Six Sigma Training: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Program

What Kind of Six Sigma Training is the Best for You?

Many aspiring continuous improvement professionals ask which Six Sigma training program they should choose. It’s a common question with no one-size-fits-all answer. For example:

For example;

Hi Ted,

I’m considering a college course on six sigma before taking the next step with you. I believe you suggested this in your 1st email.

Purdue has one so i reached out to them but do you recommend any one in particular?

Thanks, Krystal

I do always recommend taking accredited Six Sigma training before making use of my guides to try to pass a certification exam.

But when it comes to choosing which training program to do, there is no simple answer. It really depends on your specific situation. The best Six Sigma training for you will hinge on factors like your career goals, current experience, learning style, budget, and even your employer’s expectations.

In this guide, we’ll break down what Six Sigma training involves, the different ways you can get trained, how to evaluate programs, and how to match a course to your needs. By the end, you should have a clear idea of how to choose the right Six Sigma training and be ready to take the next step in your professional development.

What Is Six Sigma Training?

Six Sigma is a methodology focused on improving business processes by reducing variability and defects. Six Sigma training teaches you a structured approach (usually the DMAIC framework: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and equips you with tools to identify inefficiencies, analyze data, and implement process-driven improvements. Often, these programs are combined with Lean principles (as “Lean Six Sigma”) to also eliminate waste and speed up processes.

Most Six Sigma training programs are organized around belt levels, similar to martial arts:

• White Belt: Entry-level basics and awareness of Six Sigma concepts.
• Yellow Belt: Fundamental principles and terminology; participates in project teams.
• Green Belt: Intermediate training focusing on data analysis and leading smaller projects (often part-time in addition to regular role).
• Black Belt: Advanced training in statistical analysis, project leadership, and change management for full-time process improvement roles.
• Master Black Belt: Expert level focusing on strategy, training/mentoring other belts, and overseeing company-wide improvement initiatives.

Training for each belt sometimes builds on the previous level, but it’s usually not required for you to achieve a ‘lower’ belt before getting later belt.

It’s helpful to pick the right Six Sigma belt based on where you are in your career, too. For example, Black Belt courses often require completing a project that demonstrates real-world application. The right level to start with depends on your experience and goals, if you’re new to process improvement, you might begin with Yellow or Green Belt, whereas experienced professionals leading projects might go straight to Black Belt training.

Types of Six Sigma Training Options

Six Sigma training is offered in a variety of formats. Choosing the format that fits you can be just as important as choosing the provider. Here are the most common options and what to expect from each:

In-Person Six Sigma Courses

Traditional classroom training is offered by many universities, colleges, and professional institutes. In-person courses provide structured learning with face-to-face instruction, scheduled classes, and peer interaction. For example, local colleges often have Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt courses as part of their continuing education programs.

I earned my own Green Belt by taking an in-person course at a community college. It was a 12-week program with weekly classes, homework, a real-world project requirement, and a final exam. The hands-on project and interaction with instructors and classmates gave me a strong foundation in applying Six Sigma tools. Many reputable universities (like Purdue University or University of Michigan) also offer on-campus or bootcamp-style Six Sigma programs, which can carry academic credit or a respected certificate.

I personally took Six Sigma Greenbelt classes at my local community college years ago. It was held over the course of a semester and required regular class attendance, homework, a final exam, and a semester-long capstone project.

Here’s an example of the Six Sigma Green Belt description offered by my local community college:

Six Sigma Green Belt Training @ CPCC 12 week training Course with regular quizzes, Real-world Applied Case study DMAIC Project, Capstone exam. You’ll learn through a blended program of classroom instruction and online instructor-led labs.

To graduate with Green Belt Certification, the course requirements are as follows:

•Active attendance and participation in classroom instructions
•Complete all on-line modules with post-test scores of > 80%
•Approval of a project report demonstrating Lean Six Sigma methodology
•Passing grade of > 80% on the final exam

Strengths of in-person training: You get direct access to instructors for immediate feedback, opportunities to network with classmates, and a structured schedule that keeps you on track. These programs often have robust curricula and may include campus resources or career services.

Drawbacks: Classroom courses typically require a significant time commitment (spanning weeks or months) and have fixed schedules, which can be tough if you’re working full-time. They can also be more expensive than other options. If you don’t live near a provider, travel might be necessary (though some universities now offer live-online sessions to simulate the classroom experience remotely).

Online Six Sigma Courses

Online Six Sigma training has become very popular and ranges from self-paced video lessons to interactive instructor-led courses. There are university-backed online programs (for instance, Villanova University’s online Six Sigma courses or those on Coursera/edX offered by schools like MIT and Technische Universität München) as well as private training companies and platforms (like SixSigmaCertificationCourse.com, SixSigmaStudyGuide’s own courses, Udemy, and more).

