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

Key takeaways

• Becoming certified in Six Sigma validates your expertise using this popular process improvement methodology.

• Six Sigma is a data-driven process improvement method that uses statistics to minimize errors and maximize results.

• Six Sigma certification is like a belt system in martial arts, with different levels (colors) signifying increasing proficiency.

Learn more about the Six Sigma methodology, the different belts available to earn, and the benefits of getting certified. Afterward, gain an understanding of Six Sigma's principles and tools with the Six Sigma Yellow Belt Specialization.

What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma is a data-driven quality assurance method that companies use to improve processes and performance, increase profits, and decrease errors. Some of the most important Six Sigma principles include:

• Focusing on the customer

• Improving work processes

• Eliminating defects

• Reducing waste

• Making systematic and scientific efforts

By adhering to these principles, organizations can significantly enhance their operational performance and profitability.

Did you know?

Six Sigma is 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 plain English, Six Sigma is a business strategy used to minimize errors and improve profitability.

What is Six Sigma certification? 

Becoming certified in Six Sigma means completing training materials and passing a certifying exam to verify your knowledge. There are different levels of certification to earn—called belts—so as you advance your knowledge of Six Sigma, you can pursue additional belts to showcase your expertise.

Several different schools and companies offer Six Sigma certification. These include: 

• Six Sigma Council

• 6Sigma.us

• International Association for Six Sigma (IASSC)

• American Society for Quality

Lean Six Sigma vs. Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma is a similar methodology that combines Six Sigma with Lean in complementary ways. While Six Sigma focuses on reducing variability and defects, Lean focuses on eliminating waste and improving efficiency.

Six Sigma belts

Six Sigma certifications are awarded in levels similar to martial arts belt colors.

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. You'll also find 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 

Numerous industries use Six Sigma for quality assurance. Therefore, achieving Six Sigma certification can be a valuable investment in your career, especially if you work in process improvement, quality assurance, operations management, supply chain management, and other areas.

Six Sigma certification is a respected credential that can be worth listing on your resume to show potential employers the extra steps you've taken to validate your abilities. Benefits of Six Sigma certification include:

• Increasing your value to employers across industries

• Helping your organization reduce risk and eliminate errors

• Ensuring compliance

• Advancing into managerial roles

• Increasing your salary

Who should get Six Sigma certified?

There's typically no career requirement to get a Six Sigma certification, but it can be a useful credential to earn, especially if you hold the following job titles:

• Quality manager

• Project manager

• Process improvement specialist

• Operations manager

• Manufacturing engineer

• Supply chain manager

• Business analyst

• Logistics manager

How to get a Six Sigma certification 

If you’re interested in pursuing Six Sigma certification, follow the steps below. 

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 the 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.  

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