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Best continuous improvement manager certifications
Continuous improvement manager certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an continuous improvement manager to employers. However, not all continuous improvement manager certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a continuous improvement manager are Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Black Belt, and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
Below is a list of the best continuous improvement manager certifications. Obtaining an continuous improvement manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
10 best certifications for continuous improvement managers
| Rank | Continuous improvement manager certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Six Sigma Green Belt | IASSC |
| 2 | Six Sigma Black Belt | IASSC |
| 3 | Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) | ASQ |
| 4 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
| 5 | Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) | APICS |
| 6 | Master Project Manager (MPM) | AAPM |
| 7 | Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) | ASQ |
| 8 | Lean Gold Certification | SME |
| 9 | Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI |
| 10 | Certified Six Sigma Blackbelt (CSSBB) | ASQ |
10 best continuous improvement manager certifications
1. Six Sigma Green Belt
The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB) is a professional who is well versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology who both leads or supports improvement projects, typically as a part-time role. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt possesses a thorough understanding of all aspects within the phases of D-M-A-I-C. They understand how to perform and interpret Six Sigma tools and how to use standard principles of Lean.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Six Sigma Black Belt
The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB) is a professional who is well versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology, who leads improvement projects, typically in a full-time role. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt possesses a thorough understanding of all aspects within the phases of D-M-A-I-C. They understand how to perform and interpret Six Sigma tools and how to use standard principles of Lean.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
The Certified Quality Engineer is a professional who understands the principles of product and service quality evaluation and control. This body of knowledge and applied technologies include, but are not limited to, development and operation of quality control systems, application and analysis of testing and inspection procedures, the ability to use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices, an understanding of human factors and motivation, facility with quality cost concepts and techniques, and the knowledge and ability to develop and administer management information systems and to audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Thousands of employers worldwide look for the CPIM designation when making critical hiring decisions. These companies know that CPIM designees have the proven knowledge and skills to strategically streamline operations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
6. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
The Certified Quality Auditor is a professional who understands the standards and principles of auditing and the auditing techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting to determine a quality system's adequacy and deficiencies. The Certified Quality Auditor analyzes all elements of a quality system and judges its degree of adherence to the criteria of industrial management and quality evaluation and control systems.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
8. Lean Gold Certification
Earning the Lean Gold Certification (the highest level of lean certification) recognizes your understanding of all aspects of Lean transformation across an entire enterprise. It represents your career progression to a point of influence and authority over assets, processes and people.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
9. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. Certified Six Sigma Blackbelt (CSSBB)
The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is a professional who can explain Six Sigma philosophies and principles, including supporting systems and tools. A Black Belt should demonstrate team leadership, understand team dynamics and assign team member roles and responsibilities. Black Belts have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the DMAIC model in accordance with Six Sigma principles. They have basic knowledge of Lean enterprise concepts, are able to identify non-value-added elements and activities and are able to use specific tools.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a continuous improvement manager?
The best continuous improvement manager certification is Six Sigma Green Belt. The Six Sigma Green Belt is awarded by the International Association of Six Sigma Certification. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this continuous improvement manager certification:
- To become a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for continuous improvement managers?
The most in-demand continuous improvement manager certification is Six Sigma Green Belt based on all active job postings. Having this continuous improvement manager certification will give you access to more continuous improvement manager jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of continuous improvement manager certifications include: Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Black Belt, and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
Online courses for continuous improvement managers to earn certifications
1. Coaching Managers & Leaders for Continuous Improvement
Coaching for Lean Leadership, Continuous Improvement and Business Performance...
2. Business Continuity Management & ISO 22301 - Complete Guide
Learn Business Continuity Management from Organizational Resilience, Risk Management & Business Management perspectives!...
3. Kaizen Practitioner Masterclass for Quality Management.
Structured Approach to identify and Eliminate waste in Business for Continuous Improvement & Quality Management...
4. ISO 22301:2019. Business continuity management system
Understand how to prepare for and manage disruptions according to the international standard ISO 22301...
5. Business Continuity Management BCMS & ISO 22301 Masterclass
How to plan and prepare for unforeseen business disruption events through an effective, dynamic Business Continuity Plan...
6. Lean BPM - Lean Business Process Management Change Skills
Lean BPM - learn how to use lean business management techniques to reduce waste and improve your business efficiency...
7. ISO 9001:2015-Quality Management System Implementation & Audit
Learn how to Implement and Audit a Quality Management System as per ISO 9001: 2015...
8. ISO 22301-Business Continuity Management (BCM & BCP)
Everything you need to know about ISO 22301—Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Business Continuity Planning (BCP)...
9. Agile Crash Course: Agile Project Management; Agile Delivery
Agile Project Management Basics (Scrum) & Agile Project Management Essentials (Scrum). Plus Agile Certification (Scrum)...
10. Lean Management: Just-In-Time JIT Certification (Accredited)
Get Lean Management and Lean Manufacturing Just In Time Trained Grab Just In Time Specialist Certification Earn PDUs...
11. Lean Management: Reduce waste and boost efficiency
Learn how to use the principles of lean management to optimize production, eliminate waste, and maximize customer value...
12. Project Management: Cost & Schedule Monitoring using EVM
Earned Value Management, Project Management, Cost Control & Monitor, Budget, Schedule & Cost Variance, Performance Index...
13. Project Management - Complete Guide For A+ Project Managers
Complete guide to project management - stakeholders, planning, cost, quality, risks, feasibility, methods & resourcing...
14. ISO 50001:2018. Energy management system
Learn how to implement an energy management system according to ISO 50001...
15. Project Management+Deliver on Time + Scrum Project Delivery
Learn how to Meet Deadlines Consistently with Project Management Essentials using Scrum for Continuous Delivery On Time...
16. Lean Leadership Skills, Lean Culture & Lean Management
Leading Change: Lean Culture, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement & Toyota Production System...
17. ISO 9001:2015 Quality management system auditor
Upgrade your career by learning how to implement and audit a quality management system according to ISO 9001...
18. Project Management with Earned Value Management (EVM) 9 PDUs
Project Management with Earned Value Management Earned Value Management for PMP Certification EVM with MS Project...
19. Project Management Training
Project Management Certification Training with 4 Full Practice Tests...
20. Project Management Professional Certification Program (PMP)
Your Guide to the Gold Standard of Project Management Certifications (PMI-PMP) (PMBOK7 updated) (40 PDUs minimum)...