Six Sigma Certification is necessary if you are new to Six Sigma – a model that most businesses use in terms of quality assurance. You may begin with the Yellow Belt to learn about six Sigma and DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control model).
However, you need to pass the yellow belt exam to get the six sigma certification. How to prepare for Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification? Let us discuss the essential details in this article.
What is the Six Sigma Yellow Belt?
What is the Six Sigma Yellow Belt?The quality of the products and services is always a priority in the corporate world. Many businesses encounter quality problems but fail to discover what causes them. That’s why a six sigma yellow belt certified professional helps analyze the business’s overall condition to make necessary improvements.
A six sigma yellow belt certification is the beginning of a professional who wants to gain the fundamental knowledge of six Sigma and improve your quality management career. You can be a certified yellow belt holder once you pass the six sigma yellow belt exam.
Once you get the certification, it indicates that your organization can apply the six sigma concepts and methodologies, including the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act). Moreover, you can help the green and black belt ensure the quality of any business projects since you cannot lead projects independently as a yellow belt certified professional.
How Do You Become a Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified?
You can get your certification through IASSC, CSSC, and ASQ. Below are the guidelines:
How to get the six sigma yellow belt certification through IASSC?
You can get your yellow belt certification through IASSC (International Association For Six Sigma Certification). It is preferable to have Six sigma training before the exam, but this is not required. Thus, everyone who wishes to have the yellow belt certification can take the exam. Your test result should reach the six sigma yellow belt passing score of 70% to have the certificate.
When you pass the exam, you will be given an IASSC Yellow Belt Certification with the certification number and badge registered to the official IASSC certification. You can now use the certification badge and title. You can add your professional designation to your resume and public profiles.
How to get the six sigma yellow belt certification through CSSC?
Another way to get your six sigma yellow belt certification is through CSSC. They offer two ways to get the certificate.
The first way is if you have already received adequate training and gained knowledge of the concept, you can take the standard exam. You can choose this option if you want to take a single level of certification.
The second way is to undergo a series of short exams to go through various sections. In this manner, you can get different six sigma levels such as the white belt, yellow belt, green belt, and black belt. This option is ideal if you think you need several attempts to pass the exam.
How to get the six sigma yellow belt certification through ASQ?
You can get your six sigma certification through ASQ, which does not require any related work experience or education requirements. You have the option of choosing a computer-based exam or a paper-based exam.
What to Expect in the Six Sigma Yellow Belt Exam?
The three independent third-party Certification Associations mentioned above conduct the yellow belt examination differently.
IASSC Yellow Belt Examination
The exam has sixty (60) questions suitable for two hours, with a proctor, and in a closed book set-up. The types of questions are multiple-choice and true or false. The exam may have six ungraded questions.
Note: you must get at least 230 points out of 300 to pass the exam.
CSSC Yellow Belt Examination
In contrast, the CSSC yellow belt examination comes in fifty (50) questions on six Sigma good for one hour and in an open-book set-up. The types of questions are still multiple choice and true or false. You have three attempts to pass the exam within a year. If you make more than three failed attempts, you are required to pay the examination fee again.
Note: you must get a total of 140 points or more out of 200 points to pass the exam.
ASQ Yellow Belt Examination
The Computer-based exam has eighty-five (85) questions good for two hours and 18 minutes. The seventy-five (75) questions are graded, while the remaining ten (10) questions are ungraded. For the paper-based exam, seventy-five (75) questions are good for two hours. Both are in an open-book set-up with multiple choice types of questions.
Is the Six Sigma Yellow Belt Exam Hard?
How hard is six sigma yellow belt exam? It is a challenging exam, according to the previous takers. It would be best to have discipline in studying, thorough preparation, and consistent test-taking practice. Moreover, the six sigma yellow belt passing score is high as 70% with time pressure. A lot of takers prepared for months, and yet they still failed.
5 Tips and Techniques to Prepare for the Six Sigma Yellow Belt Exam
It was mentioned that the Six Sigma Yellow Belt exam is difficult. That’s why there should be proper preparation before the exam. Here are tips that you can follow:
Understand the syllabus
The exam’s content will be based on the organization where you will get your certification. That’s why it is vital to know the syllabus. This way, you can understand the topics to study and practice. You can find your chosen organization’s syllabus in BOK (Book of Knowledge).
