PMP (Project Management Professional) and Six Sigma are highly recognized in management certifications. The PMP® Certification, provided by PMI, is the industry standard for project managers and is widely acknowledged. On the other hand, Six Sigma provides individuals with the appropriate instruments and techniques to improve organizational procedures.
Clarification on the ongoing debate and evaluation of the advantages of Six Sigma and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications is still necessary for professionals who want to advance in their careers. Selecting between PMP and Six Sigma is difficult because both certifications are widely sought after for competent project management practices in a spectrum of industries.
What is PMP® Certification?
One project management certification recognized worldwide is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. The Project Management Institute (PMI), the lead center in the project management industry, provides PMP® Certification. Gaining this certification will allow you to demonstrate your proficiency in overseeing projects from start to finish. In contrast to Six Sigma, which offers multiple certification levels, PMP only provides one. Most people just beginning their project management careers are advised to read it.
Initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and ending the project are just a few of the ideas and best practices of project management that you will study for the PMP exam. You must pass the PMP test, one of the most complex professional exams, to obtain this credential.
What is Six Sigma Certification?
The Six Sigma quality methodology is employed chiefly in industrial engineering to manage manufacturing operations. Since Six Sigma is focused on statistical analysis and quality control, you may demonstrate proficiency in this project management method. This methodology uses process modification and measurement to decrease defects and production errors while increasing customer satisfaction.
With this certification, every level is represented by a coloured "belt" for which you can obtain certification. The highest accreditation level is the Six Sigma master black belt. At the project level, Six Sigma is composed of multiple tiers that are referred to as belts. All Six Sigma belts can be earned in any order, but they are all levels beneath the master black. There are four different Six Sigma belts: white, yellow, green, and black.
Also, read:
- What is Six Sigma?
- Importance of Six Sigma in Quality Management
- Six Sigma Black Belt vs Master Black Belt
Roles And Responsibilities PMP vs Six Sigma Professionals
Roles and responsibilities of a PMP
- Estimating Costs and Ensuring Quality
Any innovative product or service can only be completed with a precise cost estimate from PMP using a top-down or bottom-up method.
- Controlling Risks and Maintaining Problems
A risk that arises during a project's lifespan that is "not as per plan" is something that any competent project manager would be aware of. This unexpected development could have a beneficial or harmful impact on the project's outcome. The key to managing risk is being ready to face it.
- Planning Activities and Resources
In addition to outlining the work schedule, a project manager also breaks out the various activities that go into each activity in the project. Mapping a project's different activities to its resources is an element of the project manager's job.
Roles and responsibilities of a Six Sigma
- Proactive Leading
Establishing Six Sigma initiatives inside the company, creating Six Sigma plans, and seeing that they are carried out successfully are the responsibilities of the Initiative Leadership.
- Project leadership
On the other side, project leadership is in charge of overseeing Six Sigma projects and making sure they are completed successfully.
- Improvement Process
Determine and examine current procedures to look for areas for improvement. Implement processes to improve productivity, lower error rates, and streamline processes.
Read More:Roles and Responsibilities of Six Sigma
Similarities Between PMP Vs Six Sigma Certifications
The certifications for PMP and Six Sigma are similar in the following ways:
- These certifications are well-known worldwide.
- Two examples of knowledge mentioned are the Lean Six Sigma for Six Sigma certification and the PMBOK Guide for PMP® Certification.
- You can enhance process performance with the aid of both certifications.
- A five-phase process is used in both of these certificates.
- They use comparable techniques, such as fishbone diagrams and charts.
- Businesses gain the same amount of value from these two approaches.
- Individuals with one of the credentials are typically sought after by employers.
- Even though these two certificates use distinct ways of applying the fundamentals of project management, their main goal is to advance PM techniques.
- Both certifications will provide you with the same degree of project management expertise.
- Compared to project managers who do not possess these credentials, holders of these certifications may be able to earn more money.
