Lean Certification for CI Practitioners | LCS

Formal Lean qualifications for individuals

If you are an experienced lean practitioner looking for formal certification, the LCS Approved Prior Learning & Experience route (APLE) enables you to gain a globally recognised lean qualification based on the competency you have developed through practice, at Level 1c, 2a & b, or 3a & b.

The APLE route is designed for practitioners who have significant lean experience but few or no formal qualifications. It provides independent recognition of your capability against the LCS qualification framework, which was developed at Cardiff University and is recognised globally across more than 50 countries.

The benefits of lean certification via APLE

Gain independent endorsement of your lean capability from a Cardiff University-backed qualifications framework.
Strengthen your CV and support career progression with a globally recognised lean certification.
Enhance your credibility as a senior lean practitioner with peers, employers, and clients.
Develop your critical reflection capability and deepen your understanding of lean thinking.
Access the LCS community for ongoing development and peer-to-peer learning.
Demonstrate lean leadership capability at a strategic level (Levels 2 & 3).

Dan Capers - Certificate Presentation

What lean practitioners say about lean certification

“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

"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

"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

"The Level 3 programme’s focus on critical reflection, exploring best practices in Lean and behavioural change, and applying insights to future opportunities was incredibly valuable. It allowed me to analyse past successes and failures, reconnect with colleagues, and gain insights to enhance future deployments. The learning has been instrumental in my current role and will shape my team's routines moving forward. If you're considering the Level 3 programme, it's absolutely worthwhile."

Chris Johnstone

Business Improvement Leader, Sellafield

Read More Success Stories

How does APLE certification work?

APLE certification is based on the experience and competency you have developed through your career, rather than formal training or course attendance. These are five certification options across three levels: 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b.

The level you apply for depends on the depth and seniority of your lean experience, from delivering end-to-end improvements at Level 1c through to strategic lean leadership at level 3.

A man and a woman looking at a laptop. A smiling woman overlooks them while standing.

practical-competence

Practical competence

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

leadership

Leadership

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

critical-reflection

Critical reflection

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

Level 1c: Improvement & Implementation

Level 1c is designed for practitioners with some 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.

Blue text box detailing LCS Certification 1c requirements.

Level 1c fees:

Qualification without a knowledge test: £400 + VAT / €500 / $575
Knowledge test (if required): £60 + VAT / €70 / $75

Process for Level 1c applicants

To complete the process, you’ll need to submit the application form and a case study. Your application and case study will be assessed, and this process usually takes up to a week. Following the assessment, we’ll email you with your feedback.

The form and case studies don’t have to be submitted at the same time, but once we receive the application form, you’ll be issued an invoice, which should then be paid. Only after we have received payment will you be issued the certification.

Finally, you’ll be invited to join the appropriate level area of the LCS online community.

Download the Guidance Document

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.

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.

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.

Learn more about Level 2 certification

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.

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.

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.

Learn more about level 3 certification

Questions we're asked about lean qualifications via APLE

Here are some of the most common questions we're asked by individuals considering lean certification via our APLE framework.

What is lean certification?

Lean certification via APLE (Approved Prior Learning & Experience Route) is formal recognition of a practitioner's lean knowledge and capability against an established qualifications framework.

LCS qualifications are awarded at Levels 1c, 2 and 3, with each level reflecting increasing depth of experience, leadership capability and strategic lean thinking.

How much does LCS lean certification cost?

APLE certification fees start at £400 + VAT for Level 1c, £500 for Level 2, and £4,900 for the Level 3 programme. A 10% discount is available for practitioners in LCS accredited organisations. Full details are available on our fees page.

How is LCS certification different from Six Sigma?

LCS certification assesses lean competency across the full breadth of improvement practice (including leadership, culture, and strategic application) rather than focusing on a single methodology. It is also experience-based, meaning your certification reflects what you have delivered in practice, not just what you have been trained in.

Can I become qualified if I don't have formal lean training?

Yes, the APLE route is specifically designed for practitioners who have developed their lean capability through experience rather than formal training. Applicants are assessed on their practical track record and, depending on the level, may be required to complete a knowledge test if formal training cannot be evidenced.