Germany is not an easy place to get a Six Sigma certification, and that is why there is such a big demand for Six Sigma training in Europe. Most of the companies that offer Six Sigma training do require a certification before they will even consider hiring you. Lean Six Sigma Certification requires at least a Master’s degree in business, but certification programs will also require both a black belt and master’s degree. Because of the sheer size of Six Sigma, it is usually best to take both a black belt and a Master’s level course, which will enable you to focus your attention on a specific area of the process and will make it easier to apply what you have learned in class to real problems in the workplace.
There are many options for Six Sigma training and getting certification from a reputable provider will enable you to gain maximum benefit from the Six Sigma process. Most certification programs will last four years, though some can be shortened if an employer or customer requires it. To enroll in certification programs, you will need to do a little research to find out which schools and which courses are best suited to your needs. You will need to find out the curriculum and training methods used at the schools that you are interested in learning from. Some schools are more hands-on and rely solely on textbooks and lecture to teach students. Others rely on computer-based learning methods and video tutorials.
Most Six Sigma courses are held on a full-time basis at the school and require a significant amount of dedication, both in terms of time and money. For this reason, it is usually best to choose a certification program that has a flexible schedule and will allow you to fit it around your work and family life. You will also be able to attend the classes at your convenience, which is especially beneficial if you have a busy career.
When choosing a Six Sigma certification program, it is also important to consider whether or not the provider offers any assistance with job placement. In the business world today, it is rare to find a company that will hire someone blindly based on a certification. Employers want to know that they are hiring someone who will be successful, and this is why training and support at the completion of the certification program is so important. If you are having trouble finding an employer who will hire you on the strength of your Six Sigma certification, it may be worthwhile to pay for your certification and then approach employers after you have received your certification.
The time it takes to successfully complete lean six sigma certification is variable, depending on your level of experience and training. There is no set maximum time required to complete certification, but most training programs will expect that you spend one to two years learning how to use the tools and processes taught within the program. There are some employers who actually prefer that certification is awarded on a yearly basis, but this should be at the discretion of the employer and you should always discuss this matter with the training provider.
Some people choose to get their certification from training providers that offer a shortened version of the course. This allows them to get their certification in half the time that it would take if they completed the whole course on their own. Most companies offering lean six sigma certifications do expect their students to have worked in the industry for several years before receiving the certification and to have completed other training in the field as well. Some companies may even require their trainees to take an exam that can determine their proficiency in the tools and processes taught within the program. You should discuss this option with the training provider before you begin the lean six sigma certification process.
Some lean six sigma courses can only be taken online, while others may require that you attend a class on site. This should be discussed with the training provider, so that you know what options are available to you. If you cannot attend in person, you will likely need to do your learning online using e-books and online videos. Some websites may even have actual live instructors at some lean six sigma training events to discuss issues with you and help you understand the tools and processes. The advantage of online learning is that you do not have to rush your education, so you can complete the course in your own timeframe.