Significance of Six Sigma Certifications
A beginners to guide to Six Sigma
What is Six Sigma?
The Six Sigma is a quality audit technique that is basically aimed at lessening inaccuracies in product manufacturing and business services. At the outset, the Six Sigma approach was designed so as to refine the quality of manufacturing processes. Over time though, it has attained the status of an agnostic business process that is quite popular for its compatibility with almost all industry operations. You name an industry sector and you’ll find the Six Sigma approach being successfully integrated into its core functioning operations; be it electronics, pharmacy sector, automobile and aeronautical industry, banking, and more. Organizations such as Amazon, Bank of America, Dell, Ford Motor Company, Motorola, the US Army, and Wipro etc. are amongst the many prominent international names that have implemented the Six Sigma approach.
Origin of Six Sigma :
The credit for the original formulation of Six Sigma goes to Bill Smith, a Motorola quality control engineer. His efforts led to the peak of quality engineering in his parent company in 1986, with the establishment of Six-Sigma Institute. Hence, he is also referred to as the ‘father of Six Sigma’.He established an association between early field reliability and the resultant quality of the product. Bill’s methodology was largely rooted in statistical principles as envisaged by Stewart, Fisher, and Deming, the three trailblazing statisticians of the 20th century.
Significance of “Six Sigma”
“Six Sigma” is named so after the sigma (σ) or standard deviation of the information analysis portion of the whole process. The operating procedure is to collect data and then subject it to scrutiny in order to establish the standard deviation between the mean and acceptable limits. These limits are ascertained by taking the market/customer demands into consideration. Sigma, in short, refers to the potential of a process to accomplish fault-free output. Six Sigma represents 6 standard deviations between the average and allowable limits. In a 6σ process, the probability of occurrence of error is as low as 3.4 in a million. Six Sigma level is generally deemed by the experts as sufficient to give the optimal defect-free produce in any industrial process.
what is the Six Sigma Certification?
Now that we know what the Six Sigma approach is all about, let’s talk about Six Sigma Certification. We’ll tell you what prerequisites should be fulfilled so as to become Six Sigma certified, the levels in which it is offered, the governing bodies responsible for handing it out, and why getting a Six Sigma accreditation has now become inevitable (for organizations and individuals, alike) to revamp their market prospects.
As we mentioned before, Six Sigma is essentially an amalgamation of techniques that assist companies in the process of improving production capabilities and reducing flaws in manufacturing; the two things that ultimately assure impeccable standard of the final product. This certification is a substantial credential whose possession guarantees prowess in the field of process improvement. The Six Sigma-certified organizations see enhancement in customer service and an improved conformity with the relevant business standards.
Overview of Six Sigma Certification levels:
As opposed to the usually availed IT certifications, Six Sigma certification can be acquired from different authorizing bodies, such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC). It is up to the individual where he chooses to get his cert from, subject to market research and comparison. However, as a common ground, every certification authority offers it at similar levels. These levels are accepted as standard across diverse programs.
Six Sigma White Belt: The White Belt certification in Six Sigma is indeed the basic level and typically serves as an introduction to Six Sigma concepts and principles. White Belt holders usually have a foundational understanding of the methodology but may not be deeply involved in leading or executing Six Sigma projects. Here are some key points about the White Belt certification. White Belt training provides individuals with a basic overview of Six Sigma, including its history, key concepts, and terminology. It helps participants grasp the fundamental principles behind Six Sigma. White Belt certification is beneficial for individuals who want to become familiar with Six Sigma without the commitment to lead projects. It helps employees become aware of process improvement efforts within their organization and encourages their engagement in these initiatives.
Six Sigma Yellow Belt: The Yellow Belt certification in Six Sigma represents the next level of expertise beyond the White Belt. While it still falls in the category of entry-level certifications, Yellow Belts typically have a deeper understanding of Six Sigma principles and play a more active role in problem-solving within their organization. Here's a closer look at the responsibilities and role of Yellow Belts ellow Belts have a more comprehensive understanding of Six Sigma compared to White Belts. They are well-versed in the key concepts, tools, and techniques used for process improvement.
