Six Sigma Certification: Everything You Need to Know

Section 1:

What is Six Sigma?

Understanding Six Sigma and Six Sigma Certification

📽️ Watch: Dr. Barry Shore explains the fundamentals of Six Sigma in just 6 minutes — a perfect introduction if you’re new to the concept.

Core Principles of Six Sigma (DMAIC & DFSS)

Six Sigma revolves around five key principles: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), which guide the improvement of existing processes. Additionally, there’s Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), which includes methodologies like DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify) for creating new processes or products.

What is DMAIC?

DMAIC is a structured, five-phase Six Sigma methodology used to improve existing business processes. The acronym stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control — each stage guiding teams to systematically solve problems and drive measurable results.

Six Sigma Certification Levels Explained

The Six Sigma certification ladder consists of several levels, starting from the White Belt, which introduces the basics, to the Master Black Belt, which signifies a high level of expertise and leadership. Each level equips professionals with various skills and knowledge, preparing them for specific roles within projects and organizations.

The History and Evolution of Six Sigma

Several decades ago, Bill Smith at Motorola Corporation expressed concern that traditional methods of quality assurance were not enough to assure quality.

Under his guidance, Motorola developed the methodology and cultural changes necessary to deploy a Six Sigma program that would change the way modern organizations deliver and manage quality control. The program was so successful that Motorola documented more than $16 Billion in savings from this new approach.

Since then, countless companies from manufacturing to health care have adopted Six Sigma. The most notable spokesperson for this discipline has been Jack Welch who implemented this program at General Electric in 1995.

The Future of Six Sigma Certification

The relevance of Six Sigma certification continues to evolve with business trends, including the integration of Six Sigma principles with emerging technologies and methodologies to address the challenges of the digital age.

Is Six Sigma Still Used Today?

Yes — by top companies across all  industries.

The methodology of Six Sigma is being adopted at a faster rate than ever. As the gold standard for companies becomes efficient and effective operations, the principles and framework surrounding Six Sigma plays an integral role in allowing organizations to achieve operational excellence. From silicon valley and leading tech firms, to global banks and healthcare institutions, efficiency is the gold star. And the way to to get there is Lean Six Sigma. That is why now is the best time ever to consider getting Six Sigma certified.

Section 2:

Benefits of Six Sigma Certification

Why You Should Consider Getting a Six Sigma Certification

Real-World Skills That Set You Apart

Six Sigma Belt-Specific Benefits

Each level of Six Sigma certification offers its own unique advantages, depending on your experience and career goals. Whether you’re just starting out or already leading teams, the right belt can help you build expertise, gain credibility, and unlock new opportunities.

Below is a breakdown of the key benefits for Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt certifications to help you choose the best path forward.

Key Career Benefits of Six Sigma Certification

In today’s competitive job market, professionals need more than just experience — they need credentials that prove their value. Six Sigma certification demonstrates to employers and clients that you are committed to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Beyond technical knowledge, earning your certification can directly enhance your career trajectory by increasing your visibility, credibility, and leadership potential.

Here are some of the most important career benefits of becoming Six Sigma certified:

Section 3:

Is Six Sigma Certification Worth It?

Making the decision if Six Sigma certification is right for you

Top Reasons to Consider Six Sigma Certification

Deciding whether Six Sigma certification is worth it involves weighing the potential benefits against the costs and considering your career goals. For those committed to excellence in quality management and process improvement, Six Sigma offers a powerful toolkit.

The choice to seek a Six Sigma Certification hinges on your career objectives. If your ambition is to emerge as a leader, a visionary problem solver, and a crucial contributor to your organization, then embracing Six Sigma might be a prudent decision. Nonetheless, it’s important to consider various factors and ensure your professional growth investments are well-placed.

What Types of Roles Require Six Sigma?

Six Sigma certification is commonly listed as a preferred or required qualification in a wide range of roles across industries. Employers value the methodology’s structured approach to problem-solving, cost reduction, and operational excellence — especially in roles tied to quality, efficiency, and project execution.

