FAQ
1) What are the benefits of pursuing this certification?

Many of the people who sign-up or have attended the workshop have a bachelor’s degree, most have a master’s degree. The most common response to this question from actual participants is “the practical, hands-on skills that they acquired.” The Drucker Graduate School’s Certificate in OD and Change Leadership is centered on a practicum-based program. Participants learn the history of OD and change management, essential change models and theories, and theories of group development in interactive, online eLearning programs. They learn how to apply them, for the benefit of their organizations and the people in them during the 3-day experiential workshop and follow-up coaching sessions. No other OD and Change Leadership program offers this combination.

2) What does it mean to have this Certificate program backed by The Drucker School of Management?

The Peter Drucker Graduate School of Management is dedicated to “preparing leaders with powerful, ethical, and universal management skills.” It is a world-renowned graduate university, founded by the “father of modern management.” This latest addition to the graduate school’s advanced management training offerings reflects the school’s commitment to delivering highly relevant, contemporary programs to leaders around the world. The Peter Drucker Graduate School of Management is dedicated to “preparing leaders with powerful, ethical, and universal management skills.” It is a world-renown graduate university, founded by the “father of modern management.” This latest addition to the graduate school’s advanced management training offerings reflects the school’s commitment to delivering highly relevant, contemporary programs to leaders around the world.

The Certificate in OD and Change Leadership from the prestigious Peter Drucker Graduate School of Management attests to three traits of those to whom the certificate is bestowed:

 

  1. The certificate is a testament to the rigorous academic discipline and intellectual accomplishment of its holders.
  2. The certificate represents four months of study focused solely on acquiring contemporary change leadership skills which can be applied in local, regional, and global settings.
  3. The certificate indicates that its holder is aware of the forces driving change and how to manage them at the individual, team, and organizational levels.

Earning a Certificate from the Drucker School of Management sets those with the credentials apart – or above – those without it. For many, gaining verifiable and relevant competencies becomes a personal professional goal. A certificate from a distinguished accredited university also adds prestige to your résumé. Furthermore, a professional certificate can be an aid to career advancement and/or help you earn a higher salary.

3) For whom is the program intended? Is there a minimum requirement to enroll?

The Certificate in OD and Change Leadership is designed specifically for individuals responsible for leading change in organizations. Most typically that includes people in Human Resources departments, OD & Change Departments, and/or Training departments.

However, the implementation of change initiatives, process improvement initiatives, and other organizational initiatives fall within the purview of managers, leaders, and even influential employees from any part of an organization. We believe they will benefit significantly from attending the program, as they are de facto “change leaders.”

4) Is this certification face to face or online?

The Certificate Program in OD and Change Leadership is a ‘blended’ learning course. The program includes ten learning modalities, some online and others in person.

Participants begin with a series of three eLearning modules that provide a detailed history of the field as well as the cover the most prominent theories related to OD & Change Leadership. It is followed by a 3-day residential, experiential-workshop. The workshop begins a OD & Change Leadership Competency Assessment which participants develop into a customized Individual Development Plan (IDP). The Competency Assessment and the IDP provide participants with insights into what knowledge and skills to develop throughout the program. During the workshop, participants learn and practice change leadership skills they will use back on the job. The workshop includes two online change simulations as well as highly engaging individual and group learning experiences; and is followed by three online coaching sessions. The dual purposes of the coaching sessions are to reinforce what was learned in the workshop and help with the application of newly acquired skills back at work.

5) How long does it take to get this certification from start to finish?

The certification process takes approximately four months to complete.

6) How much does it cost to obtain my OD & Change Leadership Certificate?

This is a global program and as such the fee is contingent upon the location. There may be promotions available depending on the location on the program. Please be advised only one coupon will be honored per participant. Please contact Liron Marks @ [email protected] for information regarding the participant fee.

7) Do I need to have a bachelors/master’s degree to enroll in this program?

