Top 11 Value Stream Manager Certifications

Certifications for value stream managers are important for a few reasons. First, they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to manage a value stream. This could include certifications in Lean Six Sigma, supply chain management, or other related topics. Secondly, certifications can also help set an individual apart from other job applicants in a competitive job market. Finally, certifications can help open up opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. By having recognized credentials, value stream managers can prove their expertise and stand out from other potential candidates.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Value Stream Managers and explain how they can enhance a value stream manager's career.

What are Value Stream Manager Certifications?

Value Stream Manager Certification is a professional certification that helps individuals demonstrate their understanding of the principles and processes involved in managing value streams. Value Stream Managers are responsible for leading the development and implementation of value stream strategies, plans, and initiatives. The certification provides an individual with the skills and credentials necessary to effectively manage a value stream.

The certification program focuses on teaching the fundamentals of value stream management, including:

• Understanding the basic principles of value streams;
• Developing effective strategies for maximizing value delivery;
• Applying Lean principles to optimize process flow;
• Identifying waste and developing solutions to eliminate it;
• Managing resources efficiently to meet customer needs;
• Analyzing performance metrics and taking corrective action when needed;
• Maintaining stakeholder engagement throughout the process.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their ability to lead successful value stream initiatives and projects, as well as their commitment to achieving operational excellence. This certification is beneficial for those looking to advance their careers or gain recognition from employers in the field of Value Stream Management.

Pro Tip: When considering value stream manager certification, research the different certifying bodies and make sure that the certification is recognized by your industry. Additionally, consider taking a course or attending seminars to gain a better understanding of value stream management principles before taking the exam.

Related: What does a Value Stream Manager do?

Top 11 Value Stream Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Value Stream Managers today.

1. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to help professionals become more efficient and effective in their roles by understanding how to apply Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between three to six months to complete depending on the program you choose. The program consists of training courses, workshops, and exams that cover topics such as process improvement, project management, data analysis, problem solving, and team dynamics.

To get your Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, you must first complete a training course or program from an accredited provider. After completing the coursework and passing the required exams, you will receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of program selected. Generally speaking, programs range from $1,500-$4,000 USD for online programs and $3,000-$10,000 USD for in-person programs.

2. Certified Value Stream Manager (CVS)

Certified Value Stream Manager (CVS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for managing value streams in a Lean environment. The CVS certification is offered by the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping manufacturers improve their competitiveness.

The CVS program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as Lean principles, value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement techniques. It takes approximately 30 hours to complete the course. Upon successful completion of the course, participants can take the exam which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive their CVS certification.

The cost of the CVS program varies depending on whether you are an AME member or not. For non-members, it costs $595 USD for both the online course and exam; for members, it costs $495 USD.

To get started with obtaining your CVS certification, you can visit AME’s website and register for the program. Once registered, you will be able to access all of the materials needed to complete your studies and take the exam.

3. Lean Master Certification

Lean Master Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals and organizations learn and apply Lean principles, tools, and techniques. The program is offered by the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) and provides participants with an in-depth understanding of Lean thinking, principles, and practices.

The Lean Master Certification Program consists of three levels: Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt. Each level requires a certain amount of knowledge and experience in order to be eligible for certification. The Green Belt level focuses on the basics of Lean principles such as value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen events, and process improvement methods. The Black Belt level builds on the Green Belt level by introducing more advanced topics such as problem solving techniques, root cause analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and design for Six Sigma (DFSS). The Master Black Belt level focuses on developing leadership skills in order to lead successful Lean transformations.

The duration for each level varies depending on the individual’s background knowledge but typically takes between 4-6 months to complete all three levels. Participants must also pass a final exam at the end of each level in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified at any level of the Lean Master Certification Program, participants must register with LEI online or by phone. The cost for each certification depends on the type of program chosen; however, it typically ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 per person per level.

4. Certified Lean Practitioner (CLP)

Certified Lean Practitioner (CLP) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement Lean principles and practices in their organizations. The CLP certification is recognized as an industry standard for Lean practitioners.

The CLP program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course provides learners with the foundational knowledge needed to understand Lean concepts, tools, and techniques. Topics covered include process mapping, value stream mapping, Kaizen events, waste elimination, 5S implementation, and more. The exam tests learners’ knowledge of these topics and their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

The self-study course typically takes about 40 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. Once you have completed the course material, you will need to register for the exam through ASQ’s website. The exam takes about three hours to complete and costs $250 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your CLP certification from ASQ.

5. Certified Kanban Coach (CKC)

A Certified Kanban Coach (CKC) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the Kanban Method, an agile project management system. The CKC certification is offered by the Lean Kanban University and is designed to help professionals learn how to apply Kanban principles to their organization’s projects.

The CKC program consists of four parts: online coursework, an online exam, a two-day training workshop, and a final assessment. The online coursework covers topics such as Lean principles, Kanban fundamentals, visualizing workflow, and managing work in progress. The exam requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered in the coursework. After passing the exam, applicants must attend a two-day workshop that focuses on applying Kanban principles to real-world scenarios. During this workshop, participants will practice using Kanban tools and techniques in order to gain hands-on experience with the method. Finally, applicants must pass a final assessment before receiving their CKC certification.

The entire process typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete depending on the availability of workshops in your area. The cost of obtaining your CKC certification varies depending on where you take the courses but typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD for all four components of the program.

6. ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate an understanding of quality management principles and practices, as well as the ability to lead and manage successful quality initiatives.

It typically takes about two years to prepare for the CMQ/OE exam. This includes studying for the exam, attending workshops and seminars, and gaining work experience in quality management. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality systems, process improvement, organizational excellence, customer satisfaction, leadership and team building.

