is best suited for your organization? Is your organization incurring too much operational costs and waste in its supply chain? Are there inconsistencies in carrying out business processes? What is the overall organizational culture?
Step 2. Decide how you want to optimize the process
You may think that the best way to guarantee product quality is to ensure that all business processes are always carried out consistently with minimal variations. However, on the other hand, you may be someone who emphasizes efficiency or someone who wants to produce quality products with minimal waste and operational costs.
Step 3. Decide whether you will choose Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma certification
Use your management philosophy to help choose the type of certification you want.
- Six Sigma defines waste as variations in business processes. If you prefer a consistent process, we recommend that you opt for the Six Sigma certification.
- Lean Six Sigma is a combination of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. This certification considers waste in no way adding value to the final product. If you are concerned with efficiency, it is better to choose Lean Six Sigma certification.
Part 2 of 3: Determining the Most Appropriate Level of Six Sigma Certification
Step 1. Understand your role in the organization
Are you a project manager? Are you someone who helps project managers? Are you someone who is involved in day-to-day work other than Six Sigma projects? The answers to these questions will determine the level of certification you need.
Step 2. Consider future career goals
If you plan to get into project management in the future, even if you don't handle it at the moment, use that plan to help you determine your level of certification.
Step 3. Select the level of Six Sigma certification
There are four levels of certification: Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt and Master Black Belt.
- Yellow Belt owners are people who have basic knowledge of Six Sigma processes. They usually help the holders of the Green and Black Belts. You probably won't find much training provided for the Yellow Belt level.
- Green Belt holders are people who work closely with Black Belt holders and are responsible for data collection. Generally, Green Belt owners have other responsibilities outside of the Six Sigma project.
- Black Belt owners are project managers. Typically, Green and Yellow Belt holders report to Black Belt owners while working within the project scope. These people are employees who are specifically assigned to run the project.
- Black Belt Masters are teachers. They are experts in a team of trained professionals. When the unexpected happens and corrective action may be needed, the team will ask the Black Belt Masters.
Part 3 of 3: Getting Six Sigma Certification
Step 1. Find the right training program
All certifications begin with training. So does Six Sigma certification. Start the certification process by finding the right training program.
- Since in-class lessons are almost always needed, start looking for a training class close to you. A Google search may be necessary if you don't have any clues about Six Sigma training.
- Talk to a certified person. Ask about their experiences with the programs they have participated in. If they have had a positive experience, consider joining the same program.
- Look for an accredited program. While there is no formal standards body that defines Six Sigma, there are accreditation bodies. Make sure you are following an accredited program.
Step 2. Follow the training program
This process will feel like college. Be prepared to study hard and take many classes, especially if you choose the Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification level.
Step 3. Take the written test
Once you've completed your training, take a written test that proves you've learned what you need to know about Six Sigma.
The Black Belt exam lasts four hours, the Green Belt exam takes three hours and the Yellow Belt exam takes two hours
Step 4. Complete project tasks
The final stage of the certification process includes completing one or two projects using the Six Sigma methodology. Think of this as your "laboratory".
At this point, the assessment based on how you completed the project will be subjective. Make sure you apply what you've learned and successfully complete the project
Step 5. Take advantage of Six Sigma certification
After completing the required training and lessons, you will earn a belt. Now is the time to solve problems in the real world.
