13 Best Kanban Certifications to Take in 2025
Kanban certifications can help you learn the basics of this commonly-used agile method, improve your workflow management skills, and improve your team's productivity using the Kanban method.
I've summarized the best Kanban certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right fit for your career path.
Best Kanban Certifications Shortlist
- Team Kanban Practitioner (TKP) — Best for beginners looking to understand Kanban principles
- Kanban Management Professional (KMP) — Best for experienced professionals aiming to improve their Kanban systems
- Kanban Coaching Professional (KCP) — Best for those focused on coaching and mentoring in Kanban
- Accredited Kanban Trainer (AKT) — Best for aspiring Kanban trainers
- Professional Kanban I (PK I) — Best for professionals seeking foundational Kanban knowledge
- Professional Scrum with Kanban (PSK I) — Best for integrating Scrum with Kanban practices
- Kanban Foundations (KIKF) — Best for IT professionals
- Certified Kanban Coach (CKC) — Best for those wanting to implement Kanban in their organization
- Kanban Foundations — Best for entry-level Kanban knowledge
- MSI Kanban Certification — Best for those wanting to improve their project processes with Kanban
- Certified Kanban Expert (Kanban-EXP) — Best for advanced Kanban expertise
- Certified Kanban Project Manager (Kanban-PM) — Best for those in project management roles utilizing Kanban
- Certified Kanban Professional — Best for professionals leading Kanban initiatives
Overviews of the Best Kanban Certifications
Below are detailed summaries of the best Kanban certifications that made it onto my shortlist.
1. Team Kanban Practitioner (TKP) - Best for beginners looking to understand Kanban principles
The Team Kanban Practitioner (TKP) certification introduces you to the fundamentals of the Kanban method and covers visualization, work-in-progress (WIP) limits, flow management, and feedback loops.
This option is accessible to all experience levels, as it doesn't require any prerequisites. You can choose between a one-day in-person or eight-hour virtual format.
Issued by: Kanban University
Focus:
- Basics of Kanban
- Work-in-progress (WIP) limits
- Running Kanban meetings
- Visualizing work
- Managing flow
- Establishing feedback loops
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're new to Kanban.
2. Kanban Management Professional (KMP) - Best for experienced professionals aiming to improve their Kanban systems
The Kanban Management Professional (KMP) credential recognizes your expertise in implementing and scaling Kanban systems across your organization. It focuses on workflow visualization, WIP limits, and continuous improvement, and equips you to lead effective Kanban transformations.
This certification program is structured into two parts—Kanban System Design (KMP I) and Kanban Systems Improvement (KMP II).
Issued by: Kanban University
Focus:
- Workflow visualization
- Limiting work in progress (WIP)
- Continuous improvement
- Kanban system design and scaling
- Metrics for flow management
- Organizational change and Kanban scaling
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of the Kanban System Design course, and either the Kanban Systems Improvement course or Kanban for Design and Innovation course
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Who It’s For: The KMP certification is ideal if you're looking to demonstrate your expertise in Kanban and expand your role in agile and lean environments.
3. Kanban Coaching Professional (KCP) - Best for those focused on coaching and mentoring in Kanban
The Kanban Coaching Professional (KCP) credential demonstrates that you have mastered the Kanban Maturity Model and that you can use coaching techniques to guide your organization to higher maturity levels. It's best to have some experience with Kanban before you take this certification.
Issued by: Kanban University
Focus:
- Mastery of the Kanban Maturity Model
- Advanced coaching techniques
- Leading organizations to higher maturity levels
- Effective Kanban tools for business improvement
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of the Kanban Maturity Model and Kanban Coaching courses
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, you must take the Kanban Coaching Professional exam to earn this credential
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Who It’s For: The KCP certification is ideal if you're aiming to become an expert in Kanban coaching.
