What is the Cost of Six Sigma certification?

Six Sigma certification is one of the most popular certifications in the corporate world because it focuses on problem-solving and defect reduction. But most aspiring professionals who are interested in this certification, don’t know much about the cost of six sigma certification.

Because this certification has 4 different levels, which start from the Yellow belt then the Green belt after that Black belt, and then comes the expert level Master black belt. Each Six Sigma certification level has a different cost which depends on the certification body like ASQ, CSSC, and IASSC, etc.

As the cost of certification is different for different certification bodies, it is very important for all the interested professionals that they should know the cost of all types of belt-level certifications. So that they can select the best certification in terms of belt level, certification body, and which one is affordable for them.

In this article, I am going to provide you the detailed information about the cost of Six Sigma certification like ASQ, CSSC, etc. Then in the end you will get in-depth clarity about the cost of different certification bodies for different belt levels. So let’s start…

What is Six Sigma certification?

Achieving certification in Six Sigma methodology will open a lot of career opportunities in front of you. Because Six Sigma certification is applicable to any industry like manufacturing/services that deals directly with the end customers. This certification will help you stand out from the crowd as a problem solver and effective leader. 

In today’s competitive market, organizations need employees who are good at problem-solving and decision making, who can effectively lead the team at the workplace and produce the best possible results, who can help them fulfilling the customer demand on time without any defects or errors. 

Overall organization wants qualified employees who can help them stay ahead of the competition. For this Certified Six Sigma professionals are the best option in front of the organization which not only helps companies in defect or error reduction but also helps in overall process improvement at the organization.

Read this – 15 reasons why you should go for Six Sigma certification

Six Sigma professionals are relentlessly focused on identifying problems and inefficiencies in processes and removing them. That’s why certified Six Sigma professionals are considered valuable assets for the organization, many businesses are on the hunt for qualified Six Sigma practitioners.

With this increase in demand, Most professionals are now becoming interested in Six Sigma certification. They want to achieve different belt levels and learn different tools and techniques to become problem solvers at their workplace.

What exactly is the meaning of Six Sigma certification?

Six sigma certification represents that the person has the ability to improve business processes (like manufacturing and service), eliminate defects, reduce process variation, and increase the quality of product, by using a set of tools and techniques like DMAIC/DMADV cycle, along with a problem-solving mindset given by Six Sigma methodology.

Six Sigma certification helps validate professionals who are skilled in identifying risks, variations, errors, or defects in a business process and removing them. This certification helps you become a specialist in process improvement and will enhance your credibility.

Benefits of Six Sigma certification – 

1. Exponential Career Growth.
2. Improves your leadership ability.
3. Excellent salary hike.
4. Recognition across different industries as a process improvement consultant.
5. Become a valuable asset for the organization.
6. Gain hands-on experience in problem-solving.

Now let’s see in detail about the certification bodies that provide global Six Sigma certifications.

How to get a Six Sigma certification?

All the global certification bodies provide two types of certifications for different belt levels i.e. Six Sigma certification and Lean Six Sigma certification. Certification bodies like ASQ, CSSC, etc. provide Six Sigma certification while on the other hand, certification bodies like IASSC, TUV-SUD provide Lean Six Sigma certification.

All these global certification bodies have different formats of certification exams for different belt levels and the cost structure is also different. In this article, I am going to talk about the Cost of Six Sigma certifications from certification bodies like ASQ, CSSC, etc.

(You can check out the details about IASSC and TUV certification bodies in the below article.)

Read this – What is the cost of IASSC and TUV Lean Six Sigma certification?

Here we are going to focus on ASQ and CSSC certification bodies. When we talk about Six Sigma certification, as we know it has 4 levels of belts Yellow belt, Green belt, Black belt, and Master black belt. ASQ and CSSC provide certification in these 4 levels of belts, they have a well-defined body of knowledge for each belt level.

To achieve these different belt-level Six Sigma certifications, professionals need to prepare/study as per the body of knowledge defined by the certification body for that particular belt level. Once you complete the study and understand all the topics from the body of knowledge then you are ready to go for the official exam.

Every belt level represents a certain level of proficiency in Six Sigma methodology like the yellow belt is an effective team member and knows the basic fundamentals of Six Sigma methodology, the Green belt is also a team member and capable of leading small-scale improvement projects.

Black belt is the team leader of improvement projects who has in-depth knowledge of Six Sigma methodology. Then comes Master black belt, he is an expert in Six Sigma and provides guidance to the team. So after achieving these different belt-level Six Sigma certifications, you will get the respective belt-level proficiency in Six Sigma methodology.

If you pass the respective belt level Six Sigma certification you will get the certification badge from ASQ and CSSC. If you failed then you can reapply for the official exam, for more details please check out the official sites of these certification bodies. That’s the basic process of getting certification.

Now let’s see some important information about the certification body.

1. American Society for Quality (ASQ) – 

ASQ (American Society for Quality) is a global voice of quality and one of the oldest quality certification bodies founded in 1946. It is a knowledge-based global community of quality professionals with nearly 80000 members dedicated to promoting and advancing quality tools, principles, and practices in their workplace and communities.

