Use FCILS After Your Name
Chartered Fellows are entitled to use the post-nominal letters FCILS — the pinnacle of professional recognition within the Chartered Institute of Lean Six Sigma.
Eligibility Criteria
Fellowship is awarded only to those who demonstrate the very highest standards of professional achievement and leadership.
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certification or Lean Expert Certification (max 350 CPD pts)
OR Evidence of completion of a related PhD Degree with research based on Lean Six Sigma (max 300 CPD pts)
Post-qualifying experience in a related field practising Lean Six Sigma – minimum 8 years (max 40 CPD pts)
OR Work Experience in a single or multiple roles practising Lean Six Sigma for 15 or more years (max 50 CPD pts)
Publications in relation to Lean Six Sigma (research papers, books or white papers) – minimum one (mandatory, item 5)
Conference Presentation relating to Lean Six Sigma as main speaker – minimum one (mandatory, item 6)
Evidence of conducting Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or Lean training – minimum 300 hours (mandatory, item 7)
FCILS Recommendation – two recommendations required (mandatory, item 8)
Minimum 450 CPD units total across all categories
Items within the same group (A or B) are alternatives — you must satisfy at least one from each group. Items marked mandatory must all be evidenced.
CPD Requirements
Fellowship applicants must provide evidence for a minimum of 450 CPD units. You must include evidence of item 1 or 2, either item 3 or 4, and must provide evidence of items 5, 6, 7, and 8. Items 9–11 are additional CPD earning opportunities.
| # | How you can claim your CPDs | Max Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certification or Lean Expert Certification | 350 |
| 2 | Evidence of completion of a related PhD Degree with research is based on Lean Six Sigma | 300 |
| 3 | Post-qualifying experience in a related field practising Lean Six Sigma – Minimum 8 years | 40 |
| 4 | Work Experience in a single or multiple roles practising Lean Six Sigma for 15 or more years | 50 |
| 5 | Publications in relation to Lean Six Sigma (Research papers, books or white papers) – minimum one | 30 |
| 6 | Conference Presentation relating to Lean Six Sigma (As the main speaker) – minimum one | 30 |
| 7 | Evidence of conducting Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt training or Lean Practitioner/Leader training – minimum of 300 hours | 120 |
| 8 | FCILS Recommendation (2 recommendations required) | 20 |
| 9 | Completion of a professional programme on Project Management, Change Management, Data Science & AI, Leadership or Coaching | 20 |
| 10 | Recommendation by your employer or a client | 10 |
| 11 | CPD units earned by attending CILS events | 40 |
| Minimum Required | 450 | |
Items 1–2 are Group A (certification/PhD) · Items 3–4 are Group B (experience) · Items 5–8 are mandatory · Items 9–11 are optional additional CPD
Fellow Benefits
The full suite of privileges available to Chartered Fellows.
Fellow Designation
Use the elite FCILS post-nominal letters — the highest distinction in CILS.
Advisory Board Access
Participate in shaping the strategic direction of the institute.
Speaking Opportunities
Priority opportunities to speak at CILS conferences and events.
Publication Priority
First access to contribute to CILS journals and publications.
Networking Circles
Exclusive access to a dedicated fellow-level global network.
Full Credentials
Premium certificate, digital badge, and featured directory listing.
Your Certificate & Badge
Upon successful admission, you will receive an official membership certificate and a verifiable digital badge to display your credentials with pride.
Membership certificate
Digital badge
Apply for Fellowship
If you believe you meet the demanding criteria for Chartered Fellowship, we welcome your application and look forward to reviewing your distinguished career.