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Certified Systems Thinking Associate (CSTA)

Certified Systems Thinking Associate (CSTA) Program

Certified Systems Thinking Associate (CSTA)

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of systems thinking with our Certified Systems Thinking Associate (CSTA) program. This forward-thinking certification is designed for individuals who seek a profound understanding of systems thinking concepts, principles and approaches. Its goal is to equip individuals with the practical skills to navigate complex, real-world challenges.

The Certified Systems Thinking Associate (CSTA) serves as an excellent starting point for those embarking on a stimulating systems journey. This certification provides an opportunity to comprehend the language and basic principles of systems thinking.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how to become systems literate.
  • Differentiate complex, wicked problems from puzzle or tame problems. Recognized the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) characteristics and identify the challenges faced when dealing with wicked problems.
  • Define key concepts in the field of systems thinking and demonstrate an understanding of their significance and practical implications.
  • Summarize the key milestones and major contributors in the history of systems thinking, demonstrating an understanding of its evolution and impact.
  • Identify the appropriate level of complexity, analyze the influence of randomness, and articulate the relationship between complexity and the number of elements in a system.
  • Define the purpose of key system thinking approaches and identify their underlying systemic perspective.
  • Evaluate the purpose, utility, strengths, and limitations of some key system mapping/modelling techniques by interpreting and analyzing them to represent different aspects of a system.
  • You’ll need to complete a three-day or 21-hour associate training course provided by the Systems Thinking Alliance. Following this, you must successfully pass the CSTA 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 beginning their systems thinking journey, learning the language of and ready to apply the systems concept to real-world problems.
  • Level: Foundational
  • Language: English
  • You must earn 20 Learning and Development Units (LDUs) annually to maintain your CSTA certification.
COURSE OUTLINE

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Frequently Asked Question

Unveiling the CSTA Associate Certification

Explore frequently asked questions about the Certified Systems Thinking Associate (CSTA) certification, encompassing its definition, advantages, practical applications, and how it can elevate your problem solving skills and career opportunities. 

The CSTA certification is a program designed for individuals who want to learn the language of systems and become systems literate. The program delves into the basics of systems thinking, providing a comprehensive understanding of its fundamental concepts and principles.

There is no prerequisite to attend the CSTA training course. However, to obtain the certificate, you must pass the certification assessment exam, which is available immediately after completing the course. Your instructor will provide more information regarding the exam during the course.

Achieving Certified Systems Thinking Associate (CSTA) status offers numerous benefits. In our increasingly complex world, having systems thinking skills is essential. They provide you with the tools and techniques needed to navigate through complexity effectively. By attaining CSTA status, you're not just acquiring these valuable skills but also showcasing your dedication to continuous learning and personal growth. This certification marks the beginning of your journey in mastering systems thinking, setting you on a path to excel in dealing with complex situations and challenges.

Yes, our training course can indeed contribute towards maintaining other professional certifications such as PMI PDUs. Participation in this course allows you to claim credits under specific categories depending on the nature of the certification. Your course instructor will provide further details regarding the process and specific reporting categories during the course. Always ensure to verify with your certification body to confirm their credit acceptance policies.

The training fee includes the cost of the certification exam, so there is no additional fee for taking the exam.

Once you're enrolled in the course, we'll send you a Pre-read guide two weeks before the training begins to help you prepare. On the first day of the training, we'll provide complete course content to all the attendees. If you're participating in our In-person training, we'll hand out printed copies of the course materials for your convenience. For those joining us online, we've made arrangements to provide an electronic PDF version of the course content that you can readily download. This way, whether you're learning in-person or virtually, you'll always have the necessary resources readily available.

Our training delivery approach is very different from a long, boring lecture. Instead, we focus on active learning. This means you'll collaborate with others, participate in exciting activities, discuss ideas in guided conversations, and listen to informative lectures. You'll also get your hands dirty with team exercises that put theory into practice. Our course materials are expertly written, and we use a mix of solo and group tasks to help you grasp key concepts. In summary, we designed the delivery to make your learning experience enjoyable and productive.

After successfully passing the CSTA exam, you will receive your digital badge through Credly. You'll get an email with instructions on how to claim your badge. For more information on this topic, please visit the digital badge program pages on our website.

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