would like to take a different position concerning the ASQ BB certification process.
Yes, the ASQ process has its problems. But to borrow from a popular phrase concerning forms of government I would add:
The ASQ BB Certification Process is the worst BB Certification Process ever devised -- except for all the others.
At least the ASQ specifies what the certification process is and what is required. I have contacted a number of Six Sigma providers requesting the specifics of their certification process and yet to have one response that actually details the process, the nature of the exam(s) and the pass/fail criteria.
I would encourage anyone thinking of pursuing BB certification to obtain this information prior to pursuing certification. If the provider cannot or will not provide these specifics, you may want to ask yourself what it is they are trying to hide. In my experience, it is typically a 'Mickey Mouse' approach to certification where certification amounts to whatever the clients wants.
One example, a company with which we are familiar recently certified a number of Black Belts. No teaching or testing concerning: design of experiemnts, statistical process control or quality function deployment was included because the client (purchasing the training) didn't think it was relevant. I don't think a BB certification in this case means a darn thing.
At least with ASQ, bad as it might be, you know what you are getting. I think more employers are becoming aware of this fact.
While I agree with Forest's point about the lack of computer skills and tools being tested by the exam, I'm glad that Robert1 brought up the point that employers are taking the ASQ certification seriously in their hiring and searches for Black Belts because it is a known quantity and ASQ is considered a reputable and impartial provider of such certifications. ASQ has built up a lot of credibility with its CQE, etc. certifications, so it should come as no surprise that the CSSBB is being met with some enthusiasm by hiring managers and technical recruiters as a qualification to search on. The certification itself is not enough on its own, obviously, but at least it gets your foot in the door if you are looking for employment as a Black Belt or as something similar. I took the exam because my company instituted its Six Sigma program as I was in the process of leaving it, so the certification definitely serves a need and sets a standard for what had been up to this point a rather nebulous and company-specific title. Thanks ASQ and Thanks Forest Breyfogle.
A current client's comments may add some VOC insight to the ASQ SSBB certification question...
I asked the client why it insisted that our Six Sigma Black Belt training prepare their quality consultants for the ASQ Certified SSBB exam.
The client's answer was that: "ASQ is a globally recognized certification body, and that their clients respected the ASQ certification above others."
Upon successful completion of the first course in the US (everyone passed the ASQ CSSBB Test), our firm received another assignment to duplicate the ASQ CSSBB training for learners at their international locations.
Regards,
Marc St.James
VP/Six Sigma Master Black Belt
CONVERGENCE CORPORATION www.SixSigma-6S.com
ASQ's BB certification process is becoming recognized as a bit on the light side when compared to some others in the game. As Forrest stated in his earlier response, ASQ does not concentrate on analytical skills or require using statistical software (such as Minitab). Six Sigma is process improvement methodology that is heavily based in statistics. The mastery of statistical and analytical skills for assessing Black Belts is paramount and not overlooked in any fashion. As Six Sigma's popularity continues to grow, more and more employers are realizing the variance in Black Belt certifications and recognizing ASQ's offering as sub par in many areas.
Matt Vargas
Breakthrough Management Group (BMG)
303-827-0010 MattV@BMGi.com
ORIGINAL POSTING: What is your opinion of the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt process? How does this certification stack up to certifications from other sources? As many companies are now looking to hire SSBB, what is the market interpretation of the ASQ certification? How are individual companies' certifications perceived in the market place?
RESPONSE: On the plus side satisfactory completion of a Six Sigma project is a requirement to take the ASQ BB test. However, on the minus side computers are not allowed during the test; hence, analytical skills using statistical software is not assessed during the test. Also, the primary focus of the test is multiple choice questions. Because of these issues, one should be careful not to read too much into individuals passing this BB test. Employers are asking for BB certifications; however, there is much variability between BB certification processes. BB's can benefit if they can get at least one of their detailed project report-outs approved by their company for general dissemination; BBs can then show to others both inside and outside the company the logic and flow of their project. This can help BBs better position theirselves both within and external to companies/organizations.
robert1 10/22/2003
would like to take a different position concerning the ASQ BB certification process.