Here are some common job titles where Six Sigma certification is often expected or provides a competitive advantage:

• Quality Assurance Analyst

• Process Improvement Specialist

• Operations Manager

• Project Manager

• Continuous Improvement Manager

• Quality Engineer

• Manufacturing Supervisor

• Business Analyst

• Supply Chain Analyst

• Lean Six Sigma Consultant

These titles often correspond to Yellow, Green, and Black Belt certifications, and span functions in quality management, project leadership, operations, supply chain, and strategic improvement.

Do Six Sigma Certified Professionals Earn More?

IS LEAN SIX SIGMA STILL RELEVANT IN 2025?

Many of the world’s top employers actively seek Six Sigma certified professionals. Companies like Amazon, GE, Tesla, IBM, and Coca-Cola regularly hire for Six Sigma-related roles across operations, quality, and project leadership.

• HP
• GE
• 3M
• Amazon
• IBM
• Disney
• Humana
• Wells Fargo
• Coca-Cola
• Amazon
• Bank of America
• Tesla
• BAE Systems
• Maersk
• Walmart

These organizations appreciate the Six Sigma approach for its effectiveness in streamlining operations, minimizing inefficiencies, and boosting quality and productivity. Career opportunities within these entities span diverse areas such as operations, quality control, production, process enhancement, and project leadership.

Who Should Consider Getting Certified?

Here’s a breakdown of Six Sigma certification levels with typical job titles associated with each:

The value of being Six Sigma certified is multifaceted, offering significant benefits to both individuals and organizations. It matters not just as a credential, but as a testament to one’s ability to drive meaningful change. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, improve your organization’s operations, or foster a culture of continuous improvement, Six Sigma certification is a powerful tool in your professional arsenal.

Section 4:

How Much Does Six Sigma Certification Cost and How Long Does It Take?

The Investment into Six Sigma Certification

Six Sigma Certification Online vs In-Person

Factors That Affect Time Commitment

The length to complete a specific six sigma certification is dependent upon the topical coverage, prior knowledge, time availiabilty, provider and type of delivery method being offered.

As a general standard you can expect to complete a six sigma program within the timeframes listed below. We also provide links to more in-depth explanations on how long does it take to get six sigma certified?

The answer is not quite straightforward because it depends upon a person’s background and the amount of time that can be devoted to studying for the exam. But here is an approximation. Let’s assume an individual has little training in engineering, math or the sciences.  In addition, assume they have little experience in quality control.  Using this as the baseline it will take about two to four weeks to earn a Yellow Belt, and about 6 to 12 weeks to earn a Green Belt.

Now consider a person who does have experience in quality control or has taken recent courses in the physical sciences.  The Yellow Belt should take between one to two weeks, the Green belt should take between four to seven weeks and the Black belt, assuming that person has already earned a Green Belt, should take between six to 12 months.

How Long to Complete Yellow, Green, and Black Belt

View the links below to learn more.

Cost of Six Sigma Certification

When researching Six Sigma training and certification, you will notice a wide range of price offerings. As previously mentioned this can be dependent upon the delivery method such as on-line, instructor led or in-person. However still, prices can vary significantly between providers.

To get a better sense of pricing and why some options are more affordable than others you should consider the following.

Why Six Sigma Pricing Varies by Provider

1.) University Providers

University based offerings such as those offered through Villanova and Purdue are priced on the high end. The reason comes down to the name associated with the certification (universities historically charge higher prices) as well as the overhead costs universities incur. In addition, many universities have third-party organizations who offer their certification programs or partnerships with professors. In both of these cases, the university is subject to paying out royalties and fees. With all things considered, these are the general reasons why universities charge a high price when it comes to Six Sigma certification.

2.) Third-party training materials

An interesting fact that many people do not realize is that 75% of online Six Sigma training providers do not develop the training internally. Instead they are using third-party training resources. Because of this agreement with a third-party agency, these training providers are paying fees for each and every sale. This results in the providers raising their prices to allow for profits to be made.

3.) Recognition

A common question often asked is, are all certification providers and certifications equal?

No, Not all Six Sigma certifications are equal. There are many providers who have no name behind their programs and educational materials. You should always see if a website offers an about us page that includes details about the specific individuals within the organization, especially the course developer. If you stumble on a website that lacks this information, you should proceed with caution. There are also a number of other industry approvals and accreditations you can take into consideration such as Project Management Institute (ATP). Also look to see if the provider has forged any recognized partnerships within industry. This is one of the best signs that your certification will be well respected by employers.

