Six Sigma Certification: Benefits, Options, and How to Get Certified

Six Sigma certification is a credential that validates your understanding and expertise in applying the Six Sigma methodology. This data-driven business approach uses statistics to minimize errors and maximize results. Certification is like a belt system in martial arts, with different levels signifying increasing proficiency. Use the following article to learn more about Six Sigma and how to become certified to help your organization or clients improve performance, boost profits, and streamline operations.

What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma is a data-driven quality assurance method that organizations use to improve performance, increase profits, and decrease errors. Key Six Sigma principles include focusing on the customer, improving work processes, eliminating defects, reducing waste, and making systematic and scientific efforts. By adhering to these principles, organizations can significantly enhance their operational performance and profitability.

The Six Sigma name and concept are rooted in statistics. One sigma represents a standard deviation from the mean on a bell curve. For a Six Sigma project, 99.9 percent of results must fall within six standard deviations from the mean, leaving a fraction of a percent of results that can fall outside of expected results. In other words, Six Sigma is a business strategy used to minimize errors and improve profitability.

Several principles guide Six Sigma’s quality assurance method, including focusing on the customer, understanding and improving work processes, eliminating defects and problems, reducing waste, concentrating on value, collaborating with your team, and making your efforts systematic and scientific. 

What is Six Sigma certification? 

Six Sigma certification is a set of credentials verifying your expertise in the Six Sigma method. You can find a variety of schools and companies that offer training in this method to prepare for a certifying exam. These include: 

• Six Sigma Council

• 6Sigma.us

• International Association for Six Sigma (IASSC)

• American Society for Quality

Read more: How to Improve Business Productivity

Lean Six Sigma vs. Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma and Six Sigma methods take slightly different approaches to quality assurance. Lean Six Sigma optimizes the production process by eliminating unnecessary steps, while Six Sigma maintains steps, including advanced statistical metrics, to eliminate defects. You can get certified in either methodology.  

Read more: Lean Six Sigma Certification: Your 2024 Guide

Six Sigma belts

Six Sigma certifications are awarded in levels similar to belt colors in martial arts. Below, you'll find descriptions of the different belt levels covered and the roles they could lead to based on information from the American Society for Quality, a professional organization for those in the quality assurance field. Also included is salary information as reported by The Council for Six Sigma Certification [1]. Use these as a starting point for investigating Six Sigma certification and choosing the right level for you.

Benefits of getting Six Sigma certified 

Six Sigma certification is a versatile credential. Organizations across industries use it for quality assurance, from tech and finance to health care and education. Explore these additional career benefits that Six Sigma certification may afford you: 

• Increasing your value to employers across industries

• Helping your organization reduce risk and eliminate errors

• Ensuring compliance

• Advancing into managerial roles

• Increasing your salary

Read more: How to List Certifications on Your Resume: Guide + Examples

How to get a Six Sigma certification 

If you’re ready to get Six Sigma certified, follow the steps below to streamline your process. 

1. Identify your goals. 

Six Sigma certification can serve several goals, including switching to a new career, applying for a job that requires this credential, or enhancing your performance in your current role. Knowing your goals can help you focus your efforts. What kind of company do you want to work for? What positions are you interested in filling? 

2. Decide which belt level of certification you need.

The next step is to determine the level of certification you will pursue based on your career goals. Search job sites for your desired field and role and read the list of qualifications to find out which belt level is required. 

3. Choose a Six Sigma training program.  

With the variety of Six Sigma certification and training programs available, you’ll want to choose your training program carefully. Weigh factors like the cost of training for and taking a certifying exam, the kind of study material available, the exam format, and the reputation of organizations certifying your credential. 

You may find it useful to review the Council for Six Sigma Certification’s provider directory to find the best fit. 

4. Learn Six Sigma fundamentals. 

As you train for Six Sigma certification, be sure to build foundational knowledge of the methodologies and tools professionals in this field use. For example: 

The DMAIC methodology stands for:

• Defining the problem 

• Measuring process performance

• Analyzing the process to determine causes of variation and poor performance

• Improving process performance

• Controlling the improved process 

The DMADV methodology stands for: 

• Defining project goals and customer deliverables 

• Creating measurements and metrics based on customer requirements

• Analyzing different project/process designs to meet customer demands

• Converting the best design into a prototype

• Validate and verify the prototype by testing its function 

5. Take the certifying exam. 

After completing a training program, your final step to get Six Sigma certified is to pass a certifying exam. Some Six Sigma certification schools and organizations may offer downloadable badges to add to your LinkedIn profile, social media accounts, and email signatures.  

Read more: What Is Business Process Mapping and How Can It Help My Business?

Get started in Six Sigma with Coursera.

Six Sigma is a data-driven approach that minimizes errors and improves business processes. Earning a Six Sigma certification demonstrates expertise in this method and can boost your career across various industries. You can pursue different levels of certification depending on your goals.

Online courses can be a great way to learn about Six Sigma, explore career options, and prepare for certification. Explore Six Sigma certification preparation options on Coursera: