Why should You Go for a Six Sigma Certification

Often, when we come across words like Six Sigma, we are left ruminating over the subject. One ponders how big corporations save billions of dollars just by implementing this process improvement strategy. For example, General Electric (GE) saved USD 2 billion in 1999 in a single year alone! Yes, this is what this strategy can do to your business.

It is basically a process improvement methodology developed by Bill Smith, an engineer at Motorola.

It was meant to improve the manufacturing and business processes by identifying the defects and removing them. It uses various statistical quality tools and data-driven methods to analyze the process. In short, it is a management philosophy having a customer-oriented approach, where the main focus is on minimizing the errors.

This certification confirms an individual's expertise in certain competencies, with regard to the quality management skills which, when applied, works to eliminate and prevent defects.

However, it does not indicate that the person is capable of limitless improvement in business; it only implies his competency in the subject matter. It is a documented proof, just like any other certification. Levels of this certification are similar to karate i.e. Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt.

It entails learning the appropriate skills and subject matter, passing a written test with good grades, and then exhibiting the skills and learning in an active environment.

The study material can be purchased from any Six Sigma training and consulting company. Usually, these companies provide a combined package which includes the classroom training and the study material.

The companies which are new to this strategy, tend to refer to the proficiency tests of the training company, whereas companies like GE and Motorola, who have been performing in-house training for years, conduct their own written tests.

After the completion of the training, individuals are required to apply the studied concepts on one or two live projects. This is where many certification agencies differ; while some agencies require the candidate to finish one project for Green Belt and two for Black Belt; other agencies might have different targets set to achieve the same levels.

A Six Sigma Certification greatly adds value to one's professional credentials. Sometimes, an employer may require a candidate to get certified, so as to improve the business; while at other times, the candidate himself may want to get certified to increase his marketability.

It is recommended that professionals engaged in quality assurance and management levels, get this certification.

Companies spend a lot of money to train employees on Six Sigma. The cost can vary from company to company depending on factors like location (where the training is received), and whether the training is online or classroom-based.

The training and certification cost can be anything from USD 1000 to USD 4000 per person. Hence, choosing a program which fits your budget is advised.

There are numerous benefits of Six Sigma. It increases customer satisfaction, shareholder value, and decreases employee attrition. In today's world, due to these various benefits, it is considered an essential business growth strategy for any organization.