Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions

HBS Home

  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Campaign
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Executive Education
  • Apply / Log-in
  • Program Finder
  • Subscribe
  • FAQs
Executive Education
Programs for IndividualsPrograms for OrganizationsHBS ExperienceFacultyAdmissionsParticipant Stories
  • Programs for Individuals
    Dropdown
    • Comprehensive Leadership Programs
    • Topic-Focused Programs
    • Regional Programs
    • Virtual Programs
    • Certificate of Management Excellence
    • Corporate Director Certificate
  • Programs for Organizations
  • HBS Experience
    Dropdown
    • The Value
    • The Learning Experience
    • The Virtual Experience
    • Alumni Network
    • Admitted? Plan Your Stay
    • Insights
  • Faculty
  • Admissions
    Dropdown
    • Admissions Requirements
    • Admissions Process
    • International Applicants
    • Payment, Cancellation, and Deferral
    • Already Admitted
  • Participant Stories
Executive Education
    ... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Certificate of Management Excellence
    ... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Certificate of Management Excellence

    Certificate of Management Excellence

    Certificate of Management Excellence
    Close Menu
    Certificate of Management Excellence
    • Left arrow
      Back to Programs for Individuals
      • Comprehensive Leadership Programs
      • Topic-Focused Programs
        • Digital Transformation
        • Family Business
        • Finance
        • General Management
        • Governance
        • Health Care
        • Innovation
        • Leadership
        • Marketing & Sales
        • Negotiation & Decision-Making
        • Social Enterprise & Nonprofits
        • Strategy
      • Regional Programs
      • Virtual Programs
      • Certificate of Management Excellence
      • Corporate Director Certificate
    • Left arrow
      Back to Programs for Individuals
      • Comprehensive Leadership Programs
      • Topic-Focused Programs
        • Digital Transformation
        • Family Business
        • Finance
        • General Management
        • Governance
        • Health Care
        • Innovation
        • Leadership
        • Marketing & Sales
        • Negotiation & Decision-Making
        • Social Enterprise & Nonprofits
        • Strategy
      • Regional Programs
      • Virtual Programs
      • Certificate of Management Excellence
      • Corporate Director Certificate
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Program Finder
    Heba Elshalakany recipient Certificate of Management Excellence

    "HBS programs help you discover your purpose, think outside the box, and explore your abilities."

    Heba Elshalakany
    Trade and Working Capital Senior Manager, Barclays Bank, Egypt
    Read Her Story
    Heba Elshalakany recipient Certificate of Management Excellence

    "HBS programs help you discover your purpose, think outside the box, and explore your abilities."

    Heba Elshalakany
    Trade and Working Capital Senior Manager, Barclays Bank, Egypt
    Read Her Story
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

    Certificate of Management Excellence

    The Harvard Business School (HBS) Certificate of Management Excellence (CME) provides advanced learning that can help you expand your business management and leadership skills—and your career potential. The CME is awarded to those who complete three programs in the areas of strategy, negotiation and innovation, and leadership.

    To earn the certificate, request a Statement of Intent by contacting our Program Advising team. Then apply to and be accepted into three of the qualifying programs listed below, and complete the three programs successfully within 36 consecutive months.

    Dropdown up

    Certificate of Management Excellence

    The Harvard Business School (HBS) Certificate of Management Excellence (CME) provides advanced learning that can help you expand your business management and leadership skills—and your career potential. The CME is awarded to those who complete three programs in the areas of strategy, negotiation and innovation, and leadership.

    To earn the certificate, request a Statement of Intent by contacting our Program Advising team. Then apply to and be accepted into three of the qualifying programs listed below, and complete the three programs successfully within 36 consecutive months.

    Qualifying Programs

    In designing the certificate, HBS has carefully curated a set of programs that builds core knowledge and skills. From the list, you will choose one program from each of three topic areas: leadership, negotiation and innovation, and strategy.

