You’re hoping to advance your career as a mechanical engineer. So, is Six Sigma certification worth it? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Six Sigma Certification?
Six Sigma certification shows a mechanical engineer understands a highly respected set of quality management techniques. The Six Sigma system was developed by Bill Smith, a Motorola engineer, in the 1980s. Smith’s goal was to minimize or eliminate errors in products and business services. Although Six Sigma was originally designed for the manufacturing process, these techniques are now used across a variety of industries.
What Are the Different Levels?
Like karate, Six Sigma certification follows a belt system. There are six levels. These include:
- A White Belt for an entry-level overview
- A Yellow Belt for assisting with a project
- A Green Belt for applying the principles under the guidance of a Black Belt
- A Black Belt for executing a project
- A Master Black Belt for managing projects across functions
- A Champion for upper-level executives who implement Six Sigma across departments
What Are the Benefits?
- Help Your Company Excel
- Since Six Sigma processes seek to reduce errors and defects, you’ll be helping your organization create better products and services. Additionally, these techniques maximize productivity and reduce waste. As a result, you’ll be pushing your company to become more competitive overall.
- Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills
- Six Sigma uses processes such as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify). By practicing these strategies, you’ll improve your problem-solving skills. This can positively impact not only your on-the-job performance but also your everyday life.
- Build Your Career Prospects
- Any degree, certification, or professional development course has the potential to make you more marketable. Plus, Six Sigma has brand recognition. This, in turn, could lead to exciting job opportunities and higher pay.
What Are the Drawbacks?
- Standards Aren’t Uniform
- Unfortunately, Six Sigma belt certifications aren’t standardized. Each company or school sets its own criteria. Therefore, certification at one company may not be as rigorous as at another.
- Certifications Cost Money
- Unless your company is willing to cover the cost, you’ll need to pay for each level of certification. This includes training, exam fees and portfolio reviews. Fees range from the two-hundred to the two-thousand-dollar range.
How Do You Earn Six Sigma Certification?
There are numerous accreditation programs available. Options are as follows:
- The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers 18 Six Sigma certifications. These consist of Yellow through Master Black Belt credentials as well as 14 others related to specific jobs.
- International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) focuses on Lean Six Sigma. IASSC only provides three certifications (Yellow, Green and Black), but these are highly reputable.
- The Council for Six Sigma Certification maintains an online directory of accredited Six Sigma training programs throughout the world. You can easily search for those nearest you.
Are You Looking for More Ways to Advance Your Career?
The recruiters at Connectology will match you with career-building opportunities. We place mechanical engineers with top companies in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin and beyond. Browse our available openings and discover your next job today!
