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You have learned about Six Sigma methodology and the ways in which it can benefit your business by reducing defects and increasing efficiency, morale, and productivity. Now you want to learn how to earn Six Sigma certification and apply its principles to your organization’s processes to positively influence the future of your company.

The final part in our Lean Six Sigma series will explain certification levels and show how certification can benefit your business and your employees.

The skill levels of Six Sigma demonstrate various degrees of proficiency and experience in improving business processes and increasing efficiency. There are five certification levels, which accreditation bodies such as the American Society for Quality recognize.

These accredited programs offer training classes on Six Sigma. Skill levels include:

• White Belt. This basic training involves the Six Sigma basic concepts and supporting change management. White belts develop teams that solve problems in company projects.
• Yellow Belt. A yellow belt has a basic comprehension of Six Sigma and supports the efforts of green belts and black belts.
• Green Belt. Six Sigma green belts collect data and work together with black belts. Their responsibilities generally extend beyond the Six Sigma project.
• Black Belt. Six Sigma black belts are fully engaged in the project and oversee it full time. They are project managers who train and call the shots for green, yellow, and white belts.
• Master Black Belt. This is the highest level of Six Sigma training. The master black belts act as coaches, consultants, and experts that lower level Six Sigma professionals turn to when problems arise. They develop key metrics, strategize, and solve difficult issues.

Gilmore Jasion Mahler’s six green belts have shared Six Sigma goals with our entire firm and helped all staff to embrace these new ways of thinking and new processes. Many of the internal process changes in recent years are directly attributable to Lean Six Sigma.

GJM staff certified in Six Sigma have also been able to share best practices with clients.

“This is knowledge that can help any business to streamline, be more efficient and save time & money,” says GJM Partner Mike Brough who is a member of the firm’s Manufacturing Specialist Team. “I’ve had the opportunity to share some ideas with manufacturing clients that they can take back to their staff and implement.”

Having Six Sigma certification has benefits from a professional development standpoint as well. For example, certification noted on a resume could help you land a rewarding and lucrative job. Employers know that certification for higher level belts involves years of work and studies. As a business owner, Six Sigma certification within your organization increases productivity, reduces defects, and brings in more revenue. To get certified start by finding an accredited training program in your area or you can pursue online and virtual training options. Enroll yourself and interested employees in the program, then be prepared to study. It’s a rigorous and challenging program. The exams are serious accomplishments. The yellow belt test takes around two hours, the green belt exam takes roughly three hours, and for the black belt, four hours of exam time is normal. Lastly, complete your written exam and projects to earn your belt. Then take your knowledge back to your team and you’re on your way.

Established in 1996, Gilmore Jasion Mahler, LTD (GJM) is the largest public accounting firm in Northwest Ohio, with offices in Maumee and Findlay. Locally owned, GJM offers cloud-based accounting and provides comprehensive services including assurance, business advisory, tax, risk advisory, healthcare management and outsourced accounting. The Firm’s professionals specialize in industries including construction & real estate, healthcare, manufacturing & distribution and utilities.