Enlighten your future.

Nova Chief of Staff Certification equips aspiring leaders to function at the highest levels of a company.

Through hands-on job experience and expertly crafted online curriculum, Nova coursework prepares students for the ins and outs of the Chief of Staff role so they can hit the ground running in their current or future job.

You can view the course syllabus here.

Is the Chief of Staff role right for you? Take our quiz to find out.

Practice makes perfect.

In any field or industry, experience is critical to career success, and experiential learning is the way to achieve it. When you take Nova’s Chief of Staff Certification course, you’re not only gaining foundational knowledge about the duties of a Chief of Staff, but also firsthand experience through relevant assignments, tools, and templates.

Coursework designed for you.

Looking to empower your future and add skills to your resume? The Nova Chief of Staff Certification course offers hands-on practice in the daily functions of the CoS role relevant to many professionals, including:

  • Current & Aspiring Chiefs of Staff looking for a proven framework and abundance of resources.

  • Executive assistants looking for a more strategic role with greater responsibility.

  • Business operations managers, executive partners, or general managers looking to advance.

  • Highly organized leaders who enjoy working with executives at the top.

  • Consultants looking to settle into an industry or business.

  • Companies looking to elevate leaders and promote top employees.

  • Undergraduate and graduate business school students looking to land their dream job.

  • Generalists who want to thrive in a company and learn a business from the top down.

  • Anyone who wants to learn more about the Chief of Staff position and the foundational skills required to support senior leaders with impact.

Two Paths to Certification

Nova Chief of Staff Certification is available through our self-paced online course, and our in-person course in partnership with the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP).

Online Course

Our online course is self-paced and flexible, providing you with lifetime access to the course, tools, and resources.

The coursework is all hosted through an online portal, with opportunities throughout to engage with other students and Nova Founder Maggie Olson.

In-Person Course

Our in-person course equips you with all of our certification content in a group setting with many in-person perks.

Graduates of the Nova in-person certification will be eligible for CEU credits if PACE-certified through the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP).

Our students enroll from some of the most influential companies in the world, across all industries.

Inside the course:

  • 1:1 kick-off meeting with instructor

    Deep understanding of the role and the value of the position to the organization. Hear from current and past Chiefs of Staff as well as executives supported by the role.

  • Hands on practice of business planning activities including brief preparation, strategic recommendations, complex meeting agendas, and more.

  • Dive into real-life scenarios that include writing executive communications, planning company events, and preparing a sales presentation for your leader.

  • Participate in a mock meeting with your leader, capturing and then preparing an executive level prioritization document, and project manage a complex executive team event.

  • Learn how to approach the financial areas of your business, prepare an org chart, kick off an employee newsletter, reflect on your network, hone your executive presence, and more.

  • 1:1 final meeting with instructor

    Conduct a mock meeting with your leader where you present updates on completed work from the course and record the virtual presentation. Prepare for your first 90 days as a CoS.

You’ll leave the course with a treasure chest of resources, tools, and templates to take to a Chief of Staff, Sr. Executive Assistant, or similar role. A few noteworthy items include a flier summarizing what you learned in the course (helpful for job interviews), a snazzy digital badge to share on your LinkedIn (LI), a course certificate of completion, and access to an exclusive LI group for course graduates.

Meet our guest instructors.

Maggie Olson is the Instructor and Creator of the Chief of Staff Certification Course. Meet the guest instructors below who have each contributed to Nova with guest-authored exercises & additional coursework available in the Nova Shop.

Katie Montbriand

Exercise: Career Storytelling, CoS Certification Course

Tyler Parris

Exercise: Facilitative Leadership, CoS Certification Course

Elise Kennedy

Exercise: Investor Market Report, CoS Certification Course

Jessica McBride

Course: Leverage AI as a Chief of Staff

Want to learn more?

Complete the form below to access the syllabus.

If you’re considering enrolling in our Chief of Staff Certification course, reviewing the syllabus is a great way to gain insights into our industry agnostic course curriculum! Complete the form below to receive the syllabus, as well as news and updates from Nova.

Take the next step with Nova Chief of Staff

Take the next step.

Small investment, big opportunity! Through 50 hours of self-paced online course content, instructor touchpoints, events, and hands-on experience derived from real Chief of Staff responsibilities, you’ll walk away from the course equipped to land the job you want or excel in the one you have. Plus, you’ll take home a competency summary for employers, 30+ tools and resources, and more!

