Since both CSOO & SOM are based on our proprietary Lean Scaling System (LSS), both certification paths start with the same foundational understanding of what LSS is and how to apply it to operationally scale a small business simply and sustainably. Both paths get access to live monthly AI workshops and strategic leadership workshops since those principles and practices are critical for both roles.

From there, the 2 paths split. 

SOM content is focused on how to implement and adapt LSS at a strategic execution level. 

It focuses on the detail of how to build scalable systems and processes, manage projects in an entrepreneurial small business, lead teams that you may or may not have direct managerial responsibility for, implement and adapt tech, tools, AI, and automations, and effectively bridge strategy and execution to ensure the right people are doing the right things at the right time to move the business forward and achieve its goals.

It is focused on successfully scaling the business you work within.

CSOO content is focused on how to define the overarching strategies and structure for a scalable and sustainable business. 

It focuses on translating vision into strategies that integrate across functions, architecting a lean dream team that can successfully deliver on the vision, building a scalable business model and operating model, and defining the KPIs and success measures that will drive the business forward. It also focuses on how to step in and lead the business on behalf of the founder, whether it is an interim or long term need.

It is focused on successfully scaling your own services in addition to the businesses you partner with.

They both leverage the same core Lean Scaling System, but get applied differently based on the level you want to operate at within the business - strategy (high-level, future-focused, directional) or strategic execution (90-day to now focused, actionable).

Please note that those on the CSOO path get access to strategy PLUS strategic execution content.

Generally speaking:

• If you work for a business and the founder is investing in your certification for their business, you would be on the SOM path.
• If you have your own consultant, fractional, or agency based business, you would be on the CSOO path.

That being said, there are always exceptions and we'll help you assess the right fit based on your goals and skills in the alignment call we schedule after you submit your application.

In addition, since everyone starts with the same Phase 1 foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to shift your focus before you begin the implementation phase. 

We don’t guarantee placements, but certified members are listed in our Certified SOL Directory, and we refer interested businesses to it regularly.

Expect 3–5 hours per week, including learning, calls, and application.

We believe that the best way to develop mastery is by DOING, not only learning, so we design the experience for the majority of your time to be focused on implementation. 

We care deeply about maintaining the integrity of the certifications as the gold standard for small business success.

As a result, we are selective about who we admit into the certification and issue a license to. 

We care much more about fit than we do filling seats so we keep our cohorts relatively small.

This gives you personalized attention and limits the number of people licensed to use the Lean Scaling System which creates more opportunities for each license holder.

The exact number varies cohort to cohort based on number of qualified applicants. 

Right now, we are capping CSOO at 10 people per cohort and SOM at 20 people per cohort, but if we only receive half as many qualified applicants, that's all we'll accept in.

If you would prefer a large scale program you can be a passive participant in, this is not it.  It is intimate by intention so we can deep dive into your business challenges and opportunities and set you up for the best possible success.

Certification is broken into 2 stages with different requirements for each as follows:

Stage 1: Learn (1st 3-6 months*):

1. Knowledge: Complete 80% or more of the on-demand content in your online portal (by pillar)
2. Knowledge Exam: Pass an exam per pillar that validates your understanding of what you learned; 80% or higher score is required
3. Application: Submit Capstone projects (by pillar) using your own business to show you understand how to apply what you learned

*Stage 1 is a go at your own pace stage.  For those who can dedicate the time and focus to go all in on stage 1, you can complete it in as little as 3 months, however most take 5-6 months.

Please note that you can not move onto stage 2 until you successfully complete stage 1.

Stage 2: Implement (remainder of the 12 months):

1. Knowledge: Complete 80% or more of the implementation content (a blend of live monthly workshops and new implementation-focused modules, trainings, and toolkits in your online portal)
2. Situational Exam: Pass an exam that validates your ability to implement what you learned in different situations small businesses commonly experience; 80% or higher score is required
3. Application: CSOO's must submit capstone projects from 2 client businesses to show you understand how to successfully implement and generate measurable results; SOM's must submit a capstone project for the business they work for showing the same

While you have 6+ months to complete stage 2, please note that if you plan to continue on your certification journey, you can not move onto stage 3 until you successfully complete stage 2.

