How to Obtain Lean Six Sigma Certification?

Lean Six Sigma is a strong approach that integrates Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma to increase productivity, quality, and reduce or eliminate the wastage of resources in different processes. This dual approach is highly appreciated in various industries, which results in improved operational performance and considerable cost reduction. Therefore, there is a high demand for professionals with Lean Six Sigma certification.

 

Organizations are constantly in search of ways to enhance their operations and deliver quality products and services, in the modern era. Lean Six Sigma has emerged as a popular method that combines Lean, which is founded on the concept of waste, and Six Sigma, which focuses on variation and its effects on quality. This powerful combination has been successfully implemented across different sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and IT. 

 

The relevance of Lean Six Sigma certification can be evidenced in the job market. The ASQ survey shows that the certified Lean Six Sigma employees earn $16,000 more than the employees without certification. Moreover, a study done on Lean Six Sigma by the Villanova University revealed that organizations that have adopted Lean Six Sigma practices were able to save an average of $500,000 annually. These statistics show that Lean Six Sigma certification is needed for the personnel and companies.

 

The process of getting Lean Six Sigma certification is a structured one and the first step is to know the various levels of certification and the training offered. This article will help you to understand what certification level is suitable for you, how to prepare for the certification test, and how to pass it. This guide will be useful for both a person who is already working in the field and wants to get a promotion and a beginner who decided to start his or her career in the field of process improvement using Lean Six Sigma.

 

About Lean Six Sigma Certification Levels: 

There are different levels of Lean Six Sigma certification, each of which is aimed at indicating the level of proficiency and authority in the Lean Six Sigma process. 

 

The most common certification levels are:

 
●    White Belt: This is the first level of certification that gives a general knowledge of Lean Six Sigma. It is useful for people who have never worked with Lean Six Sigma and who want to gain some basic knowledge about the approach.

●    Yellow Belt: Yellow Belt is the next level to White Belt and has more information about the Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies. Yellow Belts are usually involved in Green and Black Belt projects as sub-project leaders.

●    Green Belt: Green Belt certification is designed for those who are engaged in process improvement initiatives. Green Belts are usually involved in smaller projects and assist Black Belts in larger projects.

●    Black Belt: Black Belt certification is intended for those who are to manage large-scale Lean Six Sigma projects. Black Belts are well versed in the DMAIC process and usually train Green and Yellow Belts.

●    Master Black Belt: Master Black Belt is the highest level of Lean Six Sigma certification; they are involved in strategic implementations and training of Black Belts. They have a high level of knowledge and experience in Lean Six Sigma.

 

How to get Lean Six Sigma Certification? 

 

Choose the Right Certification Level

The first thing that any individual has to do in order to get Lean Six Sigma certification is to identify the level of certification that is suitable depending on the experience, the goals, and the job description of the individual. For the newcomers, it is recommended to begin with White or Yellow Belt. It is also possible to get certification as Green, Black or Master Black Belt for personnel who have prior experience in the field.

 

Select a Reliable Training Organization

Choosing the right training provider is very important when it comes to your Lean Six Sigma certification process. At Vinsys we offer the best Six Sigma Lean Certifications training program. We have the trainers who meet the necessary requirements, and high pass rates. 

 

Complete the Training Program

After you have selected the training provider, then you should take the certification course and undergo the necessary training procedures. The training may consist of lectures, online classes, and practical assignments in projects. The training program is less than the certification level. For example, Green Belt training can take a few weeks while Black Belt training can take several months.

 

Pass the Certification Exam

To become a certified Lean Six Sigma professional, one has to take an examination after the completion of the training. The exam is designed to confirm your understanding of Lean Six Sigma concepts, methodologies, and tools. It is often in multiple choice and may contain real life situations or issues. To pass the exam, a lot of studying and practice is needed. Most of the training providers provide the practice tests and study materials for the exams.

 

Complete a Lean Six Sigma Project:

Moreover, some of the certification levels such as Green Belt and Black Belt entail the completion of a Lean Six Sigma project. This project entails the use of Lean Six Sigma concepts in solving a real life problem in your organization. The successful completion of the project shows that you understand when and how to use Lean Six Sigma methodologies correctly.

 

Maintain Your Certification: 

Lean Six Sigma certification is not a one-time process. In order to keep your certification, you may be required to take continuing education or prove that you are engaged in Lean Six Sigma projects. Here are some of the rules that ASQ and IASSC have set for recertification that you should know.

 

The Benefits of Lean Six Sigma Certification: 

Obtaining Lean Six Sigma certification offers numerous benefits for individuals and organizations: 

 

●    Career Advancement: It can be evident to say that Lean Six Sigma certification can indeed be highly beneficial for career progression. Certifications are important and popular in today’s workplace and there are numerous companies that look for people with Lean Six Sigma certification. It can assist one to get a promotion, a better salary or even a new job in a different organization.

●    Improved Problem-Solving Skills: The Lean Six Sigma training enables one to learn more advanced problem solving tools and also how to systematically manage processes. These are skills that are applied in the identification of the gaps that exist in any organization.

●    Increased Earning Potential: As mentioned earlier, certified Lean Six Sigma professionals are normally paid more than those who are not certified. The investment in certification can yield substantial financial returns over the course of your career.

●    Enhanced Organizational Performance: In organizations it is efficient to hire personnel with certification of Lean Six Sigma as this assists in enhancing organizational performance. Lean Six Sigma project results in the decrease of cost, increase in throughput and increased customer satisfaction.

●    Global Recognition: Lean Six Sigma certification is recognized internationally and this makes you get recognition globally. This recognition can be a code to global jobs and partnerships.

●    Professional Network: With Lean Six Sigma certification one becomes part of a group of people who have equal professional interest. Communication with other certified people will allow them to receive useful information, help, and cooperation.

 

Lean Six Sigma Certification Statistics and Data: 

 

Various research papers and surveys have proved the efficiency of Lean Six Sigma certification. Here are some key statistics and data points that highlight the value of Lean Six Sigma certification: 

✔    As per the Salary.com, the average salary of a Black Belt is $134,800 and that of a Master Black Belt is $173,400 and above.

✔    A recent survey shows, “64% of the professionals who got Lean Six Sigma certification got a promotion within two years of certification”.

✔    Bain & Company has stated that Lean Six Sigma projects can lead to a 20-30% improvement in process efficiency and a 15-20% reduction in operating costs.

✔    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that management occupations, which are some of the positions that can benefit from Lean Six Sigma certification, will expand by 9% in the next decade, between 2020 and 2030.

 

Conclusion

The Lean Six Sigma certification is an important qualification that can improve your job opportunities and help your company succeed. With the knowledge of the various levels of certification and the procedures highlighted in this article, you can easily get your Lean Six Sigma certification. Whether you are in need of problem solving skills, career enhancement, or performance improvement in your organization, Lean Six Sigma certification provides a structured and effective solution.

By following the right training and hard work, you can become one of the Certified Lean Six Sigma professionals who are working for the betterment of the industries across the globe.