$1,850

Pay all at once, or take advantage of our new payment plans.

What students are saying.

  • "As someone who has both worked in and hired for Chief of Staff roles, I would highly recommend Maggie Olson and her course as a leading example of success in this space.

    Her approach to the material is accessible and open, making it feel as though you are learning from a mentor, and not simply sitting through lectures."

  • “Overall, the investor PowerPoint exercise proved most beneficial, as it allowed me to translate data and information into a presentation format.

    Given that I often prepare slide decks for board and committee meetings in my job, the experience was particularly valuable. I gained valuable insights from the PPT report assignment, particularly in the areas of formatting a presentation and utilizing the cameo and recording features – tools I hadn’t previously used in my role.”

    – Peg, Jan. 2024, Executive Assistant

  • “I found the exercise of writing up briefs to be exceptionally valuable. This hands-on approach allowed me to apply the concepts learned in a practical manner, emphasized the importance of effective communication, demonstrated how well structured briefs can facilitate decision making, and enhanced efficiency in senior executive support. I can already see the direct and immediate application of this skill in my current role.”

    – Allison, Jan. 2024, Chief of Staff

  • “I would wholeheartedly encourage you to enroll! This course not only provides valuable knowledge and insights into the Chief of Staff role, but also offers a chance for self reflection and a renewed sense of confidence. It's a pathway to unlock opportunities and overcome the self-doubt that may be holding you back. If you're considering a move into a Chief of Staff role or looking for professional growth, this course can be a game-changer.

    I really appreciate the support along the way from Maggie. It’s clear she’s put a lot of hard work into building the course, and is truly invested in the students and their success. I appreciated her words of wisdom and valuable, actionable feedback along the way.”

    – Liv Wilson, Dec. 2023, Executive Business Partner

  • “As a tenured Chief of Staff, I believe this course should be a prerequisite for every company to require for their Chief of Staff. If they don’t come in with this certification already, there should be a timeframe – in the 1st year - that they complete it!”

  • “Regarding the planning templates, I've used many in the past, but none have truly stood out until I came across your business planning template. It serves as an excellent starting point and is adaptable to various roles.”

    – Elizabeth, Jan. 22, Executive Assistant

  • “What I enjoyed most about the course was just the real world, no holds barred truth about what the role is; how varied it can be, how it can present challenges, and how it challenges your current skill set to essentially get better.”

    – Lynn, Jan. 2024, Executive Assistant

  • “This course has validated the many tactics I've been using in my current CoS role, as well as provided me with additional recommendations on how I can expand my skillset and provide even more value to the leadership team.”

    – Allison, Jan. 2024, Chief of Staff

  • “I’ve never had teachers that were this understanding in college! Grateful for Maggie Olson and Nova Chief of Staff for this excellent certification that I can complete on my own time (full-time job, two kids under 5) when I’m mentally able to do the work and physically able to record a mock investor presentation to level up at work and grow my skill set!”

    – Jessie, Jan. 2024, Executive Assistant

  • “For those who are curious and don’t know if they’re quite ready, this will prepare you - just do it! For those that feel they have one foot in already, you will leave with both feet firmly planted.”

    – Traci, Aug. 2023, Public Relations

You can also learn more about their journeys through our case studies.

Map of all continents and the words Six out of seven continents now represented in the course!

Nova is worldwide!

We are thrilled to announce that our Chief of Staff Certification course has surpassed 800 enrollments!

Our students come from over 20 nations across SIX out of SEVEN continents, truly making Nova a global community of learners dedicated to advancing their careers through the Chief of Staff role. Who knows, one day we might even have a student from Antarctica!

This is the perfect time to take advantage of Nova’s extensive resources, no matter where you are in the world. Visit the Nova Shop to enroll in our Certification course, explore our new AI course, and discover a wealth of other resources designed to support you on your Chief of Staff journey.

Join our team of Nova Ambassadors!

FAQ

  • Once enrolled, students have lifetime access to the course and can complete it at their own pace. While the course is fully self-paced, it is designed to be completed in approximately 8–12 weeks. This timeframe helps keep the learning fresh and ensures that students can effectively build on the knowledge and skills introduced in each module.The course is structured to fit your unique schedule and professional goals, providing flexibility without sacrificing quality or outcomes. Start when you’re ready and take the next step in your career journey with Nova!

