Operations and Analytics Department
Contact Us:
- Nabil Tamimi, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
- Kania School of Management
- Brennan Hall, Room 437
- Scranton, PA 18510
- The University of Scranton
- Phone: (570) 941-4288
- nabil.tamimi@scranton.edu
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Six Sigma Certification
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification provides value to potential employers through reduced costs, increased revenue, streamlined business processes, and improved employee buy-in, which all lead to a better bottom line. Six Sigma provides value to our students by improving skill sets for in demand positions, displaying commitment to improving business acumen, preparing students for leadership roles, and increased earning potential.
Six Sigma is a structured and disciplined process designed to consistently deliver quality products and services, with the aim to improve the bottom line by eliminating mistakes in business processes. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) is designed for entry-level employees who seek to improve analytical and leadership skill sets that qualify them for more positions within modern business environments. Common job functions include administrator, champion, executive, first-line operator, inspector, junior-level employee, manager, project manager, quality analyst, and representative. Common industries include education, energy, government, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, medical device, military, pharmaceutical, and service. Six Sigma professionals continue to be in demand, as companies worldwide seek to cut costs, improve processes, and decrease waste. Countless employers see hiring Six Sigma belts as an investment that offers a high return because they know how to achieve more using fewer resources.
Hear from Our Students
Find out what goes into preparation for the Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification from University of Scranton students who have shared their experience.Why I suggest this certification
I strongly encourage you to consider a Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification even if you are not an Operations Management or Business Analytics Major because the skills you will learn can be applied to various aspects of work and life to drive improvements and efficiency. Not only this, but having this certification on your resume can make you a more attractive candidate for job opportunities and promotions as Yellow Belt training equips individuals with the skills to collaborate effectively in a team setting. Through this experience, I have gained an awareness for quality in all aspects of work as well as several problem-solving techniques that have helped me during my internship.
My Experience
I registered for the test in March and took my exam in May at the Prometric Testing center in Clarks Summit, PA the weekend school ended. I used a study guide lent to me by fellow student, Christina Piscitelli and the Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt book by Govind Ramu with Dr. David Mahalak, University of Scranton, let me borrow for studying for the test. I studied about a month in advance (a new chapter each week) and treated it like another course at the end of my semester and I felt this prepared me very well. Having an open book is a great bonus. I actually had a flat tire 3 minutes out from the testing site but the people at Prometric were very helpful and encouraging. The celebration after with them was sweet.
Signing up for the Exam
- To sign up for the test you need to submit an application a month in advance. Keep in mind that testing windows are every other month. Application process is easy. Once application is approved, register for test date.
- I recommend receiving an ASQ Certification as they are widely and globally recognized and respected in the field of quality management and improvement.
- No prerequisite or experience is required for Yellow Belt Certification.
- Must select a Prometric testing center near you or take the computer delivered option (10 more questions).
- Testing fee is $422.
Exam Material
The test is to prove your basic knowledge of process improvement. Topics on the test are as follows but not limited to
History of Six Sigma, Basics of Lean, DMAIC, 5S, Maps of Value Streams, Control Charts.
Test Day
- One-part, 80 questions
- 2 hour exam taken on provided computer
- Open-book, (notes must be bounded)
- Must present a valid ID
- Personal items are put in a locker during your test except book and TI-84 (they provide pencil and paper)
- Arrive half hour early for check in
- Results provided immediately after
Everything you need to know about the Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt Exam
The Exam
Single part 90 question exam (80 questions scored) online test administered in prometric testing centers or through testing software with a time allowance of 2 hours and 18 minutes (BONUS: you can bring bounded notes with you)
Requirements and Fee
There is no credit or experience requirement. The exam is $422.
Results
You are immediately notified if you pass or fail when you submit the exam.
Testing Windows
There are month-long testing windows every other month (March, May, July, etc.), so be cognizant when scheduling (book @asq.org).
What is on the Exam?
The purpose of the exam and certification is to prove your basic knowledge of process improvement. Therefore, the exam focuses on topics like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and various skills for leading a team.
Personal Experience
As a student, I found the process very straightforward compared to other certification exams. I dedicated a few days to studying; during which I read the ASQ Yellow Belt handbook (the textbook for this exam). I made a few annotations on the pages (no post-it notes allowed) and then brought my book into the exam. Ultimately, I only used my book to reference the statistical equations and then solve them on the scrap paper provided; however, it was comforting to know that I could reference it. The 2 plus hour time allowance was plenty as I finished in just over an hour. You can look back at previous questions and even skip questions to return to later. Overall, I recommend anyone interested in operations management or who has enjoyed their OIM courses to take this certification; it never expires, there are no yearly renewals, and it will set you apart from many other candidates when applying for jobs.