Online Six Sigma Training Certification Programs

This article looks at some facts about online Six Sigma Training and the process of process of training "Belts" as well as the role of Six Sigma in business management.

Six Sigma certification training is the process of implementing a disciplined plan to improve the level of error free output units for a corporation. The process was originally used by Motorola, beginning in 1986. In the two decades that followed its implementation within Motorola, the company claims to have over saved more than $17 billion. The process started within Motorola was imitated by many of the Fortune 500 companies. Other early participants include Honeywell and General Electric. The companies that participate in Sigma projects claim to have saved billions of dollars. The projects are very good at streamlining processes and methods, but may not be as useful at encouraging creativity. The certification seminars are offered online, on site or at training locations around the globe.

Online Six Sigma Training Certification Programs

Kaplan University

• Six Sigma (Certificate)

Grand Canyon University

• MBA with Emphasis in Six Sigma

Six Sigma Education and Training

Training sessions are offered in many communities in the United States and around the world. The process of training "Belts" is set out clearly and specifically. The philosophy consists of creating leadership skills who then assist others in completing projects for the betterment of the organization.

The implementation follows the steps of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. Green Belt and Black Belt training programs are offered together in some locations and require two weeks of dedicated interaction to complete.

The process of Six Sigma is being used successfully in a wide range of businesses and organizations. These include health care, research, government, nonprofit, service and manufacturing. The core concept of the program is the completion of projects sponsored by the organization leadership. In order to be certified under the standards of 6 Sigma a project must be completed. Training can be offered in face-to-face seminars and online courses.

Careers with Six Sigma Training

The basic tenets of Six Sigma state that achieving predictable and stable processes are critical to achieve success in business. The variation in processes is to be reduced to a level of less than 3.4 errors per million. Further, Six Sigma philosophy states that characteristics of businesses and manufacturers can be analyzed, measured, controlled and improved.

In order to achieve these 99.99996 percent level of perfection, the entire organization must be involved and committed. There are unique features make 6 Sigma different from previous leadership and business management programs. Every project must include the goal of quantifiable and measurable financial returns.

Focused and strong management, support and leadership are emphasized. There is an organizational infrastructure that recognizes the various levels of participation. The names given to the levels of leadership are Champions, Master Black Belts, Black Belts, Green Belts and in some instances, a Yellow Belt. Finally, a commitment to basing decisions on real data, rather than on guesswork and assumptions.

The Sigma process works best in large organizations, since there are more opportunities to define projects. Further, refinements and the ability to achieve savings are more likely when there is a larger group of potential employees and processes involved. The Sigma process is more than just training though, it also needs actual projects in order to be certified.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Outlook

Six Sigma training has been implemented by more than 1000 businesses and organizations. The costs for training are kept low by working in local venues rather than at large corporate headquarters. By combining training for Black and Green Belts, it helps to keep the projects moving. Data shows that in the United States and Canada, employees with certification in Six Sigma usually earn a slightly higher income that non-Six Sigma employees in the same industry.

In the United States, the average salary for a Six Sigma Black Belt in 2007 was $81,500. On the low end the income was $64,000 while the high end of the spectrum was $98,000. As of 2012, the median expected salary for a Six Sigma Black Belt in the United States is $87,677. These levels of income levels vary depending on factors that include the particular industry, the Six Sigma training certification levels, skills, and years of professional experience.

Online Six Sigma training and project management degree programs