How to Get Six Sigma Certification

Reviewed by Dr. Barry Shore
McGraw-Hill award-winning professor and Lean Six Sigma expert with more than 40 years of experience.

Many professionals want to improve business processes, advance their careers, and develop stronger problem-solving skills. Earning a Six Sigma certification is one of the most effective ways to build those capabilities while demonstrating your knowledge to employers.

Six Sigma certification teaches professionals how to analyze processes, reduce defects, improve efficiency, and lead measurable business improvements across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, logistics, and technology.

This guide explains exactly how to get Six Sigma certified, from choosing the right certification level and training provider to completing your training, passing the certification exam, and applying your skills in the workplace.

Whether you’re pursuing your first Yellow Belt or planning to earn an advanced Black Belt certification, the process is more straightforward than most people expect.

How to Get Six Sigma Certified in 4 Steps

Follow these four steps to earn your Six Sigma certification and start building practical process improvement skills.

1

Choose Your Belt

Select the certification level that matches your experience and career goals.

2

Complete Training

Work through self-paced training covering DMAIC, Lean principles, and core tools.

3

Pass the Exam

Take the certification exam to demonstrate your understanding of Six Sigma concepts.

4

Apply Your Skills

Use Six Sigma tools in real projects to improve quality, efficiency, and results.

What Is Six Sigma Certification?

Six Sigma certification is a professional credential that demonstrates your ability to improve business processes using structured, data-driven methods. Professionals earn certification to develop practical skills in process improvement, data analysis, and problem solving that can be applied across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, logistics, and technology.

Six Sigma professionals learn how to:

  • ✓ Identify the root causes of problems
  • ✓ Analyze process and performance data
  • ✓ Reduce defects, waste, and variation
  • ✓ Improve efficiency and customer satisfaction
  • ✓ Lead measurable improvement initiatives

The DMAIC Improvement Method

Nearly every Six Sigma certification teaches the DMAIC improvement framework:

D

Define

Identify the problem and establish clear project goals.

M

Measure

Collect data and understand current process performance.

A

Analyze

Determine the root causes of defects, delays, or variation.

I

Improve

Develop, test, and implement effective process solutions.

C

Control

Sustain the improvements and monitor future performance.

DMAIC provides a structured path from identifying a problem to maintaining the improvements achieved.

Six Sigma certification programs teach professionals how to apply these principles to real business situations, helping organizations improve quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

New to Six Sigma? Learn more in our complete What Is Six Sigma? guide.

Watch: Six Sigma Explained in 6 Minutes

New to Six Sigma? Before learning how to become certified, watch this short overview from Dr. Barry Shore, founder of Six Sigma Global Institute, explaining the core principles of Lean Six Sigma and the DMAIC methodology.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WtTZUVQ_W0

Choose the Right Six Sigma Belt Level

Each certification level is designed for a different stage of your career.

Yellow Belt

Best for beginners

  • Focus: foundational knowledge
  • Typical role: team member / support role
  • Timeline: 1–2 weeks
  • Typical cost: $100–$500
Most Popular

Green Belt

Best for professionals leading projects

  • Focus: project leadership and analysis
  • Typical role: project lead / analyst
  • Timeline: 2–5 weeks
  • Typical cost: $300–$1,500

Black Belt

Best for advanced leaders

  • Focus: advanced improvement leadership
  • Typical role: department / cross-functional leader
  • Timeline: 1–2 months
  • Typical cost: $1,000–$3,000+

Follow these four simple steps to earn your Six Sigma certification and begin building practical process improvement skills. While individual certification requirements vary by provider, the overall process is similar for most Six Sigma programs.

1

Start Here

Choose Your Belt

Select the Six Sigma certification level that best matches your current experience, responsibilities, and career goals.

2

Build Your Knowledge

Complete Training

Work through structured training covering Lean Six Sigma principles, DMAIC, process improvement tools, and practical application.

3

Earn the Credential

Pass the Exam

Complete the certification exam to demonstrate your understanding of Six Sigma concepts, tools, and problem-solving methods.

4

Create Real Value

Apply Your Skills

Use the methodology in real improvement projects to reduce defects, improve efficiency, solve problems, and deliver measurable results.

The certification is only one step. The long-term value comes from understanding the methodology and applying it successfully in the workplace.

While the certification process is straightforward, choosing the right certification level and training provider can have a significant impact on your learning experience. The following sections explain each step in more detail and provide guidance to help you make an informed decision.

Not sure whether to start with Yellow or Green? Check out our: Yellow Belt vs Green Belt guide.

Choosing a Six Sigma Certification Provider

Choosing the right provider is just as important as choosing the right certification level. Compare providers based on:

  • Who developed the curriculum
  • Practical application
  • Learning resources
  • What’s included
  • Certification policies
  • Overall value

Learn how to compare providers in our How to Choose a Six Sigma Certification Provider guide.

