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’s Lean Construction Education Program. Successful candidates will carry the CM-Lean designation.

About The Exam

There are 150 multiple choice questions and participants have 4-hours to complete the exam.

The CM-Lean 1st and 2nd edition exams both contains 150 questions with the following number of questions from each unit:

The CM-Lean is a computer-based virtual exam requiring candidates to use their own laptops for testing. The exam is offered virtually or in prescheduled in-seat at an approved AGC Chapter test center. The Associated General Contractors of America has contracted with ExamSoft Worldwide to provide the testing technology to deliver the exam while AGC collects the credential fee. ExamSoft ensures security through the entire testing process. During the exam the computer is completely locked down and blocked from the Internet, as well as all applications and functions. In addition, candidate’s activities are captured in case there is a need for post-exam audit or remediation. Access to the Internet is only required to download exams (pre-exam day) and to auto-upload answers (following the exam at the test center). Candidates are encouraged to have administrative rights to the laptop obtained prior to exam day. Candidates have the ability to advance through the exam and come back to an item if needed to make adjustments.

System Requirements

ExamSoft’s minimum technical requirements apply to all laptops being used to take the CM-Lean exam. In addition, laptops running the AGC exam must have the SofTest testing engine installed.

SofTest can be used on virtually any modern computer (purchased within the last three to four years). It is not possible to take secure exams through a virtual operating system such as Microsoft's Virtual Machine, Parallels or VMware, VMware Fusion or any other virtual operating system environment. Although SofTest can be installed and registered on virtual platforms, it will only be enabled for non-secure practice exams.

PC Requirements:

·            CPU = 1 GHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent

·            RAM = 1 GB

·            Drives = 50 MB of free space

·            Operating System = English 32-bit Versions of Windows XP, 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. SofTest may not be used in virtual operating systems.

·            Software = Internet Explorer 7.0 or later

·            Internet Access for SofTest Installation, Exam Download and Upload

·            Screen Resolution must be 1024x768 or higher

·            Administrator level account permissions

Mac Requirements:

A native Mac version of SofTest may be installed and utilized. When you attempt to download SofTest, the native Mac version will appear. In order to use SofTest on your Apple Macbook or Macbook Pro natively, you must have:

·         CPU = Intel processor

·         RAM = 512 MB

·         Drives = 50 MB or higher free disk space

·         Operating System = MAC OS X 10.5.8 or any version of 10.6 (Leopard or Snow Leopard). Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) is not yet supported. SofTest may not be used in virtual operating systems.

·         Software = Internet connection for downloading/uploading exam

Security Software

If the laptop has security software such as Norton, Trendmicro, McAfee, Kaspersky, or AVG; you may have issues running SofTest exams unless you temporarily disable your security software or manually set it so that it allows SofTest to run. If you have any questions regarding security software, please contact ExamSoft technical support.

Software/Laptop Use and Process Overview

Exam takers must install the SofTest testing engine on their laptops. No extra computers will be available on the testing premises. Exam takers will receive the following instructions:    

1.      Download and Register SofTest on your laptop via the Internet before exam day.

2.      Complete Pre-Exam Checklist (below).

3.      Bring your registered laptop to the exam and complete your exam (you will not need Internet access during the exam).

4.      Upload your exam via the Internet immediately following completion of the exam at the test center.

Pre-Exam Checklist

1.      Read the CM-Lean Candidate Guide.

2.      Access the email from ExamSoft Worldwide, which will provide you with your login information and instructions to download the testing software (SofTest) to your laptop computer (you must bring this laptop to the testing center on exam day).

3.      Log In – Visit www.examsoft.com/lean and login under the Exam Takers section in the upper left corner. If it asks for sponsor name upon log-in use “Lean”.

4.      Check Equipment – Make certain your computer meets the minimum system requirements.

5.    Pay the Exam Fee – On initial login, read the payment disclaimer informing you of the cost of the CM-Lean Credential Fee, which includes your SofTest license and the additional conditions required to obtain one. Click on the checkbox stating that your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Choose whether to pay via PayPal or major credit card.

6.    Watch the training videos for SofTest (5 minutes).

7.    Install SofTest – Download and install SofTest on the laptop you will be using on exam day. (NO EXCEPTIONS).

8.    Register SofTest – Enter your ID# and password when prompted to register. If it asks for sponsor name upon log-in use “Lean”.

9.    Launch SofTest and Take Mock Exam – Complete the Mock Exam and upload the answer file. The mock exam password can be found in your instruction email. You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your Mock Exam answer file.

10. If you experience any technical issues during the Mock Exam or are not able to confirm the upload of your AGC Mock Exam answers, contact ExamSoft before taking the CM-Lean exam.

11. Review the Exam Day Information section. Exams are primarily virtual. For predetermined and specifically organized in-seat exams, bring your laptop to your testing site on exam day. 

12. Virtual exam takers should have their laptop battery and power cord connected. In-seat exam takers should arrive on your scheduled test day at the AGC test center 30 minutes before the scheduled test time with your laptop, laptop battery and power cord. 

Technical Support Contact

When installing the software, candidates should contact ExamSoft technical support for assistance if needed by phone at 866-429-8889 or 954-429-8889 or by email at support@examsoft.com. A live chat support is also available at www.examsoft.com.