Welcome to Six Sigma Study Guide!
Certifications matter. And the organization that certifies you matters. But every organization isn’t right for everyone. So it’s important to determine what matters to you most. What do you want out of your certification.
Some common criteria include, but are not limited to:
Employment prospects.
Is the certification respected? Does it carry weight? Will it improve your resume? In my opinion, ASQ is the most difficult and the most highly-regarded certification on the market.
Backed by a professional organization.
Are there networking and professional development opportunities with that organization? ASQ provides a rich organization you can leverage through out your career.
Cost
How much does the training certification itself cost?
- Villanova, Moresteam, and others are some companies that offer training and certification together and are more expensive.
- ASQ also offers training but also offers certification separately. Both together are expensive.
- Many universities offer training and self-certify those who complete their courses.
Does is requires continuing education activities to keep active (which may carry cost with it)?
- ASQ and Villanova both require continuing education credits, which can carry a cost.
Do the trainers also offer certification?
- Some people like the convenience of having an organization that can provide both the training and certification. Villanova, Moresteam, ASQ, and others fit this.
- Others feel that there is a certain moral ambiguity if a training organization certifies its participants. For example, how likely is it that a contracted Six Sigma trainer will fail to certify people who pay thousands of dollars for their training? IASSC and ASQ both offer standalone certifications.
If you have not yet chosen a six sigma organization, I’d suggest looking at those criteria and making up your mind on where you stand on those issues before continuing.
Check with your network
I’d also suggest checking with your network. What do they suggest? Who do you know is where you want to be professionally? What should you do to duplicate their success? What would they suggest to your now?
They’re not mutually exclusive.
There’s no rule stating that you can’t get multiple Six Sigma Green Belt certifications. If it’s easier to obtain one right now, do so. Then pursue another one if you feel it more advantageous. It’s better to be certified with anyone than not be certified at all.
Whatever you decide, it’s important to remember that the best a certification can do is get you an interview. It’s your experience and your answers that will determine the success of that interview.
Next steps
It seems that everybody is talking about getting their Six Sigma Green Belt these days. Starting your Six Sigma journey with a Green Belt certification will put you on a great path for success.
But studying for a Six Sigma Green Belt can be hard. Really hard.
Luckily, I’m here to help!
Tomorrow, I’ll send you a few hand-picked articles to help you plan your study so you can pass your Six Sigma Green Belt certification exam the first time!
I know you’re busy. Your time is precious. With limited time on your hands there are a few things that are absolutely critical to get right, so make sure to keep an eye on your in box tomorrow for my email which lays it all out.
If you ever have any questions, I’m just an email away.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Ted Hessing