How to Earn Six Sigma Certification
Six Sigma was originally developed in the 80s by Motorola, who holds the registered trademark for Six Sigma. Fortune 500 companies in numerous sectors utilize Six Sigma methods to bring about product improvements. One in particular, General Electric Co., defines Six Sigma as "a highly disciplined process that helps us focus on developing and delivering near-perfect products and services."
In general, Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology for using quality management and statistical modeling to improve business processes. The term "six sigma" is a statistical term that refers to 3.4 defects per 1 million opportunities, an "opportunity" being an instance when not meeting specifications is possible.
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Instructions
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Determine which type of certification you'd like to pursue. Certifications include master black belt, black belt, green belt, yellow belt and lean Six Sigma certification.
The master black belt certification is the highest level of Six Sigma certification. Master black belts spend nearly all of their time working on Six Sigma projects and mentoring process owners, yellow belts, green belts and black belts to ensure that quality standards are maintained.
The black belt certification is typically for those seeking to lead quality projects and processes while also mentoring those with other belt certifications. Black belts study in detail the five-phase DMAIC approach: define, measure, analyze, improve and control.
Green belts are trained in Six Sigma and are meant to spend only a portion of their time implementing Six Sigma initiatives. They can be referred to as "practitioners" who follow the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) model.
Yellow belts receive conceptual training at a high-level to guide them when they work on projects under the guidance of Six Sigma initiatives.
Lean Six Sigma certification combines Six Sigma quality standards with lean manufacturing principles, which aim at making work faster. Lean Six Sigma is based on four key goals: delight customers with speed and quality, improve processes, work together for maximum gain, and base decisions on data and facts.
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Choose a training program. There is no industry standard or accreditation agency for Six Sigma training providers, so you will have to do your homework. Find a provider that fits your budget and offers training either online or close to your home.
Check if your employer has a preferred training vendor. Often companies will want you to train using the same training techniques that other Six Sigma certification holders trained with to ensure consistency in design, operation and measurement methods.
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Market your training. Update your resume, tell your boss and join the growing Six Sigma certified community. The website isixsigma.com hosts forums for you to interact with others in your field and to ask questions from seasoned Six Sigma experts. It also provides opportunities for you to publish Six Sigma-related articles.
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Tips & Warnings
Utilize the materials that many training vendors provide on their websites to help you "make the case" to your employer when seeking tuition reimbursement.
Check with your employer for any standards related to preferred training organizations.
