PROGRAM DURATION
100+ Hrs of Training Materials
2 Months approx | 5-10 hrs a week avg.
LEARNING FORMAT
100% Online
Fully self-paced | No expiration
CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
Earn pre-approved credits
Claim credits approved by PMI & SHRM
BECOME CERTIFIED
Earn 4 Certifications
Achieve the OPEX-L Designation
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE LEADER (OPEX-L)
Advanced Career Track for Driving Sustainable Process Improvement
A structured career track for professionals responsible for improving performance, leading teams, and building a culture of continuous improvement across organizations.
The Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L) program goes beyond tools and certifications to develop the judgment, leadership, and execution capability required to drive sustainable improvement in real-world environments.
Trusted by Leading Organizations and Universities
How the OPEX-L Certification Program Works
Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L) Program Overview
The Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L) Career Track, developed by Dr. Barry Shore, Professor Emeritus (UNH), is a leadership-focused certification designed for professionals responsible for driving and sustaining improvement, not just supporting it.
This program brings together three carefully selected certifications that build the judgment, systems thinking, and leadership capability required to lead operational excellence across teams and functions. Rather than focusing on isolated tools or short-term projects, the OPEX-L Career Track prepares you to:
- Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives with confidence
Diagnose operational problems at a system level
Select the right improvement approach based on context and risk
Manage change and adoption, not just analysis
Translate improvement efforts into sustained business results
Upon completion, you will earn the Certified Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L) designation—recognition that you are prepared to lead improvement, not just participate in it.
Certifications Included in the OPEX-L Career Track
Lean Practitioner Certification
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Change Management Certification
Each course is fully online, self-paced, and designed to build toward leadership-level responsibility for operational performance and improvement systems.
Who the OPEX-L Career Track Is For?
This program is ideal for professionals who are expected to lead improvement, including:
- Operations managers and functional leaders
Continuous improvement and operational excellence leaders
Green Belts moving into broader leadership roles
Project and program leaders responsible for sustained results
Professionals supporting enterprise-wide improvement initiatives
If your role involves owning outcomes, influencing across teams, or sustaining change, the OPEX-L Career Track was designed for you.
How do I become an Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L)?
You will have to complete all the courses (3) outlined in the learning path. To ensure you get the certification, you should pass the Lean Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Change Management certification exams. At that time you will earn your OPEX-L certification and can start using your new designation!
Program Structure & Course Outline
Developed by Dr. Barry Shore, McGraw-Hill award-winning professor with over 40 years of experience in operations, quality, and management education.
- 100% online and self-paced
Designed to fit into real work schedules
Built for application alongside day-to-day responsibilities
No unnecessary add-ons or hidden fees
Course 1.) Lean Practitioner
Outline: Full Course Syllabus Here
Skills Learned: Lean principles and systems thinking, waste identification and reduction, value stream mapping and flow optimization, standard work and visual management, pull systems and workload leveling, root cause analysis, structured problem solving, Kaizen facilitation, sustaining improvements through leadership routines, and applying Lean across manufacturing, service, and transactional processes.
Course 2.) Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Course Outline: Full Course Syllabus Here
Skills Learned: Applying DMAIC to real business problems, analyzing process data to identify root causes, evaluating process performance and capability, using statistical tools to validate improvement, managing improvement projects, implementing sustainable solutions, and establishing controls to maintain gains.
Course 3.) Change Management
Course Outline: Full Course Syllabus Here
Skills Learned: Change leadership fundamentals, organizational readiness assessment, stakeholder and impact analysis, resistance management strategies, change communication planning, leadership alignment and sponsorship, reinforcing adoption through management systems, sustaining behavioral change, and embedding change management into continuous improvement efforts.
Upon completing all three programs you will review the OPEX-L designation and certification.
Upon completing all 3 Career Track Certification courses, you will be awarded the OPEX-L Certification/Designation. You will also be able to share your certification and have employers verify it as shown below.
LEARN OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE FROM A TRUE INDUSTRY AUTHORITY
Dr. Shore has consulted for companies such as GE, Doosan, Hyundai and Air Canada. He has been a guest lecturer at some of the world’s leading business schools in England, Italy, South Korea and China.