  • The Chief of Staff Certification course was built for current and aspiring Chiefs of Staff, Executive Assistants, business school students, future entrepreneurs, and anyone else looking for hands-on practice in the daily functions of the Chief of Staff role. The Chief of Staff role is great for anyone interested in supporting a business leader’s organization and learning how a company operates at the highest levels. The course is industry and geography agnostic, with students across all industries & geographies benefiting from the course.

  • You will gain the foundational skills needed to excel in a Chief of Staff role through hands-on, real-world practice. Key learning areas include business planning, strategic prioritization, executive project management, AI utilization, executive communications, employee programs, storytelling, leadership, professionalism, networking, and more. Students will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the Chief of Staff role and the immense value it brings to an organization.

  • The Nova Chief of Staff Certification is a fully online, self-paced program designed to fit your schedule and professional goals. The course consists of six modules, each containing approximately 5–10 hours of content, totaling over 50 hours of comprehensive training.

    Most students complete the course in 8–12 weeks. However, you have the flexibility to progress as quickly or as gradually as you like, as there is no deadline to finish. This format allows you to balance learning with your existing commitments while building foundational skills in areas such as strategic prioritization, executive project management, and leadership.

  • This course is designed to set you up for success in landing and excelling in a Chief of Staff role. Through over 50 hours of hands-on, real-world practice, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of key Chief of Staff duties and leave with a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your work. You will also receive over 30 templates and tools to help you excel on the job, as well as a professional slide deck and a one-page summary of your newly acquired skills to share with potential employers or during interviews. Additionally, graduates gain access to an exclusive LinkedIn group for networking, discounted student coaching packages for continued growth, and a digital badge and certificate of completion to elevate your professional profile. This comprehensive support ensures you are not only prepared for the role but stand out as a top candidate in your job search.

  • Just click the “Enroll Now” button above and follow the prompts!

  • A Chief of Staff is a CEO or Founder’s right hand, their strategic thought partner, who is focused on the leader’s priorities. A CoS can manage large scale projects, create and implement strategic plans, and facilitate high-level meetings and engagements. Chiefs of Staff are masters of follow through and are highly organized, and depending on the size and needs of the business, they may also oversee functions like employee culture, operations, or HR.

    A Chief of Staff allows a CEO or Founder to stay focused on their vision— the “what,” while the CoS steps in to focus on the execution—the “how.” Chiefs of Staff drive organizational clarity by helping lead an effective Rhythm of Business, removing friction and roadblocks, driving process and efficiency, strategic planning, resourcing, and many other capabilities, all dependent on what the business needs.

  • Happy to clarify here. Executive Assistants and CoS both support CEOs or Founders, and at first glance it may be hard to understand the difference: both drive organization and focus, and keeping the CEO / Founder prepared is of utmost importance. However, an EA is focused on highly detailed tasks including expenses, travel, meeting and scheduling logistics, and often personal errands and support for their leader. The CoS is a senior level leader who is a strategic thought partner to the business leader, and may act as their proxy in certain situations. A CoS can manage complex company wide initiatives, lead large teams, oversee operational aspects of the business, and drive strategic planning at a high level.

    COOs and CoS are both strategic, senior leadership roles focused on major company initiatives, but the key difference between the two is that the COO is focused on the overall health of the total business, where the CoS is a role truly designed to support the CEO or Founder and their specific priorities. This includes CEO communications support, priorities alignment and driving, and more. The CoS role is more behind the scenes than the COO, which is more of an outward facing role.

  • CEOs or Founders often turn to hiring a CoS when they realize that they are spending too much time on tactical, executionary items like planning, tracking, and follow up tasks, and not enough time on the strategic, visionary items necessary to guide their business. Additionally, CEOs or Founders often feel they are missing the organizational rigor in their operating rhythm, business planning, and preparedness.

    A CoS can step in and take executional and operational items off a founder’s plate, drive priorities and transparency, ensure leadership teams are focused in the same direction, and create and lead operating cadence/rhythm of business, all leading to greater organizational clarity and focus.

  • We do not offer refunds for the Nova Chief of Staff Certification course. We urge students to study the syllabus and determine if the learnings in the course are right for them, prior to enrolling.

  • Yes! If you’re PACE-certified through the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP), the Nova Chief of Staff Certification course (available online and in-person) has been calculated by PACE for 2.2 CEUs toward your 2.4 CEU recertification requirement.

    This means completing our course will help you fulfill nearly all of your 24 months of PACE recertification needs while building valuable skills for your role.

    To learn more about PACE certification and recertification requirements, visit the ASAP website.