From enrollment to credential
A rigorous, self-paced process built around what you can actually do — not just what you know. Here is exactly what the path looks like from the day you enroll to the day you are credentialed.
Choose your track and enroll
Two credential tracks — OPC Associate and OPC Certified. Associate covers the foundational six-module curriculum. Certified adds three advanced modules and includes a live board review. Both tracks are self-paced with a 24-month completion window.
Review the two credential tracks
OPC Associate and OPC Certified differ in curriculum scope and assessment requirements. Review the curriculum page to understand what each track covers and which is right for your goals. Already hold the Associate? The Certified upgrade path is available at a reduced rate.
Complete enrollment
Enrollment opens your 24-month completion window immediately. The OPC Field Manual is included with both tracks — your practitioner reference guide and study companion throughout the curriculum.
Access the curriculum platform
You receive immediate access to your track’s curriculum on enrollment. No cohort schedule, no live session requirements. Work through the material at whatever pace fits your professional and personal responsibilities.
Work through the curriculum
Each module builds on the last — from foundational OPC identity through stakeholder dynamics, team diagnosis, truth-telling conversations, vision practice, ethics, and for Certified candidates, structural dynamics and change initiative practice. Most candidates complete the curriculum in 3–6 months of regular study.
Complete each module in sequence
Modules are sequential — each one unlocks after the previous module assessment is passed. Associate track: six modules, 40+ study hours. Certified track: nine modules, 55+ study hours. Each module is 4–8 study hours with lesson content, diagnostic frameworks, and applied examples.
Use the OPC Field Manual alongside the lessons
The Field Manual is your practitioner reference and study companion — six chapters covering all five failure patterns, diagnostic tools, exam readiness sections, and board assessment preparation. It is designed to be used alongside the curriculum, not just after it.
Pass the module assessments
Each module has a 90-question assessment. 90% passing threshold — 81 of 90 correct to pass. Pass/fail only — your score is not shown. Two free retakes included per module. All modules must show Pass before the board review is scheduled.
Sit each module assessment when ready
You decide when you are ready for each module assessment. Questions are scenario-based and application-focused — designed to test whether you can use the frameworks, not just describe them. Detailed explanations are shown for every answer after submission.
Receive pass or fail — not your score
This mirrors the PMP, SHRM, and other serious credentialing body standards. The standard is clear: 90% to pass. The score is not shown to ensure candidates engage for mastery rather than score optimization.
Complete all required modules
OPC Associate requires all six modules. OPC Certified requires all nine modules. Once all required modules show Pass, the next step activates automatically based on your track — certificate for Associate, board review scheduling for Certified.
The board review
Once all nine module assessments show Pass, you will be contacted to schedule your board review within 30 days. The review is a 30-minute live conversation with a senior OPC practitioner — evaluating not just whether you know OPC, but whether you can practice it.
Get contacted to schedule your review
When all nine modules show Pass, you will be contacted by the OPC program team to schedule your 30-minute board review. Reviews are scheduled within 30 days of eligibility. The review is included in your Certified enrollment — no additional charge.
30-minute live review
A focused live conversation evaluating your ability to apply OPC frameworks to real organizational scenarios. The board evaluates across defined competency domains using a structured rubric — not subjective opinion.
Receive your credential
Associate candidates receive their credential automatically upon passing all six module assessments. Certified candidates receive one of four board determinations. Pass is the standard outcome for candidates who are ready. The other determinations are developmental — not punitive.
OPC Associate — automatic certificate upon passing
Pass all six module assessments at 90% and your OPC Associate credential is issued automatically. No board review required. You are listed on the certifiedopc.com directory and your credential is immediately verifiable.
OPC Certified — Pass
Credential issued. Listed on the certifiedopc.com directory as a Certified practitioner. The credential reflects not just completion of the curriculum but demonstrated ability to practice OPC under live examination conditions.
OPC Certified — Conditional Pass
Overall readiness demonstrated with one specific open item. Credential is issued. The board provides written notes describing the condition and the timeframe within which it must be satisfied. Determined case-by-case.
OPC Certified — Defer
A specific competency gap was identified. Up to two paid re-sits available at $225 each. Written developmental notes provided within 5 business days. Re-sit available after a minimum 60-day development period.
OPC Certified — Not Recommended
Reserved for cases where the board identifies a significant readiness gap that curriculum or additional study will not address. Requires unanimous board agreement. Written notes provided within 5 business days. Re-application considered after 12 months.
Ready to start?
Review the curriculum and choose the track that is right for your goals. Questions first? We respond to every inquiry personally within one business day.
A structured process. Written feedback. One free re-sit.
The board review uses a defined competency rubric — not subjective opinion. Every non-passing determination includes written developmental notes from the board within five business days. The board review is included in the OPC Certified enrollment fee. Here is exactly what each determination means for you:
Credential issued
Your OPC Certified credential is issued and you are listed on the certifiedopc.com directory. No additional fees or requirements.
Credential issued with one named open item
Overall readiness demonstrated. Credential is issued. The board provides written notes describing the specific open item and the timeframe within which it must be satisfied. Conditions are determined case-by-case.
Paid re-sit available — written notes within 5 business days
A specific competency gap was identified that additional development can address. Up to two paid re-sits are available at $225 each. Written notes explain exactly what to develop before re-sitting. Re-sit available after a minimum 60-day development period.
Significant readiness gap — requires unanimous board agreement
The board identified a significant readiness gap that curriculum or additional study alone will not address. Requires unanimous agreement from all board members. Written notes provided within 5 business days. Re-application considered after 12 months with documented evidence of development.