Lean Six Sigma Certification: Levels, Benefits, and How to Get Started

Key takeaways

• Getting certified in the Lean Six Sigma methodology can be a useful credential to add to your resume.

• Lean Six Sigma is an approach to business operations that combines principles from the Six Sigma and Lean methodologies. It aims to reduce waste throughout the production process while improving the process itself.

• Much like Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma certification follows a martial arts belt approach, distinguishing between beginner and advanced levels.

Learn what Lean Six Sigma certification entails and the benefits of getting certified. Afterward, learn more about Lean Six Sigma principles with the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt: Apply, Analyze & Improve Quality.

What is Lean Six Sigma?

Lean Six Sigma is a comprehensive approach to process management that combines the methodologies of Lean and Six Sigma. While Lean aims to eliminate waste and improve efficiency, Six Sigma focuses on reducing defects. The ultimate goal in using this unified method is to maximize customer value while minimizing waste.

The key principles of Lean Six Sigma include:

• Identify value from the customer's perspective

• Map the value stream

• Create flow by eliminating interruptions

• Establish pull (produce based on customer demand)

• Pursue perfection through continuous improvement

What is Lean Six Sigma certification? 

Lean Six Sigma certifications are leveled credentials that show your proficiency in this specific methodology. They often require you to have a firm knowledge of Six Sigma, such as statistical tools, quality control, and reducing variability, but Lean Six Sigma certification will also incorporate Lean principles, tools, and methodologies for waste reduction and process flow improvement.

Much like Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma certifications are broken out into levels, called “belts.” These belts follow a similar martial arts color approach, with each color reflecting the level of expertise you have achieved in Lean Six Sigma.

The five belts you can pursue include:

• White belt

• Yellow belt

• Green belt

• Black belt

• Master black belt

Lean Six Sigma by certification level  

In the table below, we outline what each belt entails, the Lean Six Sigma certification cost, and who it’s for, using information from the Council for Six Sigma Certification, the official industry standard for this accreditation.

*A self-paced exam option is also available and includes the White, Yellow, Green, and Black belts. For $349, you’ll be able to access the self-paced study guide and take the certification exams for each belt as you progress. 

4 benefits of Lean Six Sigma certification 

Getting Lean Six Sigma certified offers you several benefits in today’s competitive business landscape. If you’re considering getting certified, knowing these benefits can help you make an empowered decision. 

1. Build skills.

Going through a certification program for Lean Six Sigma can be a great opportunity to build skills to enhance your job performance in a variety of roles, including: 

• Project management 

• Agile

• Process improvement 

• Change management 

• Strategic planning

• Using software such as Tableau and Minitab

• Using programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL

• Quality assurance and quality control

• Continuous improvement 

2. Qualify for jobs.

The Lean Six Sigma methodology can boost your performance in a variety of roles. When researching career opportunities, read job descriptions carefully for mentions of Lean Six Sigma skills and certifications. 

Here’s a list of job titles you might come across in your search:

• Quality control technician

• Quality manager/engineer

• Production supervisor

• Director of quality improvement and organizational excellence

• Manufacturing engineer

• Mechanical engineer

• Director of engineering and new product development 

• Process engineer

3. Attract employers’ attention.

With this credential, you can improve your resume and become a more attractive job candidate. Lean Six Sigma certification signals your understanding of process improvement methodologies and leadership potential, which may catch the attention of employers. 

4. Increase your earning potential.

According to PayScale, the average annual base pay for Lean Six Sigma-certified professionals in the US is $92,000 [1]. Keep in mind that several factors may determine your earning potential, including location, experience, and industry demand. Getting certified at different belt levels can also affect your earning potential. 

How to get Lean Six Sigma certification

Here are some actions to take to get the most out of your Lean Six Sigma certification journey: 

Choose a certifying organization.

There are many different certifying organizations to review, including Council for Six Sigma Certification, 6Sigma.us, the International Association for Six Sigma (IASSC), ASQ, and the Six Sigma Global Institute. Look through their offerings to figure out which will be best for your goals. Some factors to consider include the cost of getting certified by the different organizations, their reputation and accreditation, and how they format the training and exams.

Choose a belt level. 

Using the table above, choose the belt level best suited to your goals. You might find it helpful to review job descriptions for roles you’re interested in to see which belt level employers list as a required or preferred qualification. In addition, consider which of the belt levels best aligns with your overall career goals.

Enroll in a training program. 

To prepare for a certification exam, it’s a good idea to enroll in a Lean Six Sigma training program. You can train through the certifying organizations explored above or find a separate training program. 

While you can build Lean Six Sigma skills on your own, enrolling in a formal Lean Six Sigma training program may offer some advantages, such as learning in a logical, structured way and gaining access to material you are likely to be tested on in a certification exam. 

Pass the certification exam. 

To obtain your Lean Six Sigma credential, you’ll need to pass the exam administered by the certification organization. Exams typically test your knowledge of the concepts, tools, and methodologies that pertain to the belt level. Before sitting for the exam, be sure to familiarize yourself with the exam format, duration, passing score, retake policies, and requirements for maintaining your certification over time. 

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