Does Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Expire?

Six Sigma is one of the most popular management training courses in the country. However, just because so many people have become interested in it, doesn’t mean that it is any less difficult to take. The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is valid for two years, after which you must complete re-certification every two years at an additional cost. Most of the benefits of the Six Sigma training are focused towards management personnel, but the concepts can be used by anyone in many different positions. But does Six Sigma Black Belt Certification expire?

Six Sigma has been around since the early 1970s, so there have been a lot of changes in the Six Sigma Process and black belt certification requirements. Originally, certification was only offered to those involved in the actual implementation of Six Sigma Projects. Today, there is Black Belt Six Sigma Recertification Programs that can be taken by both employees and management. Because of the large number of companies that offer this certification, it is not uncommon for it to be re-certified each year, which makes Six Sigma more valuable to employers.

When choosing whether or not Six Sigma training should be completed by an individual, or if management should take the course, it is important to keep in mind the cost savings that can occur. Companies that implement Six Sigma often see significant decreases in productivity and expenses, as well as lower profits. When using a black belt system, there is a much lower rate of training needed to reach full certification, making it more affordable to smaller companies and organizations. Six Sigma can also help lower turnover, because employees are typically more excited about the opportunity than if they were going to do regular training. Employees are able to get the extra skills that they need when it is convenient for them. This alone can make Six Sigma Training more valuable to employees.

For employers who decide on implementing Six Sigma into their organization, determining when the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification will expire is just as important as determining what type of certification is necessary. Often, organizations will consider a refresher course to be sufficient, especially if the employer already has employees trained in the basics of Six Sigma. However, there may be situations where it makes more sense to take the full, black belt certification course. By knowing when the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification will expire, it allows the company to make the necessary changes, saving it money in the long run.

For employees, knowing when the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification will expire, or at least is limited, helps provide them with a greater understanding of what to expect from the company. If they have received Six Sigma training and know that the Black Belt Certification is coming up, they are able to better evaluate whether or not they are fit for the job, which can make a huge difference in their employment opportunities. In addition, knowing when the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification will be discontinued allows them to give the organization time to prepare, while also allowing them to determine whether or not they want to pursue certification further.

Before looking at the expiration date, an employer should first look at whether or not the employee is fit for certification. Most employees will need several months or even a year before they are considered for certification, especially for projects such as Six Sigma Black Belt, which is usually longer term projects than most normal job descriptions. Additionally, it requires a lot of skill, training and effort before employees are deemed fit, which means that they may be able to go back to work as soon as they complete the certification. If an employee returns after not being certified within the required time, it is best to consider them a bad fit and not continue their employment with the company, as Six Sigma training cannot always be rushed.

When employees are put on a waiting list for certification, it is best to make sure that they are doing everything possible to meet the requirements before certification can be granted. Six Sigma courses are very detailed and require employees to learn in a structured way, but there is no guarantee that learning will be accomplished within a set period of time. The methods and tools used in Six Sigma are extremely complicated, so learning from a Master Black Belt is not guaranteed. The tools that are used in Six Sigma are meant to be used in a specific order, which requires a lot of training to understand them. If an employee takes the initiative to take a Six Sigma Black Belt course and fails, they should be able to enroll in a refresher course as soon as they become qualified for certification. This allows them to still fulfill their role as a Six Sigma Black Belt without running the risk of losing certification.

When does Six Sigma Black Belt Certification expire? Certification should always be renewed if it has expired, because it gives employees a chance to refresh their knowledge and get better at their job. While many companies choose to not renew Six Sigma certification, others see it as a necessity and keep the training rolling around. Employers should look at each scenario on an individual basis to decide if it is best to notify employees of an expiration date, but most will be fine with continuing training as long as it is renewal is happening.