How Long Does It Take to Get Six Sigma Certified?

The time required to earn a Six Sigma certification depends on the belt level, training format, and how quickly you move through the course.

Typical completion times by belt level

Yellow Belt
1–2 weeks
Green Belt
2–5 weeks
Black Belt
1–2 months

Many professionals complete certification while working full time because most online Six Sigma programs are self-paced.

How Much Does Six Sigma Certification Cost?

Six Sigma certification costs vary depending on the provider, certification level, delivery format, and what is included with the program. The ranges below represent typical costs for self-paced and instructor-led certification programs.

Typical Six Sigma Certification Costs

Certification Typical Cost Common Audience
🟨 Yellow Belt $100 – $500 Beginners and team members
🟩 Green Belt $300 – $1,500 Project leaders and professionals
⬛ Black Belt $1,000 – $3,000+ Experienced improvement leaders

💡 Buyer Tip

When comparing providers, don't focus only on price. Some organizations charge separately for training, certification exams, retakes, printed certificates, or renewals, while others include everything in one program. Compare the total value of the certification, not just the advertised price.

Do You Need a Project to Get Six Sigma Certified?

Some certification providers require a real improvement project to earn certification, while others do not.

For example:

Some organizations require project documentation and work experience.
Others allow certification through training and examination alone.

Many professionals choose programs that allow them to complete certification first and apply the methodology later in their job.

Learn more about – Six Sigma certification requirements.

Which Six Sigma Certification Is Best?

There are several organizations offering Six Sigma certification.

When choosing a provider, professionals should consider:

• course depth and quality
• instructor expertise
• certification recognition
• cost and exam fees
• renewal requirements

High-quality programs provide practical training, real examples, and expert instruction.

Check out our guide to – Best Six Sigma Certification Providers

Lean Six Sigma Corporate training for teams by SSGI, Dr. Shore Expert in Six Sigma

Is Six Sigma Certification Worth It?

For many professionals, Six Sigma certification provides measurable career benefits.

Certified professionals often gain:

• stronger problem-solving skills
• improved analytical abilities
• leadership opportunities
• higher salary potential

Organizations value Six Sigma professionals because they bring structured methods for improving performance and solving complex operational problems.

Learn more about – Is Six Sigma certification is worth it?

Six Sigma belt salary comparison chart showing average yearly earnings for Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt (2025)

Get Six Sigma Certified

If you’re ready to build practical process improvement skills and advance your career, earning a Six Sigma certification is a strong next step.

SSGI provides expert-developed Lean Six Sigma certification programs trusted by professionals and organizations worldwide.

Ready to get certified? Explore the programs below and choose the path that fits your career goals.

Explore Six Sigma Certification Programs

Choose the certification that matches your current experience and career goals.

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification

Build a strong foundation in Six Sigma concepts, tools, and improvement thinking.

→

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Learn to lead projects, analyze process data, and drive measurable improvements.

→

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Develop advanced problem-solving and leadership skills for larger improvement initiatives.

→

Each program is 100% online, self-paced, and includes the certification exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get Six Sigma certified?

To get Six Sigma certified, choose a certification level, complete a training program, pass the certification exam, and apply the methodology in real improvement projects.

Do you need experience for Six Sigma certification?

Most Yellow Belt and Green Belt certifications do not require prior experience. Some advanced certifications may require project experience.

How long does Six Sigma certification take?

Most professionals complete certification within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the belt level and training schedule.

Is Lean Six Sigma the same as Six Sigma?

Lean Six Sigma combines Lean process improvement principles with Six Sigma statistical methods to reduce waste and improve quality.

What industries use Six Sigma certification?

Six Sigma is used across industries including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, logistics, technology, and government.

Which Six Sigma certification should I choose?

The best certification depends on your experience and career goals. Beginners typically start with Yellow Belt, while professionals leading projects often choose Green Belt. Black Belt is designed for advanced leadership roles.

Is Six Sigma certification recognized by employers?

Yes, Six Sigma certification is recognized across industries worldwide and is valued by employers seeking professionals with strong analytical and process improvement skills.

Can you get Six Sigma certified online?

Yes, many providers offer fully online Six Sigma certification programs that are self-paced and include training and certification exams.

How much do Six Sigma certified professionals make?

Six Sigma certified professionals often earn higher salaries due to their ability to improve processes and reduce costs. Salaries vary by role, experience, and certification level.

Is Six Sigma certification hard?

Six Sigma certification can be challenging, especially at higher levels, but most programs are designed to guide you step-by-step. With consistent study, most professionals successfully complete certification.