Management and Strategy Institute Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the Management and Strategy Institute Accredited?
The Management and Strategy Institute holds the following private-industry accreditation's & industry recognition:
- Accredited authorized training provider holding IASSC Accreditation.
- Accredited by Council for Six Sigma.
- Founding member of the Six Sigma Quality Standards (SSQS)
- CPD Accredited Organization.
- Approved Provider for HRCI recertification credit.
- Approved by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.
- VA approved for our Six Sigma Black Belt Professional (SSBBP) certification.
- BBB Accredited Business
- Learn more - Accreditation Information.
What happens if I don't pass my certification test on the first try?
If you do not pass the exam, you are given 2 additional attempts to pass the exam at no extra cost. There is a 24/hour waiting period between retakes, so that you can study areas you weren't strong in.
What will I receive after I pass my test?
You will be mailed a Certificate Of Completion, as well as an official transcript and two distribution copies of that transcript which you can give to employers who request it. The certificate is heavy-stock, cream paper suitable for framing. [View Example]
- Note: If you purchased your training course from another website and registered for a course using a "voucher code" or "coupon code", additional fees may apply to receive your certificate in the mail.
- International Shipments Note: We are unable to ship physical certificates to the following countries: Nigeria, Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia. Members in these countries will receive a digital certificate only.
How quickly will I get my certificate in the mail?
Certificates are professionally printed and typically mail out within 72 hours of completing your exam. They take about 1 week to arrive if you are in the US or Canada. International shipments may take up to 30 days or longer to arrive depending on the countries delivery system. The certificate and transcripts will be mailed to the address you provided at the time you sign up. All mailers are sent with USPS tracking and you will receive an email with the tracking information when it ships.
Are there Prerequisites for your courses?
Most MSI certifications do not have prerequisites. Please read the descriptions of each certification which will list any prerequisites.
Does my certification expire? How often must I renew it?
Beginning 04/01/2017, all certifications issued are valid for 3-years. Certifications issued prior to that date will remain lifetime certifications. (Policy change notice) Certifications must be renewed every 3 years to remain valid in the MSI certification database. Click here to learn more about the re-certification process.
What training material is included with my purchase?
All MSI certifications include free study material with the purchase of your certification. All study material is accessed online and is available immediately after signing up for an exam.
How long do I have access to the program?
You have 1-year to access the study material and complete the exam.
How long do the programs take? The description just says the program is self-paced.
The training courses are completely self-paced, so the time to complete and fully comprehend will vary with every individual. On average, most people spend 2 to 4 weeks (15 - 30 hours) reviewing the study material before attempting the exam. This is just the average, and you may move faster or slower to fit your comfort level. We have some members who take an entire year to complete a program, and others who complete it in 48 hours. It really just depends on how quickly you feel confident to take the exam.
Can I get another copy of my Certificate & transcripts?
Yes, if you would like a second copy of your certificate & transcripts we charge just $18.95. The Link for this can be found in the alumni "Resources" tab when you log-in.
Do these courses include a lot of "fluff" or unnecessary information?
No, MSI does not include jokes, funny examples, unneeded pictures, or anything else that distracts from your training on the core learning elements. These courses are designed for adults who are looking to enhance their resume, we know how busy you are. This is why we are able to keep many of our training courses fairly short, while still providing a high level of training.
Does the certificate mention the word “online”?
No, the word “online” does not appear on the certificate or employer verification letter. Furthermore, the verification letter directs employers to our MSICertified.org website so they can verify your certificate. The .ORG version of our website does not mention the words online or the cost of the training courses.
Do I need to purchase books?
No, all training material is included in your purchase. The material included is everything that you'll need to study for and pass the certification test. There are some books that we recommend in the course syllabus that you can purchase to further study a subject, but they are not required.
How is the exam structured?
This certification exam is timed, the limit is determined by the specific exam. The exam is completed online from home or work. You may take the exam as soon as you are ready, it does not need to be scheduled in advance. All questions are multiple choice. The exam does not require a proctor. Exam passing grade is 65% to 75%, depending on the certification.
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, MSI is proud of the training courses we sell. So much so, that if you are unhappy with your purchase within the first 30 days (but before you take the certification test) we will issue you a full refund. Please see our ethics and privacy policy HERE.
- NOTE: If you registered for one of our courses using a voucher you purchased from another website, you will need to contact that website to request a refund. That company may have a different refund policy. Unfortunately we can not assist with refunds for vouchers.