I personally took an online Black Belt course with Villanova University years ago largely because it was what the company I was employed with offered. It was a 16-week program blending recorded lectures, live Q&A sessions, textbooks, and even an assigned project. The mix of media kept it engaging, and I could balance it with my work schedule. Online training can be very effective if you need flexibility – you often can progress at your own pace (for self-paced courses) or attend live virtual classes from anywhere.

Villanova Six Sigma Black Belt training: $4,095

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt  This 16-week course is ideal for knowledgeable Green Belt practitioners or those with equivalent experience who would like to enhance their status as recognized leaders.

12 week training Course with regular quizzes, Case study DMAIC Project, Capstone.

Join successful project managers who are saving billions by improving productivity, reducing waste, variation and defects.

Strengths of online training: Flexible scheduling and the convenience of learning from anywhere. There’s a huge variety of courses to choose from globally, at different price points. Many online programs include downloadable materials, practice exercises, and some level of instructor support or community forums. If you’re self-motivated, you may complete a course faster than a traditional semester. Some online courses are even free or low-cost (you can audit courses on platforms like edX for free, or find affordable options on Udemy).

Drawbacks: The quality of online courses can vary widely. Some budget courses might be too superficial, focusing only on exam prep without real project experience. You might miss out on in-person practice of team exercises or networking. It’s important to ensure an online program is reputable, ideally accredited or aligned with a known Six Sigma Body of Knowledge. Also, staying disciplined in a self-paced environment can be challenging if you don’t set aside regular study time.

On-the-Job Six Sigma Training

Many companies run their own internal Six Sigma training programs to cultivate improvement skills in-house. If you’re employed at an organization that values continuous improvement, there’s a good chance they have (or can create) opportunities for you to train on the job. Typically, experienced Six Sigma Black Belts or Master Black Belts within the company will coach a group of employees to become Green Belts or Black Belts by guiding them through real projects.

I have personally coached colleagues through Green Belt projects as part of an internal training program at a past employer. In these scenarios, you apply Six Sigma to a genuine business problem, learning as you go with guidance from a mentor. The training might be less formal – perhaps occasional workshops and hands-on project work rather than a fixed curriculum – but the experience is very practical.

Strengths of on-the-job training: It’s directly tied to results that matter for your organization. You get to work on actual problems, which can reinforce learning better than hypothetical exercises. Often, companies will sponsor your certification exam or bring in external trainers for a group, so you might get training at little to no personal cost. Plus, completing a successful Six Sigma project at work immediately showcases your skills to management and can lead to career opportunities.

Drawbacks: The structure and depth of internal training can vary. Some companies may not have a certified instructor, and the “curriculum” might be informal or inconsistent. You could end up learning only the specific tools needed for your project, which might leave gaps in your broader Six Sigma knowledge. Additionally, if your company’s Six Sigma program is new or not well-supported, you might not get the same depth of knowledge you’d get from a dedicated course. In some cases, companies still expect you to pursue an external certification to validate your knowledge after the internal training.

Comparison of Top Six Sigma Training Providers

Once you’ve thought about the format of training that suits you, it’s time to compare specific providers. There are countless organizations and schools offering Six Sigma courses, but they are not all equal. Some programs align with internationally recognized certification standards (like ASQ or IASSC), while others are more focused on practical application. Below is a comparison chart of top Six Sigma training providers, including which certifying body’s curriculum they align with, plus their key strengths and weaknesses:

Be Sure Your Course Matches the Certiying Body You Choose

(Certifying Body Aligned” refers to whether the training’s curriculum is aligned with a well-known Six Sigma certification standard. For example, ASQ = American Society for Quality, IASSC = International Association for Six Sigma Certification, IISE = Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers. Aligning with one of these means the course covers that organization’s defined Body of Knowledge for a given belt level.

It’s not fun to discover the course you paid for and put considerable time and effort into does NOT align with the certification you want.

“the course I (took) did not relate to the exam – I like this about your study guide…How topics are explained and then have exam examples but also relate to the real world.” – Naomi Haynes

For more on how to choose which Certifying Body to use, check out my post on Most Recognized Six Sigma Organizations.

As you can see, each provider has its niche. Some, like ASQ, are directly tied to the official certification body – meaning their training is widely respected but comes with high cost and formality. Others, like SixSigma.us or SSGI, are third-party companies that follow industry standards (aligning their material with ASQ or IASSC guidelines) and often provide a more hands-on or accessible approach. University programs (e.g., Villanova, or courses offered through Coursera/edX) lend academic credibility and depth, whereas platforms like Udemy or LinkedIn Learning focus on flexibility and bite-sized learning, respectively.

