Is a Six Sigma certification worth it?

When an individual is looking for ways to improve their job prospects they will often turn to additional education, degrees, experience, and certifications. For many people, pursuing a Six Sigma certification is going to be at the top of their list of goals. It is important to ask, however, whether or not a Six Sigma certification is worth it.

How to Get a Six Sigma Certification

The first things to consider when deciding if one wants to become Six Sigma certified is how much work it will be, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. This will all depend on what level of certification is needed. For many people, a yellow belt will be a good place to start. This doesn’t take a lot of time, money, or effort. As you move up the line of certifications, they become progressively more difficult. The options include the green belt, black belt, and master black belt.

In order to attain a black belt, one would have to complete two major Six Sigma projects and pass a challenging exam. In general, this will take at least three years to complete. A master black belt can take significantly longer than that in many cases.

Is the Certification Worth it?

Given the fact that these certifications can take quite some time to attain, one needs to really ask themselves if it is worth it or not. For most people, the long-term benefits will significantly outweigh the challenges they need to overcome in order to become certified. These benefits typically include promotions, additional money, more opportunities, and more. Many companies won’t even consider a potential applicant for a higher-level management position if they don’t hold at least a green or black belt Six Sigma certification.

Another thing to note is that unlike many types of certifications, the Six Sigma certification process actually ensures that you learn the many skills that are involved with the strategies. This means that as one continues toward their certification goals, they will continue to become more and more valuable to their company, and other potential employers.