    Topic AreasExpand AllCollapse All

    Leadership Program OptionsLeadership Program Options
    • Authentic Leader Development
    • Authentic Leader Development—Virtual
    • High Potentials Leadership Program
    • High Potentials Leadership Program—Virtual
    • Leadership for Senior Executives
    • Leadership for Senior Executives—Virtual
    • Leading and Building a Culture of Innovation
    • Leading Change and Organizational Renewal (HBS Campus only)
    • Leading Change and Organizational Renewal—Virtual
    • Leading Global Businesses
    Negotiation and Innovation Program OptionsNegotiation and Innovation Program Options
    • Behavioral Economics: Understanding and Shaping Customer and Employee Behavior
    • Changing the Game: Negotiation and Competitive Decision-Making
    • Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise
    • Disruptive Innovation—Virtual
    • Leading Product Innovation
    • Strategic Negotiations: Dealmaking for the Long Term
    • Strategic Negotiations—Virtual
    Strategy Program Options Strategy Program Options
    • Aligning Strategy and Sales
    • Building and Sustaining Value Across Markets
    • Building and Sustaining Value Across Markets–Virtual
    • Reimagining Strategy: Applying Design Thinking to Your Organization
    • Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage
    • Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage—Virtual
    • Transforming Customer Experiences
    • Transforming Customer Experiences—Virtual

    If you previously completed a qualifying program in a virtual format, your program can be counted towards your Certificate of Management Excellence.

    Download the Certificate of Management Excellence Comparison Chart

    Qualifying Programs Dropdown up

    Qualifying Programs Dropdown down

    In designing the certificate, HBS has carefully curated a set of programs that builds core knowledge and skills. From the list, you will choose one program from each of three topic areas: leadership, negotiation and innovation, and strategy.
    Topic Areas

    Leadership Program Options

    • Authentic Leader Development
    • Authentic Leader Development—Virtual
    • High Potentials Leadership Program
    • High Potentials Leadership Program—Virtual
    • Leadership for Senior Executives
    • Leadership for Senior Executives—Virtual
    • Leading and Building a Culture of Innovation
    • Leading Change and Organizational Renewal (HBS Campus only)
    • Leading Change and Organizational Renewal—Virtual
    • Leading Global Businesses

    Negotiation and Innovation Program Options

    • Behavioral Economics: Understanding and Shaping Customer and Employee Behavior
    • Changing the Game: Negotiation and Competitive Decision-Making
    • Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise
    • Disruptive Innovation—Virtual
    • Leading Product Innovation
    • Strategic Negotiations: Dealmaking for the Long Term
    • Strategic Negotiations—Virtual

    Strategy Program Options

    • Aligning Strategy and Sales
    • Building and Sustaining Value Across Markets
    • Building and Sustaining Value Across Markets–Virtual
    • Reimagining Strategy: Applying Design Thinking to Your Organization
    • Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage
    • Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage—Virtual
    • Transforming Customer Experiences
    • Transforming Customer Experiences—Virtual

    If you previously completed a qualifying program in a virtual format, your program can be counted towards your Certificate of Management Excellence.

    Download the Certificate of Management Excellence Comparison Chart

    Certificate BenefitsExpand AllCollapse All

    Strengthen your capacity for leadership—and broaden your perspectiveStrengthen your capacity for leadership—and broaden your perspective

    You will be immersed in proven and emerging best practices, the latest research, and issues critical to today's global business leaders.

    Design your own learning pathDesign your own learning path

    You will have the flexibility to build your expertise and credentials at your convenience. Choose programs that fit your schedule and address your professional development goals.

    Receive tangible recognition for your accomplishmentReceive tangible recognition for your accomplishment

    Your Certificate is a meaningful credential that signifies your ongoing dedication to professional development, your hard work, and the breadth of your learning.

    Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network
    • Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries around the globe
    • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

    Certificate Benefits Dropdown up

    Certificate Benefits Dropdown down

    Strengthen your capacity for leadership—and broaden your perspective

    You will be immersed in proven and emerging best practices, the latest research, and issues critical to today's global business leaders.

    Design your own learning path

    You will have the flexibility to build your expertise and credentials at your convenience. Choose programs that fit your schedule and address your professional development goals.

    Receive tangible recognition for your accomplishment

    Your Certificate is a meaningful credential that signifies your ongoing dedication to professional development, your hard work, and the breadth of your learning.

