Six Sigma training helps an individual to build and utilize the tools and techniques of six sigma at work. It teaches the basic concepts but also provides extensive training in areas such as project management, quality improvement, and change management. There is also a comprehensive curriculum of projects and work packages that must be completed during the training sessions. Once the Six Sigma Yellow Belt is trained, he or she is assigned to one of two teams: the Black Belts or Green Belts, depending upon their job description. They must apply the knowledge and techniques they have been taught to improve the processes of the other team.
To become a Six Sigma Green Belt, or “Six Sigma Preferred Employee,” an individual must achieve six sigma certification at least once. There are several organizations that offer six sigma certification programs at various levels of completion. Six Sigma International offers a full range of Six Sigma courses, and in the United States and Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia, the European Commission carries out an extensive series of workshops and seminars on six sigma principles and application. Many companies also offer six sigma green belt training and certification.
A six sigma green belt is not certified until he or she has successfully completed one year of training and passed a test based upon the specific framework of six sigma methodologies. This test, called the PIQ, is provided by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In order to qualify as a Six Sigma Green Belt, one must also complete a minimum of two thousand hours of training in information technology, computer science, and business management. These are generally coursework projects given by institutions of higher learning.
The Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification is earned by professionals who have completed six sigma green belt training but do not possess the full set of tools and knowledge needed to become a black belt. The Yellow Belt certification is not intended for Black Belts or those with incomplete six sigma certifications. However, it does provide those professionals with the experience and ability to work in teams to a great advantage. The ability to work with a variety of people in a team setting is fundamental to Six Sigma development.
Because most businesses use Six Sigma in some form or another, there are many companies who require their employees to be certified in order to perform their jobs. A majority of companies also offer six sigma certification programs to individuals interested in earning the certification. While there is no formal requirement that an individual must begin training at a particular company to earn the six sigma certification, most companies do expect that candidates will have taken part in a formal training program and have completed the necessary examinations. Candidates wishing to enroll in a six sigma certification program should ensure that the organization they are joining is a part of a certification organization that has been accredited by the ISO. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) offers the most extensive six sigma certification curriculum and is the most commonly available certification in the world.
The Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification can be awarded after completion of a sixteen-week training program. Candidates can earn the six sigma certification by passing the final exam after the training period has come to an end. The six sigma yellow belt certification is considered as the most relevant and useful within the Six Sigma industry, as it focuses more on the conceptual knowledge and statistical methodologies of six sigma than the actual techniques applied. Six sigma yellow belts are required to take a one-year apprenticeship at an approved six sigma training institute, during which time they will learn all the theoretical concepts and learn how to apply them to real business situations.
A Six Sigma Yellow Belt Primary member is required to undertake both black and white belt training courses. After completing his or her apprentice training, the Yellow Belt is able to complete two further six sigma black belt courses. The Black Belt certification is the highest level of training attainable in the industry. It is considered as the pinnacle of a Six Sigma practitioner’s career and is generally awarded to candidates with significant experience in the field. Candidates who successfully complete the six sigma master certification exam are awarded the official six sigma yellow belt certification.