While attending an AME conference or a regional event is an excellent way to further your understanding and practice of lean, there’s one additional way to do this – by getting your lean certification.
Along with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and Shingo Institute, AME is a partner in the Lean Certification Alliance which provides continuous improvement practitioners access to the latest lean and continuous improvement thinking and best practices.
The lean certification path starts with an accumulation of lean knowledge and the reading and understanding of the core reference materials. Once this takes place, it’s time to evaluate your lean knowledge through various assessments and online reviews. The Lean Bronze Certification exam focuses on lean fundamentals. While there is no minimum experience level to take the exam, students must understand the Lean Certification Body of Knowledge and pass the Lean Bronze Certification exam. After this happens, the student receives a Lean Knowledge Certificate and then must prepare to demonstrate their lean knowledge by preparing a Lean Bronze Portfolio which consists of three different projects.
Students who pass the portfolio review earn their Lean Bronze Certification, which is valid for three years. After reaching a higher level of knowledge and comfort, students with at least two years of lean experience and a Lean Bronze designation can apply for the Lean Silver designation. Students with at least five years of lean experience and a Lean Silver designation can prepare for the Lean Gold certification.
Why Get Certified?
Getting certified in lean is not a requirement for employment, however Lean Bronze, Lean Silver and Lean Gold certifications are industry-recognized and a tangible demonstration of lean knowledge. Getting lean certified can be an important step in gaining a competitive advantage in the job market and is regarded by many as an excellent way to enhance your career and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
It is not, however, a substitute for real-world, on-the-job experience.
As part of the Lean Certification Alliance, we are proud to host the Lean Bronze review & exam this spring in Chicago on May 11 to 13. For a description of the event, including an agenda, click here.
Some of the feedback received from previous Lean Bronze review & exam events include:
“Excellent course, great materials and well-prepared in the curriculum.”
“This course was great. I have already recommended it to a friend. The instructor is very structured and has been great throughout this lean journey.
“Completely satisfied with the level of attention to detail and practice material.”
The SME testimonials page includes additional feedback on getting certified from both an individual and an organizational perspective.
Fear not, if you’re not able to make it to Chicago in May or not ready to take the exam just yet, there will be additional classes throughout the year. Be sure to visit the AME regional events page for additional information.
For more information on preparing for the Lean Bronze Certification exam, visit the SME Lean Bronze Preparation Page, which includes resources and downloads.