Developed by Dr. Barry Shore, PhD
McGraw-Hill Award-Winning Author | 40+ Years in Operations, Quality, and Management Education
The Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L) career track was developed by Dr. Barry Shore, an internationally recognized authority in operations management, Lean Six Sigma, and organizational performance.
With over 40 years of experience spanning industry and academia, Dr. Shore’s work focuses on how leaders think, decide, and execute in complex, real-world environments, not just on tools and terminology.
A McGraw-Hill award-winning author, Dr. Shore has written four books and published over 100 peer-reviewed papers. His expertise is embedded throughout the OPEX Leader Track to ensure participants develop real leadership and execution capability, not just certifications.
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Supercharge Your Career with SSGI’s OPEX-L Certification
Earn Your OPEX-L Designation
The Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L) Career Track is a leadership-focused program designed to validate your ability to lead, sustain, and scale improvement efforts. Upon completing all required certification courses and exams, you will earn the Certified Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L) designation, formally recognizing your capability to lead operational excellence initiatives beyond individual projects or tools.
Differentiate Yourself With 3 Leadership-Focused Certifications
As part of the OPEX-L Career Track, you will complete the following three certifications:
Lean Practitioner Certification
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Change Management Certification
Together, these certifications reflect a well-rounded leadership skill set that combines Lean thinking, data-driven problem solving, and change leadership.
Share & Verify Your Achievement
Your OPEX-L designation is designed to be visible and verifiable. You will receive a digital certificate and designation for LinkedIn, a unique credential URL for employer verification, downloadable PDF certificates, and digital badges for professional profiles, allowing you to clearly communicate your qualifications and reinforce your credibility as an operational excellence leader.
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Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L) – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Operational Excellence Leader (OPEX-L) certification?
The OPEX-L certification is an advanced, leadership-focused designation for professionals responsible for leading, sustaining, and scaling improvement efforts. It validates your ability to drive operational excellence beyond individual tools or projects.
What if I've already taken one or more of the courses in the career track, but still want the OPEX-L certification?
If you have previously taken one of the selected Career Track courses through SSGI, but still wish to earn the OPEX-L certification/designation, please contact us directly and we can assist you in purchasing the remaining courses needed to fulfill the requirements for the OPEX-L.
Who is the OPEX-L Career Track designed for?
OPEX-L is designed for managers, directors, continuous improvement leaders, operational leaders, and experienced practitioners who are expected to lead improvement initiatives, influence teams, and deliver sustainable results.
How is OPEX-L different from Lean Six Sigma certifications?
While Lean Six Sigma certifications focus on tools and problem-solving, OPEX-L focuses on leadership, judgment, and execution. It prepares professionals to select the right approach, lead cross-functional initiatives, and sustain improvement at a system level.
What certifications are included in the OPEX-L Career Track?
The OPEX-L Career Track includes three core certifications: Lean Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Change Management. Together, they build capability across process improvement, data-driven decision-making, and adoption.
Is the OPEX-L program fully online?
Yes. All OPEX-L courses are fully online and self-paced, allowing you to complete the program on your schedule while maintaining full access to course materials and resources.
Who developed the OPEX-L Career Track?
The OPEX-L Career Track was developed by Dr. Barry Shore, Professor Emeritus at the University of New Hampshire, with over 40 years of experience in operations management, Lean Six Sigma, and organizational performance.
How long does it take to complete the OPEX-L Career Track?
Completion time varies based on experience and pace. Most professionals complete the OPEX-L Career Track in a month or two while working full-time.
Is the OPEX-L certification recognized by employers?
Yes. The OPEX-L designation is designed to be visible and verifiable. Graduates receive digital certificates, credential URLs for employer verification, downloadable PDFs, and digital badges for professional profiles.
Do I need prior Lean Six Sigma experience to enroll?
Prior experience is helpful but not required. The Career Track is structured to build progressively, starting with Lean fundamentals and advancing through Green Belt and Change Management leadership skills.