Kaizen Certification

Get Your Kaizen Certification Online!
Average Completion Time:  3-5 Hours

Kaizen Certification

Become a Certified Kaizen Facilitator and learn how to lead powerful improvement events that eliminate waste, strengthen processes, and drive continuous improvement. This online, self-paced training teaches you the tools, methods, and leadership skills needed to guide teams toward rapid, lasting results.

Average Completion Time:  3-5 Hours

Updated For 2026

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5 Star Rated Course

5 Star Rated Course!

2026 Edition

MSI Has Thousands Of Reviews!

This course was exactly what I needed to understand how real Kaizen events work. The training was clear, practical, and easy to follow. I feel much more confident leading improvement projects now.
Rachel M.
Great certification. The examples made everything easy to understand, and I loved that the course was self-paced. I was able to apply what I learned right away at work.
Jason T.
MSI always delivers solid training, and the Kaizen Facilitator course was no exception. The content was straightforward and very relevant. I recommend it to anyone working in process improvement.
Emily D.
Very insightful and well needed to further the advancement of my profession - should have done this sooner
G. Strong
It was great. The material was easy to understand yet very informative.
Rodney H.
The course study material is easy to grasp! Good experience!
Sachan P.
This course is an absolute gem! The content is not only comprehensive but also presented in an engaging and accessible way. Kudos to the creators for their outstanding work.
Verified Customer - Trustpilot
Thank you for offering this certification. This is a much-needed basic knowledge to understand  methodology.
Antonio R.
The flow of the modules was great. the amount of information was a lot and helped me learn several new things.
Miquel L.
Great information and useful tool for certification. Covers useful topics relevant to the course.
Beth C.
Was very easy to navigate the training module and it was very straight forward throughout the training
W. Clark
The study materials were well-structured, easy to follow, and simple to grasp. It was a smooth and straightforward learning experience for me.
Shrav Y.
I have completed one certificate already. The training materials are spot on! Great program!
Joanne D.
Improving my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities; Enhancing my leadership and decision-making skills, Expanding the professional network Increasing my confidence and career advancement opportunities.
Greg H.
The whole experience is very engaging throughout the completion of the certificate. Very easy to understand; user-friendly for beginners trying to explore.
Paul C.

What's included?

  • Lifetime Certification
  • All Online Training
  • Course Video's & PDFs
  • Digital Certificate
  • Digital Badge [Example]
  • Digital Wallet Card [info]

Easy To Understand

We've designed our programs to make them easy to learn, even if you haven't taken training in years.  Everything you need is included.

Self-Paced

Move at whatever speed is comfortable for you.  Take the certification exam as soon as you're ready.  You have access for 1-year!

About This Certification Course

Certification:  Certified Kaizen Facilitator (CKF)™
The Certified Kaizen Facilitator program is designed to teach professionals how to lead focused, high-impact improvement events that create measurable results in a short period of time. Through practical training and real-world concepts, you'll learn how to analyze processes, eliminate waste, guide teams through structured problem solving, and implement solutions that stick. The program walks you through each phase of a Kaizen Event - from understanding the current state to designing a better future state - so you gain the confidence and skill needed to drive continuous improvement in any environment. 

Kaizen, a Japanese term meaning "change for the better," is a powerful philosophy of continuous improvement that has transformed how organizations drive quality, efficiency, and innovation [1]. Rooted in post-war Japanese manufacturing and later adopted globally, Kaizen emphasizes small, incremental changes that collectively create lasting progress. Unlike large-scale restructuring, Kaizen focuses on involving everyone-from frontline employees to executives-in identifying problems and improving processes every day. Through foundational learning in Lean principles and continuous improvement history, participants in a Kaizen certification program gain a deep understanding of how Kaizen fits within the broader landscape of modern business excellence.

A Kaizen facilitator plays a pivotal role in turning this philosophy into action. They lead teams through structured Kaizen events - focused, short-term improvement initiatives designed to deliver measurable results. Facilitators help teams map current processes, identify sources of waste, and design improved workflows using Lean tools like 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act). They also manage team dynamics, align stakeholders, and ensure that improvements are implemented and sustained. Ultimately, the facilitator's skill lies in creating an environment where collaboration thrives and employees feel empowered to innovate within their daily work.

