Guide to getting your six sigma certification in 2023



Six Sigma is a robust methodology that can help organizations improve their processes, reduce defects, and increase efficiency.  As a result, Six Sigma certification is becoming increasingly important for professionals who want to advance their careers and help their companies achieve better performance.  In this article, we will discuss the importance of getting Six Sigma certified and provide a step-by-step guide for how to do it.  We will explain the different levels of certification, the benefits of Six Sigma, and the resources available for obtaining certification.  Whether you are a business manager, a quality control professional, or a consultant, Six Sigma certification can help you achieve your goals and make a real impact in your organization.

Steps to getting your Six Sigma certification:

Step 1: Understand Six Sigma

Before beginning your Six Sigma certification journey, it is essential to understand what Six Sigma is and how it can be applied to improve business processes.  Six Sigma is a methodology and framework for improving quality and reducing defects in a process.  It is a data-driven approach that uses statistical tools and techniques to identify and eliminate sources of variation and error.

Here are 5 ways you can learn more about Six Sigma.

  1. Six Sigma Training Courses: One of the best ways to learn more about Six Sigma is to enroll in a training course.  These courses are typically offered by Six Sigma certification providers such as Sixsigmacertification.education, and they cover the basics of the methodology, including the DMAIC process, statistical tools, and problem-solving techniques.
  2. Online Resources: There are many online resources available that can help you learn more about Six Sigma, including articles, videos, and webinars.  Websites like Youtube and Wikipedia offer a wealth of information on Six Sigma concepts, techniques, and best practices.
  3. Books: There are many books available that can help you learn more about Six Sigma.  Some popular titles include "Six Sigma: The Complete Guide to Understanding and Implementing Six Sigma" by Jay Arthur, "The Six Sigma Handbook: A Complete Guide.
  4. Join a Six Sigma professional association, such as the Management and Strategy Institute or the Six Sigma Forum.
  5. Research Six Sigma case studies and success stories to see how it has been applied in different industries and organizations.

Step 2: Choose a Six Sigma Certification Level

There are several levels of Six Sigma certification, each with different requirements and prerequisites.  The levels include:

  • Six Sigma Yellow Belt:  People often think the Yellow Belt is an entry-level belt, but this is not the case.  Yellow Belt's are subject matter experts in their normal area of work.  They assist Green Belts in analyzing and improving processes in their department.
  • Six Sigma Green Belt: This level is suitable for individuals who are involved in Six Sigma projects but do not lead them.
  • Six Sigma Black Belt: This level is suitable for individuals who lead Six Sigma projects and understand the methodology well.
  • Six Sigma Master Black Belt: This level is suitable for individuals who are experts in Six Sigma and lead multiple projects and teams.


Most people select either the Green Belt or the Black Belt.  The decision between getting a Six Sigma Green Belt or a Six Sigma Black Belt certification depends on your specific goals and the role you aspire to work.

A Six Sigma Green Belt certification is typically for individuals working on Six Sigma projects as part of a team.  They will mainly be responsible for data analysis and quality improvement projects.  Green Belt certification is typically a good fit for manufacturing, engineering, and other technical professionals.

A Six Sigma Black Belt certification is typically for individuals who will lead Six Sigma projects and teams and will be responsible for overseeing the entire project from start to finish.  Black Belt certification generally is a good fit for managers, supervisors, and other leaders in an organization.

You can also choose to get both certifications, a Green Belt is often a requirement before getting a Black Belt, and it will give you a good foundation and understanding of the Six Sigma methodologies.

Ultimately, it's important to consider your current role and career goals when deciding between a Green Belt and Black Belt certification.

How often should someone take training or certification
classes to improve their skills?

The frequency of taking training or certification classes to improve skills depends on the individual's specific goals and the field they are in.  Some people may take a class or certification every few months, while others may take one every year or even less frequently.  It is important to consider each class's cost and time commitment, as well as the relevance and applicability of the material to one's current job or career goals.  Ultimately, it is up to the individual to determine the best schedule for their skill development.

Step 3: Enroll in a Six Sigma Certification Course

Once you have chosen the level of certification you wish to pursue, you can enroll in a Six Sigma certification course. Sixsigmacertification.education (SSCE) offers a variety of online and in-person courses for all levels of Six Sigma certification.  These courses will give you the knowledge and skills you need to pass the certification exam.

Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam

Upon completing your Six Sigma certification course, you will be required to pass the certification exam.  The exam will test your knowledge of Six Sigma tools and techniques and your ability to apply them in real-world situations.  Each belt level will require a different amount of studying if you want to pass the exam on the first try successfully.  Here are 10 tips for passing the Six Sigma Black Belt exam.

10 tips on how I can pass the six sigma black belt certification exam

  1. Understand the Six Sigma methodologies, including DMAIC and DFSS, as well as the key tools and techniques used in each phase.
  2. Study the Six Sigma body of knowledge here, and the exam content outline provided by the certification organization.
  3. Practice with sample exam questions and take practice tests to become familiar with the format and types of questions that will be on the exam.
  4. Get hands-on experience by working on Six Sigma projects or participating in Six Sigma training programs.
  5. Use flashcards or other study aids to help you memorize key terms and concepts.
  6. Join a study group or find a study partner to review the material together and help each other prepare for the exam.
  7. Use online resources, such as forums and discussion boards, to connect with other Six Sigma professionals and share tips and study strategies.
  8. Take a Six Sigma Black Belt review course to help you focus your study efforts and gain additional insights from an experienced instructor.
  9. Get enough sleep and take care of yourself, so you can stay focused and alert during the exam.
  10. Be well prepared and organized on the day of the exam, with all necessary ID, calculators, and other materials that you might need.

Step 5: Maintain Your Certification

After you have obtained your Six Sigma certification, you may need to renew it every few years.  This varies with each certification company, so be sure to do your research. Six Sigma certification is a process that involves understanding the methodology, choosing a certification level, taking a course, passing an exam, and maintaining the certification.
SixSigmaCertification.Education is a reliable source to help you on this journey.

Top 3 certification companies you should consider for your Six Sigma Certification

1. Sixsigmacertification.education (SSCE)

Sixsigmacertification.education (SSCE), which is part of the Management and Strategy Institute, is our first recommendation!  SSCE makes getting certified a breeze.  We offer a FREE Six Sigma certification called Six Sigma Essentials.  This will get you started at no cost and allow you to learn about process improvement.  From there you can select any belt level from Yellow to Black. SSCE is an economical approach to getting a respected certification within the business community.

2. ASQ

Elevate your skills and boost your career with the most reliable ASQ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt e-learning yet, at your own pace and from any device. Learn to practically use the DMAIC methodology and Lean principles to improve your business process capabilities, reduce costs and defects, and increase profitability.

3. Villanova

Learn to improve quality and enhance bottom-line results, while gaining the knowledge and skills to lead projects and apply Lean and Six Sigma tools to address business problems. Combining the waste-fighting measures of Lean practices, with the variation and defect-reducing techniques of Six Sigma, the Certificate in Lean Six Sigma can help you eliminate the root causes of defects and waste to make business operations more effective and efficient.  

Conclusion:

In conclusion, getting your Six Sigma certification can be a valuable asset to your career.  It demonstrates a commitment to quality and efficiency and provides a framework for problem-solving and decision-making that can be applied to any industry.  The Six Sigma methodology is widely recognized and respected in the business world, making it an essential asset for anyone looking to advance their career.  While the certification process can be challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort.  With your Six Sigma certification, you will be well-equipped to tackle any problem that comes your way, and you will be able to make a real impact on your organization.

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