Six Sigma is a process improvement methodology. It is a disciplined, data-driven approach for eliminating defects and waste from a process. Six Sigma Certification is designed to prove your proficiency in the fundamentals of this process improvement technique.
To gain Six Sigma certification online, you must pass an exam that tests your understanding of the concepts. After passing the exam, you’ll earn MSI certification and may list the professional designation on your résumé.
MSI Certification courses include all learning material and access to the certification exam at the end of the training. Our online training material is designed specifically to help prepare you for the certification exam.
In the world of business, staying ahead of the norm means constantly learning and improving your knowledge and skills. Professional certifications are an important benchmark employers use to gauge the quality of a candidate.
Most businesses are looking for the very best talent, striving to secure the best positions and job security. Make sure YOUR resumé rises to the top by getting your certification online today.
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Optional Industry-Specialization:
Lean Six Sigma | Healthcare | IT | Government | Education | Human Resources
Price: $299.95
Optional Industry-Specialization:
Lean Six Sigma | Healthcare | IT | Government | Education | Human Resources
Price: $399.95
Disclaimer: The salary figures provided are based on industry averages and are for general informational purposes only. Salaries differ by industry, location, experience, education, and individual qualifications, so reported figures may not apply to every role.
A Six Sigma White Belt is an entry-level certification in the Six Sigma methodology. White Belts are typically individuals who have received basic training and awareness about Six Sigma principles but do not actively lead or participate in Six Sigma projects. They aid Green and Black Belts by mastering key Six Sigma terms and methods, helping drive process improvements in the organization.
All members of an organization should be certified as a White Belt since it explains the overall concepts of process improvement. Certifying your team as White Belt’s ensures the entire organization understands the goals and benefits of an improvement project.
MSI encourages anyone interested in learning about Six Sigma to obtain their Lean Six Sigma White Belt. Anyone within your organization who may be affected by a Six Sigma project should be certified at this level. The Management and Strategy Institute offers this belt-level for free.
The White Belt is an entry level certification. The typical length of training is 30 minutes to 1 hour.
A Six Sigma Yellow Belt is a mid-level certification in the Six Sigma methodology. Yellow Belts have received training and possess a moderate understanding of Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques. They typically work on smaller process improvement projects within their organization, supporting the more advanced Green Belts and Black Belts.
Yellow Belts gather data, assist in problem-solving, and implement improvements, supporting Six Sigma efforts without leading projects full-time. The Six Sigma Yellow Belt is typically selected because they are considered a “subject matter expert” in their regular job-role and an expert in a particular aspect of a process being improved.
Consider this Six Sigma certification if your company is initiating a Six Sigma project and your department may be affected. If you are knowledgeable in your current work environment, you may be selected as a subject matter expert for the Six Sigma project. Pursuing a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt on your own showcases your process-improvement skills to prospective employers.
The typical training time required to study for the Yellow Belt certification is 25-45 hours (1 to 3 weeks).
A Six Sigma Green Belt is a significant certification in the Six Sigma methodology. Green Belts are highly trained individuals who can lead and manage process improvement projects within their organization. They possess a deep understanding of Six Sigma principles, statistical analysis, and a variety of tools and methods for problem-solving and process optimization.
Green Belts collaborate with Black Belts and lead smaller projects to enhance processes, reduce defects, and raise efficiency, advancing the organization’s quality and performance goals. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) role adds the additional skill of waste reduction. This is why Lean Six Sigma is so popular in industries like manufacturing and healthcare.
You should obtain this Six Sigma certification if you will be working directly on a Six Sigma project for your organization. The Green Belt level works under the direction of a Black Belt. If you are looking to get certified independently of an organization, then the Green Belt level is an excellent option for someone looking to gain a solid understanding of Six Sigma principles.
The average completion time for studying the Green Belt training material is 45-95 hours (1-3 months). The training material is self-paced so you’re able to move at a speed that is comfortable for you.