Section 5:

Six Sigma Certification Belt Levels Explained

Understanding the Six Sigma Belt Levels

What are the Six Sigma belts?

Six Sigma certification is divided into belts, which represent different levels of expertise. Each belt is associated with a professional certification. These levels range from Six Sigma for beginners to Six Sigma for experts.

While some institutes offer a White Belt certification, this certification is usually achieved within 30 minutes of minimal training. Because of this, there is little weight of importance within industry placed on this level of certification. However, like many things in life, a little is better than nothing.

Which Six Sigma Certification Should I take?

Some common questions for those considering Six Sigma certification are, Which belt should I take? Can I go directly to the Black Belt? Is it fine to skip belts?

The answer to these questions depend on a number of factors such as:

• Educational background
• Prior experience
• Pre-existing level of knowledge
• Current job role

Below we provide you with a general guideline on choosing which Six Sigma Belt is best for you.

Popular Six Sigma Tools for Each Belt Level

These are some of the Six Sigma tools and concepts you can expect to learn via each belt level.

Section 6:

How to Get Six Sigma Certified

The Six Sigma certification process

Step-by-Step Certification Process

You have 3 main steps to make when it comes to getting six sigma certified.

1. Choosing training and certification provider
2. Studying the training material
3. Take the certification exam

Note: Some providers like IASSC do not offer training. So you will have to find a training provider separately and pay an extra fee. If you choose such a provider, make sure that there approved training provider list includes institutes located within North America if earning a six sigma certification from a U.S. recognized institute means something of value to you.

Choosing the Right Training Provider

When selecting a Six Sigma certification or training provider, several aspects should be evaluated. Consider everything from customer feedback to the reputation of the person conducting your training. It’s important to ensure that the program is not just well-known but also provides you with the hands-on skills needed to apply the learned concepts effectively.

Six Sigma Accreditation and What to Look For

It is important to recognize that there is no official or centrally recognized authority that authorizes accreditation in Six Sigma.  Wikipedia states that, ”There is no standard certification body, and different certification services are offered by various quality associations and other providers against a fee.” 

To assure that a reputable provider is chosen, several issues need to be explored.

• Is the company reputable?  Is it trusted? Better yet, is there a face or actual name behind the training? Believe it or not a significant majority of online Six sigma providers use generic third party training materials, so we urge the utmost caution when you stumble upon a provider who does not mention who a name or person associated to their training or organization. A great way to gauge trust is to preform a search directly on LinkedIn and hear feedback directly from the source (alumini).
• Is the focus on learning or just on passing the exam? Be careful here, because if the focus is just on passing the exam, the usefulness and shelf life of the course is likely to be very short.  If the course just focuses on the exam with no broader context that helps you understand how these skills can be used, the course may have very little long-term value to you. There is a big difference between reading a book on basic swimming skills and actually swimming! So, reading the material is not enough. Look for context, examples and cases.

Some training programs are very technical and rely on equations and formulas. For example, the standard deviation, a measure of process variation, can be represented as a formula. But the real learning is beyond the formula. It is an understanding of how the standard deviation is a measure of process variation and how that can help in monitoring and controlling process output. This concept is at least as important as the formula. Why? Because the concept will shape how you focus on a problem when engaged in a project.  Once engaged, the formulas can always be accessed from the training material.

So, it might be advisable to look for a training program that focuses on concepts first and formulas second.

Top Institutes for Six Sigma Certification

Below is a list of the best Six Sigma certification providers. You can view pros and cons about each provider.

Maintaining and Advancing Your Six Sigma Certification

Does Six Sigma certification require renewal? What are the requirments?

Depending on where you get trained and certified, there are a few requirements that might be present that you should take into consideration before choosing a six sigma certification provider. There is no set industry standard for any of these items.

These items include:

• Renewal
• Exam Retake Fees
• Requirments

Renewals

Some providers make it required that you renew your certification every so many years. In addition, this is almost always associated with a fee that must be paid in order to maintain your certification. Unfortunately, not all providers are the same and just like any other industry there is nickel and dimming that goes on which results in companies trying to suck you into securing revenue models.