Yes, the ASQ process has its problems. But to borrow from a popular phrase concerning forms of government I would add:
The ASQ BB Certification Process is the worst BB Certification Process ever devised -- except for all the others.
At least the ASQ specifies what the certification process is and what is required. I have contacted a number of Six Sigma providers requesting the specifics of their certification process and yet to have one response that actually details the process, the nature of the exam(s) and the pass/fail criteria.
I would encourage anyone thinking of pursuing BB certification to obtain this information prior to pursuing certification. If the provider cannot or will not provide these specifics, you may want to ask yourself what it is they are trying to hide. In my experience, it is typically a 'Mickey Mouse' approach to certification where certification amounts to whatever the clients wants.
One example, a company with which we are familiar recently certified a number of Black Belts. No teaching or testing concerning: design of experiemnts, statistical process control or quality function deployment was included because the client (purchasing the training) didn't think it was relevant. I don't think a BB certification in this case means a darn thing.
At least with ASQ, bad as it might be, you know what you are getting. I think more employers are becoming aware of this fact.
spikepen 10/22/2003
While I agree with Forest's point about the lack of computer skills and tools being tested by the exam, I'm glad that Robert1 brought up the point that employers are taking the ASQ certification seriously in their hiring and searches for Black Belts because it is a known quantity and ASQ is considered a reputable and impartial provider of such certifications. ASQ has built up a lot of credibility with its CQE, etc. certifications, so it should come as no surprise that the CSSBB is being met with some enthusiasm by hiring managers and technical recruiters as a qualification to search on. The certification itself is not enough on its own, obviously, but at least it gets your foot in the door if you are looking for employment as a Black Belt or as something similar. I took the exam because my company instituted its Six Sigma program as I was in the process of leaving it, so the certification definitely serves a need and sets a standard for what had been up to this point a rather nebulous and company-specific title. Thanks ASQ and Thanks Forest Breyfogle.
stjamesm 10/22/2003
A current client's comments may add some VOC insight to the ASQ SSBB certification question...
I asked the client why it insisted that our Six Sigma Black Belt training prepare their quality consultants for the ASQ Certified SSBB exam.
The client's answer was that: "ASQ is a globally recognized certification body, and that their clients respected the ASQ certification above others."
Upon successful completion of the first course in the US (everyone passed the ASQ CSSBB Test), our firm received another assignment to duplicate the ASQ CSSBB training for learners at their international locations.
Regards,
Marc St.James
VP/Six Sigma Master Black Belt
CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
www.SixSigma-6S.com
mattv 10/8/2003
ASQ's BB certification process is becoming recognized as a bit on the light side when compared to some others in the game. As Forrest stated in his earlier response, ASQ does not concentrate on analytical skills or require using statistical software (such as Minitab). Six Sigma is process improvement methodology that is heavily based in statistics. The mastery of statistical and analytical skills for assessing Black Belts is paramount and not overlooked in any fashion. As Six Sigma's popularity continues to grow, more and more employers are realizing the variance in Black Belt certifications and recognizing ASQ's offering as sub par in many areas.
Matt Vargas
Breakthrough Management Group (BMG)
303-827-0010
MattV@BMGi.com
forrestbreyfogle 9/21/2003
ORIGINAL POSTING: What is your opinion of the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt process? How does this certification stack up to certifications from other sources? As many companies are now looking to hire SSBB, what is the market interpretation of the ASQ certification? How are individual companies' certifications perceived in the market place?
RESPONSE: On the plus side satisfactory completion of a Six Sigma project is a requirement to take the ASQ BB test. However, on the minus side computers are not allowed during the test; hence, analytical skills using statistical software is not assessed during the test. Also, the primary focus of the test is multiple choice questions. Because of these issues, one should be careful not to read too much into individuals passing this BB test. Employers are asking for BB certifications; however, there is much variability between BB certification processes. BB's can benefit if they can get at least one of their detailed project report-outs approved by their company for general dissemination; BBs can then show to others both inside and outside the company the logic and flow of their project. This can help BBs better position theirselves both within and external to companies/organizations.
Hope this helps.
Forrest Breyfogle
forrest@smartersolutions.com
www.smartersolutions.com
512-996-8288