It’s a challenging world for businesses today. Between the continuous introduction of disruptive technologies, post-pandemic recovery efforts, possible global recession, and a variety of socio-political uncertainties, it can be difficult for a company to survive, let alone prosper. As a result, competition is tough, and people are less willing to spend money carelessly.
That is why it’s critical for today’s companies to improve their business process capabilities, reducing defects and increasing profits.
Six Sigma is a popular method used to achieve these goals and help businesses run smoother while maintaining consistently high levels of customer service and product quality. Six Sigma certifications come in several levels, referred to as “belts.”
This article takes an in-depth look at Six Sigma certification costs. We will explore the Six Sigma costs, including the Six Sigma green belt certification cost and the Six Sigma black belt certification cost. Additionally, we will touch on Lean Six Sigma certification cost and how it differs from regular Six Sigma certification costs.
But before we enter the Six Sigma certification cost domain, let’s take a moment to reacquaint ourselves with what Six Sigma actually is.
Six Sigma: The Next Evolution in Total Quality Management (TQM)
Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology developed in the 1980s. It provides businesses with the techniques needed to enhance their procedures. Six Sigma can be defined as the accumulation of practices and principles developed in management statistics and quality engineering, all having matured markedly over the previous century. Six Sigma certification has four levels: White, Yellow, Green, and Black.
By using Six Sigma to improve process performance and reduce potential flaws or defects, companies can have a better-motivated workforce, improve product or service quality, and have a healthier bottom line.
Also Read: Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma
So, What is Lean Six Sigma, and How Does It Differ From Regular Six Sigma?
Both philosophies provide customers with the best levels of cost, quality, delivery, and nimbleness, but they approach the issue differently.
Six Sigma emphasizes process variation reduction while enhancing process control. Lean, on the other hand, eliminates waste (e.g., non-value-added processes and procedures) and promotes healthy, consistent work standardization and flow.
Unsurprisingly, both methodologies often overlap.
Lean Six Sigma is a data-driven, fact-based philosophy of improvement that focuses on preventing defects rather than detecting defects.
List of Six Sigma Belts, Their Differences, and Six Sigma Certification Costs
There are five belts — or levels — of Six Sigma. Many sources insist that there are four, with some not counting the White Belt and others not including the Master Black Belt. For completeness’s sake, we include all of them.
Certified Six Sigma White Belt
The Six Sigma White Belt is the fundamental level of Six Sigma certification, covering its basic concepts. White Belts can assist in projects and problem-solving assignments relating to altering/change and quality management. This certification is free. Individuals can pursue White Belt certification free of cost via CSSC. Note that ASQ and IASSC don’t provide formal credentials for the White Belt.
Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Professionals wanting to earn their Yellow Bult must be familiar with Six Sigma’s fundamental concepts and know where and how to implement them. ASQ recommends Yellow Belt for entry-level employees who have a keen interest in data collection and analysis or managing the process’s efficiency. Yellow belts typically participate in improvement projects led by Green or Black Belts.
ASQ’s Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification costs $394 for non-members and $294 for members. In addition, ASQ allows applicants to retake the exam for $184. Taking the Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification through the IASSC or CSSC costs $195 and $99, respectively.
Certified Six Sigma Green Belt
Six Sigma Green Belt begins to distinguish professionals with Six Sigma knowledge (e.g., Yellow Belts) from people who have that knowledge but can also lead projects within the organization. Green Belts can identify problems, devise solutions within their organization, and lead projects around these process improvements. Green Belts can also assist black belt holders with data compilation and analysis tasks. Since Green Belts function at a higher experience level, the American Society of Quality (ASQ) has specific requirements for certification:
1) The applicant must have at least three years of full-time, paid, on-the-job experience in one or more of the Green Belt’s Body of Knowledge.
2) The applicant must have worked under the supervision or support of a Black Belt.
3) The applicant must have analyzed and solved quality problems and completed projects involving improvements addressing those problems.
4) The applicant must have participated in a project rather than as a leader.
6) The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of Six Sigma processes and tools.
Six Sigma Green Belt certification via ASQ costs $438 for non-members and $338 for members. Applicants who want to retake the exam pay $238. The certification cost through the IASSC is $295.
Unlike the ASQ or IASSC, the CSSC offers two certifications. First, there’s the fundamental Six Sigma Green Belt credential. Then secondly, they offer a level 2 Green Belt Credential designed for specialists who want to improve their skill sets at this rank.
