Some of us just prefer to learn together.

Register for our Next In-Person Certification!

Become a certified Chief of Staff with Nova’s 3-day in-person training.

The course includes all the features of our online certification with loads of in-person perks.

"Attending in person was a game changer. The structured environment and peer collaboration helped me absorb and apply everything."

- Mary M., In-Person Course Graduate

Upcoming In-Person Certifications

Louisville, Kentucky cityscape

EA Ignite Spring

May 6-8
Louisville, KY

Seattle, Washington cityscape

APC 2025

September 7-10
Seattle, WA

Nashville, Tennesse cityscape

EA Ignite Fall

November 3-5
Nashville, TN

ASAP PACE Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence

PACE-Certified?

We’ve Got Great News!

If you’re PACE-certified through the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP), our Nova Chief of Staff Certification Course (online or in-person) is now approved for 2.2 CEUs toward your PACE recertification requirement of 2.4 CEUs every two years!

This means you can fulfill nearly all your recertification requirements with just one course while boosting your professional growth and supercharging your strategic leadership.

3-Day Course: No Distractions Means Faster Certification

Our 3-day in-person certification course is designed for busy professionals who want results fast. This course is ideal for those who thrive in face-to-face learning environments, where hands-on exercises, interactive discussions, and immediate feedback enhance understanding and retention. Immerse yourself in a dynamic and engaging setting where learning feels energizing, not exhausting. Through a mixture of lectures, both group and solo exercises, expertly crafted templates, and real-time collaboration, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to excel in a Chief of Staff role. The condensed format ensures you’ll leave ready to make an immediate impact—all while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded peers.

Real-Time Insights: Learn From Maggie Olson

This course brings you face-to-face with Nova's founder, Maggie Olson, a seasoned Chief of Staff and thought leader. Maggie shares real-world strategies and frameworks tailored to the challenges you're facing today. With a curriculum that evolves to address the shifting demands of leadership, you'll gain invaluable insights to keep you one step ahead. This isn’t just a certification—it’s an opportunity to learn directly from a pioneer in the field.

Lasting Relationships: Expand Your Network

The relationships you build during this course don’t stop at the door. Collaborating with peers across industries enriches your perspective and broadens your network. From tech to healthcare, finance to nonprofit, your cohort becomes a support system that extends beyond your professional bubble. By investing in this experience, you’re not just advancing your career—you’re joining a community of leaders committed to mutual growth and success.

Hear from our In-Person Certification Alumni

Find more reviews in our Review Book here.

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  • "LOVED learning from my table mates’ experiences, career perspectives, backgrounds, etc., AND your work examples, Maggie! The pace and timing were perfect, and the content is so valuable. Overall: Great job, NOVA team! I’m sharing this course with all my strategy friends! THANK YOU!"

  • "The collaborative assignments were amazing! Maggie is an INCREDIBLE instructor—warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in our learning. The course exceeded my expectations, and I felt supported every step of the way."

  • "The in-person experience was invaluable. Learning from other professionals, sharing perspectives, and working through real-world examples made a huge difference. I left feeling ready to apply everything in my role immediately!"

  • "The mix of lecture, individual work, and group projects was perfect. Everything was so well organized, polished, and professional. Every detail was thoughtfully considered—thank you, NOVA team, for an exceptional course!"

  • "This course was exactly what I needed to grow as a Chief of Staff. The templates, hands-on practice, and guidance from Maggie and her team have given me the confidence to take on new challenges. Truly a transformative experience!"

  • "The ability to learn from others with diverse backgrounds was invaluable. The in-person environment encouraged real networking, and the assignments felt incredibly relevant to my role. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this experience!"

  • "Maggie’s teaching style is fantastic! She’s both sweet and incredibly knowledgeable. I loved the mindfulness elements she incorporated—it wasn’t just about completing tasks but really understanding the Chief of Staff role deeply."

  • "The content was exceptional, and the hands-on nature of the course made it easy to stay engaged. I feel better prepared and more confident in my role than ever. Thank you, Maggie and the Nova team!"

  • "I was blown away by the quality of the templates and real-world examples provided. I’m already using these tools in my job and seeing results. This course was worth every cent and more!"

  • "Incredible course! The structure, pace, and supportive learning environment made it easy to absorb everything. The in-person element and Maggie’s personal insight really brought the material to life."

  • "I appreciated the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone in group assignments. The course was incredibly organized, and Maggie’s energy and expertise are truly inspiring!"

  • "This was the most impactful professional development course I’ve taken in years. The real-world applications and practical tools have already made a difference in my day-to-day work."

