Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification - seems like some martial art certification, isn't it? But let me tell you that this is not even remotely connected to martial arts! What is Six Sigma then? You would be probably surprised to know that Six Sigma is a business management strategy. Originally conceptualized and developed by Motorola, Six Sigma strategy focuses on improving the quality of outputs of various processes. Now this is done by eliminating the root causes of errors and cutting down the variability as much as possible in business processes and manufacturing.

Six Sigma Certification is the authenticity and credibility a professional gets after he or she finishes a certain level of training in Six Sigma. It gives credibility to your leadership qualities and your potential in guiding complex business improvement projects to success. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is one of the top levels in Sigma training based on karate belts. So black belt is a fairly high level qualification. Here is more on that.

Requirements for Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

As mentioned earlier, based on the Six Sigma proficiency, there are belts awarded to individuals. These belts are in turn designed on the basis of karate belts. Just as you need a certain level of expertise in karate for a black belt, here too, you need to have a few things to get a Six Sigma black belt.

Requirement #1
An individual aiming for black belt in Six Sigma needs to study the body of knowledge laid down and the related study material. It shouldn't be just read, it has to be thoroughly understood. This body of knowledge includes Six Sigma strategies and particular business information. Areas like enterprise, team management, business leadership and facilitation are a few amongst those covered in the body of knowledge.

Requirement #2
Another Six Sigma certification requirement is completing a specific project. There are a couple of projects which have to be completed by a candidate along with signed affidavits. These affidavits are used for attesting the completion of the project. One more way out is completion of a single project and a signed affidavit for the same, accompanied by 3 or more years of related work experience. Projects have to be business related. A project champion has to sign the affidavits, preferably the one who has helped the candidate.

Requirement #3
Understanding and grasping of consumer concepts as reviewed and laid out in the body of knowledge is yet another thing one is required to get a Six Sigma black belt certification. In short a Six Sigma black belt aspirant should be able to define a customer and gain feedback after identifying them.

Finally, the overall framework specific to Six Sigma which is included in the body of knowledge in the Six Sigma black belt certification has to be studied and understood by a candidate. There is DMAIC - Define the problem, Measure key aspects of the current process, Analyze the data, seek the root cause of the defect under investigation, Improve or optimize the current process based upon data analysis and Control the future business processes and DMADV - Define, Measure, Analyze, Design details, and Verify methods have to made thorough.

After doing all this a Six Sigma black belt aspirant can give the certification exam. A very important factor apart from the tough requirements of this black belt certification exam is the money involved in the whole process. The certification cost can be anything from around $1000 to $4000. Hence choosing a Six Sigma program which fits your budget is advised.

All in all, a Six Sigma black belt certification is a great qualification to have. These days with the Internet, you can get loads of information online. This is where I sign off, while you go grab the black belt! Adios!