Comments on: Are there Bronze, Silver and Gold Belts ahead for Lean?

By: Joseph T. Dager

Joseph T. Dager — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:38:09 +0000

Thanks for your reply. I receive a lot of question about this topic and appreciate learning about the experience first hand.

By: Joseph T. Dager

Joseph T. Dager — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:38:09 +0000

Thanks for your reply. I receive a lot of question about this topic and appreciate learning about the experience first hand.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:27:00 +0000

I have been through each level of this process and know first hand that attaining the different levels is rigorous and requires a significant commitment on the part of the candidate to prepare for the exams and develop solid project portfolios. There is a high value placed on the experiential portfolios in the certification process and the people who review the portfolios provide good feedback and suggestions that can help candidates proceed on their professional lean journey.

By: Karen Wilhelm

Karen Wilhelm — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:42:10 +0000

I was involved in the development of the certification–supporting and facilitating the industry people who wanted it and built it. It is rigorous, and requires projects which are part of building a portfolio which is evaluated by higher-level certified practioners. Mentoring is required as well, which results in coaching for those aspiring to the Bronze and Silver levels. There are exams at each level, but passing those is not sufficient for achieving the certification. The exam questions were created using a research-based standardized template and reviewed by peers trained in the criteria for validity. The exams are administered and scored by a third party service which randomizes the questions from a pool of a required size. SME has well-developed certification systems and has administered certifications of its own for decades. A number of companies as well as NIST are using the certification as the standard for their employees or consultants.