To get certified you must pass the CMQ/OE exam with a score of at least 70%. You must also have at least five years of work experience in a related field or three years of work experience plus a college degree in a related field.

The cost of obtaining the certification varies depending on your ASQ membership status. For non-members it costs $735 USD; for members it costs $585 USD.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification recognizes an individual’s expertise in managing projects and provides them with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead successful projects.

To become certified as a PMP, you must have at least three years of project management experience, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education. You must also pass a four-hour exam that covers topics such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects.

The process of getting a PMP certification can take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on how quickly you are able to complete the requirements. To get started on the process you will need to create an account with PMI and submit an application for the exam. Once your application is approved you will be able to register for the exam and schedule your test date.

The cost of obtaining a PMP certification varies depending on your membership status with PMI. For non-members it costs $555 USD while members pay only $405 USD for the exam fee. In addition to this there may be additional fees associated with training courses or materials needed to prepare for the exam.

8. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is an internationally recognized certification that validates a practitioner’s knowledge and experience in agile principles, practices, and tools. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their understanding of agile methodologies and apply them successfully in the workplace.

The ACP certification exam is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as agile project management, team dynamics, product backlogs, sprint planning, and more.

To get the ACP certification, you must first pass the PMI-ACP exam. To prepare for the exam, you can take an approved training course or study on your own using PMI-approved study materials. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your ACP certificate from PMI.

The cost of the ACP certification varies depending on whether you take an approved training course or self-study for the exam. Generally speaking, taking a training course costs around $1,500-$2,000 while self-studying can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 depending on what materials you purchase.

9. Scrum Master Certification (CSM)

Scrum Master Certification (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the Scrum framework, its principles, and its processes. The CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the use of Scrum in software development.

The CSM certification process typically takes two days and includes both classroom instruction and an online exam. During the classroom instruction, participants learn about the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles and responsibilities, sprint planning and execution, retrospectives, product backlogs, sprint reviews and more. After completing the coursework, participants must pass a 50-question online exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CSM certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD. The cost includes both the course fee and exam fee. Some providers also offer discounts for groups or organizations that wish to certify multiple people at once.

In order to maintain your CSM certification you must complete at least 16 hours of continuing education every two years. This can be done through courses offered by Scrum Alliance or other approved organizations such as universities or conferences.

10. ITIL Foundation Level Certification

ITIL Foundation Level Certification is a globally recognized certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage IT services. The ITIL Foundation Level Certification is designed to provide individuals with an understanding of the core concepts, processes, and best practices associated with the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

The ITIL Foundation Level Certification consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical assessment. The written examination consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 60 minutes. The practical assessment involves completing tasks related to IT service management using a virtual environment.

It typically takes about three months to complete the ITIL Foundation Level Certification program. During this time, individuals should complete all required coursework, practice exams, and assessments in order to prepare for the final examinations.

To get certified at the ITIL Foundation Level, you must first pass both the written exam and practical assessment. You can register for these exams through accredited training providers or directly through PeopleCert, which is an official accrediting body for ITIL certifications.

The cost of getting certified at the ITIL Foundation Level varies depending on where you take your exams and how much preparation you need. Generally speaking, it will cost between $400-$1,000 USD to get certified at this level.

11. DevOps Foundation Level Certification

DevOps Foundation Level Certification is a certification that validates an individual's understanding of the core concepts, practices and tools in DevOps. It is designed to provide a baseline understanding of DevOps principles and practices for those who work in IT operations, software development, testing, quality assurance, security, or any other related roles. The certification is offered by the DevOps Institute (DOI) and requires passing an online exam.

The exam typically takes 60 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To become certified, you must answer at least 28 questions correctly. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD. You can take the exam online at any time without having to attend a physical training session or course.

To prepare for the exam, you should review the DOI’s official courseware material which includes slides, videos and study guides. Additionally, there are many resources available online such as practice exams and tutorials that can help you prepare for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Value Stream Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends largely on the individual's career goals and current experience. For those who are looking to advance their career in value stream management, a Value Stream Manager Certificate may be beneficial. This certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of value stream management principles and practices, making it a valuable asset for anyone looking to take their knowledge of this field to the next level.

For those already working in the field, however, the need for a Value Stream Manager Certificate may not be as great. Depending on how long they have been in the industry and how much experience they already have, having this certificate may not be necessary.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not obtaining a Value Stream Manager Certificate is worth the time and effort. If someone has already obtained significant experience in this field, then obtaining the certificate may not be necessary; however, if they are just beginning their journey into value stream management or would like to demonstrate their expertise in this area, then earning this certificate could prove beneficial.

Related: Value Stream Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Value Stream Manager Certifications

1. What is a Value Stream Manager Certification?

A Value Stream Manager Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of value stream management, lean manufacturing, and industrial engineering. It signifies that the individual has demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices associated with value stream management.

2. Who should pursue a Value Stream Manager Certification?

Individuals who are interested in advancing their career in the area of value stream management, lean manufacturing, or industrial engineering would benefit from pursuing a Value Stream Manager Certification. This certification is also valuable for those looking to demonstrate their expertise to employers or potential customers.

3. How do I become certified as a Value Stream Manager?

In order to become certified as a Value Stream Manager, you must first pass the Certified Value Stream Manager (CVSM) exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam covers topics such as value stream mapping, process improvement techniques, waste elimination strategies, and project management methods.

4. What are the benefits of having a Value Stream Manager Certification?

Having a Value Stream Manager Certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in this field and shows employers that you have mastered the necessary skills to be successful in this role. Additionally, it can help boost your career prospects by making you more attractive to employers and giving you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Your certification must be renewed every three years in order to remain valid. In order to do so, you must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education credits related to value stream management during each renewal period and pass an updated version of the CVSM exam if applicable.