Following the 'Think' plan

Before you launch your certification program, what should you do?

Think.

Follow the 'Think' plan

Talk to your certification team and perform program research. Get the buy in of your manager, the Director of Education & the CEO. Only with that sign off, can you move forward.

Help your colleagues to see and believe in the value of the certification plan. By doing this, you will secure a loyal and dedicated base of support.

Improve your current training offerings. Ensure that your training programs are up to date and that they support and compliment your certification program.

Negotiate the best vendor contracts to support your certification program. Vendors contracts include, psychometric services, exam delivery services, marketing and fulfillment services.

Know your certification project plan (this plan includes the development, the design and the marketing plan) inside out and communicate it every week to the certification stakeholders

The top 5 mistakes made when launching a new certification program

1) Not knowing the size of the certification audience

2) Not performing a deep and wide job task analysis that includes external partners

3) Signing on the wrong exam delivery vendor

4) Over-burdening the item writing subject matter experts

5) Not doing the "correct" marketing. Certification is a specific type of product line and needs targeted and specific marketing campaigns.