Are certifications a good way to enhance my resume?
Yes, certifications show employers that you are actively working to improve yourself and your business knowledge. In this difficult economy, having a certification on your resumé could be the key to getting that next job or promotion.
I'd like to speak with someone, but I'm having trouble reaching you on the phone?
We want to speak with you too! Please keep in mind we only have a few experts who answer our phones so they can get very busy. If you have questions, the best way to reach us is to simply use the contact form. We can answer those questions very quickly. You can also use the contact form to request a call back. Just be sure to include your phone number and we'll call you back as soon as someone is available. We are in the office from 9am to 5pm Eastern timezone.
I'm not sure if I should use your company?
Depending on your needs, our certifications may be a great choice for you! Here is a great article to help you decide: MSI Certification.
Here's the Top 10 reasons we think you should select MSI for your certification.
Do you have a free sample of a course that I can try?
Yes! You can register for our FREE Six Sigma White Belt program. This program is designed to take about 20 minutes to complete and will give you a good idea of the "look and feel" of our training material and a certification test.
What size is the certificate that you send in the mail? I'd like to frame it.
Our certificates are 8.5 x 11. If you're buying a frame at a store, be sure to buy a "certificate" frame or frame matted to 8.5 x 11.
Six Sigma Questions:
What's the difference between the Six Sigma and the Lean Six Sigma program?
The "Six Sigma" aspect of both Belt programs is exactly the same. The only difference is that the Lean Belt focuses a little more on Lean Principles. It looks at "Removing waste from a manufacturing or production cycle". Generally speaking, the three industries that use Lean the most are Manufacturing, Logistics, and Healthcare.
Do I need to take the Belts in-order? (Yellow, then Green, then Black)?
No, we recommend that you start with the program you are most interested in. The training material includes the material for the lower belts. For example. The Black Belt includes all of the training material for the Yellow and Green Belts and you will learn that information first. In Six Sigma, it is common to only be certified in the level you plan to work at.
So if I take the Black Belt, do I also get the Yellow and Green belt certifications?
No, you are only taking the Black Belt exam and you will only receive the Black Belt certification.
Should I take an industry-specific Six Sigma program like Healthcare or HR?
MSI offers our Six Sigma Green and Black Belts in four specialty area's: Healthcare, Human Resources, Information Technology & Government.
You may take one of these specialty Six Sigma programs, or our standard Six Sigma belt certifications.
Generally speaking, if you work in one of those specialty areas, and you know you'll be staying within that career field we recommend you take the specialty program. If you think you may be switching careers, or want an industry neutral Six Sigma certification, then we recommend you take the standard certification.
Why don't you require a project like some other institutions?
Our certifications are designed to test someone's fundamental knowledge of Six Sigma procedures, not the practical application of Six Sigma within a project. Typically most projects are done on-the-job, therefore most people do not have access to a project. Our certification is based strictly on the ability to pass the certification exam. Here is a great article that explains this in more detail [Certification and a project requirement].
I completed a Six Sigma project through a previous employer, but no longer work there. Can you verify it?
Yes, we offer project verification services. We will review your prior project information and create a project "Final Tollgate Report" for you. You can learn more about this service and what is involved here: Six Sigma Project Verification
What's the difference between Black Belt and Master Black belt?
A Black Belt is someone who leads a Six Sigma project. A Master Black Belt usually oversees multiple Black Belts at the same time, with each Black Belt working on a separate project. Often times, Master Black Belts are also in charge of six sigma training.
Does MSI set Six Sigma standards, or simply follow other standards?
The Management and Strategy Institute is a leader within the Six Sigma industry. Rather than simply "following" a set standard, MSI has created an industry standard through the Six Sigma Quality Standards (SSQS) program. This standard uses both industry experts as well as fellow SSQS members to help develop a unified standard for the industry. SSQS standards can be reviewed here: Six Sigma Standards
Who will I be certified through, MSI or IASSC?
You will be certified by the Management and Strategy Institute, not the IASSC. The IASSC accreditation means that MSI’s study material follows the Body of Knowledge that the IASSC has created. MSI also follows the Body of Knowledge for the Council for Six Sigma. More importantly, MSI also sets standards through the Six Sigma Quality Standards (SSQS) initiative. MSI is not “required” to follow these standards, we choose to willingly because we feel it brings more respect and recognition to six sigma certifications in general and helps unify industry standards. MSI has multiple articles to help assist you learn more about this: [MSI vs IASSC certification] [Understanding Six Sigma Accreditation] [IASSC Exam Preparation]
Are there additional study guides I can order?
