The SME Lean Bronze Certification validates that a professional can tactically implement lean principles to drive improvements and measurable results within a work cell, work group, and/or value stream.
The SME Lean Bronze Certification (LBC) validates that a professional can tactically implement lean principles to drive improvements and measurable results within a work cell, work group, and/or value stream. It is offered through the Lean Certification Alliance — a partnership between SME, the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), and the Shingo Institute.
Earning the LBC is a two-phase process:
Online only, proctored. ~165 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, 75% passing score, open book. No formal prerequisites.
Principles, processes, and techniques of cultural enablers within work cells or work groups. Includes respect for individuals, planning and deployment, learning and coaching, people development, motivation and empowerment, cross-training, skills assessment, OJT, coaching and mentoring, change management, and suggestion systems.
113 practice questions available
Basic principles, philosophies, systems, tools, techniques, and practices of continuous process improvement. Covers flow and waste elimination (7 wastes, Muda, Mura, Muri), JIT, scientific thinking, Jidoka, kaizen, 5S, standard work, PDCA, DMAIC, VSM, SPC, poka-yoke, SMED, kanban, TPM, QFD, DFM, FMEA, and more.
450 practice questions available
Principles, processes, systems, techniques, practices, and tools for consistent lean enterprise culture. Includes systemic thinking, constancy of purpose, social responsibility, enterprise thinking, hoshin kanri (policy deployment), A3 process, catchball, and resource redeployment.
75 practice questions available
Principles of business results, measurement systems, and key lean related measures. Covers customer loyalty, SMART goals, quality measures (rework, first pass yield), delivery measures (takt time, cycle time, lead time), cost measurements (inventory turns, OEE, changeover time), and financial impact of lean.
113 practice questions available