Six sigma is a quality management methodology that seeks to improve the quality of process outputs by identifying and removing the causes of defects.It's an effort to make sure that the organization is perfect.A special infrastructure of people who are experts in the methods are created by using a set of quality management methods.There is no universal governing body that dictates the rules of Six sigma, but there are many organizations that offer certification in their own "flavor" of the methodology.You'll have to convince a potential employer that you're someone who takes quality seriously if you become certified in Six sigma.
Step 1: The needs of your organization should be considered.
What kind of management style is best for your organization?Is it suffering from too much overhead and waste?Is it possible that things get done in different ways?What is the organizational culture?
Step 2: How do you want your processes to be improved?
It's possible that you believe that the best way to guarantee quality is to ensure that processes are consistent across the board with as few variations as possible.On the other hand, you could be a person who wants to make a quality product with as little waste and overhead as possible.
Step 3: Determine which certification you want.
You can use your management philosophy to decide whether or not to take the Lean Six sigma certification.Waste is defined as a variation within business processes.Someone who believes in a consistent process would be most comfortable with this type of certification.Lean Six sigma is a combination of the Lean methodology.Waste is anything that doesn't add value to the finished product.If you're looking for an emphasis on efficiency, Lean Six sigma certification would be a good choice.
Step 4: Understand your role in the organization.
Are you a project manager?Do you support the project manager?Is it possible that your day-to-day work involves more than just being involved on a project?The level of certification you need will be determined by the answer to those questions.
Step 5: Think about your career goals.
If your future includes project management, you should be able to determine the level of certification that you need.
Step 6: Select a level of certification.
There are four levels of Six sigma certification.Six sigma yellow belts have a basic understanding of the processSupporting roles are what they tend to lend themselves in.There aren't many training courses for Six sigma yellow belts.Six sigma green belts are people who work closely with six sigma black belts and are primarily responsible for data collectionSix sigma green belts have responsibilities outside the projectBlack Belts are project managers.Six sigma green belts and six sigma yellow belts report to the black belts within the scope of the projectThese people are usually full time dedicated to the project.Six sigma "gurus" are Master Black Belts.They are part of a team of highly trained Six sigma professionals.When the unexpected occurs and a course correction is necessary, they're the people that the team will turn to.
Step 7: The training program should be found.
All certifications begin with training.You'll find the right training program when you start your certification journey.Start looking for training classes that are close to you since classroom instruction is almost always necessary.If you don't have any leads on local training, a simple search on the internet may be all you need.Talk to people who have been certified.Ask them about the programs they took.Enroll in the same program if they have had a positive experience.Look for programs that are accredited.There is no formal standards body that defines Six sigma.Make sure you get trained by an accredited program.
Step 8: You must enroll in the training program.
This is going to be the same as college.Prepare for a lot of class time if you're going for Master Black Belt certification.
Step 9: Take the test.
After completing the training, the next step is to take a written test that will show you know what you're talking about.You can expect a Black Belt exam to take about four hours, a Green belt exam about three hours and a Yellow belt exams about two hours.
Step 10: You must complete your project.
One or two projects using the Six sigma methodology will be required in the final phase of your certification journey.This is your "lab."It's not clear how to grade you based on how you complete the project.You should do well if you put into practice what you've learned in the classroom.
Step 11: You can benefit from your certification.
You'll earn your belt once you've completed the training.It's time to tackle real-world problems.