Pro Tip: When evaluating a provider, check if they include the certification exam fee or if you have to arrange certification separately. Also look for reviews or testimonials from past students – for instance, some providers share success stories, or you can find discussions on forums (like Reddit or LinkedIn groups) about people’s experiences with a particular course. Real feedback can confirm if a program’s strengths and weaknesses match what you need.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Six Sigma Program

Because there is no universally “perfect” Six Sigma course, it’s important to consider how well a given program aligns with your needs. Use the following criteria as a checklist when comparing options:

• Certification Alignment: Does the training prepare you for a well-recognized certification exam (such as those from ASQ, IASSC, or IISE)? If your industry or employer prefers a specific certifying body, this is crucial. For example, government and healthcare organizations often value ASQ certifications, while many global companies recognize IASSC. Choosing a course aligned with the right standard ensures the curriculum covers the required Body of Knowledge and that you’ll be well-prepared for the exam. (See our guide on the most recognized Six Sigma certifications for insight into which credentials carry the most weight in the industry.)
• Course Content and Depth: Look at the syllabus or topics covered. Does it balance theory and practice? The best courses teach statistical concepts and how to apply them through case studies or projects. Also consider what materials are provided: Do you get textbooks or e-books? Access to statistical software (like Minitab or SigmaXL) for practice? Are there quizzes or practice exams to test your knowledge? A good program will offer comprehensive resources to reinforce learning. (For instance, some courses include hundreds of practice questions and sample project templates to ensure you can apply what you learn.)
• Instructor Expertise and Support: Who are the instructors or mentors? Great Six Sigma training often includes access to experienced Master Black Belts as teachers. Check if you can ask questions (live Q&A sessions, discussion forums, or email support) and if the instructors have real-world project experience. Also, see if there is mentorship for your project work – some programs assign an advisor to review your progress or coach you through your Six Sigma project.
• Learning Format and Style: Be honest about how you learn best. If you need structure and accountability, an instructor-led course (in-person or live online with set class times) might be better than self-paced videos. If you prefer learning by doing, seek programs that require a project or at least include hands-on simulations. Everyone has a different learning style: some thrive in a classroom environment with group activities, while others do well studying solo at their own pace. Choose a format that you’re most likely to stick with and absorb effectively.
• Schedule and Time Commitment: Consider your current commitments. Do you have the bandwidth to attend a 10-week or 16-week course with weekly assignments? Or do you need something you can spread over six months at your convenience? Also, how quickly do you need to get certified? If you’re aiming for a promotion or a job opportunity that requires certification soon, you might opt for an intensive bootcamp or a program you can complete quickly. On the other hand, if you’re learning for long-term career development, you might prefer a more extensive course that you can take your time with.
• Cost and Value: Prices for Six Sigma training range from free (or the cost of a book) to several thousands of dollars. Set a budget and see what options fit into it. Remember to factor in exam fees – for example, the official ASQ Black Belt exam fee is significant, often a few hundred dollars by itself. Sometimes paying more upfront for a well-regarded course can pay off if it improves your chances of passing the exam on the first try (or if it includes the exam voucher and materials). Also check if your employer will sponsor or reimburse your training – many companies have professional development budgets. If so, ensure the program meets any criteria they have (they might require an accredited provider or a certain type of certificate).
• Prerequisites and Eligibility: Especially for higher belts like Black Belt or Master Black Belt programs, there may be prerequisites such as a certain amount of work experience, a prior Green Belt certification, or even the requirement to have a project identified. Make sure you qualify for the training you’re considering. If you’re just starting out, a program that expects participants to already have project experience might not be the best fit (yet).
• Expected Outcomes: Think about why you’re pursuing Six Sigma training. Are you aiming to gain practical skills to apply directly at work and save money or improve quality in your process? Or is your primary goal to add a prestigious certification to your resume? Different programs may serve different purposes. For example, some courses are very exam-focused (to get you certified quickly) while others emphasize real-world application (to help you actually run projects). Some provide a certificate of completion from the provider, while others set you up to pass an external certification exam. Ensure the program’s outcome aligns with what you want to achieve.

Keep these factors in mind as you research and speak with training providers. It often helps to rank which criteria are most important to you – for instance, you might be willing to take a pricier course if it’s the only one that fits your busy schedule, or you might sacrifice schedule flexibility to attend a program that’s highly respected by your industry.

