Professional Problem Solver Certification
Introductory, on-demand process improvement training
THIS CERTIFICATION Will help you
- Learn the language of lean
- Eliminate waste
- Contribute more to improvement projects
- Refresh Lean Practitioner skills
- Improve processes
Members: $550 per person
Non-members: $750 per person
“This will help us retain employees who want to learn and earn more all while spending less time in a classroom. ”
Scott Bliss, Operations Transformation Leader, Cretex
“Some people don’t like to learn in a classroom setting. This will help us invest in people who want to learn independently and at their own pace. ”
Melissa Sawin, COO, Pella Northland
THE CERTIFICATION INCLUDES
3 On-demand Courses + Workbook, Coaching, & a test
(Click the arrows or download a printable PDF to learn more)
Identifying Problems to Solve
5 Videos 1 Hour
This first course consists of 5 video lessons each with workbook exercises. After completing the course you will understand the PDCA cycle, 8-wastes, and how to write the 6-parts of a clear problem statement. The application of these techniques will help you get the resources you need from management and avoid having to rework a problem.
Course Outline:
• Define a process and a problem: 10 Mins
• Identify and eliminate the 8 wastes: 20 Mins
• How to write a problem statement: 10 Mins
• Learn the PDCA process: 10 Mins
• Learn to find common problems: 10 Mins
Getting to the Root Cause
4 Videos 35 Minutes
The second course is made up of 4 video lessons and workbook exercises. After completing the course you will understand the best practices of 5-why’s and fishbone diagrams. The application of these techniques will help you avoid addressing symptoms and prevent firefighting.
Course Outline:
• Define Symptoms & Causes: 10 Mins
• Using the 5-why’s method: 10 Mins
• Using the fishbone method: 10 Mins
• Avoiding Common mistakes: 5 Mins
Implementing Improvements
9 Videos 2 Hours 20 Minutes
The third course is made up of 9 separate video lessons and workbook exercises. After completing the course you will understand what 5S, Visual Management, Kanban, Mistake Proofing and Standard Work are as well as how they can be used to improve processes. The application of these techniques will help you avoid confusing activity with results.
Course Outline:
• Learn standard work: 15 Min
• Learn 5S: 20 Min
• Learn visual management: 15 Min
• Learn mistake proofing: 20 Min
• Learn kanban & material flow: 20 Min
• Impact vs. difficulty decisions: 10 Min
• Quick wins & improvement projects: 15 Min
• Verifying the impact of improvement: 15 Min
• The mindset of a problem solver: 10 Min
+ Application Exercises, Coaching, and a Test
Application Exercises: All certification applicants are required to practice applying what they learn by completing the application exercises in the workbook. Workbooks must be reviewed and approved by Manufacturers Alliance.
Coaching: All certification applicants are encouraged to schedule coaching after each course. Coaching sessions will be live-online, approximately 20-minutes each, and help you complete the application exercises in your workbook.
Test: All certification applicants are required to complete a test. The test is multiple choice questions and is intended to help everyone speak the same language. Tests are online and open book.
Members: $550 per person
Non-members: $750 per person
Meet Your
Instructors
Kara Slocum
Kara is the Director of Manufacturing Operations at Nystrom Building Products. She brings with her over 15 years of experience in facilitating, managing and leading Continuous Improvement efforts including 100+ Kaizen activities.
Peter Fritsche
Peter is a Six Sigma Black Belt and has over 25 years of design, operations, and quality leadership experience. During his career, he has supported complex, high technology products manufactured in multiple international facilities in a wide variety of industries
Matt Kanz
Matt is a Senior Vice President of North America at Jack Link’s Protein Snacks. With over 16 years of experience in the food and manufacturing industries. He is a lean six sigma black belt and an operational excellence leader, who is passionate about delivering value to customers and stakeholders through continuous improvement and innovation.
SELECT A FORMAT THEN
ENROLL IN CERTIFICATION
On Demand
Enroll Anytime
Members: $550 per person
Non-members: $750 per person
Cohort
Starts: May 7, 2025
Members: $550 per person
Non-members: $750 per person
Schedule
Custom
We customize training to fit your team needs, timeline, and improvement plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this on-demand certification for?
Operators, Specialists, Technicians, Manufacturing or Quality Engineers
What is the time commitment?
On-demand courses and exercises may be completed in 1-2 months
What is included in the cohort?
Joining a cohort adds the benefit of accountability through a structured kickoff, clear deadline, and the opportunity to learn alongside industry peers while still watching the training videos on-demand.
How much does the training cost?
Members: $550 per person / Non-members: $750 per person
FILL OUT THE FORM FOR MORE INFORMATION
Download our complimentary
Problem Solver Bundle
When you watch this bundle you will get three videos, straight from the Professional Problem Solver Certification, PLUS our Problem Solving Playbook, so you can apply what you’ve learned right away!
