Certification Match: Six Sigma vs. Project Management Professional

Organizations often embrace one form of project management over another. If you're wondering about the differences between Six Sigma and the Project Management Professional, here's a brief overview.

First, let's look at the titles. Both are prestigious. With its colored belt levels, Six Sigma certifications provide a quick indication of the certificate holder's expertise. For example, a Black Belt has more knowledge and expertise than a Green Belt. The Project Management Professional (PMP) title is often used interchangeably with "Project Management Guru."

Project Management Professionals provide software solutions, industry specialization, structure, and a detail oriented approach while Black Belts tend to be concerned with overall leadership and performance, moving beyond the realms of the project itself.

The two programs each use process groups to manage the lifecycle of a project. For example, Six Sigma uses DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control. The Project Management Institute uses five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring, and Closing.

The two programs differ dramatically in terms of obtaining the certifications. With the Six Sigma Black Belt certification, the company determines the candidates while the employee determines whether or not to become a PMP certification candidate. The training and certification requirements vary as well. In order to earn the Black Belt, candidates must complete 4-6 weeks of training and additional software training, pass an exam, be approved by sponsors, complete two projects according to specific instructions, coach green belts, deliver training, and meet fulltime work requirements. PMP candidates must apply to take the exam, meet minimum project management experience requirements, meet educational requirements, participate in 35 hours of training, pass the certification exam, sign a code of conduct, and maintain the certification through continuing education.

Overall, the Six Sigma certification program is thought of in terms of the group infrastructure while the Project Management Professional certification program is geared more for the individual. Both programs have their place.

The cost for each certification is another major difference with the Black Belt certification costing between $25,000-$50,000 and the PMP certification costing between $1,500-$3,000. In general, the organization invests heavily in its Black Belts, selecting and supporting its candidates. Black Belt candidates are never alone in their journey; instead, they are supported by sponsors, mentors, Master Black Belts, and their bosses.

Organizations can learn from this and adopt a similar structure for other certification programs. For example, if your company wants its project managers to earn the PMP certification, it could take a cue from the Black Belt program by:
• Actively selecting PMP candidates
• Sponsoring and supporting these candidates by assigning a coach or mentor
• Invest time, resources, and money
• Measure results
• Create a visible certification structure
• Communicate progress and success
• Celebrate success
• Foster continuous certification activities
• Keep up with industry news, research, trends, and best practices
• Collaborate internally and externally

No matter which certification program is right for your organization, its success relies in great part on the level of executive support that's given. With strong support, your certification program is sure to be a knockout.

About CBT Planet:

CBT Planet specializes in offering computer and IT certification training courses to organizations of all sizes. Whether you need a comprehensive Six Sigma training solution for your entire enterprise or individual PMP certification training courses, CBT Planet has flexible, effective project management training courses to match in both live and self-study formats.