Top 11 Process Improvement Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a process improvement consultant in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively help a company improve its processes. They can also help a consultant stand out from other applicants, as employers may be more likely to hire someone who is certified in their area of expertise. Additionally, certifications can provide credibility and recognition for a consultant's work, which can lead to more job opportunities. Finally, certifications may also give access to professional development resources such as conferences and networking events.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Process Improvement Consultants and to explain how these certifications can help advance their careers.

What are Process Improvement Consultant Certifications?

Process Improvement Consultant Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the expertise of individuals who are trained to help organizations improve their processes. This certification provides recognition for those who have studied and developed the necessary skills to identify inefficiencies, analyze data, develop strategies and implement solutions that can reduce costs, improve quality and increase productivity.

The certification process involves passing an exam focused on process improvement principles, practices and tools. It also requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge through a portfolio of work experience or case studies. The certification provides assurance that the individual has been tested and proven competent in process improvement methodology.

By having a certified Process Improvement Consultant on staff, organizations can benefit from improved efficiency, enhanced customer service and cost savings. A Certified Process Improvement Consultant will be able to assess existing processes and recommend changes to enhance performance. They can also provide guidance on how best to implement these changes so they are successfully adopted by staff. Furthermore, they can help ensure that any new processes are regularly monitored so they remain effective over time. Ultimately, this certification helps organizations become more competitive by ensuring that processes are continuously improved for maximum efficiency.

Pro Tip: When considering process improvement consultant certification, make sure to research the various certifications available, and choose the one that best suits your specific goals and skills. Be sure to look into the costs associated with each certification, as well as any prerequisites or continuing education requirements. Also consider the potential outcome of obtaining a particular certification, such as increased job opportunities or improved credibility.

Related: What does a Process Improvement Consultant do?

Top 11 Process Improvement Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Process Improvement Consultants today.

1. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with an in-depth understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and its application to a wide variety of business processes. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for leading improvement projects and initiatives, as well as those who want to develop their skills in process improvement and problem solving.

The CSSBB certification requires candidates to pass a comprehensive exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple choice and essay questions covering topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, project management, data analysis, process mapping, and design of experiments. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired through successful completion of a project or case study.

In order to become certified, candidates must complete a minimum of three years of experience working on quality improvement projects or initiatives. Additionally, they must complete at least one full-time equivalent year of training in Lean Six Sigma methods. This can include completing an accredited course or program offered by an ASQ approved provider.

The cost of the CSSBB certification varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 USD. The total time required to become certified depends on the candidate’s experience level and prior training; however, it typically takes between 12-18 months from start to finish.

2. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have mastered the principles and practices of Lean Six Sigma. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology, its tools and techniques, and how to apply them to improve business processes.

The CLSSGB certification typically takes between 4-6 months to complete depending on the program structure and individual learning style. The process involves completing a course or training program, passing a written exam, and demonstrating proficiency in applying Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques through project work.

To get certified as a CLSSGB, you must first complete the required training program or coursework. This can be done online or in person at various universities, colleges, or other institutions that offer Lean Six Sigma programs. Once you have completed your coursework, you will need to pass a written exam administered by an accredited institution such as ASQ or IASSC. Finally, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in applying Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques through project work which may involve completing a project within your organization or working on one with an external organization.

The cost of becoming certified as a CLSSGB varies depending on the type of program chosen and the institution offering it. Generally speaking, online courses start around $500 while in-person courses can range from $1,000 - $3,000 depending on length and level of instruction provided. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with taking the written exam such as registration fees or materials needed for project work.

3. Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQPA credential is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality process analysis and improvement.

The CQPA certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in quality management, process improvement or related fields. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process analysis and improvement, statistical methods, problem solving and root cause analysis.

It typically takes anywhere from six months to one year to prepare for the CQPA exam. Candidates can use self-study materials, attend training courses or hire a tutor to help them prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CQPA certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam. Self-study materials can range from $100-$500 and attending training courses can cost up to $2,000. Hiring a tutor may cost even more depending on their experience level and availability.

Once you’ve passed the exam, there is an annual fee of $50 required to maintain your CQPA certification status.

4. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of quality improvement principles and practices. The CQIA program promotes the use of quality tools and techniques in order to improve organizational performance.

The CQIA program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online course. The written exam covers topics such as quality management, process improvement, statistical analysis, problem solving, and customer satisfaction. The online course provides an overview of the principles of quality management, including how to develop a quality system, implement process improvements, analyze data, identify root causes of problems, and measure customer satisfaction.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CQIA program. To get certified, applicants must pass both the written exam and the online course with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CQIA certification program varies depending on which package you select. A basic package costs around $1125 USD and includes access to the online course materials as well as one attempt at the written exam. An advanced package costs around $1750 USD and includes additional study materials as well as three attempts at the written exam.

5. Certified Process Improvement Professional (CPIP)

Certified Process Improvement Professional (CPIP) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in process improvement and quality management. The CPIP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively lead process improvement initiatives.

The CPIP certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as process analysis, design, implementation, measurement, and control. Candidates must also demonstrate their understanding of the principles of total quality management (TQM), Lean Six Sigma, and other related process improvement methodologies.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for the CPIP certification. To get certified, candidates must first pass an eligibility assessment administered by ASQ. This assessment requires applicants to have at least five years of work experience in a quality-related field or three years of work experience in a quality-related field plus a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. Once they have passed this assessment, they can then register for the exam.

The cost of the CPIP certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, the cost is $349 USD; for non-members it is $449 USD.

