Six Sigma certification costs vary widely — from paying only the exam fee to covering both training and certification.
In this article, I break down the cost for each certification path to fully answer how much does six sigma certification cost.
Since WhichCert.com is a certification guide, in this post we selected certifications from each Six Sigma certification type (when possible), as explained in: Which Six Sigma Certification Is Most Recognized?
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Lean Six Sigma certification cost: White belt (CSSC free certification)
Cost range: $0 – $59.31
The Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) offers a free White Belt certification along with free PDF study materials.
Preparation phase material:
- Six Sigma: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (paperback)– $59.31
- or, download the free PDF version – 0$
Examination phase: Get it for Free: online certification exam.
Total duration: Varies
Validity of the certification: Does not expire
Lean Six Sigma certification cost: Yellow belt
Recognized by almost all certification providers, there are many options and possible paths to obtain it:
| Provider / Option | Preparation phase | Examination phase | Total duration | Validity | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASQ Self-study |
Book (authorized for the open-book exam): ASQ Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt Handbook – $124.50 Study guide (book): ASQ Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt Study Guide – $60.00 | Exam fee – $422 | Varies | Does not expire | $606.50 |
| ASQ Self-paced training |
Book (authorized for the open-book exam): ASQ Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt Handbook – $124.50 Online training (self-paced): ASQ Self-Paced Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training – $424 | Exam fee – $422 | 10.5 hours | Does not expire | $970.50 |
| Technical University of Munich |
Training (certification included): Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt: Quantitative Tools for Quality and Productivity – $546.30 | Included | 88 hours | Does not expire | $546.30 |
| GLSS |
Online training (certification included): Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training & Certification – $99.00 | Included | 2 hours | Recertification every 2 years | $99.00 |
Lean Six Sigma certification cost: Green belt
Sometimes, the Yellow Belt is required—such as for the Technical University of Munich—so the cost is added.
| Provider / Option | Preparation phase | Examination phase | Total duration | Validity | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASQ Self-study |
Book: ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Handbook – $129.88 Study guide (book): ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Study Guide – $55.72 | Exam fee – $469 | Varies | Does not expire | $654.60 |
| ASQ Self-paced training |
Book (authorized for the open-book exam): ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Handbook – $129.88 Online training (self-paced): ASQ Self-Paced Six Sigma Green Belt Training – $824 | Exam fee – $469 | 23.5 hours (prerequisites needed, see requirements) | Does not expire | $1,422.88 |
| TUM – Students |
Training (project): Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Sustainability Project – $1,301.40 Yellow Belt: required (cost included) | Included | 88 h (Yellow Belt) + 80 h | Does not expire | $1,301.40 |
| TUM – Professionals |
Training (project): Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Business Project – $3,207 Yellow Belt: required (cost included) | Included | 88 h (Yellow Belt) + 100 h | Does not expire | $3,207 |
| GLSS |
Online training (certification included): Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training & Certification – $599.00 | Included | 4 hours | Recertification every 2 years | $599.00 |
Lean Six Sigma certification cost: Black belt
| Provider / Option | Preparation phase | Examination phase | Total duration | Validity | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASQ Self-study |
Book: ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Handbook – $150.00 Study guide (book): ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Study Guide – $60.47 | Exam fee – $568 | Varies | Recertification every 3 years | $778.47 |
| ASQ Self-paced training |
Book (authorized for the open-book exam): ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Handbook – $150.00 Online training (self-paced): ASQ Self-Paced Six Sigma Black Belt Training – $924 | Exam fee – $568 | 49.5 hours (prerequisites needed, see requirements) | Recertification every 3 years | $1,642.00 |
| Juran Institute |
Training: Juran Black Belt Course – $525.00 Certification: Additional fees apply depending on the level of support selected from Juran. | Included | Varies | No expiration communicated (awaiting confirmation) | Varies |
| GLSS |
Online training (certification included): Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training & Certification – $999.00 | Included | 8 hours | Recertification every 2 years | $999.00 |
Lean Six Sigma certification cost: Master black belt
Cost range: $2,544
ASQ offers Master Black Belt certification only to professionals who meet the eligibility criteria (see the certification requirements).
Preparation phase material: Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt Handbook – $145
Examination phase:
- Portfolio review – $800
- Exam fee – $1,599
Total duration: Varies
Validity of the certification: Recertification every 3 years
Summary: Lean Six Sigma certification cost
Knowing the cost differences between providers and certification levels helps you choose the most efficient career path:
- Lean Six Sigma white belt certification cost range: $0 – $59.31
- Lean Six Sigma yellow belt certification cost range: $99 – $970.5
- Lean Six Sigma green belt certification cost range: $599 – $3,207 ($3,207 includes yellow belt fee)
- Lean Six Sigma black belt certification cost range: $778.47 – $1642.00
- Lean Six Sigma master black belt certification cost: $2,544
To evaluate efficiency, select the path that aligns best with your career goals, budget, and certification requirements.