Advice on Certification

Article contributed by Mike Clemens, Quality Director for Global Manufacturing at Black & Decker.

The guys at DMAIC Tools asked me what qualifications would impress me as a hiring manager when it comes to Six Sigma Black Belt certification.  Three possibilities come to mind –

1. Training and certification undertaken while working for a company recognized for its Six Sigma deployment (i.e. Motorola, Allied Signal, GE, etc.). This is obviously a great way to go if you have the opportunity – getting paid while you learn – and with most companies you will apply the Six Sigma toolkit in real-world situations as part of your training.
2. Training and certification with a world class training organization. Two organizations come to mind: Motorola University and the Shainin Institute. A certification from either of these two groups will place you in an elite group of problem solvers / process improvement leaders. Shainin does not offer a Black Belt certification, but their “Red-X Master” certification is probably the best in the world when it comes to developing outstanding problem solvers in manufacturing environments.
3. In terms of technical credentials in the Six Sigma arena, ASQ’s (American Society for Quality) Black Belt certification is also regarded as a solid credential that distinguishes Six Sigma professionals. For those who understand the Six Sigma toolkit and are willing to study for ASQ’s exam, this is the lowest cost route to a recognized Six Sigma credential.

In terms of cost, item #1 is obviously the easiest way to go. If you want to be trained and certified by a world-renowned training organization, you will have to pay for it: Motorola University’s Black Belt Certification is $13,850, plus travel expenses and a laptop computer loaded with MINITAB software (as of February, 2010). The costs for Shainin certification are not listed on their website, but like Motorola University they offer classes and coaching in multiple locations. Each of these certifications also requires project work between classes, and the Shainin website emphasizes “…the demonstration of developed skills rather than the accumulation of knowledge.” Shainin turns out some of the best problem solvers in the business. Motorola University is also very prestigious and has an outstanding reputation (they actually invented the Black Belt term as it applies to Six Sigma). While the $10K to $20K certification cost is high compared to other programs, companies and individuals should see this training investment pay off quickly through project savings.

If you are already strong with the Six Sigma toolkit and would like to add a credible certification to your resume at a very low cost, ASQ’s certification is the best value out there. I highly recommend that you take a prep course through a local ASQ chapter, or spend the extra $100 on a practice exam so you can be familiar with ASQ’s focus areas.

There are a number of certification programs advertised on the internet. If you do not go with one of the above options, my suggestion is to at least go with a strong name. Otherwise, while you may be receiving decent training, the outside world may regard your training as the equivalent of a mail order degree. I checked out the companies that ranked highly for “Six Sigma Certification” on a Google search, and Villanova and Purdue were the only other programs that jumped out as having a solid curriculum and credible reputation.

In summary, if you have a number of working years ahead of you (as in three or more) and you enjoy making a difference in the quality arena, then talk with your employer and work out a deal so you can receive some world class training. If you are a half-decent problem solver who works well in a team environment to begin with, then the time and money you invest in Black Belt certification will likely be repaid to you several times over in the near future. Invest in yourself!

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