Lean Six Sigma vs Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a Quality Management Strategy used to identify the defects in a process and rectify them in order to improve the customer satisfaction and profitability of the organization by implementing Quality guidelines. Where as Lean Six Sigma is a process improvement method which includes a collection of techniques for reducing the time needed to provide products or services.

The certification bodies for both of them are different, ASQ (American Society of Quality) is for Six Sigma and IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification) is for Lean Six Sigma.

Each are have different Exam patterns, eligibility criteria and costs for their green belt and black belt levels.

Six Sigma Green Belt: The exam is for four hours with multiple choice questions and ASQ requires you to have at least 3 years of work experience in an area mentioned it the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge. The cost of the Exam is $438 for non-members or $288 for Members of ASQ.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt: The exam is for three hours with multiple choice questions and IASSC does not have a prerequisite for you to sit for the Exam. The cost of the exam is $295.

Six Sigma Black Belt: The exam is for four hours with multiple choice questions and ASQ requires you to have completed 2 projects with signed affidavits or 1 project with a signed affidavit with 3 years of work experience in one or more areas mentioned it the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge. The cost of the Exam is $538 for non-members or $388 for Members of ASQ.

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt: The exam is for four hours with multiple choice questions and IASSC does not have a prerequisite for you to sit for the Exam. The cost of the exam is $395.

There is an Infographic below which will give you the details on the certification process for Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belt.