Exam Retake Fees

One item that can be very annoying for those trying to achieve six sigma certification, is the separate fees associated with exam retakes. Once again this varies depending on the provider, however there are many institutes that charge per exam attempt.

Requirements

Some institutes require prior experience, signed documents of project approvals and or previous Belt completion in order to advance to a certain Six Sigma certification level. Make sure you read the requirements set forth by each provider as this varies considerably.

Moving Up the Six Sigma Ladder

Once you have achieved Six Sigma certification status, it might be of interest to you at some point in the future to consider taking on a higher level belt. Each certification belt (White, Yellow, Green, Black, Master Black) builds off the preceding belt level. They have been designed to take you from basic introductory (White Belt) to expertise (Master Black Belt). Each level brings with it new responsibilities and opportunities for career advancement.

Section 7:

Industries and Job Roles That Use Six Sigma Certification

Which industries and job roles use lean six sigma?

Is Six Sigma used in Different Industries and Job Roles?

Below you will find a chart that goes into detail about the different job roles and industries that use Six Sigma.

Sigma Case Studies: Real-World Examples

See how Six Sigma is applied in the real-world.

Taking a look at the application of Six Sigma methodologies unveils groundbreaking transformations across multiple sectors, with remarkable implementations seen at Starbucks, General Electric (GE), and Microsoft. Each narrative showcases a distinct path towards harnessing Six Sigma for operational refinement, efficiency enhancement, and elevating customer satisfaction.

Section 8:

Six Sigma vs PMP, MBA, and Lean Certifications

What is better? MBA, PMP or Six Sigma certification?

While Six Sigma focuses on reducing process variation and improving quality, it is often compared with other methodologies like Lean management for its focus on efficiency and waste reduction, and PMP for its emphasis on project management skills.

Despite its widespread adoption, Six Sigma is not without its critics. Some argue that it can be overly complex or rigid. However, when properly implemented, it provides a structured framework that can lead to significant organizational and personal benefits.

Six Sigma vs PMP

Six Sigma Certification and Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification cater to different aspects of business management, focusing on process improvement and project management, respectively. While both certifications aim to enhance business outcomes, their approaches and areas of application distinguish them significantly.

The main differences between the two certifications can be summarized as follows:

• Focus Area: Six Sigma certification concentrates on improving process efficiency by reducing defects and variability. In contrast, PMP® certification is focused on managing and delivering projects successfully according to predefined objectives.
• Methodology: Six Sigma utilizes DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify) frameworks for process improvement, whereas PMP® relies on the structured approach of project management phases and processes outlined in the PMBOK® Guide.
• Application: Six Sigma principles can be applied to enhance operational processes across various departments within an organization. PMP® certification is specifically tailored to individuals responsible for managing projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the stakeholders’ satisfaction.

Combining your PMP with a Six Sigma Certification

Despite these differences, both certifications share the common goal of improving business performance. They can complement each other, with Six Sigma providing tools for process optimization and PMP® equipping professionals with the skills to manage projects efficiently. Professionals who possess both certifications can leverage their unique combination of skills to identify areas for improvement and apply project management techniques to implement effective solutions, ultimately benefiting their organizations and advancing their careers​​​​.

Six Sigma vs MBA

Choosing between pursuing a Six Sigma certification and an MBA involves considering your career goals, industry, and the specific skills you wish to develop. Both paths offer valuable benefits but cater to different professional needs.

Both an MBA and Six Sigma certification can significantly enhance your career, but they serve different purposes. If you’re aiming for a broad understanding of business and aspire to leadership or managerial positions, an MBA might be the right choice. If your goal is to specialize in process improvement and operational efficiency, a Six Sigma certification could offer the targeted skills you need.

Combining Your MBA with a Six Sigma Certification

Interestingly, combining an MBA with Six Sigma certification could provide a competitive edge, blending strategic business management skills with specialized process improvement techniques. This combination can make you exceptionally valuable to employers, equipping you with a comprehensive skill set to drive both strategic initiatives and operational excellence within organizations​. In today’s business environment, an MBA may not be enough, so it is essential to taker the extra steps needed to stand out from the competition.