Yes. Certification and directory listing are renewed annually to keep your materials current, support high-quality delivery, and ensure continued access to resources.

For the lifelong learners who are committed to getting the most out of their certification and licensing, and who are interested in continuing their journey, there are 2 additional tiers of certification.

You'll start with Certified Lean Scaling Professional in year 1 (like receiving a Bachelor's degree). Then you can move on to:

• Certified Lean Scaling Expert: Years 2+ (like receiving a Master's degree)
• Certified Lean Scaling Master: Years 3+ (like receiving a Doctorate degree)

Stages are as follows:

• Stage 1: Learn (year 1)
• Stage 2: Implement (year 1)
• Stage 3: Advance (years 2+)
• Stage 4: Master (years 3+)
• Sustain (ongoing)

For those who continue in year 2, this is where you will work closely with Crista on Advanced techniques.

Those who successfully achieve the Lean Scaling Expert designation at the end of year 2 will receive increased visibility and placement opportunities and will have the opportunity to join the faculty of Strategic Ops Institute as a mentor to stage 1 and 2 members.

Although years are shown for reference, moving from one stage to the next is dependent on successfully meeting the criteria for certification at each stage and not time bound.  Stage 3 requires capstones submitted for 4 client businesses which can be done in as little as 1 year.  Stage 4 requires capstones submitted for 10 client businesses which will typically take longer.  You will work closely with the Strategic Ops Institute team all throughout your certification journey.

Yes, this is our SOM track which includes slightly different requirements for certification that are focused on generating measurable results within the business you work for instead of within your own business and client businesses.

Fill out an application and we will review the nuances with you when we meet.

We recommend filling out an application and we can talk through the best solution for your agency or team that includes a blend of license for the business and certification for each individual who will be leveraging the Lean Scaling System.

We offer specialized pricing when certifying a team of 3 or more, and offer personalized cohorts for large teams of 12 or more. 

We specialize in certifying founder + right hand duos and look forward to discussing your unique needs.

You will be fully licensed at the end of year 1 when you successfully complete stage 2 requirements however you will receive access to a provisional license at the end of stage 1 so that you can use the tools, templates, and playbooks with real businesses to generate measurable results for stage 2.

Should you decide not to complete stage 2, your access to all assets will be limited for internal use within your own business ONLY and you will not be authorized to use them with clients.

Each certification has a dedicated page and syllabus that breaks things down into greater detail.

Our recommendation is to get your application submitted as a first step.

The second step is for us to meet and we can walk you through each cert and answer all your questions together on that call so you can best determine which level is right for you right now.

If you want to dig deeper into each certification ahead of that call, click the links below:

• Chief Strategy and Operating Officer (CSOO) page
• Scalable Ops Manager (SOM) page

We assume that you do.  As an experienced consultant or right-hand, you couldn't have gotten to where you are today without identifying the patterns of what works and what doesn't and likely creating some of your own systems, frameworks, and ways of working that are successful for you and your clients.

What makes the Lean Scaling System different is that it is not a prescriptive paint-by-numbers system that you have to implement the same way in every business.

If that's what you're looking for, this will not be a good fit for you. 

But what it does better than anything we have seen on the market is help you understand what a business needs across the 9 engines required for sustainable and scalable growth and be able to apply the right technique at the right time to provide the biggest leverage for the business.

That's why the first stage is the same for both certification paths - we want to ensure you deeply understand the Lean Scaling System and how and when to address each engine in the business. Plus it is critical to understand how all the puzzle pieces in the business fit together and that's what the Lean Scaling System helps you do.

From there, you get access to a very robust suite of templates, tools, assessments, and frameworks for use with your clients and in your own business.

If you already have something you've developed, you can use it and augment it with what we provide. 

This is not a franchise where you have to do things a specific way.  We give you the knowledge, experience, and situational awareness to know what to do when - not a cookie-cutter approach you are forced to follow.

The very first step is to fill out an application. From there, you will be able to set up a call with us and we will address any questions you have to ensure it is a great fit for both of us.