When it comes to professional certification in quality and process improvement, not all credentials are created equal.
The American Society for Quality (ASQ®) is a globally recognized authority in the field of quality since 1946, with over 70 years of legacy in setting rigorous standards for professionals across industries. ASQ’s certifications—such as the Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB®)—are internationally respected, employer-validated, and backed by a comprehensive Body of Knowledge that reflects real-world industry needs.
In contrast, many other Six Sigma certifications in the market are makeshift, vendor-driven, or unaccredited, offering minimal rigor or quality assurance. These programs may claim to be faster or easier, but they often lack credibility, structure, or professional recognition—leading to limited career value.
📌 Important Insight: A 2020 report by Credential Engine found that over 1 million credentials are currently being offered in the U.S. alone, but only a fraction are industry-recognized or carry measurable labor market value.
Moreover, research from the Harvard Business Review and World Economic Forum consistently emphasizes that the more rigorous and competency-based a credential is, the greater its long-term professional value. If a certification is easy to earn, it is likely easy to ignore—by hiring managers, recruiters, and quality leaders.
ASQ’s CSSGB® certification is not just a course—it’s a professional milestone. It demonstrates that you have invested in mastering complex problem-solving tools, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement methods. This distinction opens doors to high-impact roles, not just certificates.
The key difference between the Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB®) and the Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB®) lies in the level of experience, responsibility, and project leadership expected of the professional.
A Black Belt is expected to lead full-scale Six Sigma projects and drive strategic improvements across departments or functions. According to ASQ®, candidates for the CSSBB® certification must not only pass a comprehensive exam but also submit an affidavit signed by their employer confirming the successful completion of at least one Six Sigma project, with detailed documentation of their role and outcomes. This requirement ensures that Black Belts have both the technical knowledge and real-world application experience.
On the other hand, the Green Belt is ideal for professionals who want to build a strong foundation in Six Sigma but have not yet led a complete Six Sigma project. Green Belts typically work under the guidance of a Black Belt, contributing to project execution, data analysis, and process improvement tasks. It’s the perfect entry point for professionals looking to apply structured problem-solving techniques in their current roles.
Additionally, while Yellow Belt certifications exist, they are generally targeted at students or freshers with no prior experience or project requirements. At 3FOLD, we believe the Green Belt is a more impactful starting point for serious professionals, as it bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and real-world application.
✅ Our Recommendation: Start with the CSSGB® certification, gain hands-on experience by completing a Six Sigma project, and then elevate yourself to the CSSBB® level to lead high-impact improvement initiatives with recognized credibility.
