February 23, 2012

Operational Excellence Certificate

The Operational Excellence Certificate (OEC) program gives seminar attendees a way to demonstrate their knowledge of the process improvement tools, methods, and techniques.

The test requires that the student prove competency in the following areas:

Process mapping, process analysis, process improvement, process redesign, process management, lean tools and techniques, and problem solving.

Required Courses:

  • Process Mapping and Process Improvement
  • Analyzing and Improving Office and Service Operations
  • Process Metrics, Management, and Controls
  • Puzzles, Mysteries, and Messes: Advanced Techniques for Organizational Challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for the test?
Attendees of Operational Excellence Certificate program can submit their test material at any time. Cost for grading the work, feedback, and certificate is $100.

Are there any prerequisites?
Attendance at the four required courses is required prior to taking the certification test. No other materials are required.

How should I study?
All material in the test is covered in the seminar, additional study is not required. Good notes and a review of the seminar slides (the printed manual) should be sufficient.

What format is used?
The test is a homework assignment that requires students to demonstrate ability in the subject areas.

When are results provided?
Results are e-mailed about three weeks following a review of the homework assignment. A certificate is sent via US Mail to those who pass.

Can you tell me the class average? And how does my score compare to the overall score of those certified?
About 80% receive certification on their first attempt. Those that fail are given feedback on what needs to be done to pass and they can then resubmit their work for review.

Can my company use the certification in its marketing?
No, only the individual who attended the training and passed the test can use the certification. However, if the individual is named in company marketing material, use of the certification and logo is permitted for that individual’s biography or professional profile.

What are the benefits of becoming Operational Excellence Certified (OEC)?
Certification is an investment in one’s career and professional advancement. Being certified demonstrates a designated level of knowledge in process management.

Do certified employees earn more?
Although not a guarantee, studies have shown many certified individuals see a salary increase following certification.

What does certified mean?
Operational Excellence Certificate identifies an individual has a certain level of knowledge. It does not designate an individual as being more qualified, experienced or more suitable than others for any process management role or task. It does not:

  • substitute for actual process management experience
  • teach nor test all that is needed to become a qualified process manager
  • provide for actual on-the-job performance testing