Frequently Asked Questions

UH Six Sigma Certificate Program

1. What should I expect from the certificate course?
   The Six Sigma Certificate Program is a Green Belt level training course, which is taught concurrently with our graduate course. It provides training on how to use the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) methodology to solve problems within your organization. Lecture topics include many proven Six Sigma problem-solving methods and basic statistical tools, which are reinforced through hands-on learning exercises.
    
2. How often is the Six Sigma certificate course offered?
   The Six Sigma certificate course is offered every fall and spring semester. It is not offered during the summer.
    
3. What are the course prerequisites?
   

   There are no specific pre-requisites for this certificate course. It is, however, highly recommended that potential participants consider the following issues before enrolling in this course.

   Six Sigma training involves the use of statistical analysis, but this content is taught at a practical level so everyone can understand and learn. Through hands-on learning exercise, participants work as teams to collect data. Then, participants utilize the step by step instructions provided in their training manual to analyze their data using a statistical software package. Finally, the instructor reinforces the interpretation of this analysis in class.

   Please note that potential participants should be fluent in English (written and spoken). A minimum TOEFL score of: 79 IBT, or 213 on the computer based exam, or 550 on the paper based exam, is a good guideline to determine if English language skills are adequate. Evidence of test scores, however, is not required to enroll in this certificate course.

   Potential participants are encouraged to read through all the information on our website to determine if this course is for you. If you still have questions, please contact us and we will be more than happy to discuss the details of the course with you personally.

    
4. What does the course fee cover?
   
   • Six Sigma Green Belt Training Manual
   • JMP8 Statistical Software
   • The Six Sigma Memory Jogger™ II: A Pocket Guide of Tools for Six Sigma Improvement Teams, 2002, Salem, NH: GOAL/QPC
   • 42 instruction hours (3 hrs/wk for 14 wks)
   • Certification exam (1 attempt)
   • On-campus parking (1 semester)
    
5. Do you offer tuition payment plans?
   Payment is due in full at the time of registration.
    
6. What is not covered by the course fee?
   
   • Completing a Six Sigma project as part of this course*
   • Project consultation meetings with the instructor outside of class
   • Project review (can be scheduled subsequent to the course – additional fees apply)
   * If you are willing to meet the graduate course deadlines for the project as listed in the course outline, you may complete a project at no additional cost and receive the same type of feedback each graduate student will receive throughout the course.
    
7. Will a letter of completion be provided for my employer?
   Upon completion of the course, you may request a letter printed on UH letter head that states whether or not you passed the course and gives your final grade. Grades for the Six Sigma certificate program are based solely on the certification exam given at the end of the course. Failure to take this exam (which is optional for graduate students) will result in a failing grade for the course.
    
8. Do you accept financial aid?
   Sallie Mae now offers personal loans to pay for professional development and continuing education courses. Please visit Sallie Mae's website for more information.
   Please note that all course fees must still be paid by the posted deadlines. For more information as to how to apply for the Sallie Mae student loan, please contact our office of financial aid at 713.743.1010 option 3.
    
9. Will I be certified upon completing the course?
   A certificate of completion will be awarded to each participant who completes the training and passes the certification exam given at the end of the course (a passing grade is 70% or higher). Full certification as a Six Sigma Green Belt requires the completion of a project which takes place in your company. After the completion of your project, a project review can be scheduled in which Six Sigma Program instructors travel to your location to validate your work (additional fees apply for the project review).
    
10. Will I receive a 1098-T tax form for the course?
    You will need to contact your CPA or a local tax office for instructions on how to file educational fees paid on your taxes.
     
11. Will this course require much studying and preparation?
    Yes. Due to the difficulty of the level of information and the comprehensive nature of the course, the student is expected to dedicate additional time for studying, class preparation, and projects.
     
12. Is there technology assistance for the certificate course?
    Please note the following technology assistance that is offered for certificate students:
    
    • See the "Blackboard Info Sheet" available via Blackboard for initial log-in instructions. (Please change your password after you initial log-in.)
    • If you need your password reset, please contact Shantavia Settles (ssettles@central.uh.edu or 713-743-2994).
    • For assistance with Blackboard, visit the help desk at 116-PGH M-F 8am-8pm or call 713-743-1411, 24hrs a day, 7 days a week (except during University holidays).
     
13. How do I obtain Professional Development Units (PDUs)?
    
    • Go to http://tel.occe.ou.edu/pmi/PMI_Member/PDUlogin.php3 to submit your PDU claim.
    • This course is recognized as a Registered Education Provider (REP) and registered with PMI under "TEMP 6342 – Contemporary Project Quality Management" (highest PDU type).
    • Please contact PMI directly for help with the PDU claim process.
     

For further information about this program, please contact us.