Earning a Kaizen certification demonstrates not just knowledge of methodologies, but the ability to lead meaningful change. Certified professionals gain technical proficiency in waste identification, root cause analysis, and process evaluation, while developing leadership and facilitation capabilities critical to cross-functional teamwork. These skills are valuable across industries-from manufacturing and healthcare to logistics and finance-where process improvement and operational excellence directly impact performance and profitability.

For individuals looking to advance their careers or help their organizations stay competitive, Kaizen certification provides a strong foundation in continuous improvement leadership [2]. Graduates emerge with both the mindset and the practical tools to drive sustainable progress, fostering a culture where improvement is never a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. Whether you are leading teams, managing operations, or pursuing professional development, mastering Kaizen principles equips you to create measurable impact and inspire positive change at every level.
What You’ll Learn:
You'll learn how to plan, organize, and lead a complete Kaizen Event that produces fast, measurable improvements. 

You'll learn how to identify different types of waste and analyze processes with a more critical and informed mindset. 

You'll learn how to apply essential Lean tools such as 5S, Kanban, TIMWOOD, and Root Cause Analysis. 

You'll learn how to design effective future-state workflows that streamline operations and remove complexity. 

You'll learn how to guide teams, encourage participation, and keep improvement efforts aligned and engaging.
Why Take This Course?
It gives you the skills to confidently lead real Kaizen improvement events.

You learn practical Lean tools that you can apply immediately at work.

The certification is a lifetime credential with no renewal fees or additional requirements.

It boosts your résumé and helps you stand out for promotions.

The training is flexible, self-paced, and built for busy professionals.
Choosing the Management and Strategy Institute for your Kaizen certification gives you a trusted, established pathway to professional development. MSI is recognized for its industry-aligned training programs, self-paced learning, and accessible certification exams designed for busy professionals. With clear instruction, practical tools, and no membership fees or renewal requirements, MSI offers an affordable and respected way to strengthen your process-improvement credentials. When you complete your certification through MSI, you join a community of professionals who rely on MSI training to advance their careers and contribute to meaningful, continuous improvement within their organizations.

View Course Syllabus

Module 1 - Foundations of Kaizen & Lean Thinking


Overview

This module introduces the fundamentals of Kaizen, its origins, and how continuous improvement became a structured business discipline. Students will also explore the foundational principles of Lean and how they create the environment in which Kaizen thrives.


Topics Covered

  • What Kaizen is and why it matters
  • History of Kaizen and the development of continuous improvement
  • Kaizen vs. other improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma
  • Core Lean principles and how they support Kaizen events
  • How Lean thinking is used across many industries
  • Lean process management and its connection to organizational strategy


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

  • Define a Kaizen project and its purpose
  • Explain the history and philosophy of Kaizen
  • Distinguish Kaizen from other improvement frameworks
  • Understand the Lean principles that guide Kaizen activities


Module 2 - Tools, Analysis Methods & Waste Identification


Overview

This module builds technical proficiency in the analysis tools, waste-identification techniques, and structured problem-solving methods used during Kaizen events. Students will learn how to evaluate processes, identify root causes, and plan meaningful improvements.


Topics Covered

  • Lean analysis tools: Critical Path, TIMWOOD, Kanban, Just-In-Time, Push vs. Pull, 5S, Cause & Effect, and Poka-Yoke
  • Value Streams and Value Stream Mapping
  • The three forms of waste: Mura, Muri, and Muda
  • The seven classic wastes: Overproduction, Inventory, Defects, Over-processing, Waiting, Motion, Transportation
  • Root Cause Analysis and problem diagnosis
  • Prioritizing improvements using scoring matrices
  • The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) problem-solving cycle


Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Conduct basic Lean process analysis
  • Map processes and identify sources of waste
  • Perform root cause analysis
  • Apply PDCA thinking to continuous improvement
  • Prioritize improvement opportunities using structured methods


Module 3 - Facilitating Kaizen Events & Leading Teams


Overview

This module focuses on the real-world execution of Kaizen events. Students will learn how to plan, facilitate, and manage a Kaizen activity from kickoff to completion, including how to assemble teams, guide participants, and sustain results.


