industr y

B B
efore the launch of this industry-leading Lean Certification program in 2006, the industry lacked a true consistent standard for Lean professional development and credentialing. The programs functioned independently, leaving organizations with the difficult task of determining whether the knowledge and skills fit their Lean practices. Enter three professional organizations that formed an alliance to establish the standard for continuous improvement and Lean practices the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), and the Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. These leading organizations brought industry together to create this rigorous Lean Certification program that Lean-oriented companies and individuals recognize as comprehensive, timely and effective.

the

standard

In 2010, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) joined this collaborative alliance, which truly aligns these leading organizations to a single standard for Lean certification, providing manufacturers and their supply chains with a roadmap for workforce development.

This Lean program is the benchmark for achievements and personal growth in Lean.

THE SHINGO PRIZE

for OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

lean
the

cer tification difference

his journey has allowed me to meet and interact with many outstanding Lean practitioners who have generously shared their time and experiences. I have had the honor to coach and work with improvement teams that have exceeded my

expectations time and again. Having the certification process under my belt gives me much greater credibility. Some of the people I have met through the Lean certification process have gone on to become clients of my company or have recommended me to others.
Pat Wardwell Lean Gold Certified (LGC) Chief Operating Officer Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership

T I

have personally trained over 100 internal lean practitioners for a prominent Fortune 100 company. They all passed their Lean Bronze Knowledge Exam and, together, have delivered several million dollars of cost savings for their global organization in the first two

years of the program. The value of the Lean Certification is beyond question for this firm. Bronze and Silver Certifications are written into their performance assessments and are a requirement to progress to higher positions of leadership.

Jeff Fuchs Lean Silver Certified (LSC) President Neovista Consulting, LLC

able to quickly develop and deploy Lean coach training for our organization to accelerate our Lean Journey. The Lean Certification is now a requirement for all Lean coaches in our organization.

he certification has helped our organizations Lean efforts by giving us a standard for Lean coaches within our Lean office and embedded in other departments. By having an established body of knowledge and testing methodology, we have been

Jauna Werner Lean Bronze Certified (LBC) Lean Team Leader Memorial Health

Understanding of Resources. Confidence in Choices.

The best Lean professionals performing the right Lean activities. Thats the situation most businesses want. With an established Lean standard, businesses gain greater confidence in their project choices. Multiple certification levels are available based on key applications tactical, integrative and strategic. As companies seek resources for improvement projects, they can quickly and confidently select the right Lean professional based on their specific business requirements. Companies enjoy a clear understanding of the capability of their resources. And by effectively using these resources, they can confidently attain their Lean goals faster and more efficiently.

The Lean Registry, a free community connection and

collaboration space for lean practitioners, allows users to post needs/expertise directly to their profile, create virtual groups and make safe connections more easily. Registrants can easily search through shared profiles to find who might match a specific need they have and then send an invitation to connect. Users control if or when to accept a connection and/or share contact information.

Easier Processes. Globally.

Companies that want easier processes may just get them. The certification program through systematic documentation of projects, education, and training requirements can help standardize Lean practices within organizations, regardless of size or industry. The company experiences improved productivity, quality and customer responsiveness, while minimizing costs. Furthermore, as suppliers integrate the Lean Certification program, additional benefits are realized. Imagine the alignment of an entire extended supply chain working toward a common standard and practice of Lean.

Growth. Development. Mentoring.

The Lean Certification program provides the opportunity for significant training and development for both individuals and companies. Individuals begin at the tactical level (Bronze). As their career progresses, candidates build upon their professional knowledge and skill set while also advancing within the Lean Certification program. Companies have the same option to develop their employees using Lean Certification as their guide. As employees advance within the company, they can do the same within the Lean Certification program. Mentoring is a fundamental part of the certification program. As certification candidates progress, they are required to mentor or coach others. This sharing of knowledge helps to mold new Lean experts with a clear understanding of the industry standard. This unique and distinguishing requirement reinforces the alignment of Lean principles. Candidates can mentor a fellow colleague or use Lean Registry to find a protg.

Credentials and Mobility.

This industry-leading Lean Certification program is awarded based on knowledge and experience. Whether Bronze, Silver or Gold, candidates who earn this certification must continually demonstrate, through renewals, that they adhere to accepted Lean principles. The reward is a portable, professional credential that travels with certified individuals as they change jobs and move within or among companies and industries. Companies and individuals alike can look to these credentials as the identifying mark of the effective practice of Lean knowledge and abilities.

overview

o f c e r t i fi c a t i o n r e q u i r e m e n t s

KNOWLEDGE + EXPERIENCE = LEAN STRENGTH

building
TT
he true strength of Lean comes over time through depth of knowledge and experience. The Lean Certification program comprises Bronze, Silver and Gold levels to represent the growing achievement by Lean practitioners. Starting with the tactical nature of the Bronze level, candidates build their way to Silver and, then, Gold as they learn and gain additional experiences. Individuals or companies can set the pace at which progression develops. All certification candidates must complete the requirements of each level before they progress to the next level. The progression model shows how each certification builds upon the development achieved in the previous certification.

achievement

lean

bronze certification
earned my Lean Bronze Certification (LBC) while working within the automotive industry. When my position was eliminated due to restructuring, I was able to leverage my Lean Certification to make a

successful transition to the healthcare industry. The knowledge that I gained going through the certification process reading the recommended books, understanding how to document my project work in my portfolio, and capturing my education credits is invaluable.