No, a college degree is not required. However, it is highly recommended that registrants possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree, and preferably, enrolled or a holder of a Master’s degree in business, leadership, human resources, organization development, or industrial-organizational psychology. Two- to three years of experience in leadership or supervisory roles or experience in a related field may provide sufficient knowledge to do well in the program. Please contact info@ODandChangeLeadership if you have any questions.

8) How do I include this Certificate in my resume?

The Drucker Graduate School consents that program graduates may cite the completion of the certificate in one’s resume as follows:

“Recipient, Certificate in OD & Change Leadership, Drucker Graduate School of Management, year.”

Should you wish to provide a description of the program, a successful graduate may quote the following.

“The Drucker Graduate School’s Certificate in OD and Change Leadership is a four-month blended-learning program focused on the acquisition of core knowledge and skills essential to planning and leading change in organizations. Holders of this certificate have successfully completed all five phases of the program including eLearning modules, online assessments, and simulations, coaching sessions and passed examinations at each phase.”

 

9) What are the phases of the certificate? Do I need to complete them in order?

Phases One: Students will first complete three eLearning modules covering foundational topics: 1) History of OD and Change Management, 2) Core OD Theories and Models, and 3) Group Dynamics. Completion of these modules are prerequisites to attending the 3-Day workshop.

Phase Two and Three: The 3-Day Instructor-Led Workshop will begin with an OD and Change Leadership Competency Assessment. Participants will complete the OD and Change Leadership Competency Assessment to identify competencies they feel they have mastered and those which they need to improve. Knowing developmental needs allows participants to be especially alert when covering those topics during the ensuing online and residential learning events. They will have the opportunity to develop the competency assessment into a customized individual development plan to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and abilities they believe will add value to their professional development.

The 3-Day Instructor-led Workshop adheres to an experiential learning regimen whereby participants “learn-by-doing.” Introductory lecturettes are followed by experiential activities during which participants apply skills introduced and demonstrated by course facilitators. Participants receive peer feedback as well as feedback and coaching from facilitators. These lessons are supplemented with two, online change management simulations powered by Knolskape. Participants complete the simulations individually and in groups of three.

Phase Four: This phase consists of three Online Group-Coaching Sessions. The purpose of these sessions is to reinforce what was learned in earlier phases and provide guidance to participants as they apply their newly acquired skills back on the job.

Phase Five: Online Final Examination. In addition to passing progress tests included in the eLearning module, participants are required to pass a final, comprehensive examination. The final exam is administered online.

10) How do I receive my Certificate?

Once you successfully complete the five phases of the certificate program, you will receive formal notification of your certificate on the student portal. A signed certificate, from the Drucker Graduate School, will be emailed to you within two weeks of completion.

 

11) How are certification and certificate programs different?

A Certificate Program indicates completion of a course or series of courses with a specific focus. They are open to newcomers and experienced professionals alike. Certificate programs typically demonstrate professional development and establish mastery of a particular subject area. The certificate awarded for this Certificate Program is issued by the Peter Drucker Graduate School in collaboration with Landers & Marks OD Consulting. It represents a combination of academic excellence and over 50 years of consulting excellence.

Professional Certifications are typically bestowed by a professional association or university. If from a university, college credits are awarded for completion of the coursework. Certifications also require completion of a specified curriculum. Certification can take more than a year to complete. Certifications require re-certification to stay current in a specific discipline. Certification allows a practitioner to put letters after his or her name.

12) Where can I find dates and locations for the next iteration of the certificate program?

By clicking on this link, you can see all the dates and locations for the cohort to enter and complete the program.

13) Can I get the employees in my organization certified all at once? Is there a discount for group registration?

Yes, you have the option to certify all of your employees at once. You may also take advantage of the group discounts, see below.