  • "The fast-paced deadlines, group projects, and diversity of perspectives made this an unforgettable experience. It mirrored the work environment in a way that really prepared me for the demands of the Chief of Staff role."

Read the Review Book

FAQ

  • The Nova Chief of Staff In-Person Certification course is designed for executive support professionals looking to advance into or refine their role as a Chief of Staff. This course is particularly suited for individuals who thrive in an interactive, in-person learning environment, where hands-on activities, live discussions, and real-time feedback foster deeper engagement and retention. It’s especially beneficial for senior executive assistants, project managers, and leaders transitioning into strategic advisory roles.

  • The course length is approximately 3 days of intensive and immersive in-person learning. Expect a few hours of pre & post work outside of the in-person training to prepare and finalize your certification. This fast-paced format allows you to earn your certification quickly while still providing ample time for deep learning and hands-on practice.

  • The course covers a wide range of topics, such as business planning, events, communications, storytelling, presenting, executive project management, employee culture, networking, succeeding as a Chief of Staff, and leveraging tools and templates to streamline your work. The course equips you with practical skills, confidence, and a strategic mindset to excel in your role and stand out as a trusted leader in your organization.

    The course format is highly interactive, featuring a mix of expert instruction, group discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world scenarios. The in-person format ensures active participation and deeper learning.

  • The course is led by Nova's founder, Maggie Olson, and a team of seasoned Chief of Staff professionals. Maggie brings years of expertise and real-world insights to ensure the curriculum is relevant and impactful.

  • The in-person course is a fast-paced, immersive 3-day program that focuses on hands-on learning, group collaboration, and real-time feedback. It offers direct access to Nova’s founder, Maggie Olson, for tailored insights and guidance. You’ll also build lasting relationships with peers from diverse industries, creating a powerful professional network.

    The online course, on the other hand, is self-paced and designed for busy professionals who need flexibility. Online students enjoy lifetime access to the course, including future updates to content, newly added assignments, and two touchpoints with the instructor. It’s ideal for those who prefer to work autonomously and want the convenience of learning from anywhere at their own pace.

    Both options deliver the tools, confidence, and certification to elevate your career, whether you thrive in an interactive environment or prefer independent learning.

  • The fee includes access to all course materials, templates, and tools, in-person instruction, networking opportunities, and if applicable, conference F&B too!

  • To ensure a quality experience, class sizes vary by location. Our first course was capped at 60 students and sold out in three weeks, so don’t wait to secure your seat!

  • Our course was built for a wide variety of professionals, including aspiring and existing Chiefs of Staff and those simply interested in learning how to support their business leader more strategically. The only requirement is that you come eager and curious to learn!

  • 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.

Are you interested in hosting a Nova Chief of Staff training at your company?

Level up your company’s leadership support through Chief of Staff training.

Nova Chief of Staff offers custom in-person and online training tailored for executive support teams. Designed for senior, strategic Executive Assistants as well as aspiring and existing Chiefs of Staff, Nova’s training provides in-depth preparation in leadership, business planning, strategic solutions, project management, and other key pillars essential for excellence in the Chief of Staff role.

Complete the form below to hear from our team!

Join the Waitlist

Complete the form below to join the waitlist for future in-person certification trainings and to receive news and updates from Nova.

  • Collaborative Learning

    "The collaborative aspects with group projects was my biggest takeaway! It was amazing to gain perspectives on assignments from wildly different industry experiences."

  • Practical Application

    "Now that I’m done with the Chief of Staff course, I’m ready to take these templates, tips, and tools back to my role to show my executive that I’m capable and confident."

  • Group Dynamics

    "The group camaraderie, resources, and the way the course is laid out—everything builds upon each other. I highly, highly recommend it for everyone!"

  • Instructor’s Impact

    "Maggie is an AMAZING instructor! Thank you for your time, warmth, and interest in learning."

  • Networking Opportunities

    “Meeting peers from different industries with unique experiences expanded my understanding and gave me a support network beyond the course."

  • Well-Designed Course

    "The templates I saw in the Nova course gave me a great framework to move forward confidently. I might tweak them to fit my style, but the structure is gold."

  • In-Person Experience

    "The in-person learning has a deep impact on understanding the Chief of Staff role. I now have a clearer outlook on how to approach it."

  • Real-World Relevance

    "Almost all of the assignments were things I could immediately apply. This course felt like a practical roadmap for real-world success."

  • Inspiration and Growth

    "During the course, I realized I’m smarter and more strategic than I gave myself credit for. I’m already leading in ways I hadn’t recognized before."

  • Teamwork and Tools

    "The templates and tools provided during this course were incredibly practical and professional. I can’t wait to use them in my role."

Read the Review Book