Everyone related to the construction process has an incentive to get the project done faster and at a lower cost - from the project owners who want to see results for their investment to the contractors and designers who want to do their job well and move on to the next project. Lean Construction is based on the holistic pursuit of continuous improvements aimed at minimizing costs and maximizing value on a construction project: planning, design, construction, activation, operations, maintenance, salvaging, and recycling.
To help contractors develop the knowledge needed to build Lean, the Associated General Contractors of America developed the Lean Construction Education Program (LCEP). Construction professionals at all experience levels will learn the building blocks necessary to transform their projects and companies into a Lean Operating System.
To register for the Lean Construction courses and CM-Lean exam, please follow the steps below.
This Lean Construction 101 course serves as the introductory course to the AGC Lean Construction Education Program and is the starting point for your Lean Construction journey.
After navigating to the Lean Course Calendar (link is external) find an upcoming course and click on the date to view the class details.
If you cannot locate a Lean Construction course in your area, we recommend contacting your local AGC Chapter using the Chapter Finder, and request that the course be scheduled in the future.
If you have a large group to train, you may bring the courses in-house to your organization. Click here to see how you can bring AGC's Lean Construction Education Program to your organization.
The highly interactive program provides 35-hours of instruction and training to provide construction industry professionals at all levels with the knowledge and skills to take advantage of the benefits of Lean Construction. Click on the links below to learn more about each unit.
Candidates who successfully complete the seven AGC Lean Construction Education Program courses and provide AGC of America with a record of completion are eligible to apply for the AGC Certificate of Management-Lean Construction (CM-Lean) Exam. This assessment-based certificate credential denotes knowledge and understanding of concepts related to Lean adoption, practice and process transformation outlined in the AGC Lean Construction Education Program.
To begin the application process for the CM-Lean Exam, search for upcoming exams using the CM-Lean Exam Calendar.
After accessing the CM-Lean Exam calendar look through the available exams to determine an exam location and date that best suits your needs. If there is not a testing date near you, you can still apply to your preferred testing center. Many locations will add exam dates as needed.
You will have to complete the CM-Lean Exam Application in order to register for the exam. As you are filling out the form, be sure to select your preferred testing location from the drop-down list. You should not apply for your exam until you have completed all seven classes.
Use the maps below to locate an AGC Testing Center.
Note: If the map is green in your area, there are no participating testing centers. Participants may contact a representative at their nearest AGC chapter using the Chapter Finder, and request that the chapter becomes a testing center.
Click on your area in the map above to view the list of participating testing centers. Once you have located a testing center, complete the CM-Lean Exam Application and choose your preferred testing center.
This optional three hour self-paced e-learning course reviews the principles of Lean Construction as taught in AGC's Lean Construction Education Program. The course is designed to supplement learner's review and study of the curriculum's seven units as they prepare for the CM-Lean exam. Course participants can assess their understanding of Lean Construction as they experience the audio and visual content and answer the 55 review questions as they progress through the seven units of the CM-Lean Exam Prep Course. This prep course is currently available in the AGC Store for $79 for members and $99 for nonmembers.
Participants who successfully complete the Lean Education Program and pass the exam can be recognized for their accomplishment on the AGC CM-Lean Holders web directory. Further information on the Certificate of Management-Lean Construction can be found on the CM-Lean webpage.