Where to find six sigma training and certification material

The method of six sigma involves providing businesses with the necessary tools to increase their overall performance and customer satisfaction. This is done by mathematically analyzing various forms of data and information, then using it to anticipate the needs of their customers. The overall goal of Six Sigma is to increase a company's profits by identifying and then eliminating factors that contribute to waste and customer dissatisfaction.

This is achieved through two means -- DMAIC and DMADV. The DMAIC process (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) works to improve existing processes that have fallen below standards. The DMADV process (define, measure, analyze, design, verify) is used to develop new processes or products at the Six Sigma quality levels.

All of this information is taught by certified six sigma trainers who help various organizations and individuals apply the six sigma principles properly.

Six sigma certification
Six Sigma certifies its members through Green, Black, and Master Black Belt certification. Each level teaches different processes, then takes on more responsibility as they progress:

• Green belt. A green belt is the first level. Certification for this level is typically 2 weeks long, where attendees learn the DMAIC process discussed above.
• Black belt. A black belt has more technical knowledge than a green belt and typically has a background in math and statistics. They also train aspiring green belts.
• Master black belt. The master black belt coaches Green and Black belts and helps them improve their own processes. This is usually a 4 week training period.

Finding six sigma training material
If you are interested in implementing six sigma within your own organization, there are a number of places you can go to get training material.

• www.sixsigmaonline.org. This website provides a number of different types of training to receive your Green, Black and Master Black Belt certification. In addition, it also has a number of helpful resources, including a wide variety of articles and links to help you learn more about six sigma and how to apply it to your business practices.
• www.6sigma.us. Sigma.us offers courses, training, and certification in the various six sigma levels. They provide six sigma training courses and certification classes all around the country, so you can take an actual class if you prefer to do that instead of going online.
• Air Academy Associates Six Sigma. This organization offers simplified training materials and software for those organizations seeking to learn six sigma. This is perfect for those who are new to Six Sigma or who want a basic, simplified overview. They offer classes online and in various locations throughout the country.
• BMG. This organization, with more information at www.bmgi.com, provides a 2-day workshop for intensive six sigma training specifically for business managers and leaders.

In addition to the above, there are a number of books and workbooks to be found that can help you learn six sigma. Information you will typically learn in these training classes and online classes include Six Sigma Introduction, Six Sigma Project Definition, Project Selection Process, Six Sigma Deployment, Process Mapping, Input Prioritization Tools, Failure Mode Effect Analysis, Statistical Process Control, Process Control Plan, and other topics that vital to your six sigma training.

There are many places you can go to find reputable six sigma training, either online or in various workshops throughout the country.