Over Four Dozen Graduates of AGC's Lean Construction Education Program are First to Pass Rigorous Assessment

Fifty-one construction professionals received a new national accreditation in the use of Lean Construction, a holistic practice aimed at minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency on construction projects. The professional designation offered by the Associated General Contractors of America, is a new assessment-based credential to recognize construction professionals on their ability to use the process.

"This new program is the foundation for contractors to focus on continuous improvement to eliminate waste and deliver predictable project outcomes, said Victor Sanvido, senior vice president of Southland Industries. "Earning this credential symbolizes is a crucial first step to becoming a Lean Champion in the industry."

Association officials noted that Lean theory, principles and techniques provide the foundation for a more collaborative form of project management that seeks to minimize costs and maximize efficiency on construction projects. They added that while firms have been embracing lean construction for some time now, the association's new credentialing program is the first time professionals can demonstrate mastery of the hyper-efficient construction approach.

Construction professionals can earn the CM-Lean designation by completing the seven units of the association's Lean Construction Education Program and passing an exam based on each of the seven units. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and candidates must complete it within four hours. The credential is valid for a period of three years. CM-Lean holders will be required to submit 30 hours of lean construction-related continuing education to renew their credential every three years.

"This new certificate program is part of our broader commitment to providing rigorous and relevant education and professional development opportunities for construction professionals," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "This is another example of how we are building an even stronger future for the industry."

Seven of the association's chapters participated in the initial CM-Lean testing between September to October, association officials noted. Those chapters were the AGC Arkansas, AGC of Metropolitan Washington DC, AGC Georgia, AGC of Massachusetts, AGC of Mississippi, Houston Chapter AGC, and AGC of Wisconsin. The exam is now being offered at 24 different  chapter testing centers across the nation.

Construction professionals should contact their local AGC chapter or visit  www.agc.org/LEAN to view upcoming lean construction courses, association officials added. Click  here for a list of the initial CM-Lean credential holders.


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