Certificate of Management Excellence
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 one qualifying leadership program, one qualifying strategy program, and a qualifying elective program.
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 (one from each topic area), and complete the three programs successfully within 36 consecutive months.
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Certificate of Management Excellence
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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 one qualifying leadership program, one qualifying strategy program, and a qualifying elective program.
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 (one from each topic area), and complete the three programs successfully within 36 consecutive months.

"HBS programs help you discover your purpose, think outside the box, and explore your abilities."
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 one qualifying leadership program, one qualifying strategy program, and a qualifying elective program.
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 (one from each topic area), and complete the three programs successfully within 36 consecutive months.
-
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 one qualifying leadership program, one qualifying strategy program, and a qualifying elective program.
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 (one from each topic area), and complete the three programs successfully within 36 consecutive months.
- 2 Upcoming Sessions
- (1 of 2)
- 03–08 DEC 2023
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $16,000
- 12–17 MAY 2024
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $16,000
Increase your effectiveness as a leader and earn the trust of colleagues by leading from your own core vision and most deeply held values.
- 3 Upcoming Sessions
- (1 of 3)
- 15–20 OCT 2023
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $16,250
- 19–24 MAY 2024
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $17,000
- 20–25 OCT 2024
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $17,500
Eliminate obstacles to growth by recognizing and overcoming challenges that arise as you take on broader leadership roles.
Become a motivational leader who can overcome today’s tough challenges and maximize the value of your company’s biggest asset: its people.
- 2 Upcoming Sessions
- (1 of 2)
- 03–08 DEC 2023
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $16,000
- 08–13 DEC 2024
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $16,000
Unleash your organization’s collective genius and set the stage for continuous, transformative innovation that fuels business growth.
Evolve and lead an organization that blends best practices, innovation, and evolutionary change to respond nimbly to shifting conditions.
Build and lead your global organization while boosting its ability to create and sustain advantage and adapt nimbly to changing conditions.
- 2 Upcoming Sessions
- (1 of 2)
- 28 JAN–02 FEB 2024
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $16,000
- 15–20 DEC 2024
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $16,000
Maximize revenue and growth by ensuring that sales execution is closely aligned with strategic priorities.
Confront major corporate challenges with confidence. Set a strategic direction and lead a transformation that will revitalize your company.
Align performance measurement systems with your strategy and organizational design to optimize execution and build competitive advantage.
Become a strategic thinker who can lead organizational change, navigate uncertainty, and secure a competitive advantage in any economy.
- 2 Upcoming Sessions
- (1 of 2)
- 10–15 DEC 2023
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $17,000
- 02–07 JUN 2024
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $17,000
Look ahead, analyze strategic tradeoffs, and craft groundbreaking strategies for staying ahead of the competition—today and in the future.
Create service models that deliver strategic advantage while building satisfaction, commitment, and loyalty among clients and employees.
This virtual program offers tools to help you influence customer and employee decision-making in powerful and often surprising ways.
- 3 Upcoming Sessions
- (1 of 3)
- 29 OCT–03 NOV 2023
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $14,500
- 21–26 JUL 2024
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $14,500
- 27 OCT–01 NOV 2024
- In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- HBS Campus
- $14,500
Become a skilled representative your organization can trust in critical negotiations with partners, vendors, clients, investors, and others.
Drive innovation to lead breakthrough change, capture and defend market opportunities, and sustain competitive advantage.
Strengthen your contribution with a deeper understanding of financial analysis, profit planning, capital markets, compensation, and more.
Create innovation plans that align with your firm's strategy, manage today’s diverse risks, and recognize new opportunities to transform your business.
This live online program provides frameworks and tools for senior leadership and corporate boards to strengthen your company's approach to managing both internal and external risks.
Orchestrate optimal deal-making processes that maximize value and sustain profitable relationships.
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 connecting 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
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 connecting 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
What is the 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 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:
Which programs earn the 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 Certificate of Management Excellence.
Completion of the Managing Turbulence program qualifies for both the Leadership and Strategy component of the Certificate of Management Excellence.
If you previously completed a qualifying program in a virtual format, your program can be counted towards your Certificate of Management Excellence.
Is it possible to select different programs than the options available?
No, candidates may only choose from the programs listed. The Certificate of Management Excellence comprises three topic areas—leadership, strategy, and an elective. Each topic area offers a carefully curated set of programs.
What are the benefits of completing the 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 the weekly Leadership Insights newsletter.
Once you have successfully completed all three programs, you will receive the 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 Certificate of Management Excellence on your LinkedIn profile.
How do I apply? What are the admissions requirements?
To be considered for the 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.
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 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 is the cost of the Certificate of Management Excellence?
The total 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.
