Professional Problem Solver Certification
Build confident employees who solve problems daily
WHY MANUFACTURERS ENROLL TEAM MEMBERS
- Build foundational problem-solving and continuous improvement skills
- Create a common language around Lean and process improvement
- Help employees identify waste and inefficiencies in daily work
- Prepare employees to contribute to larger improvement projects
- Develop more proactive, engaged frontline team members
- Reinforce and refresh Lean Practitioner concepts and behavior
Members: $750 per person
Non-members: $1,250 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, VP Global Operations, Microbiologics
“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
TRAINING, REAL-WORLD PRACTICE, COACHING & A TEST
(Click the arrows to learn more)
WORKBOOK EXERCIZES 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.
KICKOFF EVENT
All participants begin the certification with a 45 minute live virtual Kickoff Event that will introduce the certification structure and expectations, explain how to successfully complete the program and connect participants with support resources
Identifying Problems to Solve
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.
5 Videos: 1 Hour total
• 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
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.
4 Videos: 35 Minutes total
• 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
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.
9 Videos: 2 Hours 20 Minutes total
• 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
WORKBOOK EXERCISES AND A TEST
All participants are required to complete workbook exercises that demonstrate real-world application of the material learned and reviewed by the Manufacturers Alliance. Additionally, an open-book online test is required to reinforce shared leadership language and concepts.
COACHING
All participants are required to attend a 45-minute live online coaching session. The coaching session focuses on applying course concepts directly to real workplace situations and completing workbook exercises.
Members: $750 per person
Non-members: $1,250 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 Vice President of Manufacturing – Americas for Campari Group. He has 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
ONLINE INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION
Kickoff: November 4, 2026
Coaching: November 18 2026
Members: $750 per person
Non-members: $1,250 per person
ONLINE GROUP REGISTRATION
Kickoff: November 4, 2026
Coaching: November 18 2026
Members: $750 per person
Non-members: $1,250 per person
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?
The online courses, workbook exercises and test are completed at your own pace but typically completed in 1–2 months.
How much does the training cost?
Members: $750 per person / Non-members: $1,250 per person
Can I enroll a group of employees?
Yes. Many companies choose to enroll groups of emerging leaders at the same time to build a shared leadership language and strengthen consistency across teams. To enroll a group, click “Enroll a Group” or contact our team at ma@mfrall.com for support in setting up your group.
Who do I contact to learn more about this certification?
Email our Member Services Manager, Monica at monicas@mfrall.com
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!
