November 04, 2014
Six Sigma Green Belt professionals oversee quality control in efforts to streamline cost effective solutions to business projects. With their abilities to improve quality control and performance in an organization, a certified Six Sigma professional is a valuable asset to have. With various levels of training under the Six Sigma organization, an individual with this credential creates a leading advantage for their organization. And, although this is not a certification specific to the IT industry, it is a widely sought after credential to have within IT organizations as the Six Sigma skills are used as a framework for IT projects.
What is the Six Sigma Green Belt?
The Six Sigma program consists of different levels of training. Each level has its own significance towards projects. According to ASQ online the various levels are described as follows:
At the project level, there are black belts, master black belts, green belts, yellow belts and white belts. These people conduct projects and implement improvements.
- Black Belt: Leads problem-solving projects. Trains and coaches project teams.
- Green Belt: Assists with data collection and analysis for Black Belt projects. Leads Green Belt projects or teams.
- Master Black Belt: Trains and coaches Black Belts and Green Belts. Functions more at the Six Sigma program level by developing key metrics and the strategic direction. Acts as an organization’s Six Sigma technologist and internal consultant.
- Yellow Belt: Participates as a project team member. Reviews process improvements that support the project.
- White Belt: Can work on local problem-solving teams that support overall projects, but may not be part of a Six Sigma project team. Understands basic Six Sigma concepts from an awareness perspective.
Minimum Expectations to Earn a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt from ASQ.org:
- Operates in support of or under the supervision of a Six Sigma Black Belt
- Analyzes and solves quality problems
- Involved in quality improvement projects
- Has participated in a project, but has not led a project
- Has at least three years of work experience
- Has ability to demonstrate their knowledge of Six Sigma tools and processes
The cost of the Six Sigma exam is $359, unless an individual is an ASQ member, in which case, the fee is $150.
Open Doors for Opportunities
Having this credential under your belt (pun intended!),will not only add value to your professional education, but will open doors to various employment opportunities. By pursuing this credential, you will set yourself a part from other candidates applying for sought after positions to work for respected companies. The beauty of this credential is that an individual is not limited to one specific job title as this expertise can be applied across multiple industries and roles.
Opening doors to competitive positions is great, but will also pay off! Six Sigma Daily states these salary findings:
PayScale.com also reported the national gross salary range (10% – 90%) for Six Sigma Green Belt Certified Manufacturing Engineers was $46,553 – $85,302; for Operations Managers, $50,398 – $113,370; for Industrial Engineers, $49,995 – $70,349, and for IT Project Managers, $57,973 – $103,808.
Strong project conduction, streamlining lean project implementations, increasing customer satisfaction and improving company success enables the growth of an organization. And, the Six Sigma certification can help you achieve just that. Challenge yourself to obtain a credential that will reflect professional quality and produce results.
Do you feel being a certified IT professional is a benefit to your business? How do you feel having a Six Sigma Green Belt credential supports projects?
Posted by: Anastasia Hoosman
Posted By: Anastasia Hoosman