| Certification Provider, involves the identification, analysis, and subsequent utilisation of experiences to better inform future actions and decision-making. | CredentialBy leveraging the knowledge gained from past mistakes and successes, organisations and project managers can significantly improve their project outcomes, reduce risks, enhance team performance, and increase overall efficiency. In this article, we will embark on a | Main Featurescomprehensive exploration | Cost (indicative, GBP) of lessons learned, delving into the process of their identification, documentation, analysis, storage, and application, as well as best practices and potential challenges.. | Prerequisites / EligibilityAfter completing this reading, you will have a complete understanding of how to successfully incorporate a lessons learned system into your organisation, paving the way for continuous improvement and | Recertificationproject |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prosci success. | Prosci Certified Change PractitionerThe lessons learned process | ADKAR methodologyThe lessons learned process is a structured approach designed to help project teams capture, document, analyse, and utilise valuable insights from past experiences. By adhering to this methodical process, project managers and their teams can enhance their project performance, learn from past mistakes, and increase the probability of project success., focus on practical application, 3-day programme, assessmentFive steps of the lessons learned process | £2,800–£3,300 | None, suitable for all professionalsLessons learned process diagram | Ongoing professional development recommended but not requiredIdentify |
| ACMP (Association of Change Management Professionals): The first step in the process involves recognising and pinpointing valuable experiences and insights throughout the project life cycle. It is crucial to encourage team members to note successes and challenges as they occur. | Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)Document | Global standard, requires experience, exam-based: Once identified, these lessons must be recorded in a clear, concise, and accessible manner, usually by using standardised templates or forms. | £500–£750 (plus training costs)Analyse | 21+ hours of change training, 3 years change experience: The documented lessons should then be examined to understand the root causes, identify patterns, and determine potential implications for future | Recertification every 3 yearsprojects |
| APMG International. | APMG Change ManagementStore Foundation/Practitioner: The analysed lessons should be stored in a centralised, easily accessible location, such as a database, shared drive, or specialised knowledge management system. | Based on CMI body of knowledge, exam focusedRetrieve | £1,300–£2,000 (including training): Finally, the lessons should be retrieved and applied to current or future projects as needed. This step is essential to ensure the full value of the lessons learned process is realised. | None for Foundation; Practitioner requires Foundation passWhen to capture lessons learned | |
and overall organisational performance.. Its Change Practitioner certification is accessible to professionals from any background, delivered via accredited training organisations both online and in-person.Identifying lessons learned
Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP)Effective identification of lessons learned is a crucial step in capitalising on the value of project experiences. This process requires careful preparation and skilled facilitation of lessons learned sessions.
The Association of Change Management Professionals offers the Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) credential. It is aligned with the ACMP Standard for Preparing for lessons learned sessionsChange ManagementProject surveys and requires relevant training and work experience. Candidates must pass a certification exam to qualify.Before the session, team members should be asked to complete
APMG Internationalproject surveys
APMG International provides Foundation and Practitioner change management certifications based on the Change Management Institute’s (CMI) body of knowledge. Training can be taken through an accredited training organisation, with assessments in exam format.. These surveys are designed to encourage reflection on project experiences and gather initial thoughts on successes, challenges, and other aspects of the project. They will also provide a foundation for more in-depth conversations during the lessons learned session.
Change Management Institute (CMI)Categorising lessons learned
CMI offers accreditation recognising capability at Foundation, Specialist, and Master levels. Entrants must demonstrate experience in real-world Lessons should be organised into specific categories to help with analysis and future retrieval. Common lesson categories include:organisational changeProject management processes and maintain ongoing professional development.Technical challenges
How to get change management certificationCommunication
- Choose a certification providerResource allocation (e.g., Prosci, ACMP, APMG International, or CMI) and select the credential that matches your career goals.Risk management
- Check eligibility requirements., such as prior experience, training hours, or prerequisite qualifications.Conducting lessons learned sessions
- Complete required trainingFacilitation techniques via an accredited training organisation, either in-person or via online certification programmes.Facilitating productive lessons learned sessions can be achieved by using the following techniques:
- Register for and schedule your certification examEmploy a neutral facilitator to maintain objectivity where required. Some credentials involve coursework assessment instead.Encourage open and honest communication
- Sit the exam or finish required assessmentsUse brainstorming techniques to generate ideas. Exams may be delivered online or at testing centres.Utilise visual aids such as mind maps or whiteboards to stimulate discussion and ideation.
- Maintain your credentialKey questions to ask by fulfilling recertification or continuing professional development requirements if applicable.Facilitating deliberations can be guided by using the following essential questions:
Steps to obtain certificationWhat went well in the project?
Here are the typical steps to obtain certification:What challenges did we face?
- Review certification providers and eligibilityHow did we overcome these challenges?
- Undertake required trainingWhat would we do differently next time?
- Complete application and documentationWhat unexpected events occurred, and how did we handle them?
