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Formal Lean qualifications for individuals

If you are an individual looking for Lean qualifications, there are several routes to consider. Most individuals become LCS certified through an LCS Accredited organisation, where they are employed, or through a consultant’s public or client programme. However, if you are an experienced Lean practitioner, you can certify via the LCS Approved Prior Learning & Experience Route (APLE) at Level 2 and Level 3 with us at LCS. 
 
The APLE route is designed for practitioners with few or no formal lean qualifications, for recognition of their credentials. These practitioners will have a track record of leadership and Lean implementation at a strategic level, plus an in-depth knowledge of Lean thinking principles and techniques gained through roles in employment and Lean related education.

The benefits of becoming LCS qualified
via APLE

  • Receive independent endorsement of your leadership capabilities
  • Strengthens your credibility as a senior Lean thinker
  • Improves your critical reflection capability
  • Clarifies your appreciation of Lean leadership attributes
  • Helps build confidence and self assurance
  • Gain access to a network of practitioners for continuing development and peer-to-peer learning
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What our clients say about us

“I really enjoyed my LCS Level 3 experience. It was fun and it helped me to realise my own growth in the area of Lean Thinking. Combining theory, my own thoughts and my experiences into an assignment gave me insight in implementing Lean Thinking in my current work environment. Icing on the cake were the regular meetings with John Homewood, who was my mentor and guide during the LCS Level 3 experience.”.

André te Linde

Business Consultant Preventie & Handhaving

André te Linde

"The Level 3 Programme has really opened my eyes to what Lean is. It has built our skills and understanding and the ability to implement Lean at that strategic level. We have included other team members in the LCS 3 programme as it will help us all then to understand the same level of strategic thinking across the organisation and it gives us a framework in which the senior members of my team can actually apply Lean thinking and really make a difference for RS."

Keith Gautrey-Prue

Director, Group Continuous Improvement, RS Group plc

Keith

"I would definitely recommend the Level 3 programme. I'd gone through the Yellow, Green and Black Belt training and I'd delivered projects in that way. With the LCS Level 3 programme it feels a lot broader than just doing a project delivery. It's all of the people side of things as well and everything you're learning, the behaviours, the culture."

Katie Holyoak

Continuous Improvement Business Partner - Transformation at RS Group plc

Katie
Read More Success Stories

Application Criteria for APLE
certification

Applicants for Level 2 or 3 certification through the APLE route need specific levels of knowledge and experience gained though roles in employment. For example, a Level 2 applicant should have spent at least five years in management roles, while a Level 3 applicant should have been successful in applying Lean thinking in management roles within varied environments over at least ten years.

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Practical competence

Case studies that are strategic in nature are used to evidence an applicant's practical capability.

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Leadership

Applicants need to demonstrate their leadership capabilities when implementing Lean programmes.

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Critical reflection

Applicants are required to critically reflect on their case experiences - essentially, making meaning of an experience and learning lessons.

The APLE certification options for experienced managers

There are two APLE certification options – Levels 2 and 3

Level 2: Technical

Level 2 is designed for experienced practitioners with continuous improvement knowledge, gained either through formal training by an educational institution or training provider, or experientially through casual courses, on the job study or other pursuits. This knowledge needs to be combined with a variety of improvement experience gained at a leadership level.

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2a: Implementation & Design

On the advanced Lean knowledge and leadership competences required for Lean management. Ability to design and implement programmes, play a leading role in managing departmental or cross functional teams, with some support and guidance.

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2b: Implementation & Leadership

On the advanced Lean knowledge and leadership competences required for Lean management. Ability to design and implement programmes, play a leading role in managing inter-business, departmental or cross functional teams, with high levels of responsibility and requiring minimal support and guidance.

Level 2 fees:

Qualification without a knowledge test: £500.00/ €600.00
Knowledge test (if required): £60.00/ €72.00

Process for Level 2 applicants

For Level 2, you are required to complete an online application form that describes your Lean roles and achievements. You make a statement summarising how your Lean knowledge and practical experience meets the Level 2 criteria and submit two case studies that evidence your capability. You critically reflect on your case experiences and provide a reference. You may be required to take an online test if you have insufficient training/qualifications.

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Level 3: Strategic

Level 3 is the highest LCS qualification. It indicates that the holder has a progressive, mature and broad understanding of Lean thinking and is a capable Lean leader. Level 3 practitioners will also be able to effectively design and implement Lean programmes at a strategic or transformative level.

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3a: Strategic Enterprise

On advanced Lean knowledge and the strategic and leadership competences required for Lean leadership at a senior level. Those with LCS 3a should be able to design Lean strategies for an organisation (or a significant business unit) and demonstrate appropriate Lean leadership qualities and practices.

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3b: Strategic Supply Chain

On advanced Lean knowledge and the strategic and leadership competences required for Lean leadership at the highest level. Those with LCS 3b should be able to design and lead Lean strategies for an organisation and demonstrate mature Lean leadership qualities and practices.

Level 3 fee:

Level 3 Programme: £4,900.00 / €5,880.00
10% discounts for those in accredited organisations: £4,400.00 / €5,280.00

Process for Level 3 candidates

For Level 3, you embark on a nine month programme during which you must produce a portfolio of material evidencing your capability, guided by a Level 3 Adviser. The portfolio consists of three transformational/strategic Lean case studies and an assignment on Lean thinking, covering its development, its current priorities and highlighting specific trends, opportunities or issues. The programme concludes with a presentation by the candidate to an LCS expert panel.

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Talk to our qualified experts today about starting your LCS journey
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