A Six Sigma Black Belt is an advanced certification in the Six Sigma methodology. Black Belts are highly skilled professionals who are expertly trained in Six Sigma principles, statistical analysis, and a wide range of problem-solving tools and techniques.
They have the capability to lead and manage complex process improvement projects within an organization, working independently or in coordination with other Black Belts, Green Belts, and leadership. Black Belts lead major improvements, cut costs, and boost performance, making them vital to an organization’s strategy and continuous improvement.
Consider this Six Sigma certification if you are a project manager or if you’ll be leading a project for your organization. If you are looking to get certified independently of an organization, then the Six Sigma Black Belt is an excellent option for anyone who has a leadership position within their organization. It is also the preferred option if you are seeking management-level positions, work in project management, or hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university.
The Black Belt average study time is 2-4 months (95-195 hours). Perspective Black Belt’s should take their time studying the included training material to ensure they have a solid understanding of all Six Sigma methods. All MSI training programs are self-paced, so individuals with experience, or those who can comprehend the material quickly, can move faster if desired.
A Six Sigma Master Black Belt is the highest level of certification and expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. Master Black Belts are seasoned professionals who have attained a deep understanding of Six Sigma principles, advanced statistical methods, and a wide array of tools and techniques. They are typically responsible for coaching and mentoring Black Belts, Green Belts, and other team members, and they play a pivotal role in shaping the Six Sigma strategy and culture within an organization.
Master Black Belts handle the most complex initiatives, aligning them with strategic goals while ensuring top-quality and efficiency. Their leadership and knowledge make them invaluable assets in driving continuous improvement and long-term success. A Master Black belt isn’t required on every project but is often used during large, complex projects.
The Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt level is generally reserved for people who already hold a Black Belt certification and have many years of experience leading Six Sigma Projects. People often think that a Master Black Belt is a higher-level than a Black Belt, but this is not really true. The Master Black Belt typically performs a few different functions than the Black belt, but that is primarily due to experience.
Master Black Belts provide training and support to Black Belts and Green Belts to ensure process excellence. They may also lead multiple projects simultaneously. They typically have strong analytical and statistical skills and have many years of experience leading projects at the Black Belt level. You should not attempt the Master Black Belt certification unless you meet the following two criteria:
A Six Sigma Champion is a senior-level executive or manager within an organization who is responsible for promoting and supporting the implementation of Six Sigma principles and methodologies. Champions set Six Sigma strategy, align it with organizational goals, and supply resources and support for project success.
They act as advocates for Six Sigma, ensure that teams have the required support and buy-in from leadership, and help remove any organizational obstacles that may hinder the success of process improvement projects. Champions are vital in driving a culture of continuous improvement and quality throughout the organization and are instrumental in achieving long-term success and sustainable results in Six Sigma implementations.
If you’ve been tasked to launch a process improvement effort within your organization and are in a senior leadership position, then the Six Sigma Champion certification is appropriate. If you are looking to get certified independently of an organization, then the Champion is a great option for those in leadership positions and business owners.
You do not need to get certified in all of the belt levels. Most people only get Six Sigma certified in the belt level that they’ll be working in. When you register for a Six Sigma certification through the Management and Strategy Institute there are no prerequisites. The higher-level belts include all of the lower-level training material. For example, if you register for our Six Sigma Black Belt Professional certification, it includes all of the Yellow and Green belt training material and you will learn that material first, before moving on to the Black Belt material.
Having an accredited Six Sigma Certification on your resume shows employers that you have a strong understanding of quality and process improvement methods. In today’s corporate environment, employers are looking for employees who can fill multiple roles precisely. MSI’s Six Sigma Body of Knowledge aligns with these goals, making quality-improvement certifications some of the most sought after in business today.
Six Sigma practitioners rely on a variety of tools and techniques. Here are some of the essential tools commonly used during a Six Sigma project. In a project, the selection and application of these tools are tailored to the specific needs and complexities of the process being improved.
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