How to Get Lean Six Sigma Certified in Los Angeles?

Reagan Pannell
Lean Thinking
Published in
5 min readJan 18, 2022

There are few markets as competitive and fast-paced as Los Angeles. California is one of the economic powerhouses of the US, and Los Angeles is one of the largest centres of industry in the golden state. Combining Los Angeles’ high population with its thriving industry, it becomes imperative for industry leaders and project managers to have the most optimal processes possible; many organizations’ answer is Six Sigma, specifically Lean Six Sigma. Lean Six Sigma is one of the most well-respected and practical methodologies for improving systems, increasing productivity, and reducing operating costs. Since this method is so popular, Lean Six Sigma certifications have become a valuable asset. From applicants looking to enhance their CV to project managers and consultants, Los Angeles Lean Six Sigma certifications have never been more valuable. So let’s look at what it takes to get Lean Six Sigma certified in Los Angeles.

What are Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma, and Which Should I Be Certified For?

Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma are methodologies that aim to improve processes by optimizing workflow and reducing non-essential productions. The distinction between Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma can be unclear depending on what source you follow; however, generally, Lean Six Sigma focuses on cutting waste to increase process value, while standard Six Sigma focuses on the reduction of variations, defects, and increasing efficiency. Both utilize the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) or DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify) methods depending on the project’s specific goals. DMAIC is intended for improving existing processes while DMADV is designed for creating new processes. Lean Six Sigma tends to utilize DMAIC more than DMADV, but most classes and exams for Lean Six Sigma certification cover both.

The choice between Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma certification can be difficult and often vary depending on your industry. However, most industry trends show a preference for Lean Six Sigma over standard Six Sigma; this is because Lean combines aspects of Six Sigma into its methods, making it more applicable to more fields. Of course, traditional Six Sigma still has its uses, but current trends and production requirements make Lean Six Sigma the more valuable option of the two.

How Valuable Is a Lean Six Sigma Certification in Los Angeles?

Very! A Los Angeles Lean Six Sigma certification is a valuable credential to have, both as an applicant and team lead. Currently, according to salary.com, the median yearly salary of a Six Sigma Green Belt is just under $123,000, with lower ends of the spectrum at $99,000 and the higher-end resting at $136,000. In addition, lean Six Sigma positions are also in high demand, as process improvement and management only grow as industries expand. Currently, California sits at a 0.6% monthly job growth rate, three times the national average of 0.2%, making it account for 44% of the US’ total job growth. With numbers like these, it’s clear that the need for Lean Six Sigma certified professionals will only continue to grow.

What Types of Certification Exist for Lean Six Sigma?

Los Angeles Lean Six Sigma has multiple ascending levels, each with respective courses, exams, and certifications. The levels are, in order: White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt. Typically, students will begin at White Belt Level and ascend the ranks until either Yellow or Green Belt, with only team and industry leads going further to Black or Master Blackbelt.

Where Do I Go To Get a Lean Six Sigma Certification In Los Angeles?

If you search for lean six sigma certification in Los Angeles, countless organizations, schools, and online institutes will show up. Beginners often wonder which of these countless options, if any, are official; truth be told, technically, each certificate offered by each organization or institution is equally official. Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma are a set of widely agreed-upon methodologies, philosophies, and practices, with no governing or overseeing authority. This means that each institution that teaches and offers certification for Los Angeles Lean Six Sigma has its unique take on it and is equally as official and valid as the rest.

However, this does not mean that all institutions are created equal, and more importantly, not all are equally recognized by the professional community. For example, we at Leanscape offer an array of high-quality courses and exams for each level of Lean Six Sigma, along with their appropriate certification. We are recognized both in Los Angeles, California and globally as a Lean Six Sigma institution. However, not all institutions are as well trusted, so before you choose to pursue a certification, be sure to research the institution you are learning through.

How Do I Become Lean Six Sigma Certified In Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles Lean Six Sigma Certification process is relatively simple. Once you choose an institution, you will pay for classes (or sometimes called workshops), attend them, then at the end of the course, you will be given an assessment (usually closed book) and upon completion (usually requiring a passing grade of 85%) you will receive a Lean Six Sigma certification. The early levels, like White Belt, have shorter courses, typically consisting of a single 8-hour class. However, as you ascend the ranks, the classes will become more complex and lengthy, with Black Belts requiring up to 4 weeks worth of classes and multiple assessments. However, these certifications can help you revolutionize your business model by trimming the fat from redundant systems, improving productivity, and helping you excel at your position. If you would like to browse our Lean Six Sigma classes, you can view them here, or if you would like to read more about Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma, you can view our blog here.

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Reagan Pannell
Lean Thinking

Founder and CEO of Leanscape — Lean Consultancy and the Online Lean Academy. Family, Creativity and Coffee. www.leanscape.io / academy.leanscape.io