Lean vs Six Sigma vs Lean Six Sigma

A common question often asked is, should I get Lean certification or Six Sigma certification? In order to make an educated decision you first must understand the differences and perceived value of both. First let’s take a look at Lean. Lean focuses on efficiency, so in a Lean certification course you will only focus on this one specific area of business operations. Six Sigma on the other hand focuses on quality. So in a Six Sigma certification course you will only focus on quality improvement, which is heavily focused on statistical tools. Now, when you look at the option of Lean Six Sigma certification, this type of program combines the best of both worlds and gives you a full 360 approach on the concepts and tools valued for quality and efficient operations.

In todays competitive job market companies place a preference on those who have developed data-driven decision making skills that focus on both quality and efficiency. This is why Lean Six Sigma is the mot popular certification offered.

Section 9:

Real-World Six Sigma Case Studies

How is Six Sigma used and what are the benefits to organizations?

Six Sigma in Manufacturing

In 2018, a prominent automobile manufacturer faced significant challenges with production inefficiencies and high defect rates. To address these issues, they implemented Six Sigma methodologies across their production lines. The initial step involved training key staff members in Six Sigma principles, focusing on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework.

Challenges Faced:

• High defect rates in assembly lines.
• Inefficiencies causing production delays.
• Increased operational costs due to wastage.

Implementation: The Six Sigma team identified critical areas causing defects and delays. Using tools like Pareto Charts and Fishbone Diagrams, they pinpointed root causes and implemented changes such as standardized work procedures, enhanced training programs, and improved machine maintenance schedules.

Results Achieved:

• Efficiency improved by 20%, reducing cycle time significantly.
• Defect rates dropped by 15%, leading to higher quality products.
• Operational costs decreased by 10%, translating to substantial financial savings.

This case study highlights how Six Sigma can drive significant improvements in manufacturing efficiency, leading to better product quality and cost savings.

Six Sigma in Healthcare

A leading hospital in the Midwest aimed to improve patient care quality and operational efficiency. In 2019, they adopted Six Sigma methodologies to streamline their processes. The focus was on reducing patient wait times and improving the accuracy of medical procedures.

Challenges Faced:

• Long patient wait times in the emergency department.
• Inconsistent processes leading to medical errors.
• High operational costs due to inefficiencies.

Implementation: The hospital formed a Six Sigma team to analyze existing processes using the DMAIC approach. They identified bottlenecks in patient flow and inconsistencies in procedure execution. Solutions included implementing standardized protocols, optimizing staff schedules, and utilizing advanced diagnostic tools.

Results Achieved:

• Patient wait times in the emergency department were reduced by 30%.
• Medical errors decreased by 25%, enhancing patient safety.
• Operational efficiency improved, resulting in a 15% reduction in costs.

This case study demonstrates how Six Sigma can be effectively applied in healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.

Six Sigma in Finance and IT

Michelle, a project manager at a leading technology company, sought to enhance her career prospects and enrolled in a Six Sigma Green Belt certification program. After completing the program, she applied Six Sigma principles to a major project within her company.

Professional Background:

• Project Manager with 5 years of experience.
• Responsible for overseeing production and quality improvement projects.

Application of Six Sigma: Michelle led a project aimed at reducing defects in the production of electronic components. Using Six Sigma tools like control charts and process mapping, she identified process variations and implemented corrective measures.

Results Achieved:

• Defect rates decreased by 40%, significantly improving product quality.
• The project was completed ahead of schedule, saving the company $50,000.
• Michelle received a promotion to Senior Project Manager and a 20% salary increase.

Michelle’s success story illustrates the career advancement opportunities that Six Sigma certification can provide, along with the tangible benefits it can bring to organizations.

Metrics and Data Illustrating Six Sigma Impact

The impact of Six Sigma can be seen across various industries through measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and financial performance. Here are some key metrics and data illustrating its benefits:

Manufacturing:

• Efficiency Improvement: Companies report an average of 20-30% improvement in production efficiency after implementing Six Sigma.
• Defect Reduction: Defect rates typically decrease by 10-20%, leading to higher quality products and reduced rework costs.

