Six Sigma is a collection of tools and procedures used to create continuous process improvement in an organization. Irrespective of the industry, it can be adopted to improve the company’s overall operational efficiency. While Six Sigma’s origins may be traced back to a mathematical theory developed in the 19th century, when an engineer at Motorola popularized it in the 1980s, the concept became widely used in the corporate world.
Over the years, Six Sigma has been fine-tuned and honed into what it is today, earning widespread acclaim as one of the most well-known methodical methods for boosting customer satisfaction and enhancing business operations. This methodology emphasizes the importance of establishing a culture of continuous process improvement and providing tools and techniques to reduce variance, eliminate defects, and help identify the root causes of errors.
What is the need for Six Sigma?
Learning the ideas of “Six Sigma” will help you improve your professional abilities. Six Sigma training and certification can enhance your skills in managing projects and resolving issues that crop up during their lifecycle. Ultimately, it’s up to you to use the Six Sigma tools you’ve been given to help your firm succeed. Becoming Six Sigma certified is one path to gaining valuable project management expertise and moving up the corporate ladder.
Different Six Sigma belts
Similar to the karate system, Six Sigma certification levels use a system of belts, where each new belt denotes a greater proficiency with Six Sigma concepts. Belts can be obtained through on-the-job and course-based training from recognized institutions.
White Belt: The white belt is the entry-level certification that focuses on Six Sigma principles. The qualified person frequently supports problem-solving teams but may not actually be a member of the team.
Yellow Belt: A yellow belt is knowledgeable about the six sigma concepts and how they are used. Yellow belts could provide a hand with group projects or oversee minor initiatives based on Six Sigma principles.
Green Belt: Six Sigma certification green belts received advanced analytical training and experience. Green belts can lead projects while being supervised by higher belt experts, engage with management teams to handle quality control difficulties, and even assist black belts with data gathering and analysis.
Black Belt: Black belts may serve as project team leaders or teach Six Sigma principles to team members.
Master Black Belt: A master black belt oversees Six Sigma initiatives and offers guidance to black and green belts on how to use the methodology. Master black belts frequently shape company strategy and objectives.
Levels of Six Sigma Certification
Six Sigma belt levels are based on an employee’s company role. They are obtained through practical experience, course-based training, and tests. Let’s see all the levels of the belts and how they work differently:
White Belt
White belt is the most basic level of Six Sigma certification. The individual who gets certified with the white belt level of Six Sigma certification will be considered knowledgeable enough to help experts find solutions to business problems.
Awarded for completing a basic overview of Six Sigma tools, history, and structure.
Yellow Belt
With clearing the yellow belt, an individual gets more of an understanding of the Six Sigma principles, and now they can be trusted to come up with excellent solution using the methodology on their own.
Awarded for practical project assistance and passing an exam on Six Sigma implementation, performance, and application.
Green Belt
This is the most common level of certification sought by individuals interested in Six Sigma training. The green belt indicates an advanced understanding of the program and better experience in an industry with Six Sigma. The six sigma green belt salary is also more than the other color belts before them.
For studying Six Sigma principles and applying them in real projects with a black belt. Must pass a test demonstrating a complete knowledge of the Six Sigma Method phases.
Black Belt
A green belt level professional can advance in the Six Sigma certification and achieve the black belt. And once they become a black belt holder, they work under the master black belt and help them with advanced projects that need the application of Six Sigma principles.
Plans and executes projects utilizing Six Sigma techniques. Must pass an exam demonstrating thorough mastery of the Six Sigma Method’s phases.
Master Black Belt
A master black belt holder has been working on projects with Six Sigma for a long time. They are responsible for handling projects that rely heavily on Six Sigma’s principles and methodologies. An individual with a master black belt is also responsible for supervising the employees with the green belt and black belt levels of Six Sigma training.
Oversees cross-functional Six Sigma project implementation. It shows professional mastery of Six Sigma principles and philosophies through an exam.
Champion
Reaching the champion level in the Six Sigma certification takes a lot of hard work and experience. Champions in Six Sigma are the decision makers of whether or not a project will be successful after using the Six Sigma methodology. They are also responsible for implementing the Six Sigma program in various departments in a company.
An executive in charge of Six Sigma implementation across all departments.
Closing thoughts
Six Sigma may become a global standard. It can improve international business. Every firm works to remove waste, inconsistencies, and faults that test client loyalty. This solution enhances productivity and lowers costs. The time required to get a Six Sigma badge might vary widely. Explore other Quality Management Courses.