IASSC SYLLABUS
Define Phase
- The Basics of Six Sigma
- The Fundamentals of Six Sigma
- Defining a Process
- Selecting Lean Six Sigma Projects
- The Lean Enterprise
Measure Phase
- Process Definition
- Six Sigma Statistics
- Measurement System Analysis
- Process Capability
Control Phase
- Lean Controls
- Six Sigma Control Plans
CSSC SYLLABUS
Unit 1: Introduction to Six Sigma
- Chapter 1: What is six sigma
- Chapter 2: Six Sigma History and Application
- Chapter 3: Other Processes Improvements and Quality Methods
- Chapter 4: Lean Concepts
- Chapter 5: Basic Six Sigma Concepts
- Chapter 6: Approaching the Problem
Unit 2: Projects and Processes
- Chapter 7: What is a process?
- Chapter 8: Quality
- Chapter 9: Selecting the Right Projects
- Chapter 10: Basic Six Sigma Team Management
- Chapter 11: Introduction to DMAIC and DMADV
ASQ SYLLABUS
Six Sigma Fundamentals
- Six Sigma Foundations and Principles
- Lean Foundation and Principles
- Six Sigma Roles and Responsibilities
- Team Basics
- Quality Tools and Six Sigma Metrics
Define Phase
- Project Identification
- Project Management Basics
Measure Phase
- Basic Statistics
- Data Collection
- Measurement System Analysis
Analyze Phase
- Process Analysis Tools
- Root Cause Analysis
- Data Analysis
- Correlation and Regression
- Hypothesis Testing
Improve and Control Phase
- Improvement Techniques
- Control Tools and Documentation
Answer Practice Exams and Quizzes
Choose a full and complete exam when you look for a practice exam. While answering, ensure you set your time and see how fast or slow you are. Using a timer will also identify which part of the exam you spend more time on.
It is recommended to take three full-length exams to have adequate practice. By answering the practice exams, you will identify which area you consider your strength and weak point. Once you determine your weak point, you can focus your study on that area.
Master Each Subject Area
Do not go to another subject without mastering the previous one. You may find this difficult because you tend to move forward as fast as possible. However, mastery of each subject makes you more prepared to take the final exam.
As much as possible, it would be best to aim to get 80%-90% scores in each subject area. Once you achieve that score in your practice exams and quizzes, you may now proceed to the next subject. This way, you can tell that you have mastery in each subject.
Make a Good Study Environment
Having a good area where you can study can set your mood positively. In this manner, you will become more motivated to study and aim for that passing score. You can choose even a small area in your house where you can focus on studying. You can set your mind to be fully prepared for the exam.
When you are in your study area, you must avoid distractions. Get rid of the phones, gadgets, TV, and other things that may hinder you from focusing on studying. If you use your phone, put it in airplane mode.
Prepare Using Your Study Guide Materials
Prepare and practice your exams using your study guide materials. Some organizations allow you to bring and use your study guide materials. A lot of takers’ common problem is they rely too much on the study guide material, but they are not familiar with the layout of the final exam. When you prepare, use the study guide materials on how you will use them in the final exam. It will be less stressful for you because you already know how the exam is the layout. You will also identify your mistake, which you can correct ahead of time.
Simulate the test environment to look and feel like you are taking the final exam. If you need to go to a testing center for the final exam, you can check on the internet and look for pictures of the testing center. You can also visit the testing center before your scheduled date of exam. This way, you will have an idea of what it looks like. You may also ask about the procedures and whether you have your locker where you can put your valuables before the test. As much as possible, try to sit in the area and see how comfortable you are when answering the questions. Check the space whether you can put your study guide materials or not.
Wrapping Things Up: How Hard is Six Sigma Yellow Belt Exam?
How hard is six sigma yellow belt exam? Well, it may be not easy, but if you prepare and study religiously, you can pass it. Make sure to choose the organization where you want to get your certification. Once you are done with the registration, you can start studying the syllabus using the BOK (Book of Knowledge) and other practice guide materials. Before you proceed to the next subject, check that you have developed mastery in each subject.
Having a good study environment where you are not distracted is also vital. Take away your gadgets, phone, and TV when you study to stay focused. Lastly, when you study, use a timer to keep track of your progress. If you have seen your mistakes, correct them before the final exam. If you are determined, there is no reason for you to fail the Six Sigma Yellow Belt Exam.