4. Accredited Kanban Trainer (AKT) - Best for aspiring Kanban trainers
The Accredited Kanban Trainer (AKT) certification recognizes your expertise in Kanban implementation and training and qualifies you to teach certified Kanban courses. You must first earn the KMP certification, complete the Kanban Train the Trainer course, and demonstrate your ability to teach other courses offered by Kanban University.
Issued by: Kanban University
Focus:
- Kanban implementation
- Training methodologies
- Teaching TKP, Kanban Systems Design (KSD), and Kanban Systems Improvement (KSI) courses
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: You must hold the KMP certification
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Who It’s For: This certification is for best if you're aspiring to teach and train others in Kanban.
5. Professional Kanban I (PK I) - Best for professionals seeking foundational Kanban knowledge
The Professional Kanban I (PK I) certification validates your ability to apply Kanban principles to optimize value flow. It covers competencies like WIP management, flow metrics, risk management, and visualization.
This option is available in multiple languages and with accommodations for specific needs, and it also includes an assessment where you'll demonstrate your knowledge of the Kanban methodology.
Issued by: ProKanban.org
Focus:
- Managing work-in-progress
- Flow metrics
- Risk management
- Visualization techniques
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, an exam is required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Price: $200
Who It’s For: The PK I certification is ideal for validating your foundational knowledge of Kanban.
6. Professional Scrum with Kanban (PSK I) - Best for integrating Scrum with Kanban practices
The Professional Scrum with Kanban (PSK I) certification validates your knowledge of and ability to integrate Scrum with Kanban practices to improve your team's workflows and optimize productivity.
Open to Scrum practitioners and Agile professionals, this certification involves an examination that tests your understanding of both methodologies.
Issued by: Scrum.org
Focus:
- Integrating Scrum with Kanban practices
- Understanding the Scrum framework
- Implementing complementary Kanban practices
- Utilizing agile metrics for improved team flow
Prerequisites:
- Education: While not required, it's recommended that you take a Professional Scrum with Kanban course (offered via Scrum.org).
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, an exam is required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Price: $200 per exam attempt
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're a Scrum master, product owner, or project manager wanting to improve your team's productivity with Kanban and Scrum.
7. Kanban Foundations (KIKF) - Best for IT professionals
The Kanban Foundations (KIKF) certification provides 12 hours of instructor-led training on core Kanban principles and practices. It's tailored for IT Directors and Scrum masters.
Upon completion, you'll be able to demonstrate your ability to apply Kanban strategies effectively in professional settings.
Issued by: Kanban Institute
Focus:
- Essential Kanban concepts and techniques
- Kanban history and principles
- Integration with Scrum
- Practical application of Kanban in professional settings
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, an exam is required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Price: $49
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you want a foundational understanding of Kanban systems.
8. Certified Kanban Coach (CKC) - Best for those wanting to implement Kanban in their organization
The Certified Kanban Coach (CKC) certification offers a comprehensive understanding of Kanban and its applications in IT, the automotive industry, and Industry 4.0.
Covering key components such as WIP limits, Kanban cards, and Toyota’s Six Rules, this internationally recognized lifetime credential will equip you to foster a Kaizen culture and deliver value throughout your organization.
Issued by: International Board for Quality Management and Innovation
Focus:
- Kanban principles and practices
- WIP limits and visual control techniques
- Kaizen culture and continuous improvement
- Kanban applications in various industries
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, an exam is required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Price: $150
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're aiming to improve your coaching skills in Kanban methodologies.
9. Kanban Foundations - Best for entry-level Kanban knowledge
The Kanban Foundations certification from agile42 is an introductory online option that covers essential principles and practices for implementing Kanban and improving your organization's agility and productivity. It includes a one-hour session and access to the course materials for 30 days, and it's also available in multiple languages.
Issued by: agile42
Focus:
- Introduction to the Kanban method
- Service delivery principles
- Change management principles
- Key practices in Kanban
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Price: $79 (excluding VAT)
Who It’s For: The certification is ideal if you're involved in product or project delivery and want to get a better understanding of Kanban.
