This article outlines the similarities and differences between the PMP and LSS certifications, provides guidelines for choosing between them, and discusses the benefits of dual certification for project management and LSS professionals.<\/p>\n
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Similarities Between LSS and PMP Certifications<\/h2>\n
![\"PMP](\"\/leansixsigmaonline\/wp-content\/themes\/purdue-lss\/images\/blog\/six-sigma-pmp.jpg\")
\nBoth certifications:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Help professionals improve process performance<\/li>\n
- Employ a five-phase methodology<\/li>\n
- Are globally recognized and in demand by employers<\/li>\n
- Apply to various function areas across industries<\/li>\n
- Help employees add value to their organization<\/li>\n
- Expand career opportunities<\/li>\n
- Lead to higher earnings potential<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nDifferences Between LSS and PMP Certifications<\/h2>\n
Methodology<\/h3>\n
LSS certification provides individuals with a problem-solving framework, drawing heavily on statistical analysis to reduce or eliminate waste, lower defects, and improve customer satisfaction. With LSS projects, the emphasis is on developing and implementing a process that ensures quality. The five phases of the Lean Six Sigma process are: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.<\/p>\n
PMP certification teaches individuals how to lead and direct a team, and use a set of processes to effectively plan, orchestrate and control complex projects. They learn how to gain buy-in, manage risk, and establish effective stakeholder communication, among other skills. With project management, the emphasis is on developing and implementing processes to ensure a project is successfully completed on time and on budget. The five phases of project management methodology are: Initiate, Plan, Launch, Monitor and Control, and Close.<\/p>\n
Earning and Maintaining Certification<\/h3>\n
Lean Six Sigma is a trajectory. Individuals gain mastery by progressing through a hierarchy of certifications that includes Lean Six Sigma Green Belt online certification<\/a> and Six Sigma Black Belt online certification<\/a>. These certifications have no expiration date, and no single organization administers LSS certification exams.<\/p>\n
Individuals earn the PMP designation by passing the PMP exam, which is administered solely by the Project Management Institute (PMI)\u00ae. To take the exam, individuals must meet PMI eligibility requirements<\/a>, which include professional project management training<\/a> and experience. To pass PMI\u2019s rigorous PMP exam, individuals must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the Institute\u2019s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK\u00ae Guide). The PMP certification process can take several years and the certification must be renewed every three years through professional development units.<\/p>\n
\nHow to Choose Between PMP Certification and LSS Certification<\/h2>\n
The right choice depends on your current role or the position you are seeking and your long-term career objectives. If you want to be a project manager, the PMP designation immediately validates your competence and commitment to serving in this role. At many companies, this credential is mandatory for project managers. Additionally, the 2018 PMI Salary Survey of 33,000 certification holders from 37 countries, showed that PMP certification holders earn 23% more<\/a> than their peers without the credential.<\/p>\n
A Lean Six Sigma online certification<\/a> is essential for Individuals working in or pursuing quality assurance roles in industries, including manufacturing and finance, that are heavy users of Lean Six Sigma. As with PMP certification, LSS certification can expand your job opportunities and provide you with knowledge and skills that enable you to perform your job better. Additionally, your earnings potential increases with each level of LSS certification. PayScale reports that in the United States an operations manager with a Green Belt earns<\/a> an average annual salary of $80,726 and a project manager with a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification<\/a> earns an average annual salary of $92,886<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind, though, that choosing which credential to pursue often isn\u2019t a Lean Six Sigma vs. PMP proposition. They complement each other, and many professionals choose to earn both.<\/p>\n
\nHow Professionals Can Benefit from Dual LSS and PMP Certification<\/h2>\n
The benefits of holding both LSS certification and PMP certification include:<\/p>\n
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- Improved hiring potential and eligibility for positions that require both credentials<\/li>\n
- Competitive advantage for positions that require only one of these credentials<\/li>\n
- Expanded professional networking opportunities through membership in PMI and organizations including the American Society for Quality<\/a> (ASQ) and International Society of Six Sigma Professionals<\/a> (ISSSP).<\/li>\n
- Greater career flexibility, enabling professionals in process improvement or project management to shift their career in either direction<\/li>\n
- Ability to add even more value to an organization through proficiency in both disciplines<\/li>\n
- Ability to integrate project management and LSS strategies<\/a><\/li>\n
- Ability to train others in either methodology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Wherever you are on your career path, Purdue University offers online LSS<\/a> and online Project Management<\/a> training and certification courses that help you stand out in the crowd. These 100 percent online, university-based courses are developed and taught by leading industry professionals who meet Purdue\u2019s high standards of academic excellence. They provide online learners with personalized, hands-on instruction and are dedicated to student success. Many of Purdue\u2019s instructors hold both PMP certification and Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification<\/a>.<\/p>\n
You can choose one or more of these project management and LSS courses to take your career to the next level:<\/p>\n
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- Project Management Essentials<\/a><\/li>\n
- Project Management Exam Preparation<\/a><\/li>\n
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Online<\/a><\/li>\n
- Lean Principles Certification Online<\/a><\/li>\n
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Online<\/a><\/li>\n
- Green Belt Refresher Online<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Project Management Professional, PMP and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.<\/small><\/p>\n
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- Project Management Exam Preparation<\/a><\/li>\n