Healthcare:

• Patient Wait Times: Hospitals that adopt Six Sigma see a reduction in patient wait times by up to 30%.
• Medical Error Reduction: Six Sigma initiatives can lead to a 20-25% decrease in medical errors, improving patient safety.

Financial Services:

• Process Efficiency: Financial institutions report a 15-25% increase in process efficiency, resulting in faster transaction times and improved customer satisfaction.
• Cost Savings: Implementation of Six Sigma can lead to cost savings of 10-15% through reduced errors and streamlined operations.

These metrics highlight the substantial impact that Six Sigma can have on operational efficiency, quality, and financial performance across different industries.

Section 10:

Success Stories: Testimonials from Six Sigma Certified Professionals

How Six Sigma can help advance your career

From manufacturing to healthcare, getting Six Sigma certified can make a significant difference in your career trajectory. Take a look at some of the Six Sigma success stories that Six Sigma Global Institute has received from various clients across multiple industries.

Section 11:

How to Use Your Six Sigma Certification to Boost Your Career

Put your certification to work

Those with Six Sigma credentials need to be proactive in using those skills to make a real contribution to organizational performance.  The best way to do this is to find an opportunity within your organization that will benefit from either an improvement in efficiency or an improvement in quality outcomes or both.  Find out as much as possible about the project. Create a SIPOC chart and draw a Value Stream Map. Document the problem. Use data. Propose how you would improve the situation.  Above all, be proactive.  Find an opportunity, follow the DMAIC framework and show management that you are logical thinker and capable of solving problems.

Follow these steps:

• List on LinkedIn
• Share your Credential Badge
• Add your Title to your Email Signature
• Add Designation to your Resume
• Incorporate into Job Interview Discussions

If, on the other hand you are looking for a new job and are engaged in telephone interviews or in-person interviews, keep on the lookout for Six Sigma opportunities. Ask questions. What problems have you had lately? What concerns have your customers raised? How do you think your operations can be improved? What do your competitors do that needs to be explored so that you stay competitive?

The way to find opportunities is to ask questions and be curious. You will be amazed at how many opportunities you will discover. 

Now, your objective here is not to be a professional consultant and solve a major problem on the spot, but to let them know that you’re training in Six Sigma can help solve real problems.  And, to let them know that you are competent is this critical area.   

Section 12:

FAQs About Six Sigma Certification

Frequently asked questions about Six Sigma certification

Section 13:

Six Sigma Resources

Top Six Sigma Resources

If you’re interested in earning a Six Sigma Certificate, consider earning your Lean Six Sigma Certification from Six Sigma Global Institute. This program is available fully online in a self-paced format. Developed by Dr. Barry Shore from the University of New Hampshire Peter T. Paul Business School, an award winning McGraw Hill author, SSGI is an industry trusted Inc 5000 company, PMI (ATP) and a Baldrige Foundation partner.

If you’re still doing your research, here are few more resources for Six Sigma:

ASQ

Six Sigma Salaries

Six Sigma Case Studies

Additional Articles:

Definitive Guide to Lean Six Sigma

What is Six Sigma?

Lean Six Sigma Job Roles and Salaries

Author | Six Sigma Certification: Definitive Guide

Barry Shore PhD( Chief Learning Officer | SSGI )

Professor Emeritus, University of New Hampshire, Peter T. Paul School of Business

With over 40 years’ experience in industry and teaching, Professor Shore has earned a reputation as one of the leading authorities in Six Sigma and Project Management. His pioneering work in Project Management dates back to General Electric and later Hewlett Packard.

Dr. Shore has written over 100 peer reviewed papers published in leading scholarly journals, four books published by McGraw Hill Book Company and Holt, Rinehart and Winston, and hundreds of articles in trade publications. McGraw Hill honored him as a prize winning author for his book in Operations Management. He is also an honoree member of the Cosmos Club.

Dr. Shore has taught at universities such as Henley Business School, Renmin University China and Naples Federico Segundo. He has consulted for top organizations around the world, including Westinghouse, Chase Manhattan Bank, Timberland, United States Navy, Deutsche Telecom (Germany) and Doosan Heavy Industries (South Korea). As the Chief Learning Officer at SSGI, Barry has been responsible for certifying over 100,000 professionals in Six Sigma.