Also, check:What is PMP® Certification? A Comprehensive Guide
Difference Between PMP vs Six Sigma Certifications
PMP | Six Sigma |
A PMI-authorized Training Partner must provide 35 contact hours of project management training for you to earn the PMP® Certification. | There is no special training needed to obtain a Six Sigma certification. |
Using the Project Management techniques outlined in the PMBOK handbook, you will learn how to manage a team and plan, carry out, oversee, and manage projects of any size or scope with PMP. | Your Six Sigma certification will provide expertise in applying statistical analysis to solve problems. By process redesign and measurement, this knowledge will help you decrease defects and production errors and raise customer satisfaction. |
Among many other things, PMP teaches you to manage risk, communicate, establish a budget, and interact with stakeholders. | You gain knowledge in creating and executing processes that guarantee quality with Six Sigma. |
PMP incorporates five phases of Project Management. | The principal methodology of Six Sigma is the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control cycle or DMAIC cycle. |
The project management process involves five phases: A) Beginning a project B) Organizing the project. C) Putting the project into action D) Supervising and managing the project E) Concluding the project | The DMAIC cycle has the following stages: A) Defining the problem or the defining phase B) Assessing the issue or phase and its consequences C) Examining the issue's phase or underlying causes D) Streamlining the procedure or increasing process effectiveness E) Phase control or long-term outcomes maintenance |
Experience
PMP:
Four-year degree from college or university and 36 months of experience running projects within the past eight years.
Six Sigma:
At least three years of work experience in an area utilizing Six Sigma methodology and the completion of one Six Sigma project are prerequisites.
Also, check:Everything You Need To Know About Six Sigma DMAIC
Requirements
PMP:
CAPM® certification or 35 hours of project management education/training
Six Sigma:
To become certified as a Six Sigma, professionals must complete two entire projects and sign affidavits. Alternatively, professionals can also complete one entire project with a signed affidavit and work experience in the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge domains of at least 3 years.
Salary trends
PMP:
The median yearly compensation for non certified project managers in the United States is $9,000, according to PMI. PMPs get a median salary of $130,000 annually, which is 44% more than their counterparts who aren't qualified.
Six Sigma:
In the United States, the average income for a Six Sigma Belt is $110,500; the range often falls between $89,700 and $116,800.
Factors Influencing Salary
PMP:
- Experience: Like any other job, one's prospective pay increases with increasing expertise. This slope may be steeper with a PMP® certification, though.
- Geographical Location: PMP professionals may receive more extensive pay packages in metropolitan locations with higher living costs.
Six Sigma:
- Their job roles significantly influence the salary of Six Sigma Certified individuals because various job categories within an organization have varying tasks and responsibilities.
- Even within the same organization, jobs with more complex duties or higher levels of responsibility may pay more than jobs without them.
How To Choose Between PMP & Six Sigma?
Your choice between the Six Sigma and PMP® Certifications will depend on your current work title, professional ambitions, and career goals. Obtaining PMP® Certification is highly recommended for those who desire to advance in their jobs in project management or pursue employment as project managers.
Professionals holding this certificate will acquire the skills and knowledge to ace project management. Yet, if quality control and assurance are your areas of interest or wish to enter or advance in this field of work, earning a Six Sigma certification is essential. This certification provides a comprehensive understanding of quality improvement and process optimisation techniques.
Who Earns More: PMP & Six Sigma Professional?
Depending on the level of certification, a qualified Six Sigma professional's average pay in the US varies. The average salary for a skilled PMP is $106,000, as per Payscale. For example, a qualified Six Sigma Black Belt professional typically makes roughly $100,000 per year.
This indicates that there is little difference between the salaries of both certifications. It varies on the company, position, and location where you are working, which will impact the high or low income accordingly. Hence, there is no such comparison regarding the salary as it may be equal or based on the factors mentioned.
Final Verdict
You can choose which certification to pursue now that you have more knowledge about the qualifications for both the PMP and Six Sigma credentials and their potential career paths and eligibility restrictions. Each has disadvantages of its own.
You may advance your career with Simpliaxis' Six Sigma Fundamentals Certification Training. The strengths and weaknesses of its project management lie in the integration of Six Sigma expertise. Our thorough instruction, enhanced with practical knowledge, sets you up for success. Increase your income potential, make a name for yourself, and attract employers to hire you. Accept excellence in quality assurance and project management. Invest in your future now!
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