Continuous Improvement Managers

Certification or Licensing

“Certification is a mark of excellence,” according to the American Society for Quality (ASQ). “It demonstrates that the certified individual has the knowledge to assure quality of products and services. Certification is an investment in your career and in the future of your employer.” Many employers require CIMs to be certified, or earn specific certifications within a short period time after they are hired. The ASQ offers nearly 20 certification credentials (https://www.asq.org/cert), many of which are useful to continuous improvement managers. Requirements include having a certain amount of work experience, completing a project within the particular certification area, and passing a written examination. Highly recommended ASQ certification credentials for CIMs include:

• Lean Certification
• Master Black Belt
• Six Sigma Black Belt
• Six Sigma Green Belt
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt

The Association for Manufacturing Excellence partners with SME and the Shingo Institute to offer a lean certification program. Visit https://www.ame.org/lean-certification for more information. The Association of Business Process Management Professionals International also offers certification.