Traditionally, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) training has been delivered in classrooms, provided either by a company’s in-house experts or by a training or consulting firm.

In the past 20 years, however, technology has taken training out of the classroom and online. Anyone with Internet access can learn the methodologies and tools of LSS. Now, individuals have options for learning new skills in the place they prefer and in the way they prefer: in-person, online or blended (a combination of classroom and online).

Some issues to consider in selecting the appropriate training path include the following:

• References. If training is to be provided by a consulting firm, does the firm have references that can be checked and verified?
• Timing. How long will the training take? For in-person training, does it take place in one consecutive session or over time with a break between multiple sessions? For online training, are you able to set your own pace?
• Project requirement. Is a project required in order to complete the training? Are there requirements around the type of project to be completed?
• Cost. Is the training cost reflective of the depth and breadth of what will be taught? Are any “extras” included, such as software and books?
• Mentor. Will a mentor be provided? If so, how accessible is that mentor?
• Availability. If a blended or online program, what type of access do you have to the program?
• Certification. Is the training inclusive of certification? If not, will the training be transferrable toward a certification elsewhere?

These are only a few of the items that someone interested in LSS should investigate before selecting their training path. To learn more about training best practices and related topics, refer to the following articles and discussions on iSixSigma.com:

• Best of Benchmarking Research: Training and Development
• How Do I Verify if a Training Program Is Accredited?
• Lean Six Sigma Blended Learning for Your Business [VIDEO] – With John Best
• Lean Six Sigma Certification
• Measuring the Training Options for Lean Six Sigma
• Six Sigma Roles and Responsibilities

The following resources offer a means for finding a training provider and classes.

• A list of LSS e-learning providers.
• A list of LSS educational providers.
• Check the iSixSigma consultants directory, some of whom offer training sessions open to the public.
• Some of the training and service providers who advertise on this site provide public training options.
• The iSixSigma events calendar lists public training classes, both online and in-person.