    Expand your personal and professional network

    • Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries around the globe
    • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

    An Added Benefit: Access to HBS Resources

    HBS also rewards your achievement with complimentary access to several valuable HBS resources.
    Read More

    After you complete your first program, you will receive:

    • A complimentary, one-year digital subscription to Harvard Business Review. You will receive an additional year's subscription after the completion of each of the three programs
    • Membership in our exclusive LinkedIn group, where you can continue to engage with peers and with HBS Executive Education
    • Updates on timely faculty research via the HBS@Work monthly newsletter

    Once you complete all three programs, you will receive your Certificate of Management Excellence and the following benefits:

    • A complimentary, one-year personal subscription to Harvard ManageMentor®, the premier on-demand learning and performance support resource designed for leaders, managers, and individuals to address a broad array of timely business challenges
    • Regular invitations to webinars hosted by Harvard Business Review to hear the latest thinking and proven practices from Harvard Business Publishing's world-class academic and business experts

    An Added Benefit: Access to HBS Resources

    An Added Benefit: Access to HBS Resources

    HBS also rewards your achievement with complimentary access to several valuable HBS resources.

    After you complete your first program, you will receive:

    • A complimentary, one-year digital subscription to Harvard Business Review. You will receive an additional year's subscription after the completion of each of the three programs
    • Membership in our exclusive LinkedIn group, where you can continue to engage with peers and with HBS Executive Education
    • Updates on timely faculty research via the HBS@Work monthly newsletter

    Once you complete all three programs, you will receive your Certificate of Management Excellence and the following benefits:

    • A complimentary, one-year personal subscription to Harvard ManageMentor®, the premier on-demand learning and performance support resource designed for leaders, managers, and individuals to address a broad array of timely business challenges
    • Regular invitations to webinars hosted by Harvard Business Review to hear the latest thinking and proven practices from Harvard Business Publishing's world-class academic and business experts

    Who Should Participate

    The certificate is appropriate for mid- to senior-level executives with a minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience. It is awarded to those who successfully complete three programs in the areas of strategy, negotiation and innovation, and leadership.

    Dropdown up

    Who Should Participate

    The certificate is appropriate for mid- to senior-level executives with a minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience. It is awarded to those who successfully complete three programs in the areas of strategy, negotiation and innovation, and leadership.

    Getting Started

    To be considered for the Certificate of Management Excellence, request a Statement of Intent by contacting our Program Advising team. Then you must apply to and be accepted to each individual program. You may choose to submit your Statement of Intent before attending any programs OR after completing one or two programs; however, to earn the Certificate, you must complete the three programs within 36 consecutive months.

    To learn more, please contact a Program Advisor.

    Dropdown up

    Getting Started

    To be considered for the Certificate of Management Excellence, request a Statement of Intent by contacting our Program Advising team. Then you must apply to and be accepted to each individual program. You may choose to submit your Statement of Intent before attending any programs OR after completing one or two programs; however, to earn the Certificate, you must complete the three programs within 36 consecutive months.

    To learn more, please contact a Program Advisor.

    Frequently Asked Questions
    HBS Certificate of Management Excellence

    What is the HBS Certificate of Management Excellence?

    To earn the certificate, you must complete three of the eligible programs—one from each topic area—within 36 months from the date of your first qualifying program. Upon successful completion of all three programs, you will be awarded the HBS Certificate of Management Excellence.

    LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OPTIONS:
    • Authentic Leader Development
    • High Potentials Leadership Program
    • Leading Change and Organizational Renewal (HBS Campus only)
    NEGOTIATION & INNOVATION PROGRAM OPTIONS:
    • Behavioral Economics: Understanding and Shaping Customer and Employee Behavior
    • Changing the Game: Negotiation and Competitive Decision-Making
    • Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise
    • Leading Product Innovation
    • Strategic Negotiations: Dealmaking for the Long Term
    STRATEGY PROGRAM OPTIONS:
    • Aligning Strategy and Sales
    • Strategic IQ: Creating Smarter Corporations
    • Strategy—Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage

    Which programs earn the HBS Certificate of Management Excellence?

    To earn the certificate, you must complete three of the eligible programs—one from each topic area—within 36 months from the date of your first qualifying program. Upon successful completion of all three programs, you will be awarded the HBS Certificate of Management Excellence.

    LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OPTIONS:
    • Authentic Leader Development
    • High Potentials Leadership Program
    • Leadership for Senior Executives
    • Leading and Building a Culture of Innovation
    • Leading Change and Organizational Renewal (HBS Campus only)
    • Leading Global Businesses
    NEGOTIATION & INNOVATION PROGRAM OPTIONS:
    • Behavioral Economics: Understanding and Shaping Customer and Employee Behavior
    • Changing the Game: Negotiation and Competitive Decision-Making
    • Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise
    • Leading Product Innovation
    • Strategic Negotiations: Dealmaking for the Long Term
    STRATEGY PROGRAM OPTIONS:
    • Aligning Strategy and Sales
    • Building and Sustaining Value Across Markets
    • Reimagining Strategy: Applying Design Thinking to Your Organization
    • Strategic IQ: Creating Smarter Corporations
    • Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage
    • Transforming Customer Experiences

    How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the Certificate of Management Excellence completion timeline?

    We are offering a 12-month extension of the completion deadline for the Certificate of Management Excellence. Anyone who was previously in pursuit of the Certificate of Management Excellence, as well as anyone who submitted a Statement of Intent to pursue the Certificate of Management Excellence before December 31, 2020, will have 48 months to earn their certificate.

    Is it possible to select different programs than the options available?

    No, candidates may only choose from the programs listed. The HBS Certificate of Management Excellence comprises three topic areas—leadership, negotiation and decision making, and strategy. Each topic area offers a carefully curated set of programs.

    If I completed one or two qualifying programs in the past at HBS, do these count toward the Certificate of Management Excellence?

    You may receive credit for up to two qualifying programs that you have completed successfully in the last 36 months. If you are interested in requesting credit for past qualified programs, please contact a Program Advising team to review your program history and next steps. Please note that the amount of time you will have to complete your remaining program(s) will depend on the date of the first qualifying program for which you claim credit. All three programs must be completed within 36 months.

    What are the benefits of completing the HBS Certificate of Management Excellence? Do I get alumni status?

    While the Certificate of Management Excellence does not grant HBS alumni status, there are a number of benefits. After you complete your first program, you will receive:

    • A complimentary, one-year digital subscription to Harvard Business Review. You will receive a year’s subscription after completion of each program.
    • Membership to our exclusive LinkedIn group where you can continue to engage with peers and with HBS Executive Education.
    • Updates on timely faculty research, thought-provoking articles, and emerging business trends via our online HBS@Work monthly newsletter.

    Once you have successfully completed all three programs, you will receive the HBS Certificate of Management Excellence and the following benefits:

    • A complimentary, one-year subscription to Harvard ManageMentor®, the premier on-demand learning and performance support resource designed for leaders and managers to address a broad array of timely business challenges.
    • Regular invitations to Harvard Business Review’s live webinars to hear the latest thinking and proven practices from world-class academic and business experts.
    • Ability to announce your successful completion of the HBS Certificate of Management Excellence on your LinkedIn profile.

    How do I apply? What are the admissions requirements?

    To be considered for the HBS Certificate of Management Excellence, all candidates must request a Statement of Intent. Once the Statement of Intent is completed, interested candidates must apply and be accepted individually to each of the three programs selected. To learn more, please contact our Program Advising team to review your program options, each program's qualifications, and the application process.

    Is there a discount available for the three required programs?

    No, there is no discount available.

    What is the cost of the HBS Certificate of Management Excellence?

    The total HBS Certificate of Management Excellence cost will vary depending on the fees of the three qualifying programs you select. Visit each program's individual program page to view fees.

    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Program Finder
    Heba Elshalakany recipient Certificate of Management Excellence

    "HBS programs help you discover your purpose, think outside the box, and explore your abilities."

    Heba Elshalakany
    Trade and Working Capital Senior Manager, Barclays Bank, Egypt
    Read Her Story
    Heba Elshalakany recipient Certificate of Management Excellence

    "HBS programs help you discover your purpose, think outside the box, and explore your abilities."

    Heba Elshalakany
    Trade and Working Capital Senior Manager, Barclays Bank, Egypt
    Read Her Story
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

    View Frequently Asked Questions

    Subscribe to Our Emails

    Back to Top Arrow up

    ǁ
    Campus Map
    Executive Education
    Harvard Business School
    Soldiers Field
    Boston, MA 02163
    Phone: 1.800.427.5577
    (outside the U.S., dial +1.617.495.6555)
    Email: executive_education+hbs.edu
    →Virtual Tour
    →Map & Directions
    →More Contact Information
    • Make a Gift
    • Site Map
    • Jobs
    • Harvard University
    • Trademarks
    • Policies
    • Digital Accessibility
    Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College