Learning Six Sigma approaches for your work life can play a significant role in influencing the future of your career. Taking the initiative to add the Six Sigma certification to your academic qualification shows your devotion to enhance your analytical skills and business acumen. It also indicates that you have the dedication to make the business successful in the organization where you work. The value of Six Sigma which is applied in a wide variety of industries internationally is great. But what is Six Sigma? Six Sigma can be defined as a set of techniques and tools utilized by organizations to reduce defects, improve production procedures, and guarantee top quality. Six Sigma certifications assist in validating the professionals who have skills in identifying errors, mistakes, or risks in a production process and then eliminating them.

Earning Six Sigma certifications requires candidates to have a specific level of experience and be able to testify their proficiency. The certification will assist you in becoming a professional in process improvement. It will also increase your visibility and credibility in your workplace, as well as in an interview.

Six Sigma Certification Levels

The Six Sigma Certifications are offered in different skill levels. They include Yellow Belt, White Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt. The credentials can be acquired through accrediting bodies such as the IASSC and ASQ. Here are the certification levels:

Six Sigma Yellow Belt: this is where you will learn the specifics of Six Sigma, where and how to apply it. You will be required to support project groups on problem-solving responsibilities.

Six Sigma White Belt: this is the basic level of certification that entails the basic Six Sigma theories. White belt support change management in a business and team up with problem-solving groups that help various projects.

Six Sigma Black Belt: at this level, you are an expert and agent of change. You are a real team leader, who is highly proficient in each stage of the process and have to assign responsibilities to the team members.

Six Sigma Master Black Belt: as the highest level, you will be tasked to develop key metrics, shape strategies, coach green and black belts, and serve as a consultant.

Six Sigma Green Belt: at this belt, you will understand advanced analysis and have the skills to resolve issues affecting quality. Green Belts are project leaders that help black belts with collecting data and making their analysis.

There are two key approaches in Six Sigma. They use fact-based and data-driven methodologies to identify and eliminate defects in a production procedure. The methods include DMAIC, which is an acronym of define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. This method is used to fix issues that exist in a process. The other one is DMADV, which is an acronym of define, measure, analyze, design, and verify. It helps in creating new processes Download ETE Files Free.

What Is Lean?

The main focus of this approach is process improvement through the elimination of waste. In this method, any activity that doesn’t bring value to the end user of a service or product must be eliminated. Lean Six Sigma is the approach which combines the best of Six Sigma and Lean. Organizations that use Lean Six Sigma seek to get rid of waste in a manner defined by Lean as they try to enhance the process by implementing the DMADV and DMAIC. When the two approaches are combined, organizations become efficient in all operations while making high-quality products and improving services.

Lean Six Sigma and Six Sigma Methodologies

Lean Six Sigma is ideally suitable for organizations to streamline their processes and provide the much-needed value to the client. The clear pathway and phased thinking offered by DMAIC approach can be a valuable tool when used in any business. Lean Six Sigma means a system that incorporates the lean values in the Six Sigma curriculum. Note that all quality Six Sigma programs have lean principles integrated into their curriculum. For this reason, the majority of Six Sigma programs are identical to Lean Six Sigma.

What Is the Cost Of The Six Sigma Tests?

Unlike other tests, Six Sigma does not have a centralized agency that sets the standards for the tests. Here are some of the organizations that involved in offering the tests:

• The International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC)

• The Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC)

• American Society for Quality (ASQ)

Note that the cost of Six Sigma tests will vary based on the organizations as indicated below:

• White Belt certification is cheap. It is offered free of charge in CSSC, and the study resources are free. Other organizations will charge up to $100 for a full day complete training. ASQ and IASSC don’t provide formal certification for the White Belt.

• It will cost you $195 to take a Yellow Belt certification from IASSC while CSSC charges less with a price of $79. ASQ will charge $394 if you are not a member and $294 if you are a member.

• ASQ Green Belt members will take the test for $338 while non-members will pay up to $438 for it. Note that the retakes are priced at $238. The Six Sigma Green belt exam offered by CSSC cost $119, and the test fee at IASSC is $295.

• To sit for a Black Belt exam (CSSBB), ASQ members should pay $438 while non-member – $538. The CSSC offers the Black Belt certification at two levels. The standard level has a price tag of $159, and a level 2 exam goes for $300. The IASSC offers the Black Belt credential for $395.

Preparation for Six Sigma Tests

If you want to use the Six Sigma approaches in your workplace, you need to possess skills to pass the tests. Continuous education and training is important if you have to sit for any of the Six Sigma exams and get a passing score. First, find the training available on the websites that offer these tests, then make use of other exam preparation techniques. Measure your abilities and exam readiness by taking numerous practice tests available at PrepAway. These tests will also help you have a clear picture of the exam format and how to tackle the exam questions. The amazing thing is that the files offered on PrepAway.biz website are the most actual and updated. Moreover, they are free of charge. To cover all exam objectives, make good use of study guides available online.

Final Word

Taking the Six Sigma tests is beneficial to your career as you gain skills to improve processes and project performance in your organization. For promising employees, staying employable and competitive in times where job prospects are declining is important. As the owner of the business, you will be stress-free knowing that the production department is managed by experts whose focus is on quality and cutting costs.