What Six Sigma Certification Level Do You Need?

The answer to this question on training depends on your education, experience, and employer. When it comes to getting a job in the field of quality engineering or completing a work project, there are different Six Sigma certification levels to consider.

What Do You Need for This Certification?

Most job descriptions for quality engineering or Six Sigma Black Belt roles ask for a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many companies now require their employees to be Green Belts and Black Belts. 

Continuous training and education are vital to staying current on the latest methodologies and techniques. These QE methods can improve the quality and efficiency of the final outcome and the processes necessary to create the outcome. They focus on minimizing errors and defects rather than future rectification.

Green Belt

The Green Belt certification is the first step in a long continuous learning journey for those who work in QE and other similar fields. It certifies that an individual understands professionals’ basic concepts, tools, terminology, and definitions to accomplish their goals. 

The QE training focuses on providing individuals with the ability to apply Six Sigma concepts to improve processes. The primary focus of Green Belt training is to equip individuals with the skills necessary to improve process quality.

Black Belt

The Black Belt certification requires an individual to have at least two years of experience in the quality engineering or quality management company before they are allowed to take the exam. 

The training focuses on providing individuals who can effectively lead, manage, and implement projects using engineering tools and techniques. The Black Belt certification also requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Master Black Belt

To receive this advanced certification, an individual must have been a Black Belt for two years. In addition, the applicant needs six years of experience as a leader in the field of the quality department of an organization.

The Master Black Belt certification requires an in-depth understanding of all aspects of the DMAIC model and mastering advanced statistical tools to help improve processes. This certification can make people eligible to lead teams at companies when they are working on projects. 

Individuals can also use it to take on the project manager and lead consultant roles.

Yellow Belt

The first certification level is the Yellow Belt. The yellow belt represents the beginning-level QE practitioner, but it also provides individuals with a foundation for future opportunities in this field or other professional development.

The Yellow Belt certification requires a high school diploma or equivalent. It is intended for those looking to begin their journey in the field of engineering. 

Additionally, it allows them to understand better how they can apply this knowledge to everyday life situations.

What Can You Do with This Certification?

Yellow Belts can expect to sit on project teams that support company initiatives. They may also be asked to perform statistical analysis and use basic data-gathering systems. 

In addition, a Yellow Belt will have the skills necessary to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders in various formats. These engineering experts are expected to perform a variety of roles and functions, including the following:

• Leading and participating in teams that focus on one specific project for a defined period.
• Creating and using advanced statistical tools to improve processes and maximize customer satisfaction while minimizing costs.
• Developing advanced communication skills to help lead teams and explain more complex statistical methods.

Black Belts are highly skilled individuals who can effectively use advanced data-gathering systems, tools, techniques, and problem-solving strategies critical in quality engineering.

Which Level Should You Choose?

While all levels of certification are undoubtedly valuable, it’s essential to choose the one that most effectively fits your current role and desired path. If you plan to take on a leadership position, taking the Master Black Belt exam may benefit you.

On the other hand, if you’re starting with quality engineering or want to understand better what Six Sigma entails, the best choice may be the Green Belt certification.

Color Belts may be interested in learning more about how quality engineering can improve the specific department. These belts are well-versed in all areas of this field. 

Still, they may also want to remain flexible and participate in multiple project teams that will allow them to gain experience with different functions or departments within an organization.

Wrapping Up

The path you choose will significantly impact your career growth and provide you with highly valued skills in many different work environments. These quality engineering certifications can help you efficiently identify risks, quality issues, and errors.