Six Sigma Green Belt: The Green Belt certification in Six Sigma represents a significant step up in terms of knowledge and responsibility compared to White and Yellow Belts. Green Belts are typically individuals who have acquired a more in-depth understanding of Six Sigma principles and tools, allowing them to lead process improvement projects in a part-time capacity while still fulfilling their primary job roles. Here are some key attributes and responsibilities associated with Green Belts. Green Belts have a solid grasp of advanced Six Sigma concepts, methodologies, and tools. They can apply these principles to identify and solve process-related problems effectively.
Six Sigma Black Belt: The Black Belt certification in Six Sigma represents a high level of expertise and leadership within the methodology. Black Belts are typically individuals who have reached an advanced stage of proficiency in Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques. They can directly lead and manage complex process improvement projects and play a significant role in training and mentoring other team members. Here are some key characteristics and responsibilities associated with Black Belts. Black Belts possess an extensive knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, and problem-solving techniques. They are well-versed in the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework.
Six Sigma Masters Belt: The Master Black Belt certification is indeed the highest level of Six Sigma certification and represents the pinnacle of expertise in Six Sigma methodologies. Master Black Belts are individuals who have achieved an exceptional level of mastery and experience in Six Sigma and are recognized as true Six Sigma experts within their organizations. Here are some key attributes and responsibilities associated with Master Black Belts.Master Black Belts possess an unparalleled level of knowledge and expertise in Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques. They are considered subject matter experts in process improvement.
Requisites of becoming Six Sigma certified:
To obtain Six Sigma certification, the following criteria must be satisfied:
Qualifying a written exam.
The exam is of multiple-choice type with varying time and difficulty for each level.
Prerequisite of experience.
Typically, experience requirements are inclusive of college/university degrees.
Demonstration of practical acquaintance with Six Sigma concepts.
This part of testing entails the completion of projects along with a duly signed declaration.
Benefits of Six Sigma Certification:
Having explored the world of Six Sigma in quite a bit of detail by now, finally, it is time to know in what ways Six Sigma certification can prove favorable for a spike in the career graph of a person and how it literally opens avenues for organizations by enhancing the client and product service. Here are the top reasons why getting your hands on Six Sigma certification is a substantial step towards a flourishing career.
Competitive salary: First things first, Six Sigma professionals are amongst the highest-paid ones. Reliable survey data by the likes of Glassdoor, Workday, indeed.com, PayScale, etc. indicates that Six Sigma experts fall in the high salary bracket because of the obvious painstaking efforts that go into attaining the certification.
Healthy job market: Open positions are stashed away for Six Sigma specialized employees. As per meticulous job sites, thousands of job openings are reserved for Green and Black Belts every day.
Progress in job profile: Six Sigma, as mentioned before, gives professionals a better understanding of the financial management arena; a trait that is considered indispensable for top-level management positions.
Improvement of business processes: Possession of Six Sigma certification clearly testifies that the candidate is very well capable of bringing about improvement in product manufacturing and quality control processes that are essential to the core functioning of any organization in the present age of intense competitiveness.
Conformity with top-quality industry standards: Six Sigma-certified experts can provide significant support to their company in upholding international standards and achieving lucrative business contracts. This is simply because nowadays, products are preferably evaluated using Six Sigma standards.
Become an asset to every industry: As we said before, Six Sigma techniques are applied agnostically in diverse industries. With this credential in hand, one can bring plus points to whatever industry he chooses to work for. Six Sigma methods improve employee reception in general.
Cost-saving for organizations: With a reduced number of defects in the production system, production expenses are cut to a large extent. Fabrication of a quality product is always economical.
Secure client credibility: The presence of Six Sigma professionals in your organization signifies that you’re driven by quality, amplifying the value of a company to a large extent. This gives clients a boost to repose their full faith in the organization.
Cut staff renewal rate: Implementation of the Six Sigma approach helps in detecting factors responsible for hiring and firing staff. This indirectly results in savings of a huge magnitude for organizations.
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