Certified Systems Thinking Practitioner (CSTP) certification

Certified Systems Thinking Practitioner (CSTP)

Boost your career with the Certified Systems Thinking Practitioner (CSTP) certification. Master practical tools and methodologies that enhance problem-solving, innovation, and complex system understanding. With CSTP, you're not just learning - you're applying, growing, standing out. Embrace the future of your field with systems thinking and elevate your professional journey.

The Certified Systems Thinking Practitioner (CSTP) certification places emphasis on the practical application of systems concepts, utilizing various approaches to systems when dealing with real-world situations.

Acquire an understanding of diverse systemic tools to comprehend context, manage uncertainty, facilitate learning, conduct appreciative inquiry, prevent groupthink, and reveal contrasting strategies.
Critically evaluate different systems methodologies through a framework of system of systems methodologies (SOSM) to understand their underlying assumptions, compare them, and link them to relevant philosophy and theory.
Design, implement, and assess ethical interventions, balancing stakeholder needs, adhering to professional standards, and facilitating safe, inclusive stakeholder engagement despite power dynamics.
Learn how to effectively manage organizational complexity, diagnose, develop, and design organizations using the Viable Systems Model (VSM) rooted in systems and cybernetics principles and laws to create resilient and adaptable organizations.
Utilize Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to explore, understand and improve problematic situations, employing models of purposeful action as tools for structured, action-oriented inquiry.
Apply System Dynamics to understand and predict system behaviours over time, focusing on structures, processes, feedback loops, stocks, flows, and nonlinear relationships.
Learn how to employ Interactive Planning to design an ideal future for their organization, involve stakeholders in the planning process, and iteratively revise plans based on new information and changes.
Develop effective facilitation skills for systems practice interventions, including understanding the facilitation relationship, using facilitation tools, planning workshops, and comparing facilitation approaches.

Must hold valid Certified Systems Thinking Associated (CSTA) credentials.
You’ll need to complete a three-day or 24-hour practitioner training course provided by the Systems Thinking Alliance. Following this, you must successfully pass the CSTP certification assessment exam.

Executives, Managers, and Professionals from various sectors, including—but not limited to— Government, Healthcare, Education, Finance, Transport, and Technology.
Social entrepreneurs, systems architects/designers, policymakers and change agents.
Anyone interested in advancing their systems thinking skills and ready to practice various systems approaches to intervene and design in real-world situations.

Level: Advance
Language: English

You must earn 30 Learning and Development Units (LDUs) annually to maintain your CSTP certification

Frequently Asked Question

Unleash the Power of CST Practitioner

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the Certified Systems Thinking Practitioner (CSTP) certification, including its distinction from the associate level, career advancement opportunities, and how it enhances problem-solving skills for complex issues.

How is practitioner certification different from associate?

Think of associate certification as your starting point in the world of systems thinking. It lays the foundation with key concepts and basic understanding, much like learning a new language. On the other hand, practitioner certification equips you with advanced skills and practical application to navigate real-world complex situations.

Why do organizations need systems thinking practitioners?

In an increasingly complex world, organizations require systems thinking practitioners to effectively navigate challenges that cannot be addressed in isolation. These practitioners support strategic leaders by analyzing and advising on 'wicked' problems, which lack a clear owner or straightforward solution. They promote multidisciplinary collaboration both within and across organizations, considering diverse viewpoints and cultural nuances. Their approach includes collaborative enquiry using systemic models, gathering and synthesizing varied evidence, developing intervention strategies, and facilitating dialogue. They navigate power dynamics and politics with empathy. In essence, systems thinking practitioners are instrumental in fostering cross-boundary collaboration and addressing complex issues, making them an indispensable asset for any organization.

What are the prerequisites for the CSTP certification?

To acquire the Certified Systems Thinking Practitioner (CSTP) certification, you must first hold valid Certified Systems Thinking Associate (CSTA) credentials. Then, complete a three-day/24-hour practitioner training course provided by the Systems Thinking Alliance. Upon completion of the course, you will need to take the CSTP certification assessment exam, which will be available on the final day of the course. Your instructor will provide more information about the exam.

What are the leading paths for practitioners?

A Systems Thinking Practitioner can advance to become a consultant, coach, or trainer. With gained experience and expertise, they may also step into leadership roles, guiding organizational strategies, designing viable organizations, assessing responsiveness, leading transformation, and developing policies. These paths enable practitioners to utilize their unique skill sets on a larger scale.