Yes, MSI offers our "Core Concepts Guide" for those who would like to order a book to assist with their studies. This pocket guide not only helps prepare you for the exam, but also makes the perfect reference book for future use. Remember, these books are not required since digital study material is included for free with your purchase. Order here.
How can I learn more about Six Sigma?
You can visit our online Six Sigma resource center which includes information and video's on Six Sigma, DMAIC and other related quality improvement processes.
The "Six Sigma" aspect of both Belt programs is exactly the same. The only difference is that the Lean Belt focuses a little more on Lean Principles. It looks at "Removing waste from a manufacturing or production cycle". Generally speaking, the three industries that use Lean the most are Manufacturing, Logistics, and Healthcare.
Do I need to take the Belts in-order? (Yellow, then Green, then Black)?
No, we recommend that you start with the program you are most interested in. The training material includes the material for the lower belts. For example. The Black Belt includes all of the training material for the Yellow and Green Belts and you will learn that information first. In Six Sigma, it is common to only be certified in the level you plan to work at.
So if I take the Black Belt, do I also get the Yellow and Green belt certifications?
No, you are only taking the Black Belt exam and you will only receive the Black Belt certification.
Should I take an industry-specific Six Sigma program like Healthcare or HR?
MSI offers our Six Sigma Green and Black Belts in four specialty area's: Healthcare, Human Resources, Information Technology & Government.
You may take one of these specialty Six Sigma programs, or our standard Six Sigma belt certifications.
Generally speaking, if you work in one of those specialty areas, and you know you'll be staying within that career field we recommend you take the specialty program. If you think you may be switching careers, or want an industry neutral Six Sigma certification, then we recommend you take the standard certification.
Why don't you require a project like some other institutions?
Our certifications are designed to test someone's fundamental knowledge of Six Sigma procedures, not the practical application of Six Sigma within a project. Typically most projects are done on-the-job, therefore most people do not have access to a project. Our certification is based strictly on the ability to pass the certification exam. Here is a great article that explains this in more detail [Certification and a project requirement].
I completed a Six Sigma project through a previous employer, but no longer work there. Can you verify it?
Yes, we offer project verification services. We will review your prior project information and create a project "Final Tollgate Report" for you. You can learn more about this service and what is involved here: Six Sigma Project Verification
What's the difference between Black Belt and Master Black belt?
A Black Belt is someone who leads a Six Sigma project. A Master Black Belt usually oversees multiple Black Belts at the same time, with each Black Belt working on a separate project. Often times, Master Black Belts are also in charge of six sigma training.
Does MSI set Six Sigma standards, or simply follow other standards?
The Management and Strategy Institute is a leader within the Six Sigma industry. Rather than simply "following" a set standard, MSI has created an industry standard through the Six Sigma Quality Standards (SSQS) program. This standard uses both industry experts as well as fellow SSQS members to help develop a unified standard for the industry. SSQS standards can be reviewed here: Six Sigma Standards
Who will I be certified through, MSI or IASSC?
You will be certified by the Management and Strategy Institute, not the IASSC. The IASSC accreditation means that MSI’s study material follows the Body of Knowledge that the IASSC has created. MSI also follows the Body of Knowledge for the Council for Six Sigma. More importantly, MSI also sets standards through the Six Sigma Quality Standards (SSQS) initiative. MSI is not “required” to follow these standards, we choose to willingly because we feel it brings more respect and recognition to six sigma certifications in general and helps unify industry standards. MSI has multiple articles to help assist you learn more about this: [MSI vs IASSC certification] [Understanding Six Sigma Accreditation] [IASSC Exam Preparation]
Are there additional study guides I can order?
Yes, MSI offers our "Core Concepts Guide" for those who would like to order a book to assist with their studies. This pocket guide not only helps prepare you for the exam, but also makes the perfect reference book for future use. Remember, these books are not required since digital study material is included for free with your purchase. Order here.
How can I learn more about Six Sigma?
You can visit our online Six Sigma resource center which includes information and video's on Six Sigma, DMAIC and other related quality improvement processes.
