Certifications

SDP Certifications

After becoming an SDP member, individuals may apply for certification as a decision analysis Associate, Practitioner, Lead Practitioner, or Fellow. SDP Certification is a rigorous, standardized process including competency level evaluation, assessment of experience, and (at levels beyond Associate) recommendations and review of industry involvement and published materials. If a member would like to apply for SDP Certification, please contact us to guide you through the process.

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There are four levels within the SDP's career ladder

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The levels are described across the following key areas:

How to apply for SDP Certification

Please note that there is no fee for certification, it is a benefit of membership in the Society of Decision Professionals. There is no requirement for certification to be a member of the Society. Because of the effort by Society volunteers, certification can only be assessed for candidates who are members.

For more information on how to apply, click HERE to download a pdf.

Process and Facilitative Leadership
Dimensions :

Effectiveness of application of decision support
Complexity of the problem
Planning for implementation of the decision

Decision Analysis and Modelling
Dimensions:

Application of structured analysis
Understanding of decision analysis, including how the theory fits with the theoretical foundations of other relevant subjects / disciplines e.g. finance, engineering.
Deriving and interpreting insights from the analysis
Quality assurance

Creativity and Problem Solving
Dimensions :

Creativity in approaching problems
Pro-activity in problem solving

Information Gathering & Value Assessment
Dimensions :

Integrity of information knowledge
Clarity of values, tradeoffs, and value metrics

Education and Training
Dimensions :

Training and mentoring of others
Own expertise and experience

Project Management
Dimensions :

Understanding of project management concepts
Application of project management concepts

Education, Experience and Election Process

Download the Associate certification level application HERE

The Associate certification can be achieved, pending election by the SDP Certification Council, by at least one of the following:

Attendance at an in-house training programme on Decision Making/Decision Analysis
Completion of at least one Decision Making / Decision Analysis course in an undergraduate course
Completion of at least one Decision Making / Decision Analysis course in a post graduate programme
Completion of third-party training course(s) in Decision Analysis and / or Decision Quality and / or equivalent

All training options need to be equivalent to 16 hours or more of training and cover a curriculum to match the elements identified in the criteria.

In lieu of the training options, the applicant can demonstrate the skills gained on-the-job through practical experience (matching the criteria).

Download the Practitioner certification level application HERE

Practitioners must be elected by 2 Lead Practitioners (or Fellows) in good standing and a customer
Practitioners must submit the three references to the Society
The recommenders will attest to the fact that the applicant fits the "Practitioner” description below.

Download the Lead Practitioner certification level application HERE

Lead Practitioners must be elected by 1 Fellow and 2 Lead Practitioners (or Fellows) in good standing
Lead Practitioners must submit the three references to the Society
The recommenders will attest to the fact that the applicant fits the "Lead Practitioner” description below

Download the Fellow certification level application HERE

Fellows must submit a letter to the Society demonstrating their qualifications
Fellows must be elected by three other fellows in good standing
The recommenders will attest to the fact that the applicant fits the "Fellow” description below

To learn more about the criteria and more details for each level, click the corresponding pictures above.

Certification Council

The Certification Council administers the current process, implements process improvements, and explores how the certification benefit can support the strategic goals of SDP.

Brian Putt

Council Chair