Different Levels of Six Sigma Certification

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In general, all the businesses and organizations strive to maximize their resources, and while doing so, streamline the process that can help improve quality, efficiency, and performance. This has led organizations to look for effective methodologies that can help them achieve their goals.

The Six Sigma methodologies, introduced in the 1980s by companies, like Motorola and Honeywell, is one of the most efficient quality management methodologies that has provided the businesses with means to improve their efficiency, performance, and quality. Today, most organizations in all the industry verticals use Six Sigma to better their operations, management, and even customer satisfaction, which is the main reason why it has become important today for professionals to get a six sigma certification.

Six Sigma projects are handled by professionals with specific roles, titles, certifications, and training. All the Six Sigma roles are identified by a hierarchical belt structure based on experience and training. These belts have been the point of discussion for many individuals who are new to the concepts of Six Sigma. If you are one of them worry not, here’s everything you need to know about the various Six Sigma belts.

White Belt

Six Sigma white belt is the first level of the Six Sigma process. It is provided to individuals who have a basic understanding of the Six Sigma concepts. White belt holders are generally in the Six Sigma teams, but they are called upon to provide support in Six Sigma projects. The white belt certification is ideal for professionals who are interested in starting their journey by learning more about the Six Sigma methodologies and their impacts.

Yellow Belt

The yellow belt can be thought to be the first level of Six Sigma certification. This designation indicates that the individual has an exposure to the Six Sigma concepts that are more than just the basics that are considered for the white belt. While white belt doesn’t require the individuals to have any kind of formal training, yellow belt holders might attend training sessions for a short period.

Generally, the yellow belts receive around 15 hours of Six Sigma training and often are roped in to work on a project under a project leader who is a green or black belt. Yellow belts are generally tasked to create maps and gather data when they first join a project. It can be said that the yellow belt individuals are not experts in Six Sigma, but they are well-versed with the tools and the terminologies.

Green Belt

The Six Sigma green belt can be considered to be the heart of all the action. Most of the work in the Six Sigma projects are performed by green belt professional. These individuals are considered to be experts in Six Sigma methodologies, philosophies, and principles. They generally dedicate more than 50% of their time for Six Sigma projects.

Most of these professionals go through Online Six Sigma green belt certification before becoming certified in green belt, since the certification requires the individuals to participate in actual Six Sigma projects before being certified. Individuals certified in the Six Sigma green belt have strong analytical skills and can communicate at all levels of an organization.

Black Belt

Individuals with Six Sigma black belt are generally the ones responsible for leading and managing a team of people comprising of green, yellow, and white belt professionals. To attain a Six Sigma black belt, individuals are required to first obtain a Six Sigma green belt and then successfully complete two Six Sigma projects. Also, they are expected to be experts of statistical analysis and process improvement techniques.

Six Sigma black belt professionals have strong leadership and people skills since they are required to lead and mentor a project. Also, they need to be good decision makers to ensure all the decisions they take are for the betterment of the project and the team.

Master Black Belt

Master Black Belt – this title is given to individuals who have mastered all the concepts and techniques of Six Sigma. These individuals need more than five years of experience at black belt level and more than 10 successful Six Sigma projects to be eligible for the master black belt certification. They are generally tasked to communicate with the senior executives of an organization to identify potential Six Sigma projects. Generally, these individuals communicate with multiple teams to improve an organization’s quality improvement efforts.

There you go, aforementioned is everything you need to know about Six Sigma and the various levels of Six Sigma. Six Sigma methodologies are arguably one of the most efficient quality management methodologies that have provided the businesses with means to improve their efficiency and performance.

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