Implementation Support Specialist Certificate Program

Our Implementation Support Specialist certificate program is for professionals who want to upskill and highlight their skills and competencies in applying implementation science in practice.

The program offers 2 levels of certification:

Level 1

Level 1 covers the foundational elements of applying implementation science to design, implement, spread, and scale the use of evidence.

Level 2

Level 2 covers special topics in depth, focusing on the relational dynamics of implementation such as trust, power, engagement, and motivation. 

Note: Level 2 certification is still in development and not yet available. Until then, completing and submitting all assignments in available Level 2 courses will count towards the future certification requirements.

💡 You can choose to progress to the Level 2 certification after obtaining the Level 1 certification.

Benefits of becoming certified

Teal, Blue, and white shield badge graphic with the text Certified Implementation Support Specialist

This is the first certificate ever available for implementation support specialists. Be an early adopter in the field and advance your career by acquiring this coveted certification for an in-demand role.

After completing the Level 1 certification process, you’ll receive a Level 1 Implementation Support Specialist digital certificate and badge.

You’ll also have the option to be featured in our online directory of certified Level 1 Implementation Support Specialists where you can include a short bio, contact information, and social media profiles.

Approach

We synthesize and translate complex concepts into actionable steps to bridge the gap between implementation science and implementation practice, ultimately enhancing how real-world change is created.

We train and support people engaged in change initiatives to implement in evidence-based ways. This means that our courses and certificate program are practice-focused — our goal is to make sure that changemakers are empowered with essential skills for leading change efforts.

Audience

This certificate program is open to anyone interested in applying implementation science to practice. In line with our vision of spreading and scaling the use of implementation science and practice around the world, everyone is welcome to apply.

Our courses and certificate program are designed to empower people in a broad range of settings who are working to make change in organizations and systems — we call them changemakers — and those who plan to (e.g., graduate students, trainees, and others who may not be currently working on a change initiative).

Past course participants have worked in healthcare, education, public health, social services, policy, government, labor/employment, and community-based organizations as well as funding agencies, universities, and research institutes.

Format

Courses

Each course is held entirely online. All materials are via our online course platform. Instructor support occurs through the comment sections of each course.

You can progress through the materials at your own pace as all instructional content is recorded.

Courses do not need to be completed within a set time frame to count towards the certificate; however, each course has its own 1-year access period.

Certification Assessment

All assessments are completed remotely.

Interested in becoming a Level 1 Certified Implementation Support Specialist?

Level 1

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Level 1 focuses on the foundational elements of applying implementation science to design, implement, spread, and scale the use of evidence. It will provide you with the foundation to understand different components of implementation initiatives, and how to select these components.

    Level 2 will cover special topics in depth, focusing on the relational dynamics of implementation, such as trust, power, engagement, and motivation. (Note: Level 2 certification is not yet available.)

  • At this time, this is a one-time certification without any recertification requirements.

  • The intention of the assessment process is to evaluate participants' understanding of key course concepts and their ability to apply these concepts. As a result, completing the courses is required.

  • Our courses and certificate program do not offer college credit or CEUs at this time.

  • Teams are welcome to take the certificate program together. However, certain assessment components must be completed individually. Please see the Level 1 page for more details.