Lean Six Sigma is evolving into a new set of principles, methodologies, and tools. It has completely changed the approach to dealing with different problems in a manufacturing environment. The methods that are followed by Six Sigma stretches from the industry standpoint to the end service user. Lean Six Sigma always revolves around simple and easy tools to implement. Before handing over a hefty fee and starting the course, there are many factors to consider. Factors like content quality, the institute’s reputation, certification validity, and duration need to be carefully analyzed before finalizing to take up a Lean Six Sigma Course. Many Lean Six Sigma courses are offered on the online stage and by many governing bodies. It is advised that, if possible, always consider reputed organizations like IASSC, ASQ, CSSC, and TUV SUD.
IASSC is a globally recognized association that provides unbiased independent third-party validation of lean Six Sigma knowledge. Their tests are all web-based and can be taken at any testing center anywhere in the world. ASQ offers customized education lectures from industry experts. Another such governing body is TUV SUD. Its certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in many organizations. On the other hand, CSSC is a globally accredited professional body that provides the Six Sigma industry with free services and training materials.
What are the Different Belt Certifications and Their Requirement?
Yellow Belt
The yellow belt certification is for those candidates who are just stepping into the six sigma industry. All the fundamental aspects related to Six Sigma are explained in the duration of the course. The viewers or the audience who take an interest in this course are mainly from the executive segment of an organization. People who can support and contribute to the Six Sigma project are suggested to participate in this course.
Green Belt
The green belt courses are conducted under the supervision of a Black Belt professional. The target audience for this course is people who have at least three years of work experience. The candidate must be a full-time employee to apply for this certification. Any organization or employee struggling to provide a standardization approach for continuous development in quality management should opt for this course to increase their problem-solving skills.
Black Belt
People with Black Belt certification are regarded as one of the most respected individuals in the Six Sigma industry. They lead to complex improvement projects to eradicate defects and loopholes in the management. Any candidate interested in taking this certification has to pass the Green Belt. Professionals looking for comprehensive knowledge about advanced Six Sigma methods are likely the primary audience in this certification. Practical implementation is more encouraged for this audience.
Choosing the Right Type of Governing Bodies
Every governing body or training organization that provides Lean Six Sigma certification training brings a different set of values to the table. They have different guidelines and training methods. But the two most recognized bodies for Lean Six Sigma courses are IASSC and ASQ.
Both associations ensure global standards for every Belt certification. In the case of ASQ, they have a big community of like-minded people where everyone shares their ideas and tools to make their professional lives better.
On the other hand, CSSC is an international body that has proficiency in its training and services. They also have an internal system where the accredited providers are monitored continuously throughout the course. For people looking for global experts in risk management, they should go with TUV SUD. They help in building a strong portfolio with all the technical applications and their respective solutions.
Choosing the Right Training Partner
The candidate needs to select the right training partners that suit their style of study. There are many modes of training provided by Invensis Learning for Quality Management Certification Courses, which include On-site, Focused 1-to-1, instructor-led live online, and classroom sessions. Corporate group training deals with more customized content that is individually tailored for each one taking that specific stream in any Belt certification. Focused 1-to-1 training is a highly results-driven method, and it is easier to alter the teaching style according to the candidate’s preference. Online or virtual classrooms have an edge over traditional classrooms in terms of timings and convenience. Classes can be accessed at any time without interfering with your work-life balance. Choose wisely when it comes to your training partners. Now, let’s see the time duration for some of the courses offered in Invensis learning.
Course Duration
The time taken to complete a certification keeps changing from one governing body to another. It is better to keep an estimate before applying to any of them. Green Belt certification takes an average time of about four weeks to complete the training and preparation for the exam. Yellow Belt requires only about sixteen hours for completion and qualifying for the final exam. Finally, the Black Belt takes up to three months for the complete study in practical implementation procedures and real-time scenarios. If one spends more time on the projects, they can get it done in under two months. This would give more time to prepare for the final exam.
To Conclude
Quality management always comes with the determination to learn new things, and in this case, they involve skills from Lean Six Sigma. Every training module from Six Sigma includes the DMAIC. Each phase involves many sub-topics that run throughout the entire course.
For example, in the Define phase, the students are taught SS measurements, Pareto analysis, and Project charter. Practice exams are proven to be very useful in increasing the chances of qualifying for the final exam. Optional prioritization has to be done for every question attempted because the probability of ticking the right answer increases.
One last thing to do regardless of the course you take is to determine your weak and strong areas. Look for different growth strategies that can help you get a higher percentage.
Some of the popular certification courses that Quality Control Managers can take up are:
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Online Course
- Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification Training
- Lean Fundamentals Training
Here is a webinar (free to join) that we have conducted recently and could be a great resource in this context. Craig M. Hoel, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt expert with 30+ years of experience shares his insights in the webinar titled, “Leading the Way in Sig Sigma.” This could be a great opportunity to know first-hand the dynamics of Six Sigma and how over the years enterprises across the world are adopting it.