Topics Covered

  • What a Kaizen Event is and how it is structured
  • Current-state analysis and designing the future state
  • Forming an effective Kaizen team, including roles and responsibilities
  • Running the event kickoff and aligning expectations
  • Facilitating daily workshop activities and managing engagement
  • Implementing improvements and validating results
  • Sustaining improvements through standardization and follow-up processes


Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Lead, organize, and facilitate a full Kaizen event
  • Guide teams through current-state and future-state development
  • Ensure proper team structure and stakeholder alignment
  • Run structured workshops that drive measurable improvement
  • Implement solutions and sustain long-term improvements

Recognized Certifications 

BBB Accredited Logo
CPD Accredited Logo
Veteran Owned Small Business

MSI certifications are widely respected within the business community because they demonstrate verified knowledge and practical skills that align with real-world industry standards.

CKF Digital Badge

Awarded to you upon passing the certification exam.

Frequently asked questions

Are There Prerequisites?

There are no prerequisites for this certification program.  The training material includes all of the course work required to learn the skill and prepare for the MSI exam.

This course is perfect for the following professions:
Operations Manager, Process Improvement Specialist, Production Supervisor, Quality Assurance Manager, Continuous Improvement Coordinator

How long is the training course?

The training course is self-paced. Time to complete and fully comprehend will vary with every individual. It may take several days or weeks of study before you feel comfortable to take the final test. You may take the final exam as soon as you’re ready. You have 1 year from the date of purchase to complete the course.

How is the exam structured?

This certification exam is timed.  The exam is completed online from home or work.  You may take the exam as soon as you are ready, it does not need to be scheduled in advance.  All questions are multiple choice.  The exam is an “open note” exam, meaning you may use any notes you’ve taken while studying.

How in-depth is the training?

It is designed to give you a solid understanding of the subject and prepare you for the certification exam.  All training and the exam are completed online.  No additional study material is required.

Pay Scale for a certified kaizen professional

The potential pay scale for a skilled Kaizen Facilitator typically ranges from $60,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on industry, location, and experience. As a process-improvement credential, the Kaizen certification strengthens your ability to analyze workflows, eliminate waste, solve operational problems, and lead rapid improvement events, skills that enable you to deliver immediate, measurable value to any organization.  (Kaizen Payscale)

Influence of CKF certification on promotions

The Kaizen credential is part of our Six Sigma Certification series of courses.  Earning your Kaizen certification can give you a strong advantage when pursuing a promotion. It shows your commitment to continuous improvement and demonstrates your ability to streamline processes, reduce waste, and lead teams through positive change  -all of which help elevate performance across the entire organization.

Kaizen Certification

Earning your Kaizen certification demonstrates a strong commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and continuous operational improvement. As organizations push to boost productivity and create smoother workflows, certified Kaizen practitioners stand out as reliable leaders who understand how to reduce waste, strengthen processes, and guide teams through meaningful change with confidence.

This certification gives you practical tools to uncover workflow problems, prevent small issues from growing into bigger ones, and streamline daily operations so the entire organization performs at a higher level. You'll learn how to structure processes, improve communication, organize tasks more effectively, and apply proven Lean techniques that enhance overall performance. With these skills, you help your workplace operate smarter, faster, and more reliably-while building lasting improvements that support long-term success.

Choosing the Management and Strategy Institute (MSI) ensures your certification carries real professional weight. MSI is a trusted industry leader known for providing comprehensive, self-paced training programs that are recognized by employers worldwide. With MSI, you'll gain not only valuable knowledge but also a respected credential that highlights your integrity, professionalism, and dedication to ethical excellence.

This course is part of our comprehensive series of Six Sigma Certifications, designed to help professionals develop expertise in process improvement and quality management. To explore more about our certification paths and find the right Six Sigma option for your career goals, click here to learn more.

Average Completion Time:  3-5 Hours
2026 Edition

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