Certification provides chiefs of staff with industry validation of their skills and competency to outperform in the role, demonstrating to employers a level of professional credibility and commitment to excellence.
Build a range of skills and competencies necessary for performance in the chief of staff role, including strategic thinking, leadership, communication, project management, and problem-solving.
Connect with other professionals navigating the complexities of the chief of staff role, sharing experiences, seeking advice, and establishing relationships.
“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.”
“Securing the Chief of Staff certification played a crucial role in my transition from government to the private sector. The certification was an endorsement of my training and experience, enhancing my corporate desirability and paving the way into my current private sector role”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
The Chief of Staff Association’s Code of Practice is the world’s first cross-sector charter that sets the standard for professionalism in the chief of staff role.
Reviewed regularly by our panel of expert chiefs of staff, the Code outlines the means by which chiefs of staff should act: with integrity, loyalty and authenticity.
In order to become a CSA Certified Chief of Staff™, Members sign the Code and commit to upholding its values and standards.
To achieve Level 1, chiefs of staff must complete either the Core Competency Programme or one of the CSA’s Executive Education Programmes.
To achieve Level 2, chiefs of staff must complete the Core Competency Programme and one of the Executive Education Programmes.
To achieve Level 3, chiefs of staff must complete the Core Competency Programme and both Executive Education Programmes.