ASQ provides training, coaching, and consultancy services globally across 130 countries. They have the reputation and reach to bring together the diverse quality champions who are transforming the world’s corporations, organizations, and communities to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

ASQ facilitates performance improvement and capability development for many international organizations in the healthcare sector, pharma sector, chemical, and process industries, automotive industries, etc. Their certification is accepted in all types of organizations like TATA group, Infosys, HCL, Genpact, and many more.

ASQ Certified Six Sigma professional means the professional successfully demonstrated their competence in the subject matters as determined by professionally developed exams based on the ASQ body of knowledge. 

ASQ offers a total of 18 types of quality certifications, they are respected and well recognized across industries. To appear for these certification exams you need to meet the requirements given by ASQ it could be a work-ex requirement or training requirement.

All the certifications have different requirements so I would suggest you check this on the official site of ASQ. When you meet those requirements then you are eligible for the official certification exam. Then just you have to apply for the exam and prepare for the exam as per the body of knowledge.

ASQ offers 4 types of highly reputed Six Sigma certifications and each certification has a different body of knowledge and exam fees –

• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Master Black belt.
• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black belt.
• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green belt.
• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Yellow belt.

Read more – ASQ vs IASSC; how to select right Six Sigma certification?

2. Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) – 

Council for Six Sigma Certification was established in 2005 by a leading Six Sigma trainer and mentor Craig Setter. CSSC created a set of standards that will help six sigma training programs and institutions across the world, teach effective and applicable six sigma certification courses.

Their accreditation program contributes to the six sigma industry by making sure that training and certification providers are offering courses that cover important fundamental concepts of Six Sigma methodology.

CSSC continuously working on a goal to help both the Six Sigma industry as well as the businesses and the professionals who use Six Sigma tools to improve business processes.

CSSC is the largest industry accreditation provider to colleges, universities, and private training organizations all over the world. They not only provide free Six Sigma training material to universities, government agencies, and all fortune 500 companies but also provide affordable certification options for those who looking to enhance their careers. 

By providing this accreditation, CSSC wants to help Six Sigma training providers demonstrate their legitimacy and become trusted by students/professionals who are seeking training and certification from trusted sources or platforms.

By setting standards for Six Sigma certification, the Council for Six Sigma certification body seeks not only to improve training programs industry-wide but to improve the companies and professionals who rely on these Six Sigma training programs for long-term success.

CSSC offers 4 types of Six Sigma certifications, they are respected and well-recognized across the industries. To appear for these certification exams you need to meet the requirements given by CSSC it could be a work-ex requirement or training requirement. (For more details please check out their site)

CSSC offers 4 types of global Six Sigma certifications and each certification has a different body of knowledge with a different cost for each six sigma certification –

• CSSC Certified Six Sigma Master black belt.
• CSSC Certified Six Sigma Black belt.
• CSSC Certified Six Sigma Green belt.
• CSSC Certified Six Sigma Yellow belt.

Certification exams from such global bodies as ASQ, CSSC are difficult to pass, you have to give your 100% effort in understanding the Six Sigma concepts then only you can crack this exam at the first attempt and become the global Six Sigma certified professional from ASQ and CSSC.

These Six Sigma certifications boost your profile and after certification, you should focus on implementing your learning at the workplace, perform improvement projects, and master the Six Sigma methodology by solving real-life problems, that will make you a perfect problem solver at your workplace.

Steps to get Six Sigma certification – 

1. First, you should select a certification body. (ASQ, CSSC)
2. After that select the Six Sigma certification belt level, you want to appear. (Yellow, Green, Black, Master black)
3. Then start preparation as per the body of knowledge for the respective belt level and certification body.
4. You can do self-study or you can join the training programs that are aligned with ASQ and CSSC body of knowledge.
5. After preparation test your knowledge using a practice test, this will strengthen your understanding. 
6. Then purchase the exam voucher from the certification body (ASQ/CSSC) and then appear for the exam. (strictly follow the guidelines given by the certification body)
7. Once you pass the exam you will get the final results via mail with the respective certification badge (MBB, BB, GB, YB).

Enroll now – Highest rated practice tests for (ASQ/IASSC/CSSC)Six Sigma certifications exam preparation.

What is the cost of Six Sigma certification?

One of the critical factors when it comes to selecting the certification body is the Cost of Six Sigma certification. ASQ and CSSC have different cost structures for the different belt-level six sigma certifications. So now let’s understand the format of different belt-level exams of ASQ and CSSC, also compare these certification bodies on the Cost factor.

Six Sigma Yellow belt certification –

1. ASQ Six Sigma Yellow belt 

2. CSSC Six Sigma Yellow belt 

Six Sigma Green Belt certification –

1. ASQ Six Sigma Green belt 

2. CSSC Six Sigma Green belt 

Six Sigma Black Belt certification –

1. ASQ Six Sigma Black belt 

2. CSSC Six Sigma Black belt 

Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification –

1. ASQ Six Sigma Master Black belt 

2. CSSC Six Sigma Master Black belt 

Conclusion – 

The cost of Six Sigma certification matters a lot for aspiring professionals when it comes to selecting the right global Six Sigma certification body like ASQ and CSSC. They want a certification that is recognized and affordable for them.

So in this article, I have discussed in detail the cost structure of the Six Sigma certification from ASQ and CSSC. I hope now you can make the right choice while selecting your certification.

If you found this article useful then please share it in your network and subscribe to get more such articles.