- Pass examination or assessmentBy focusing on these questions, you can elicit valuable insights from your team members. Remember to create an environment where all participants feel comfortable and safe to share their experiences and observations.
- Receive and maintain your By investing time and effort into thoroughly preparing and skilfully facilitating lessons learned sessions, you will be able to generate a wealth of valuable insights and information. This knowledge, when properly documented and analysed, can significantly enhance future project performance and organisational knowledge.certificationEnhance your skills with our expert-led courses
Benefits of change management certification
- Validates your expertise in the change management process and best practices
- Enhances career prospects for roles such as change practitioner or project managerSelf-paced
- Recognised by employers as evidence of professional skills and commitment to APM PFQ blended onlineorganisational change
- Broadens knowledge of tools, methodologies, and frameworks (such as £749 +vatADKAR )
- May result in higher remuneration and increased leadership opportunities within project managementSelf-paced and organisational developmentPRINCE2 Agile Practitioner (with Foundation) self-paced online
- Keeps you up to date with current standards and emerging trends
Compare change management certification options£1,399 +vat
| Option | Format | Pros | ConsSelf-paced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online certificationAgilePM Practitioner (with Foundation) self-paced online | Remote, self-paced or live virtual classes | Flexible scheduling, accessible worldwide, good for working professionals£1,299 +vat | Requires motivation, less networking potentialDocumenting lessons learned |
| In-person trainingEffective documentation is critical for capturing and sharing lessons learned. This section focuses on methods for producing well-structured reports and utilising tools for efficient documentation. | Classroom settings hosted at training centres or organisationsCreating effective lessons learned reports | Hands-on learning, direct peer and instructor interactionDetailed reports | Limited locations/dates, higher travel costsDetailed reports offer an in-depth look at lessons learned. Ensure these reports include: |
| Free certificationProject overview and background | Available as short courses, MOOC platforms, or provider taster sessionsLessons gathering methodology | Low barrier to entry, basic knowledge, good introductionCategorised lessons learned | Limited credibility, often not fully accredited, may lack robust examinationRoot cause analysis |
Review available Recommendations for future change management coursesprojects to start your learning journey. For related routes, see .project management certificationThese reports should be well-organised, concise, and easily searchable. and explore the guide to the change management process.Executive summaries
FAQsExecutive summaries provide a concise overview of key lessons. They should highlight significant findings, present actionable recommendations, and be tailored to the needs of senior management and decision-makers.
What is change management certification?Tools for documenting lessons learned
Change management certification is a professional qualification proving your ability to plan and deliver change initiatives. It indicates training in recognised frameworks, such as Lessons learned input formsADKARInput forms or those defined by professional bodies. help standardise lessons collection. Design a form that captures:
How do I become certified in change management?Project name and date
Select a recognised provider (e.g. Prosci, ACMP, APMG, CMI), ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, complete the required training, and pass the certification exam. Some Category of the lessoncertificationsDescription of the situation or issue also require documentation of experience.Impact on the project
What is the best change management certification?Recommendations for future reference.
The best Templates and checklistscertificationTemplates and checklists ensure consistency in documentation across projects. Provide team members with a template for the detailed report structure, a checklist of key areas to cover during lessons learned sessions, and a standardised format for documenting recommendations. depends on your career goals, experience, and employer requirements. Leading options include Prosci, ACMP’s CCMP, APMG International, and CMI accreditations, each with distinct methodologies and recognition.By implementing these tools and techniques, you can develop a streamlined approach to documenting lessons learned. This system will help you capture valuable insights effectively and ensure they can be easily accessed and applied to future
How much does it cost?projects
Costs range widely: Prosci is around £2,800 – £3,300, ACMP (CCMP) typically £500 – £750 (plus training), and APMG International from £1,300. Prices vary with training format and provider..
Is change management certification worth it?Remember, the key is to create documentation that is both comprehensive and user-friendly to facilitate knowledge transfer throughout your organisation.
Yes, change management certification is worth it for professionals seeking roles in change, leadership, or Analysing lessons learnedproject managementAnalysis involves transforming lessons learned data into insights. It includes examining the information, identifying patterns, and formulating recommendations for future use.. Certification is valued by organisations, enhances career prospects, and boosts knowledge and credibility in managing Techniques for analysing lessons learned dataorganisational changeThere are various approaches to maximise the value from your lessons learned data. Consider these techniques:.Root cause analysis
Is change management training worth it?: Delve deep to uncover the underlying reasons for successes and failures.
Yes, change management training is worth it for professionals seeking roles in change, leadership, or SWOT analysisproject management: Identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that the lessons highlight.. Training equips students with the knowledge and skills to plan for change, how to implement change, and how to support continuous improvements after change.Pareto analysis
What is change management training?: Prioritise the 20% of factors that led to 80% of results.
Change management trainingAffinity diagramming