6. Certified Lean Master (CLM)

Certified Lean Master (CLM) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful Lean initiatives. The certification is offered by the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), an international, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of Lean manufacturing.

The CLM program consists of two levels: Certified Lean Practitioner (CLP) and Certified Lean Master (CLM). The CLP level focuses on foundational concepts such as value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen events, and visual management. The CLM level builds upon these concepts and provides more advanced instruction in areas such as problem solving, change management, and leadership development.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CLM program depending on your experience level and commitment to learning. To become certified, you must attend all three levels of training from an accredited provider, complete a project that demonstrates your understanding of the material, and pass a written exam.

The cost for the CLM program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $2,500-$4,000 USD. This fee covers all three levels of training as well as access to online resources such as study guides and practice exams.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of project managers in the field of project management.

To become a PMP, you must have a minimum of four years of professional project management experience, with at least 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of formal education in project management. You must also pass an exam administered by PMI.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the PMP exam varies depending on your membership status with PMI. For non-members it costs $555; for members it costs $405. Additionally, there are other fees associated with applying for the certification such as application fees and annual maintenance fees.

Overall, it can take several months to become certified as a PMP due to the time needed to prepare for the exam and submit all required documentation.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a basic understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to provide individuals with an understanding of the core principles, processes, and practices of IT service management. The certification is based on the ITIL 4 framework, which includes five core publications: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement.

The ITIL Foundation Certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of study time and typically takes between two and four weeks to complete. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam can be taken in-person or online through accredited training providers.

The cost for the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the training provider chosen. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200 to $500 USD.

9. Kaizen Facilitator Certification

Kaizen Facilitator Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively facilitate kaizen events. Kaizen, which means “change for the better” in Japanese, is a philosophy of continuous improvement that can be applied to any organization or process. The certification program teaches participants how to use kaizen principles and tools to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Kaizen Facilitator Certification program typically takes two days to complete and can be completed either in person or online. During the course, participants learn about kaizen methodology, how to plan and lead kaizen events, how to identify areas for improvement within an organization, and how to measure results.

To get certified as a Kaizen Facilitator, you must first complete the two-day training program. After completing the training program, you must pass an exam in order to receive your certification. The cost of the certification program varies depending on where it is taken; however, it usually ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

10. Business Process Management Professional (BPMP)

Business Process Management Professional (BPMP) is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of business process management. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of mastery in the areas of process analysis, design, improvement, automation, and monitoring.

The BPMP certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online practical exam. The written exam evaluates the candidate’s understanding of BPM concepts and principles, while the online practical exam tests their ability to apply those concepts to real-world scenarios. The exams are administered by the Business Process Management Institute (BPMI).

The cost for taking the BPMP certification exams varies depending on which version you choose. The standard version costs $395 USD, while the premium version costs $495 USD. Both versions include access to study materials and practice questions. The duration of each exam depends on how quickly you can answer all the questions correctly; it typically takes between 2-3 hours for both exams combined.

To get certified as a BPMP, you must first pass both exams with a score of at least 70%. You will then need to submit your application along with payment for your certification fees (which range from $150 - $300 USD). Once your application has been approved, you will receive your official certificate within 4-6 weeks.

11. Total Quality Management Certification

Total Quality Management (TQM) Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of quality management. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes, products, and services and achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction.

The duration of the certification process varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally, it takes about three months to complete the certification process.

To get TQM Certification, individuals must first take a course or training program related to quality management. The course should cover topics such as quality control, process improvement, cost reduction strategies, and customer service. After completing the coursework, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization or institution.

The cost of TQM Certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally, it costs between $150 and $500 for the coursework and exam fees.

Do You Really Need a Process Improvement Consultant Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A process improvement consultant certificate is not required in order to become a successful process improvement consultant. However, having one can certainly help you stand out from the competition and give you an edge when it comes to landing a job or gaining new clients.

Certification in process improvement can provide you with tangible evidence of your expertise in the field, which can be especially helpful if you come from a different background and don’t have any direct experience in the area. It also demonstrates that you are committed to learning about the industry and staying up-to-date on best practices and trends.

Certification also provides an opportunity for networking within the industry, as many professional organizations offer workshops and seminars related to process improvement consulting that can help build your network of contacts. Additionally, having a certificate may make it easier to get access to certain resources or tools that may be useful in your work as a consultant.

In summary, while having a process improvement consultant certificate is not necessary for success in this field, it can certainly be beneficial in helping you stand out from other candidates and giving you access to resources that may otherwise not be available.

Related: Process Improvement Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Process Improvement Consultant Certifications

1. What is a Process Improvement Consultant Certification?

Answer: A Process Improvement Consultant Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s proficiency in process improvement and consulting. It demonstrates that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, analyze, and improve processes in order to achieve organizational success.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Process Improvement Consultant Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Process Improvement Consultant Certification can help individuals stand out from their peers by demonstrating their advanced knowledge and expertise in process improvement. It can also lead to improved job opportunities, higher salaries, and better career advancement prospects.

3. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a Process Improvement Consultant?

Answer: To become certified as a Process Improvement Consultant, individuals typically need to have at least five years of experience in process improvement or consulting-related roles, as well as an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience. Additional requirements may vary depending on the specific certification program being pursued.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Process Improvement Consultant Certification?

Answer: The time required to obtain a Process Improvement Consultant Certification can vary depending on the specific program being pursued, but most programs require approximately one year of study and preparation before taking the certification exam.

5. Is there any ongoing education or recertification required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes – most organizations offering certifications require individuals to complete continuing education courses or other activities in order to maintain their certifications over time. These requirements are typically outlined in the organization’s certification policies and procedures documents.