The Certificate Program in OD & Change Leadership is offered in locations around the world. Depending on the number of participants and the location of the organization, the Certificate Program may be able to arrange a private Certificate Program (that is closed to the public) tailored to your organizational needs. There is one requirement for an in-house program. There must be at least 12 participants. These can be leaders, managers, and employees from various departments and levels. The only prerequisite is that they are responsible for leading change in the organization.

Discounts are offered to organizations wishing to enroll four or more participants in a cohort. There is a 10 percent discount on each enrollment when four or more participants from any one organization attend programs. Please note that the number of people from one organization who can attend a particular program may be limited, depending on class size. 

To take advantage of these opportunities, contact Alan Landers by email at [email protected] who will assist you with the necessary arrangements.

14) Can I enroll in this program individually, or is it meant for groups only?

There are opportunities for both options, depending on your and your organization’s needs.

15) Is there any pre-work prior to me beginning the certification?

There is no prework necessary to begin the certification process. All required coursework is included and begins once you enroll in a cohort. 

16) Do I need experience in the field before taking the competency-based exam, or beginning the certification?

No field experience is needed if you have a Master’s Degree or higher. Field experience as a supervisor or manager is highly recommended for anyone who does not have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

17) What does the fee include?

The OD & Change Leadership Certificate Program fee includes refreshments, meals, and all program materials. You must reserve your seat in the Certificate Program by paying the one-time reservation fee of $250.00. This fee is non-refundable. After your reservation is complete, you will receive an email with the enrollment form and balance due. Payment in full must be received by the application deadline. Please note that in all situations, participants are responsible for their travel. The program cannot reimburse for any travel expenses that may have been incurred.

18) What are the transfer and cancellation policies that I should be aware of?

Please Note our Transfer and Cancellation Policies:

If you paid in full and are unable to attend the upcoming Certificate Program, we are happy to reschedule your attendance for the next Certificate Program date. We allow participants to transfer between different iterations of the Certificate Program offered with at least 20 days’ notice before the start date. If you wish to change program location and dates, please contact Liron Marks, by email at [email protected] to discuss your specific situation. Requests to defer participation must be made in writing.

If the Certificate Program is cancelled due to low enrollment, registered participants will receive a refund of any and all tuition paid (including the application fee), or be allowed to move their registration to a future running of the Certificate Program.

Transfers of Registrations

Please note that 100% of the full tuition will be forfeited if one of the following occurs:

  • The registrant does not enroll in another Certificate Program within one year of the original start date
  • The registrant transfers more than two times

Cancellation of Registration

A full refund will be issued if cancellation in writing is received 20 days prior to the start of the Certificate Program. Otherwise, the $2000 cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations received less than 20 days prior to a Certificate Program’s start date will be charged 100 percent of the full tuition. Please note that after you have taken your first component of the Certificate Program, no refunds will be given. If a registrant fails to attend without notification, or if a withdrawal occurs on or after a Certificate Program start date, full tuition will be forfeited.

 

19) Is there a time limit that I must complete a Certificate Program within?

Yes. You have four months to complete the components of the Certificate Program. The three eLearning modules must be completed in 10 days. Each module takes approximately 1 hour to complete. You are expected to attend the Three-Day Instructor-led Residential Workshop as well as the online group coaching sessions. The OD & Change Leadership Final Exam will be accessible once the components of the program have been successfully completed and will be available for three weeks. As a courtesy, you have up to two attempts to pass the Final Exam at no additional cost.

 

20) What type of interaction can I expect in this Certificate Program?

The program is offered in a blended hybrid format (online and residential). The eLearning module is released every few days allowing a flexible but structured approach to learning. The Instructor-led Residential Workshop endorses a personalized experience and will never have more than 24 participants. Participants will be supported as they engage in individual activities and group discussions. The hands-on experiential workshop offers an excellent way to meet, collaborate and network with professionals through case-studies and practical exercises as well as computer adaptive change simulations. The follow-up Group Coaching Sessions offer extended interaction with program facilitators and participants ensuring an engaging and rewarding educational experience.