About the Course
Multi-day: Classes are held Tuesdays and Wednesdays \;
November 3\, 4\, 17\, 18\, 2026 | 9 AM &ndash\; 6 PM EST \; | 4 - 1:00AM HST
Looking to streamline your construction projects while enhancing quality and reducing costs? The Lean Construction Education Program \;is your answer. This comprehensive 36-hour program\, offered by the Associated General Contractors of America\, is designed for construction professionals at all levels. It teaches the Lean Operating System\, focusing on continuous improvements for every aspect of a construction project &ndash\; from planning to recycling.
The program includes five units\, covering everything from the introduction to Lean Construction to applying Lean thinking outside of field production. You&rsquo\;ll learn about process efficiency\, variation mitigation\, the Last Planner System®\;\, and much more. Plus\, participants have the opportunity to apply for an exam to earn the Certificate of Management &ndash\; Lean Construction (CM-Lean)\, signifying a deep understanding of Lean principles and practices.
Whether you&rsquo\;re a seasoned professional or new to the field\, this program will provide the knowledge and skills to transform your projects and company into a model of Lean efficiency.
After completing the course\, students receive a Certificate of Completion and a digital badge to share.
Course Units
Unit 1 &ndash\; Introduction to Lean Construction
Unit 2 &ndash\; Process and Production Basics
Unit 3 &ndash\; Project Production Systems
Unit 4 &ndash\; Lean Thinking in Field Production\, Last Planner®\; System
Unit 5 &ndash\; Lean Thinking Outside of Field Production
Students participating in AGC&rsquo\;s five-unit Lean Construction Education program will be eligible to take an exam to earn their CM-Lean.
The AGC Certificate of Management-Lean Construction (CM-Lean) is an assessment-based certificate credential that denotes knowledge and understanding of concepts related to lean adoption\, practice\, and process transformation outlined in AGC&rsquo\;s Lean Construction Education Program. Successful candidates will carry the CM-Lean designation.
Technology and Participation: \;
| For the classroom: - Please have Zoom downloaded. - Computer with dual monitor preferred. - Laptop is good with a separate tablet to access their etextbook. - Tablet or phone is ok with hardcopy textbook - Two mobile devices ok &ndash\; one for the meeting and one for the etextbook | For participation: - Camera\, either built in or added on and ready to stream to the classroom. - Headphones or earbuds with microphones are preferred - Computer/device mic and speakers are ok if in private\, quiet room. - Each student should be on their own computer/laptop/tablet\, if possible. - Access to Google Slides to participate in Simulations |
Meet Your Course Instructor:
\;
James Johnston\, P. Eng. | CM-LEAN
James Johnston is a construction\, operations and quality specialist with over 25 years of experience focusing on business process analysis and improvement\, Lean thinking &\; implementation\, strategic planning and business development. He has worked extensively as a Management Consultant and Trainer leading organizations through lean transformations\, quality system implementation and process optimization projects. He has coached &\; facilitated the implementation of Lean Construction tools and methodologies on projects of all sizes\, has trained thousands of construction professionals throughout North America and continues to develop programs that improve project outcomes industry wide.