Six Sigma Certification

What is Six Sigma Certification?

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.  Upon passing the exam, updated for 2023, you’ll be certified directly by the Management and Strategy Institute, and you’ll be authorized to use the professional designation on your resumé.

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.

Six Sigma Certification Options

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Lean Six Sigma | Healthcare | IT | Government | Education | Human Resources

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Recent Six Sigma Articles

Understanding the Six Sigma Certification Belts

When getting Six Sigma certified, there are different levels, or belts, that are usually discussed.  A Six Sigma belt level is defined by the role that someone fulfills within a Six Sigma project.  The three most common belts are Yellow, Green, and Black Belts.  Each belt level plays an essential role in the Six Sigma project.  You should think of the Six Sigma Belts as project roles, not as “levels” of education.  Each Six Sigma belt plays a specific role and completes specific tasks when working on a project.

Six Sigma White Belt

The Six Sigma White Belt is the entry-level certification for Six Sigma.  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.

Is the Lean Six Sigma White Belt right for me?

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.

What is the typical length of training for the White Belt?

The White Belt is an entry level certification.  The typical length of training is 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Six Sigma Yellow Belt

The Six Sigma Yellow Belt is considered an expert in a particular aspect of a process being improved.  They generally review current and new processes that support the project.  Yellow Belts have a very narrow focus within the project and can fall anywhere within the organization’s hierarchy.

Is the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt right for me?

You should obtain your Six Sigma Yellow Belt 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.  If you are an individual looking to get certified on your own, independent of your organization, we recommend you skip the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and consider taking a higher-level belt.

What is the typical length of training for the Yellow Belt?

The typical training time required to study for the Yellow Belt certification is 25-45 hours (1 to 3 weeks).

Six Sigma Green Belt

The Six Sigma Green Belt works within a project collecting data and assisting with the analysis of that data.  Green belts may also lead smaller Six Sigma projects from time to time if they have experience.  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.

Is the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt right for me?

You should obtain your Six Sigma Green Belt 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.

What is the typical length of training for the Green Belt?

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.

Six Sigma Black Belt

The Six Sigma Black Belt is the leader of a Six Sigma project.  They are the project managers responsible for the overall project execution.  They also give instruction and training to Green belts and yellow belts.

Is the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt right for me?

If you are a project manager, or if you’ll be leading a Six Sigma project for your organization you should obtain your Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.  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.

What is the typical length of training for the Black Belt Belt?

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.

Six Sigma Master Black Belt

The Six Sigma Master Black Belt is the most experienced project member.  A Master Black belt isn’t required on every project but is often used during large, complex projects.  Six Sigma Master Black Belts also act as trainers, training lower-level belts and new project team members.

Is the Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt right for me?

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.  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:

  • You are a certified Black Belt from MSI or another organization.
  • You have at least three years of experience leading process improvement projects, specifically a minimum of 3 Six Sigma projects at the Black Belt level.

Six Sigma Champion

The Six Sigma Champion is the individual in charge of the project.  They initiate the project, set the budget, and work with company stakeholders to define the goals.  The Champion is someone with influence within the organization, usually a Vice President or higher.  Champions must have the ability to clear any roadblocks that occur during the project.

Is the Six Sigma Champion right for me?

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.

Which certification should I get?

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 a 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.  The MSI Six Sigma Body of Knowledge is in direct alignment with these goals, which is why quality improvement-based certifications are among some of the most sought-after certifications in business today.

Here are 10 reasons to consider getting your six sigma certification:

  1. Six Sigma certification demonstrates to employers and clients that you have a thorough understanding of the methodology and can apply it effectively to improve business processes.
  2. It can lead to career advancement opportunities, such as becoming a Six Sigma project leader or manager.
  3. The skills and knowledge gained through Six Sigma certification are highly transferable and can be applied to many industries, making it a valuable asset for job seekers.
  4. Six Sigma can help individuals and organizations save time and money by identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in processes, reducing defects, and improving overall quality.
  5. Six Sigma certification can help improve your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  6. It can help you to develop a data-driven mindset, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s business environment.
  7. Six Sigma certification can increase job security, as companies always look for individuals who can help them improve their bottom line.
  8. Many organizations require Six Sigma certification for certain roles, such as project management or process improvement.
  9. Six Sigma can give you a competitive edge in the job market, as it is a widely recognized and respected certification.
  10. Understanding and using Six Sigma can help your organization become more successful and sustainable in the long run.

Ready To Try A Practice Test?

Interested in testing your existing Six Sigma knowledge?  Try the Management and Strategy Institute practice test for Lean Six Sigma.  If you pass, you’ll receive a free digital certificate!  This exam consists of 20 practice questions.