I was looking at Six Sigma training (something my co-worker is interested in). She was wondering, and so was I, what provides more training, looks better on a resume, and prepares you for the ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt cert? The Arizona State University’s Online Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Online Six Sigma Black Belt Certification | Global Outreach & Extended Education - Cost $3,000 and it is a 6 month program University of South Florida (I could find the link but I know it is the same for other schools since it is really through Gatlin Education) Online Six Sigma Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Training-Online Career Training Program - Cost $2,700 and it is 200 hours ASQ Learning Institute – Online Six Sigma Training - http://asq.org/training/certified-six-sigma-black-belt-certification-preparation_CSSBBASQ.html - Cost is $1,400 Things to think about – what if she takes the SSBB exam administred by ASQ and does not pass? Will the ASQ Training look better then the ASU Training in that case? Will the ASU Training provide everything needed to pass the ASQ test? Any guidance and suggestions would be great. By the way, I am not interested in this. If I did explore this it would be next year.
I was actually looking at eventually doing the Six Sigma training too... I was leaning toward the ASQ strictly because of price (no reimbursement from employer, so I'd be footing the bill).
I am ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (and also ASQ Certified Quality Engineer). I earned both certifications after self-study from ASQ Handbooks. Other good source for study is CSSBB Primer from QCI Indiana. My recommendation is: study from books and save a few thousand $$$, then reward yourself after passing the ASQ exam by spending that money on vacation or something you enjoy more.
I can second the rec's from ChiSquare. The QCI Indiana is a great resource and the self study programs from ASQ, while a little pricey, will prepare you best for the test.
If you are not an absolute beginner, you should try a sample black belt exam from asq.org. It is half-size of actual exam and made of questions from previous exams: http://asq.org/certification/docs/2009-06-ssbb-rev-2-col-sample-exam.pdf Pass score on actual test is around 80%. After taking the sample exam (measure), you can analyze and improve your knowledge in weaker areas. DMAIC methodology in action :wink:
I also agree with ChiSquare's recommendation. Although in my area (aerospace) six sigma never caught on - being smart, productive, innovative, and alert are among the key requirements for hire.
If you decide that learning from a textbook is not enough, I'd appreciate it if you took a look at The Pyzdek Institute's online training here. Certification by us is included. Or you can take our training and test at one of the PeopleCERT exam sites. Our training is accredited by IASSC. Unlike ASQ, IASSC focuses entirely on Lean Six Sigma.
Expanding further on my last quote the major ASQ certifications that will help you land a job or get promoted (IMHO) are CQE, CQI, CRE, and CQT. (Or a BS/MS QA)
