Six Sigma Certification
According to Motorola, the company that originated the Six Sigma methodology in 1986, Six Sigma certification is “a confirmation of a person's capabilities with respect to successfully leading and supporting Six Sigma project teams. It entails learning the appropriate skills, passing a written proficiency test and displaying competency in a real-world environment.”
But the real value of Six Sigma certification was perhaps best illustrated by George Eckes, best-selling author and founder and president of Eckes & Associates, Inc., a world-renowned Six Sigma training and consulting organization. Eckes asserted that, “Six Sigma certification validates your commitment to quality, increases your earning potential, and offers you a competitive advantage in the workplace.”
Putting specific numbers on that value, the iSixSigma Magazine article titled “Six Sigma Certification” stated that 29% of Six Sigma Black Belts received a promotion within a year of earning certification. Furthermore, certified Six Sigma Black Belts can earn up to $38,000 more than their uncertified counterparts, according to the iSixSigma Global Salary Survey. The publication also noted that the average salary of U.S. Six Sigma Master Black Belts is $134,779. Compared to the $104,083 average compensation of U.S. Six Sigma Black Belts, that’s equivalent to a $30,000 raise.
The training required to earn industry-recognized Six Sigma certification is available from numerous consultants and institutions on-site, at off-site seminars and online. However, the only provider in the world to offer 100% online Six Sigma certifications – including Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Lean Sensei Six Sigma and Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – is nationally recognized Villanova University. Along with these certifications, the program awards a certificate to each student for every course they complete, providing them with additional valuable credentials for their resume.