10. MSI Kanban Certification - Best for those wanting to improve their project processes with Kanban
The MSI Kanban Certification will equip you with the skills to master Kanban principles, manage WIP limits, and use data-driven decision-making to improve workflow and communication.
Ideal for project managers and team leads, this certification will help you foster continuous improvement, increase productivity, and improve task management and team collaboration.
Issued by: Management and Strategy Institute
Focus:
- Kanban principles
- Bridging strategic vision with execution
- Managing work-in-progress limits
- Using data for decision-making
- Implementing Kanban boards
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, an exam is required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: It is recommended that you get recertified every three years. This is free and does not require you to retake the exam.
Price: $299.95
Who It’s For: This certification is best if you want to demonstrate your expertise in Kanban methodologies.
11. Certified Kanban Expert (Kanban-EXP) - Best for advanced Kanban expertise
The Certified Kanban Expert (Kanban-EXP) certification validates your expertise in Kanban practices and is focused on teaching you how to improve team performance and deliver quality products.
This certification includes a 50-question online exam and offers lifetime validity without renewal fees.
Issued by: International Scrum Institute
Focus:
- Understanding and implementing Kanban practices
- Improving team efficiency and project success
- Enhancing career opportunities in various professional roles
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, an exam is required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Price: $99
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for you if you're aiming to demonstrate an advanced understanding of Kanban methodologies, improve your career prospects, and contribute to team and organizational success.
12. Certified Kanban Project Manager (Kanban-PM) - Best for those in project management roles utilizing Kanban
The Certified Kanban Project Manager (Kanban-PM) certification assesses your ability to achieve project goals, manage constraints, and facilitate team-client communication. This involves a 50-question online exam.
The certification includes free preparation resources such as a Kanban book and practice questions.
Issued by: International Scrum Institute
Focus:
- Project goal achievement
- Project constraint management
- Communication facilitation between teams and clients
- Kanban principles and practices
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, an exam is required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Price: $199
Who It’s For: This certification is best if you want to demonstrate your ability to manage projects using Kanban methodologies.
13. Certified Kanban Professional - Best for professionals leading Kanban initiatives
The Certified Kanban Professional (CKP) certification validates your expertise in the Kanban methodology and is focused on how to optimize workflows and foster collaboration to improve organizational efficiency.
Offered by the Global Skill Development Council (GSDC), it includes over 10 hours of learning and assessments, and is aimed at professionals in project management, software development, and IT operations.
Issued by: Global Skill Development Council
Focus:
- Understanding Kanban systems
- The Systems Thinking Approach to Introduce Kanban (STATIK) method
- Improving project management skills
- Kanban principles and practices
- Metrics and implementation strategies
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, an exam is required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certification doesn't require renewal and doesn't expire.
Price: $100
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're a business analyst, project manager, software engineer, or product manager.
FAQs About Kanban Certifications
What is a Kanban certification?
A Kanban certification is a credential that demonstrates your understanding of the Kanban method and ability to apply it effectively in project management settings. It is often pursued by professionals who want to improve their skills in workflow optimization and team collaboration.
Why should I get Kanban-certified?
A Kanban certification can improve your career opportunities by validating your expertise in a widely recognized project management methodology. It also equips you with the skills to improve efficiency and adaptability within project teams, which makes you a valuable asset to any organization.
How long does it take to get Kanban-certified?
The time required to obtain a Kanban certification can vary depending on the course provider and the level of certification. Introductory courses may take a few days, while more advanced certifications could require several weeks of study and practice.
What are the prerequisites for Kanban certification?
Prerequisites for Kanban certifications can differ based on the certification level. Generally, there are no strict prerequisites for entry-level certifications, but advanced certifications might require prior experience or completion of foundational courses in Kanban or related project management methodologies.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Definition of Kanban
- Guide to Kanban project management
- Best Kanban courses
- Difference between Kanban vs agile
What's Next?
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