Tim Pettry Lean Bronze Certified (LBC) Certification Oversight and Appeals Committee Cleveland Clinic

hands-on experiences. Lean gives all types of companies and industries a common language and process.

have been recognized both within our company and with other organizations as being a Lean leader. I think it is a great experience to be recognized not only for knowledge, but also for results achieved through

Danny Jones Lean Bronze Certified (LBC) RCI Manager The HON Company

bronze
TT
Attaining Lean Bronze Certification shows that candidates possess a solid In addition, they are expected to teach the basic tools of Lean. the Bronze-level requirements before progressing to the next level.

l e v e l

he Bronze Certification level evaluates a persons TACTICAL Lean experience.

understanding of Lean principles and tools. They are able to tactically implement

Lean to drive improvements and show measurable results. They deploy and apply Lean principles, concepts and methods locally, within a work cell, work group or value stream.

This is the starting point for every certification candidate. Every candidate must complete

Phase I Exam

Lean Bronze Certification Online Review Program.

Launched in May 2009, the Lean Bronze Certification Online Review Program consists of 8 online courses that help candidates prepare for the Lean Bronze Certification exam. Candidates can focus their study efforts on the breadth of Body of Knowledge topics that they may be tested on as part of the exam. This is not intended to be used as Lean training, but as review/preparation for the exam. Available for individual purchase or a corporate site license.

The examination is the beginning phase in the certification process. Exam content is linked to a specific body of knowledge. Candidates pursuing Lean Bronze Certification are expected to successfully pass the approximately 170-question, 3-hour exam before moving to the portfolio phase.

Phase II Portfolio
Lean Certification candidates continually exercise their Lean knowledge by participating in activities in which they apply Lean principles and tools. At the Bronze-Level, practitioners demonstrate their experience through the development of their Lean portfolio. In the portfolio, using the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, candidates provide summary documentation of their best Lean events, projects and activities completed, the results and an overall reflection of their work. The portfolio is reviewed by peers who are Lean Certified. This important phase highlights the peer-to-peer development inherent in the program.

General Requirements to Qualify

Successful completion of the exam Education, training & development requirements 5 tactical Lean projects and a portfolio reflection that passes peer review

lean

multinational corporation.

silver certification
he Lean Certification Program added just the right ingredient, helping to distinguish myself from the crowd. As a result, my career has been fast-tracked to a management position with full P&L responsibility in a

All of the Lean programs executed under my leadership were positively impacted by cutting lead times and quality costs by up to 50%, increasing productivity up to 40% and reducing inventories by as much as 50%. My team is focused on our Lean efforts, reaching beyond the shop floor to other functions of the business for better stability of processes and sustainability of improvements.

Marian Lemne, P.Eng.PMP Lean Silver Certified (LSC) Plant Manager Surface Systems

getting contracts that might have otherwise gone to another consultant.

y Lean Certification has favorably influenced my consulting practice in closing contracts. As a sole proprietor, the certification has provided validation of experience and capability that resulted in

In addition, I have recently been offered a permanent position with a client company. I believe my certification was a significant influence in their decision. While the other candidates interviewed could only state their Lean experience, I could prove it.

Larry Anderson Lean Silver Certified (LSC) Vice President of Operations Permian Holdings

silver
S S
Lean principles and tools. other programs.

l e v e l

ilver-level candidates are evaluated on the INTEGRATION of Lean principles and tools. The integration of Lean activities, coupled with organizational restructuring, is necessary to transform and sustain Lean operation of a complete value stream.

Candidates at the Silver level should be fully capable of orchestrating this transformation of a complete value stream through the application of Lean. Candidates must also demonstrate a keen ability to mentor and coach others on both tactical and integrative

Mentoring requirements at this level distinguish this professional certification from

Phase I Exam
The examination is the beginning phase in the certification process. Exam content is linked to a specific body of knowledge. Lean Silver Certification candidates are expected to successfully pass the approximately 160-question, 3-hour exam before moving to the portfolio phase.

At the integrative level, they help to develop others on their Lean journey. Candidates are required to provide evidence, through their portfolio, that they are working to coach and mentor other Lean practitioners. Candidates are encouraged to coach and mentor someone within their own company or with whom a previous mentoring relationship exists. If needed, candidates can also use the Lean Registry to find a protg to mentor.

