Certification – The Chief of Staff Association (2024)

Industry recognition

Certification serves as a testament to a chief of staff’s expertise and capacity. It not only validates their skills but also communicates to employers commitment to upholding the high professional standards. In a competitive landscape, industry recognition becomes a valuable asset, distinguishing certified chiefs of staff.

Enhanced skills

Certification empowers chiefs of staff to develop a diverse set of skills and competencies crucial for the role. These include strategic thinking, effective communication, project management and problem-solving skills. By honing these attributes, certified chiefs of staff drive organisational performance.

Global network

Certification not only enhances a chief of staff’s individual competencies but also opens doors to a vibrant network of like-minded professionals who are navigating the intricate challenges of the chief of staff role. This community provides a platform for sharing invaluable experiences, seeking advice, and fostering meaningful connections.

“Certification was integral in my transition to Chief Operating Officer at one of the world’s leading safety science organizations. The certification honed and amplified my project management and problem-solving abilities, ultimately empowering me to excel in my new role.”

Dr Charlotte Farmer
Chief Operating Officer
UL Research Institutes

“Securing the Chief of Staff certification played a crucial role in my transition from government to the private sector. The certification was an endorsem*nt of my training and experience, enhancing my corporate desirability and paving the way into my current private sector role”

Drew Davis
Chief of Staff
Cruise Lines Int. Assoc.

“As a business coach, I’ve seen firsthand the impact becoming a Certified Chief of Staff® can have. The certification offers both recognition of your skills and a structured pathway for advancement. It’s an invaluable tool for any Chief of Staff seeking to elevate their career.”

Mellissa Walker
Chief of Staff
Resolution Think LLC

“Becoming a Certified Chief of Staff® was pivotal to my career. It sharpened my skills and bolstered my self-assurance, critical in my role supporting the CEO of one of Australia’s leading architecture firms, ultimately enabling my growth as chief of staff for years to come.”

Maria Lynch
Chief of Staff
Architectus

Core Competency
Programme

The Core Competency Programme is a 12-month programme delivered online through the CSA Education Centre.

Members work through a structured video series with a subject matter expert, before engaging with their peers to discuss best practices.

Each seminar has an assessment component that is a requirement to receive credit toward the programme.

Core Competency

Saïd Business School
University of Oxford

Members can attend the Chief of Staff Executive Education Programme at the University of Oxford.

The bi-annual residential programme is delivered on campus at Saïd Business School and is exclusive to a cohort of approximately 50 members.

Members can attend the Oxford residential programme at any point throughout their membership.

SBS Programme

Harvard Business School
Harvard University

Members can attend the Chief of Staff Executive Education Programme at Harvard Business School.

The annual residential programme is delivered on campus at Harvard Business School and is exclusive to a cohort of approximately 50 members.

Members can attend the HBS residential programme at any point throughout their membership.

HBS Programme

Level 1

To achieve Level 1, chiefs of staff must complete at leastone eligible CSA education programme.

Level 2

To achieve Level 2, chiefs of staff must complete two eligible CSA education programmes.

Level 3

To achieve Level 3, chiefs of staff must complete three eligible CSA education programmes.