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification cost through CSSC is $159. The Level 2 Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is $300.
Also Read: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam Questions and Answers
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
Black Belts are considered specialists and advocates of innovation. They lead different project teams and manage Yellow and Green Belt holders who contribute to the project. The Black Belts are also responsible for managing the lifecycle’s whole process with a high degree of accountability. Once professionals attain this level, they can act as the primary consultant for the project team members and become vital shareholders within the organization.
Like Green Belts, Six Sigma Black Belts have professional requirements. In this case, the professional must meet one of them.
1) Complete two projects with signed affidavits.
2) Complete one project with three years of industry experience and supplement it with a signed affirmation.
According to the ASQ’s website, the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification costs $438 for members and $538 for non–members, and the retake fee is $338. In addition, ASQ has the most stringent credential requirements for Six Sigma Black Belt certification compared to other associations..
The CSSC, on the other hand, doesn’t have any prior requirement for obtaining the Six Sigma certification. Instead, the CSSC offers applicants three different Black Belt certification levels. The basic level costs $229, and Black Belt Levels 2 and 3 cost an additional $300 each. Applicants who want to take the Level 2 exam must have gained the standard from either ASQ, CSSC, or IASSC. They must also submit a project for approval.
The IASSC offers the Six Sigma Black Belt certification for $395, and like the CSSC, it has no prerequisite requirements to take the exam.
Certified Master Black Belt
Once you gain your Six Sigma Black Belt certification, you can sit for your Master Black Belt. This certification is the high watermark of career excellence and is designed for individuals with exceptional knowledge and expertise in current industry practice. Master black belts have remarkable leadership ability and innovative tendencies and show a solid commitment to the procedures and advancement of improvement and quality.
Both the ASQ and CSSC have unique prerequisites for applicants to satisfy before they can try for Master Black Belt Certification. Note the IASSC doesn’t offer Master Black Belt Certification.
Members pursuing their Master Black Belt certification through ASQ pay $545 for the portfolio review and $2,124 for the exam. Non-members pay $650 for the portfolio review and $2,229 for the exam. Retakes through ASQ cost an additional $2,074.
Professionals looking to take their Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certification through CSSC will pay $665 for the exam.
Also Read: Understanding and Creating a Control Plan in Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma Certification Costs
All levels of Lean Six Sigma certification costs are the same as their non-Lean counterparts.
Job Opportunities for Six Sigma Certification
Professionals who earn their Six Sigma certifications are qualified for positions such as:
1) Continuous Improvement Specialist
2) IT Project Manager
3) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineer
4) Operational Excellence Manager
5) Quality Assurance Engineer
Six Sigma professionals also have many job opportunities in fast-growing, cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Certified professionals can choose roles like:
1) Business Analyst
2) Business Intelligence Consultant
3) Data Scientist
4) Product Manager
5) Risk Manager
6) User Interface or Experience (UI/UX) Developer
Why You Should Pursue a Six Sigma Certification
Certified professionals are more likely to be hired because they offer potential employers a unique skill set that can be valuable to any company that wants to increase operational efficiency while not sacrificing quality.
Also Read: How to Become Lean Six Sigma Certified: A Complete Guide
Do You Want Lean Six Sigma Certification?
Since Six Sigma is a popular methodology, it’s an excellent choice for professionals who want a career with a bright future. If you’re interested in acquiring the valuable skills you need to become a Six Sigma expert, sign up for this Lean Six Sigma certification training course and start building that skill set.
This Post Graduate program in Lean Six Sigma, presented by UMass Amherst in collaboration with Simplilearn, is an intensive, 6-month IASSC-accredited certification program. This program transforms you into a Six Sigma expert, ready to solve real-world business problems.
The course features hands-on industry projects and classes taught by seasoned industry practitioners, giving you skills in:
- Agile Management
- Digital Transformation
- Lean Management
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Minitab
- Quality Management
According to Glassdoor.com, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt expert in the United States earns a yearly average of $103,725. So, if you’re looking for a career that offers security, a challenge, and excellent compensation, set your sights on Six Sigma. Check out the Lean Six Sigma training course, and start your journey to a better future!
You might also like to read:
All About Six Sigma Yellow Belt Salaries
Demystifying the Six Sigma Career Path
What is the PDCA Cycle? Definition, Examples, and Benefits