Phase II Portfolio
Lean Certification candidates continually exercise their Lean knowledge and experience by participating in and leading tactical and integrative Lean projects. At the Silver level, practitioners demonstrate their leadership of complete value stream transformation by means of their Lean portfolio, which is peer viewed. Candidates must also provide evidence of tactical events, projects and activities, and how they integrate tactical activities for value stream transformation.

General Requirements to Qualify

Completion of Bronze-Level Certification requirements Successful completion of the exam Education, training & development requirements Pass peer review of portfolio requirements 3 tactical Lean projects 2 value stream projects 1 mentoring/coaching report 1 portfolio reflection

Mentoring/Coaching
Lean practitioners invest both in their own Lean training and development and that of others.

lean

gold certification
tttaining the Gold-Level Certification has allowed me to deepen

direct-line management role, I often reflect on what I have learned through the certification process and how I can improve the development of our employees to help them to grow in their own Lean journeys. My Lean credential sets a good example for the people who work for me; they have now all attained Bronze Certification. And, I can think of several people who have taken time to contact me after they received their Bronze Certification because they wanted me to know they appreciated my help and support.

my understanding of Lean principles and I have been able to

bring that learning to other companies that I work with. In a

Pat Wardwell Lean Gold Certified (LGC) Chief Operating Officer Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership

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gold
A A
enterprise.

l e v e l

t the Gold level, candidates focus on the STRATEGIC transformation of the enterprise. Strategic Lean is a Lean transformation of an enterprise: a business or organization systematically working toward a common goal. This may be an entire company, a

plant, a business unit, a satellite office, and may include external suppliers and customers. Gold-level candidates apply Lean principles and tools through a structured and systemic approach to achieve significant business results across the organization. Candidates at the Gold-Level have sufficient Lean experience and knowledge to teach Lean strategy and leadership. They deploy this knowledge throughout the extended

Phase I Exam
The examination is the beginning phase in the certification process. Exam content is linked to a specific body of knowledge. Lean Gold Certification candidates are expected to successfully pass the approximately 150-question, 3-hour exam before moving to the portfolio phase.

Mentoring/Coaching
Lean practitioners help shape each other. At the Gold-level, candidates are required to show they are coaching and developing candidates at the Bronze and/or Silver level. Candidates may coach and mentor someone within their own company or with whom a previous mentoring relationship exists. If needed, candidates can use the Lean Registry to locate a protg to mentor.

Phase II Portfolio
Lean certification candidates continually exercise their Lean knowledge and experience by participating in activities in which they apply discrete Lean principles. Gold-level candidates demonstrate their experience by means of a Lean portfolio, which is evaluated by a team of Lean experts. Candidates must be fully capable of: Applying Lean principles and tools to drive improvements Showing measurable results for an enterprise Orchestrating the transformation of multiple and extended value streams Defining and leading enterprise strategic transformation

Interview
Candidates at this level are expected to interview with a team of Lean Certified professionals and/or program oversight committee who will evaluate the candidates applied knowledge related to the portfolio evidence presented.

General Requirements to Qualify

Completion of Bronze- and Silver-Level Certification requirements Successful completion of the exam Education, training & development requirements Panel-approved portfolio 1 tactical Lean project 2 value stream projects 2 strategic projects 1 mentoring/coaching report 1 portfolio reflection Final interview panel

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partners
SME The Society of Manufacturing Engineers
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the worlds leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publication, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up-to-date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing engineers and executives annually. The Society has members in 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of chapters worldwide. www.sme.org

about the

AME The Association for Manufacturing Excellence

The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), founded in 1985, is the premier organization for the exchange of knowledge in enterprise excellence. AME members come together to explore Lean thinking and other enterprise improvement methods, exchange best practices, and network in order to advance their careers and improve the performance of their organizations. AME sponsors the annual International Lean Conference and publishes the award winning Target magazine. It also conducts over 60 seminars and workshops throughout North America each year. www.ame.org

The Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence

The Shingo Prize was established in 1988 to promote awareness of lean concepts and to recognize companies that achieve world-class operational excellence

THE SHINGO PRIZE

for OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

status around the globe. The Shingo Prize philosophy is that world-class business performance is achieved through a deep understanding and integration of lean principles, lean systems of management, and the wise application of lean tools and techniques to create a sustainable culture of continuous improvement. www.shingoprize.org

ASQ American Society for Quality

ASQ (American Society for Quality) has been the worlds leading authority on quality for more than 60 years. With more than 85,000 individual and organizational members, the professional association advances learning, quality improvement and knowledge exchange to improve business results and to create better workplaces and communities worldwide. As a champion of the quality movement, ASQ offers technologies, concepts, tools and training to quality professionals, quality practitioners and everyday consumers. ASQ has been the sole administrator of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award since 1991. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., ASQ is a founding sponsor of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), a prominent quarterly economic indicator, and also produces the Quarterly Quality Report. www.asq.org

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CONTACT: Society of Manufacturing Engineers One SME Drive, P Box 930 .O. Dearborn, MI 48121-0930 313.425.3000 www.sme.org/leancert Email: certification@sme.org