---
name: certification-program
description: "Designs certification programs with curriculum, assessment criteria, grading rubrics, and credential management."
allowed-tools: Read Write Glob
metadata:
  author: matthewhitcham
  version: "1.0"
---

# Certification Program

## When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:
- Design a certification program for your industry or methodology
- Build curriculum with structured modules and assessment gates
- Create grading rubrics and passing criteria
- Plan credential issuance and ongoing certification management

**DO NOT** use this skill for accredited academic programs, government licensing requirements, or internal employee training certifications. This is for industry or proprietary certification programs run by independent businesses.

---

## Core Principle

A CERTIFICATION IS A PROMISE TO THE MARKET THAT ANYONE WHO HOLDS IT HAS DEMONSTRATED A SPECIFIC LEVEL OF COMPETENCE — THE VALUE OF YOUR CERTIFICATION DEPENDS ON THE RIGOR OF YOUR STANDARDS.

---

## Phase 1: Program Brief

### Required Inputs

| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|-------|------------|---------|
| **Certification subject** | "What does this certification validate — a skill, methodology, or body of knowledge?" | No default — must be provided |
| **Target candidate** | "Who seeks this certification — professionals, coaches, practitioners?" | No default — must be provided |
| **Prerequisites** | "Are there entry requirements — experience, prior training, other certifications?" | None — open enrollment |
| **Program length** | "How long does the program take to complete?" | 8-12 weeks |
| **Assessment format** | "How will competence be evaluated — exam, project, practicum, portfolio?" | Exam + practical project |
| **Credential name** | "What will the certification be called?" | No default — must be provided |

**GATE: Confirm subject, audience, and assessment format before designing the curriculum.**

---

## Phase 2: Curriculum Design

### Module Structure

```
## [Certification Name] — Curriculum

### Module 1: [Foundation Topic]
**Learning objectives:**
- [Objective 1]
- [Objective 2]
**Content:** [Topics covered]
**Estimated time:** [X] hours
**Assessment:** [Knowledge check / quiz / reflection]

### Module 2: [Core Competency 1]
**Learning objectives:**
- [Objective 1]
- [Objective 2]
**Content:** [Topics covered]
**Estimated time:** [X] hours
**Assessment:** [Quiz + skill demonstration]

### Module 3: [Core Competency 2]
**Learning objectives:**
- [Objective 1]
- [Objective 2]
**Content:** [Topics covered]
**Estimated time:** [X] hours
**Assessment:** [Quiz + case study]

[Continue for all modules...]

### Final Assessment
**Format:** [Comprehensive exam + practical project]
**Passing criteria:** [Score threshold + project rubric]
**Submission deadline:** [Date or timeframe after last module]
```

### Curriculum Design Rules

1. **Build sequentially** — each module builds on the previous one
2. **Balance theory and practice** — no more than 50% of content should be lecture or reading
3. **Assessment at every stage** — do not wait until the final exam to test competence
4. **Real-world application** — include case studies, scenarios, or live practice
5. **5-8 modules** — enough depth without overwhelming candidates

---

## Phase 3: Assessment & Rubrics

### Final Exam Design

```
## Certification Exam — [Certification Name]

**Format:** [Multiple choice + short answer + scenario-based]
**Questions:** [X]
**Time limit:** [X] minutes
**Passing score:** [80%]
**Retake policy:** Up to [2] retakes, [30] days between attempts
**Proctoring:** [Self-paced / scheduled / live proctored]
```

### Practical Project Rubric

```
## Project Assessment Rubric

### Criteria

| Category | Excellent (4) | Proficient (3) | Developing (2) | Inadequate (1) |
|----------|--------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
| [Criteria 1] | [Description] | [Description] | [Description] | [Description] |
| [Criteria 2] | [Description] | [Description] | [Description] | [Description] |
| [Criteria 3] | [Description] | [Description] | [Description] | [Description] |
| [Criteria 4] | [Description] | [Description] | [Description] | [Description] |

### Scoring
- **Total possible points:** [16]
- **Passing threshold:** [12/16 — 75%]
- **Each category must score at least [2]** — no single area can be failed

### Feedback
[Provide written feedback on each criterion, not just a score]
```

### Assessment Gate Structure

| Gate | When | What | Consequence of Failing |
|------|------|------|----------------------|
| Module quizzes | After each module | 70% to proceed | Retake quiz, review content |
| Mid-program check | After Module 3-4 | Skill demonstration | Remediation session before continuing |
| Final exam | After all modules | 80% to pass | Retake after 30-day study period |
| Practical project | With or after final exam | Rubric score 75%+ | Revise and resubmit once |

---

## Phase 4: Credential Management

### Certification Issuance

```
## Credential Details

**Credential name:** [Certified (X) Professional — CXP]
**Issued by:** [Your business name]
**Format:** Digital certificate + badge (Credly, Accredible, or custom PDF)
**Validity period:** [2-3 years] or [Lifetime with CE requirements]
**Verification:** [Online directory or verification page on your website]
```

### Renewal Requirements (if applicable)

```
## Certification Renewal

**Renewal period:** Every [2] years
**Requirements:**
- [X] continuing education hours in relevant topics
- Renewal fee: $[amount]
- Self-attestation of active practice in the field
- No ethical violations or complaints on record

**Renewal process:**
1. Submit CE documentation via [portal/email]
2. Pay renewal fee
3. Updated certificate and badge issued within [X] business days
```

### Program Operations Checklist

- [ ] Curriculum content is complete for all modules
- [ ] Exams and rubrics are finalized and tested
- [ ] Enrollment and payment system is configured
- [ ] Certificate template is designed
- [ ] Digital badge platform is set up (if applicable)
- [ ] Verification system is live (directory or lookup page)
- [ ] Renewal process is documented (if applicable)
- [ ] Terms and conditions for candidates are published
- [ ] Marketing materials highlight the certification's value to employers or clients

---

## Anti-Patterns

- **Low standards** — a certification that everyone passes is worthless. Maintain rigor.
- **No practical assessment** — testing theory alone does not validate competence. Include real-world application.
- **Vague rubrics** — "demonstrates understanding" is not a rubric criteria. Use observable, measurable descriptors.
- **No renewal or CE requirements** — a lifetime certification with no upkeep becomes irrelevant as the field evolves.
- **Certification with no market recognition** — build credibility through partnerships, employer endorsements, and certified professional outcomes.
- **Overcomplicating the program** — 20 modules and a 6-month commitment limits enrollment. Keep it rigorous but achievable.

---

## Recovery

- **Low enrollment:** Demonstrate the certification's value through case studies of certified professionals. Partner with industry organizations for visibility.
- **High failure rate:** Review whether the curriculum adequately prepares candidates for the assessment. Strengthen teaching before lowering standards.
- **Candidate disputes a grade:** Have a formal appeals process. Review the rubric with the candidate transparently.
- **Industry changes make content outdated:** Update curriculum annually. Add version numbers to certifications.
- **Credential not recognized by employers:** Build relationships with companies who value the skills your certification validates. Collect and share outcome data.
