There are several different kinds of training for a Six Sigma green belt. You can take my six sigma certification online for two hours straight through your computer, or you can take an online course for four weeks that has you studying the material in a classroom over the Internet. Some people prefer the flexibility of an online course, and that’s a valid reason for taking one, but you don’t really need to take a full-length training course to get the green belt certification most companies desire.
Green Belts is able to pick and choose which classes they take. This means they can set their own schedule, work on it at their own pace, and work at their own time. That kind of independence is crucial to a Six Sigma professional, because being a Six Sigma Black Belt doesn’t just happen; it takes dedication on the part of the student and the teacher alike. When you get your Six Sigma green belt certification, you will have made a big step forward in your career.
Once you’ve gotten your Six Sigma certification, you will still have to take continuing education courses to keep it valid. Just like anything else in life, you can’t keep learning the same stuff forever. In this world, there are always new and improved things, and your certification will be outdated in a year or two.
So what can you do to ensure you’re getting the most out of your Six Sigma Green Belt certification? The first thing is to get the most out of your training. If you stick with one company, they’ll figure out exactly how to train you, and it will be easy for you. If you choose to go through an online provider, make sure they offer real-life consulting hours. Real-life consulting means you’ll have a trainer with you every step of the way, and that trainer can give you candid advice about which areas you need to concentrate your efforts on.
You might also want to ask if your provider offers hands-on projects and workshops. When you go through Six Sigma courses, sometimes you’re not sure how to apply what you learned in class. It’s great if your green belt provider can set you up with a project that you can complete over a series of weeks or months to see how you and others can apply the concepts in your green belt certification. It will give you a sense of confidence in yourself and will show potential employers that you know how to get the most out of your job.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the value of networking. In a very competitive field like six sigma, getting outside the circle of people who know the ins and outs of the process is going to pay off big time. If you can get on a conference call with a consultant who has used Six Sigma for a business, that’s just the start. Networking is key, no matter what your certification level is, because you need to learn how others are thinking and what they’re looking for. That’s why people who go lean six sigma green belt certification tend to outperform those who choose other certifications, even though they may have a more extensive training and certification track record.
Getting six sigma certification is a huge step in your career. You’ll have the ability to move up and become higher management and move into projects of your own. Lean Six sigma training will open up a world of opportunities for you and allow you to increase profits while cutting expenses. Remember, with this certification, you’ll be able to go after more jobs than ever before. Take the first step by going for the green belt certification.