Aligning Your Training Choice with Organizational Goals

Another critical element in picking the right Six Sigma training is considering your organization’s goals and expectations. The “best” choice can differ depending on whether you’re doing this on your own or with your company’s support. Here are some scenarios to think about:

• Your Employer’s Preferred Certification: Some companies have a strong preference for certain certifications or training providers. For example, your employer might only recognize Belt certifications from ASQ, or they might be impressed if you went through a well-known program like GE’s legendary Six Sigma training. If your manager or HR has hinted at a preferred certification or provider, lean towards that path. It will make it easier to get buy-in and recognition at work. (It’s worth having a conversation with your boss or mentors about this before you commit, to see if one credential will carry more weight than others internally.)
• Internal Training Programs vs. External Courses: Find out if your company already offers Six Sigma training internally or through a partnership. If so, taking advantage of that could be a smart move – it shows initiative and you might get to work on a project that directly benefits your team. On the other hand, if your company lacks a Six Sigma program, pursuing an external certification might not only advance your career but also enable you to bring new skills back to the organization. In some cases, your company might even sponsor your external training if you can make the case that it will help the business. Align your choice with how you plan to apply it at work.
• Organizational Culture – Academic vs. Practical: Different organizations value different things. In some engineering or pharmaceutical companies, having a rigorous, academically recognized Black Belt certification (like one from a university program or ASQ) might lend you more credibility. In contrast, a fast-moving tech company or startup might care less about the pedigree of your certificate and more about whether you can quickly implement improvements. Think about your company’s culture: do they place importance on formal credentials and extensive training, or do they prefer scrappy, hands-on problem-solving? Choose a training program that aligns with those expectations. For instance, an academic-style course might dive deeper into statistics (which a data-driven organization would appreciate), whereas a practical workshop might focus on tools and rapid results (which a lean-oriented company might prefer).
• Long-Term Organizational Plans: Consider how Six Sigma fits into your organization’s future. Is your company embarking on a Lean Six Sigma deployment across the business? If yes, getting certified now (and even choosing a provider that offers the next belt level later) could position you as a leader in that initiative. Alternatively, if you’re one of the first in your company to pursue this, you might choose a broadly recognized certification that will allow you to build a Six Sigma program from the ground up. Also, if your company values continuous improvement but doesn’t yet have a formal program, your success after training could pave the way for others – an opportunity to become a Six Sigma champion internally.
• Networking and Team Learning Opportunities: Sometimes companies send a cohort of employees to get trained together, or you might be considering training along with colleagues. If a team from your company will train together, an on-site or customized training might be ideal (some providers will tailor courses for a specific company’s context). If you’re doing this mostly for your own professional growth, you might lean toward programs where you can meet peers from other companies (expanding your network). There’s also value in interacting with professionals from other industries during training – they can offer different perspectives and ideas that you might bring back to your job.

By aligning your training choice with your organization’s goals, you ensure that the time and money you invest will directly support your career progression and your company’s needs. This alignment can also make it easier to get employer support, whether that’s approval for tuition reimbursement, time off for studying, or simply moral support for your efforts. In the end, a Six Sigma certification should benefit both you and your organization – when chosen wisely, it will.

Final Thoughts on Selecting a Six Sigma Course

Choosing a Six Sigma training program is a personal decision with multiple factors to weigh. Remember these key points as you decide:

• There is no single “best” provider for everyone. The right course is the one that fits your goals, budget, timeline, and learning style. What worked for someone else might not be perfect for you, and that’s okay.
• Don’t be afraid to use multiple resources. You might take one formal course and supplement it with other workshops, books, or online materials. In fact, truly effective Six Sigma practitioners continue learning from various sources over their careers. (Just as a doctor continually learns new techniques long after medical school, you should plan on ongoing learning in process improvement – getting a Green Belt or Black Belt is a milestone, not the end of the journey.)
• Focus on your mission and get started. It’s easy to fall into “analysis paralysis” with all the options out there. Identify what you want out of Six Sigma – a promotion, a new skill set, a career change, better project results – and choose an option that meets your most important criteria. Don’t let the perfect option elude you and delay your progress. A good training that you start now is better than an ideal training that you put off indefinitely. In other words, don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.
• Practice, practice, practice. Whichever training you choose, plan to apply the concepts in real life as soon as possible. The sooner you run a project or use the tools at work, the more your training will pay off. Six Sigma is learned by doing – your certification will mean a lot more when it’s backed by real results you’ve achieved.

By taking the time to assess your options and considering factors like format, content, credibility, and organizational fit, you’re setting yourself up for success. The fact that you’re doing this research means you’re serious about improvement, and that initiative is the most important step. Now, it’s about choosing a path and moving forward.